My attention was drawn to a lengthy article by David Aldridge, a well-respected NBA writer and TV commentator. He writes with dismay about the tactic of Hack-a-big (tackling an opponent’s big man before he can put back an offensive rebound, gambling he will miss the free throws) looming ever larger around the league. The overreach of this tactic was brought home to him when Washington fouled the inbounds passer(!), Clint Capela, so the Rockets wouldn’t be able to get into a proper half court set. The tactic worked (BOO!)
The Toronto Raptors used Hack-an-Andre to a limited degree in their victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.