...
because the rules allow teams to foul
before the clock starts--before the ball is in
anyone's hands. What I've usually seen is the player tells the ref, I'm going to foul (usually hold, grasp, or put two hands on) #17 before the ball is inbounded. The ref watches for it, then whistles when it happens.
So we won't get to choose who we want going to the line--the team that's behind will choose. Another parity rule?
"Games" (that aren't blowouts) may become exciting... but "the game" won't be.
It's the difference between suspense and stress.
Suspense is entertaining, but stressful.
Stress is seldom suspenseful--and never entertaining.