The NBA is unarguably the most popular basketball league in the world. Over the years, the league has been changing its rules, and it has impacted the sport in various ways. One of those rules has been the carry violation. It was changed after Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson forced the NBA to change them due to his unreal moves.
Over the years, many players have taken advantage of it. But referees can change the outcome of the game when they see fit. It was evident in a recent game of the Golden State Warriors, when Jordan Poole was called for three carry violations. Following that, even the head coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr, explained that many players in the league do the same move.
Ja Morant Does Similar Moves Like Jordan Poole But Referees Ignored It
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have been playing phenomenally this season. Following the win against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Grizzlies now have a record of 5-3.
Speaking of the game against the Trail Blazers, Morant dropped 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in the 111-106 win. But that wasn’t the biggest talking point about the matchup.
One day after Jordan Poole gets called for 3 carrying infractions in the same game, NBA refs let Ja Morant get away with his version of the move.
Thoughts? 🤔pic.twitter.com/4IpVbWtTsY
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 3, 2022
One day after Jordan Poole gets called for 3 carrying infractions in the same game, NBA refs let Ja Morant get away with his version of the move.
Thoughts?
Upon seeing this tweet fans had a divided opinion about the same. While a few called out the refs for not calling the carry violations on Morant, others pointed out the moves weren’t the same in the first place.
Not even close to the same
— Tyrese (@TyreseTravis2) November 3, 2022
It’s not rocket science. Ja is a superstar. All all star vets HOFamers and big stars get away. Why you throwing jordan Poole in this convo? He not established yet. Let him make an all star team first
— LA400 (@DatDudeLA) November 3, 2022
Learn the rules bro. Jordan WALKED with the carry. Took like 3 steps. Ja did a hesi (aka the iverson rule that allows it). Jeez bro
— cocacoladdict (@cocacoladdict) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/kinguhduhcastle/status/1588172133787574272
Ja took one step while dribbling behind his back Poole literally picked the ball up with his hand took 2 steps and just about got a 3rd one off before he dribble again. Know basketball before just posting random ish
— D (@DLo_Burnt) November 4, 2022
ja's is definitely a carry but is a lot faster and also in a point on the court where it's more difficult for the refs to see. poole literally did it in front of a ref and moved a significant distance. these calls are difficult in real time
— number #7 echo player oce (@shincerr) November 4, 2022
I don’t see the problem here. All I see is the elegance and supreme flow that is Ja’s handles in contrast to Steph Curry’s clumsy…wait who is that?
— Brooks T (@Mem10Brooks) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/ehenny_11/status/1588173514586361859
"his version of the move" = a completely different move?
— Jaylen Clark fan account (@YessirskiHowl) November 3, 2022
The problem with referring in the NBA, more than the single episodes, is the lack of consistency. Disputed calls depend on player status, ref crew, quarter of the game, time of the year ecc… And it's not being addressed, it is just getting worse.
— ꜰɪʟɪᴩᴩᴏ (@nimietas) November 3, 2022
Many fans pointed out the fact that Ja Morant is already a superstar in the NBA. As a result, refs unconsciously tend to favor the superstars in the league. On the other hand, when it comes to Poole, he is yet to reach the superstar level in the NBA.
Obviously, this may seem wrong, but this is how things work in the league. At the end of the day the referees need to be more consistent with their calls. Either they should make the call for all players or not. There should be a universal rule that works for every player in the NBA.