The NBA is hard work at putting together an in-season tournament that could be starting with the 2023-24 season.
This tournament would be a huge change to the way things are currently done.
It would take place in December and would use a pool-play format to determine the final eight teams that would then compete in a single-elimination tournament.
Teams would be battling for bragging rights, a winning record, and cash prizes too.
The purpose of the proposed tournament is to drum up excitement for the regular season.
As it is now, too many people only pay attention to the league toward the end of the year and the NBA wants to change that.
Commissioner Adam Silver talked about the tournament, saying he wanted to “create new games of consequence, taking a page from European soccer.”
He added that the games will look different, with a different court and different uniforms as well.
Adam Silver said with the in-season tournament, the NBA wanted to “create new games of consequence, taking a page from European soccer.” He said, “visually it will look different.” Players will wear different unforms, there will be a different court, you will know it’s different.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 18, 2023
Numerous fans across the league aren’t completely sold on the idea of the in-season tournament and they let their opinions be known after Silver’s latest comments.
Right away, jokes were made at Silver’s expense.
ah yes, the FA cup, popular due to it’s different uniforms
— bring ’em back (@trashtaeks) April 18, 2023
Other people suggested rewards that could be offered to make the tournament worth it to players, similar to soccer leagues in other countries.
The NBA should have draft picks positions as “rewards” for winning the in-season tourney. That or use relegation/delegation rules, for a more similar feel to the Premier League.
— Angel Valentin (@ReverseDVD) April 18, 2023
Many people pointed out that European soccer players don’t participate in 82 games a season and trying to mimic that sport isn’t the smartest idea.
European Soccer dont play 82 game seasons!!!
— Amar (@AmarTime3) April 18, 2023
And then there were some who gave Silver a thumbs up on the idea, even though they don’t quite understand it.
That sounds odd. I kinda like it.
— J/W Sports Report (@JWsportsreport1) April 18, 2023
It sounds like the tournament is moving forward full speed ahead.
Fans should prepare for it to become a regular part of the year.
And they shouldn’t count it out just yet.
As a reminder, some people thought the play-in tournament was going to be a disaster.
Now it’s one of the most popular and celebrated parts of the season.
