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They are a small group. They play on different teams. They are famous, or infamous, for one skill. They have turned this one skill into both an art and science. And for this skill, they are hated in 29 road arenas and loved only at home. I'm referring to 'The Floppers'. Floppers are a collection of NBA players, who hit the ground even after the appearance of contact with a member of the opposing team. 'The Floppers' typically ply their craft - if you can call it that - on defense in hopes of drawing an offensive foul ... HoopsVibe The Blog regularly drops a basketball related list for fans to weigh-in on. We call it 'Listed' ...

Flopping: “a player exaggerating contact with an opponent by falling to the floor in an attempt to draw a foul call from the referees". 

They are a small group. They play on different teams. They are famous, or infamous, for one skill. They have turned this one skill into both an art and science. And for this skill, they are hated in 29 road arenas and loved only at home.

I’m referring to ‘The Floppers’.

Floppers are a collection of NBA players, who hit the ground even after the appearance of contact with a member of the opposing team. ‘The Floppers’ typically ply their craft - if you can call it that - on defense in hopes of drawing an offensive foul.

(Rumor has it, ‘The Floppers’ learned flopping from the Italian national soccer team, who call it  ‘The Bella Dive’ or ‘The Beautiful Dive‘. This, however, could not be confirmed by HoopsVibe’s investigative team, even after hours of watching the Azzurri ‘train’.) 



In today’s internet era, ‘The Floppers’ live in infamy. Their antics scrutinized by millions, gaining them a less than desirable reputation. Most importantly, it makes them the subject of HoopsVibe The Blog’s ‘Listed’.

As usual, enjoy the clips, read the corresponding commentary, and get at us in the comment box below with your vote for the greatest flopper of all time.

Honorable Mention:

Robert Horry … aka ‘Big Flop Bob’

Why: Horry was known for hitting big shots, winning NBA Titles, and flopping.



Andrei Kirilenko … aka ‘From Russia With Flop’

Why:  Former coach and broadcaster Doug Collins believes Kirilenko's flops are "sort of like those soccer players in Europe".  



Top Five:

5) Anderson Varejao … aka ‘The Brazilian Flopjob’

Why: In time, this South American will move up our list. For now, Varejao will have to settle for the honor of influencing the youth to flop.



(The student embellishing contact.)



(The master embellishing contact.)
  
#4) Shaquille O’Neal … ‘The Big Flop’ or ‘Floppers In Glass Houses Shouldn’t Throw Stones’

Why: After years of calling out opposing floppers, Shaq has become what he most despises.



(O’Neal’s ‘virginal’ flop against Dwight Howard led to a feature interview with ESPN’s Michael Wilbon and war of words with Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy.) 



(Ah Shaq, don't play innocent. You've flopped before.)

#3) Raja Bell … aka ‘Seven Seconds To Flop’   

Why: Years ago, Bell found a home with the Phoenix Suns in Mike D’Antoni’s 'Seven Seconds to Shoot' system. Unfortunately, he also developed a reputation for flopping, which he took to the Charlotte Bobcats and will surely continue once healthy with the Golden State Warriors.       



(Was that Manu Ginobli getting whistled for the offensive foul?)

#2)  Manu Ginboli …  aka ‘You’ve been Ginobili’d’

Why: He inspires verbs, coffee cups that fall over for no good reason, and lifetime memberships into the Phoenix Suns’ fan club. By the way, great work by basketbawful.



(Love the coffee mug.)

#1) Vlade Divac … aka ‘Vlade’s Circle Of Life: Smoking, Drinking, and Flopping’

Why: According to player testimonials, the undisputed and heavyweight O.G. of ‘The Flop’.  



(Corporal/Commissioner Stern even gets in on the act and grinds the likeable Serbian.)

Who is the greatest flopper of all time? Get at us in the comment box with your vote. And follow Oly Sandor's work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of webdallas.