This sequence involving Dwyane Wade occurred during a game against the Portland Trailblazers back on December 28th, but that doesn’t mean we can’t marvel at one of the more egregious non-calls of late in the NBA. However, what’s being labeled a seven-step travel is probably, at worst, a three or four step travel (still bad, but not the cross-country trek it’s being made out to be).
By NBA standards, the first three or four steps probably wouldn’t warrant a whistle, because as he’s breaking out way above the top of the key and squaring up, he’s gathering the ball. Sure, there might have been an extra step in there, but no advantage was gained by the time he planted his pivot foot — and he can do whatever he wants with his other foot once the pivot is established — so a whistle is unlikely at that point. You may not like it, and feel free to scream to the high heavens in disagreement (cue the anti-NBA crowd who thinks anything beyond two steps is an affront to the sanctity of the sport), but that is the reality of the situation.
As for those last three steps? Well, that’s some Dan Majerle shit, right there.
