Was Patrick Ewing exempt from the traveling rule in the NBA back in the day?

Question

It seems like he was allowed to catch the ball baseline and take 4 giant steps until he got right under the hoop and then just lay the ball in. If Pat Ewing Jr. makes it to the NBA, does he get to travel like his dad did? He should!

Answer 1

The NBA travelling rule has been loosely interpreted over the years. Particularly back in Ewing's day.

If you watch the USA teams at international games you see they are shocked when they are called for travelling.

Ewing and Robert Parish are the worst I've seen. Parish used to get the all in the post, turn around taking three or four steps then launch a shot almost hitting the scoreboard!

p.s. good luck to young Patty Jr they should play him more

Answer 2

I agree, the officials were very generous with starts like Patrick Ewing during that era in the NBA. A lot of that was due to the NBA being more concerned over marketing their product--the players.

However, the NBA today is more secure with themselves and has done a number of things that have restricted the freedom of the players such as the dress code, not being able to use iPod's during warm up's and more recently, the no tolerance rule and the new synthetic leather basketball.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You are absolutely right. He did seem to get a bonus step.

It's the same way they overlook carryovers today. They pretty much ignore dribbling all together, in favor of more fancy showmanship.

No one ever said the NBA was about fundamentals I guess.

Answer 4

Yes, he got a special exemption from David Stern as did all stars at the time. Watch MJ or 'Nique or anyone of that era.

Answer 5

It seamed like he got away with that allot also pushing people around with his big @ss

Answer 6

ALL SUPERSTARS IN EVERY SPORT GET BREAKS BY THE REFS.