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The NBA is constantly searching for ways to improve the product. Some of what they discuss gets implemented; much of it gets left on the cutting room floor.
Currently, the league is seeking ways to make the season more meaningful, and increase regular season TV ratings. One of the options on the table? A midseason tournament.
Yep. You read that right. Now, for fans of the major sports in America, that may seem like a crazy concept. Yet for fans of soccer, it’s a familiar one.
The NBA has reportedly been discussing this for a few days, but on Monday news broke that they will seek heavy compensation in order to incentive teams. That makes sense, because no midseason tournament will come close to replacing the NBA Finals, so it’s easy to imagine players not taking it seriously.
Except one of the incentives being discussed is a first-round draft pick being awarded to the team that wins the tournament. That would seem to deter some players, who would then have one more player on the roster to potentially take their spot.
I like this idea, though I’m ambivalent on the tournament as a whole. Key is the follow-up tweet: this is ON TOP of more money for players and coaches, not instead of that. So players aren’t just being asked to play harder for their potential replacement. https://t.co/ldyqLuu9sh
— Mike Prada. I have spoken (@MikePradaSBN) December 2, 2019
We’re certainly a long ways away from this plan actually being put to action. but it certainly is interesting.
Drop your thoughts on the tournament below, and maybe your plan for how to add incentives.