Utah Jazz notebook: Jazz players welcome NBA's new anti-flopping policy

SALT LAKE CITY — The NBA's new anti-flopping policy won't affect halo-sporting, non-flopping Utah Jazz players — or their wallets, of course.

But as far as the Jazz are concerned, the crackdown is in the NBA's best interest.

"I think it's going to be good for the league," Jazz center Al Jefferson said of the league's new policy geared toward stopping floppers. "It will keep guys honest."

Not to name names, but guard Mo Williams laughed while mentioning Minnesota guard J.J. Barea.

"That helps me when he guards me now," Williams said, grinning. He quickly added, "That was just a joke."

Jefferson is curious how it will be determined whether taking a charge is a flop or not, but he said flopping isn't his style.

The NBA will review possible infractions and a warning will be given for the first flop — deemed to be "any physical act that appears to have been intended to cause the referees to call a foul on another player."

The second flop will cost players $5,000, with an additional $5,000 being added to the fine for ensuing flops through $30,000 for No. 5. The sixth flop will be subject to a bigger financial penalty and possible suspension.

"Once it settles down and guys get used to it, I think it will be good for the game," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "The referees have their hands full with a lot of the guys (who) are so good at what they do to trick them with flopping. It's a disadvantage for them. It's a disadvantage for the teams getting the calls (against them)."

Corbin believes safety is a factor, too.

An opposing player flopped and fell into his leg near the end of his career, twisting his knee and forcing him to miss playoff games.

The Jazz coach prefers if referees allow play to continue when players flop. If the desired acting job doesn't result in a foul, it'd give the offense an advantage.

Corbin talked to his players about the policy, which he claimed wouldn't have cost him.

"I didn't flop anyway," he said. "When I played the game, you had to stand up. (If) you flop, a guy (would) lay the ball in the basket and somebody's coming to the table to take you out. You don't want to take that chance."

FATHERMURPHY: Rookie KevinMurphy arrived at the training facility during the Jazz's practice in time to participate in Thursday's only session. The TennesseeTech shooting guard missed the first two days of camp to be with his wife in Atlanta for the birth of their son.

"Not being here for the first four practices will hurt him some, but hopefully he can get up to speed pretty quickly," Corbin said. "The great thing is he had an opportunity to go home and see his first child being born and that's more important than anything."

STARTINGFIVE?: Media are only allowed to watch the first 15 minutes of morning practices, and players are usually just stretching. OnThursday, however, coaches worked with the squad on offense.

The most interesting part of the walk-through was the group on the court. The five included expected starters Williams and Jefferson along with PaulMillsap,GordonHayward and RandyFoye.

Corbin has been reluctant to offer insight about starters and rotations, so it remains to be seen if that turns out to be his opening group.

CAMPNOTES: The Jazz attended Thursday's USC-Utah game as a team. They return to two-a-days Friday. … Corbin has been impressed by the "competitive nature" of the first scrimmages. "Nobody was looking for shortcuts. Everybody was looking to learn and getting better and compete." … The Jazz will hold auditions for national anthem singers Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at EnergySolutions Arena.

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