Indiana PacersTeam·Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese HaliburtonPlayer·Tyrese Haliburton has offered a candid perspective on the NBA's persistent "flopping" issue, revealing that the practice of exaggerating contact to draw fouls is actively integrated into player development. Haliburton's remarks, made during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on May 27, 2026, provide a player's insight into a debate that has intensified throughout the 2025-26 NBA season and into the current playoffs.
According to Haliburton, flopping is "for sure being taught" within basketball circles. He clarified that while it may not be a direct instruction from head coaches, it has become "something you naturally work on" and is now considered "a part of the game." The two-time All-Star further linked the tactic to offensive efficiency, noting that "the best scorers are the guys who get to the free-throw line the most," underscoring the strategic value of drawing fouls.
Haliburton's comments follow those of NBA Commissioner Adam SilverPlayer·Adam Silver, who also addressed the criticism surrounding officiating and flopping on "The Pat McAfee Show." Silver differentiated between "selling a call, exaggeration and a true flop," indicating that if players are not "fooling the referees, it's OK." He acknowledged that "players are taught to sell calls these days" but also affirmed the league's commitment to improving officiating. Silver outlined plans to implement an AI-automated camera system designed to review objective calls, aiming to minimize human error and enhance game integrity.
The discourse around flopping has been particularly prominent during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with fan frustration often directed at questionable calls and no-calls. Players like Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderPlayer·Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have frequently been at the center of discussions regarding the high volume of free throws generated through contact.
For Haliburton, the 2025-26 season has been one of personal challenge and team struggle. He has been sidelined for the entire season due to a torn right Achilles tendon, an injury sustained in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His absence significantly impacted the Indiana PacersTeam·Indiana Pacers, who concluded the season with a 19-63 record, placing 14th in the Eastern ConferenceCompetition·Eastern Conference. This marks the worst record in franchise history for the Pacers, a stark contrast to their previous season as defending Eastern ConferenceCompetition·Eastern Conference champions. The team also endured two of its longest losing streaks, a 13-game skid from December 2025 to January 2026, and a 16-game streak from February to March 2026, ultimately failing to qualify for the playoffs.
The admissions from both a prominent player and the league's commissioner that flopping is a cultivated skill, combined with the NBA's move towards AI-powered review systems, highlight the ongoing tension between strategic play, fair officiating, and fan perception. The league's proactive steps suggest a serious effort to address concerns about the integrity of the game and the impact of exaggerated contact on outcomes, particularly in high-stakes competition.
Tyrese Haliburton shoots t-shirts to fans during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Icon Sportswire/IMAGO
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