Matt Barnes Says NBA Has Gotten Soft, Misses Hard Fouls And Hand Checking

Count Los Angeles Clippers swingman Matt Barnes among those who feels the NBA of today is vastly different from the league of yesteryear and is convinced not all of the changes are good ones.

Barnes recently tweeted “Watching the Pistons vs. Celtics from 85 where u had to REALLY foul some 1 to hear the whistle #No Flopping #No Charges.”

Barnes later added “You could hand check. What happened to that style of play? #REAL HOOP!”

Long considered one of the league’s most outspoken players, Barnes has taken note of it all. The man who once drew a $35,000 fine from league officials while a member of the Orlando Magic for daring to protest the officiating during a playoff series against Charlotte yearns for a return to the way things used to be.

The NBA is so soft now,” he added. “but I guess you can say that bout all sports. Smh.”

Barnes, 33, recently signed a three year deal with the Clippers to return to the team next season, with new coach Doc Rivers stressing one of the primary reasons he wanted to have Barnes back in the fold was his mental toughness.

The 10-year veteran averaged a career high 10.3 points last season and over his career has averaged 7.7 points and 4.5 rebounds.

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