In today’s NBA, the topic of flopping continues to generate debate, and this time the latest voice to weigh in is someone who knows the league as well as anyone: Doc Rivers. The former Milwaukee Bucks head coach shared his perspective in blunt fashion, arguing that flopping is no longer an occasional occurrence but something players actively develop.

Speaking on Bill Simmons’ podcast, Rivers explained how the perception of the game has evolved. His central point was simple: no one officially teaches players how to “fall,” but many athletes figure out on their own how to do it as effectively as possible.

Well, everybody flops now. That’s just what the game has become today. It’s not taught. Players work on it, but it’s not something that’s actually taught. Players just work on it

Doc Rivers

According to Rivers, the idea that certain embellishments happen by accident is becoming harder and harder to believe. The advantage of drawing a foul – especially in crucial moments – has turned the practice into something that is almost part of a player’s technical toolbox.

Not just Shai: a league-wide phenomenon

Rivers’ point is clear: this is not about a single player. During the discussion, he also mentioned Jalen Brunson and Victor Wembanyama, emphasizing that players with very different styles use similar tactics to draw fouls and gain an edge.

I think Brunson has flopped and searched for contact just as much as Wemby. But it’s simply part of the game

Doc Rivers

Other voices have joined the public debate as well. Tyrese Haliburton defended SGA, calling many of the criticisms exaggerated, while acknowledging that “selling contact” has become a normal part of player development in today’s game.

Is flopping really a skill?

For Rivers, the answer is yes – at least to some extent. That doesn’t mean there are official flopping drills, but rather that players learn how to maximize every contact situation.

In the modern NBA, where every possession can swing a game, even the smallest advantages matter. And if drawing a foul can change momentum, then it becomes a resource just like shooting, defense, or body control.

As long as there is a tangible benefit to “selling” contact, the practice will remain part of the game. And according to Doc Rivers, whether people like it or not, it has already become a permanent feature of modern basketball.