Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch just dropped a truth bomb on the entire NBA, making his feelings on flopping crystal clear heading into the 2026-27 season. “Hopefully the league cleans up this crap, because nobody wants to watch it,” Finch absolutely ripped, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. He isn’t wrong; the league itself reportedly heard from fans that they’re sick of the flopping, and Finch knows it’s been rewarded at “too high a level.” It’s time for the NBA to stop rewarding it, period.
Finch Is Done Watching Non-Basketball Actions
Finch has been in the game long enough to know what real basketball looks like, and what flopping isn’t. He didn’t pull any punches, saying, “Those of us who have been in the sport long enough know what it is and what it isn’t.” This isn’t just one coach complaining, either. Krawczynski reported that the fan feedback to the league was explicit: they are *tired* of watching it. It’s been rewarded for too long, and it’s dragging down the game. Finch’s message is simple: stop making these “non-basketball actions” a viable strategy.
The NBA Is Finally Cracking Down
Good news for Finch, and for fans: the league is actually listening and taking action. Krawczynski noted that the NBA is really tightening up on flopping this season. They’re not just going to let it slide; plays will be reviewed after games, and if there’s flopping, fines are on the table. Even bigger, officials on the court are now being explicitly tasked with calling more technical fouls for flopping during games. This is a game-changer! Interestingly, these specific technicals won’t count toward a player’s two-tech ejection limit, but it’s still a clear message. The league even drew a line, per Krawczynski, distinguishing between flopping on non-calls and just embellishing contact like a head snap; only the actual flopping will be targeted. “They said they’re going to be more aggressive in calling technicals against flopping or fining after the fact,” Finch confirmed. This is exactly what the game needs.
What This Means for the Timberwolves
Think about it: the Timberwolves were already seventh in the league in free-throw attempts per game last season. And Finch made it clear, “We don’t teach flopping here.” If other teams have been relying on the flop to get to the line, and that’s about to get shut down, then Minnesota could be in an even better position. Finch is clearly hoping this crackdown helps his squad climb even higher in those free-throw ratings. It’s about fair play, and when the whistle blows for *actual* fouls, teams like Minnesota that play straight-up basketball should benefit.
Finch won’t have to wait long to see if the league’s new stance makes a real difference. Minnesota kicks off their season on October 21 against the Miami Heat, and you *know* Finch will be glued to every single call (or non-call) when it comes to flopping. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about making the game better for everyone watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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