Flopping is as old as the game
https://grantland.com/the-triangle/flopping-in-the-nba-a-history-of-nonviolence/
Fantastic longread on the history of flopping. main message:
The notion that this problem is somehow worse now than it was in the ’50s, when there were only eight teams, or the ’60s, when there were 14, is ludicrous. The problem isn’t worse; our ability to see it in high-def, slow-motion replay is better.
It also includes parts from an SI article of 1963 called: “Smart moves by a master of deception”. And includes among others how Celtics guard Jack Ramsey tried to draw fouls:
This ploy probably was originated by Dolph Schayes. Certainly he always did it better than anyone else. It utilizes reverse psychology on the referee. The man with the ball starts in good position but then creates the foul deliberately by bumping before he shoots. It happens so fast, though, that the officials believe the defensive man must have fouled — on the theory that nobody would be looking for trouble if he is set for a shot. It should be done very subtly, though, so that it does not embarrass an official. I never try to make an official look bad.