Consistency would cease to be a problem, as the players could easily adjust to whatever individual whims these refs would have. Competency also would become a non-factor. Plus, the refs would be able to have a close understanding of the unfolding of the entire series and easily could make whatever specific adjustments — and issue specific warnings — as would be deemed necessary in consultation with the league's non-tooting supervisory personnel.

To soothe the diminished coffers of the nine otherwise finals-qualifying refs, the NBA could still pay them bonuses/incentives for being among the elite.

Ah, but who are the NBA's best three refs? Theoretically, the creme de la creme should vary from season to season, but for now it says here that this is the current list:

1) Steve Javie.

2) Dick Bavetta, who had a poor regular season but who has gotten his game together in the money season.

3) Mike Callahan.

4) The alternate should be Greg Willard, who had a terrific regular season but has occasionally stumbled as of late.

Oh, one other suggestion: Handing out techs for taunting is a great idea, but the NBA should go one step farther — take a page from the NFL's rulebook and issue penalties for excessive celebrations. This would eliminate such embarrassing juvenilia as J.R. Smith's doing the Funky Chicken after dropping a 3-pointer when his team already had a double-digit lead.

In any event, stern (!) measures must be taken.