That sounds reasonable and I understand what you are saying. It is the way it is called so obviously they are ok with it.
But is it just me, or is it becoming more frequent, as if players are really starting to use the extra motion through the lane as a competitive advantage more than they did in the past. I can't think of a single time seeing say Malone or Russell use this "trick" of a step, hop, then jump. But it seems like everyone is doing it now. It really does give them an advantage since the defensive player often jumps as the player makes that little hop (almost like a fake), so it gives the offensive player time to get his feet under him and jump while the defensive player is coming down.
Do you mean that defense players are getting bigger and quicker so offensive players are adapting? Whoa! next you are going to tell the NBA has added expansion teams.