That’s kind of interesting. I wonder if free agents could be signed or if you’d just have the option of including guys currently signed to two-way contracts. Resign ET to a vet’s min deal for the playoffs? Yeah, probably not.
The World Cup idea of round 1 sounds awesome. https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/5/26/21270365/nba-restart-world-cup Round 1 normally sucks as theres maybe one or two competitive series. However in this scenario every game would matter, 80 games in round one. Normally round 1 has maybe 2 competitive series a bunch of sweeps, and only averages 44 games. I like the idea of the top 4 teams selecting opponents in a snake draft. I can see why the Bucks/Lakers/Raptors/Clippers don't like this as they have to play tough initial round instead of a week opponent. Honestly I'd be fine if they gave the Blazers another disadvantage such as a one game loss and Bucks one game win just to reflect regular season accomplishments. Then move to normal 7 game series for "conference semifinals", "conference finals", "NBA finals". Could setup an 8 team tourney or reseed every round based on record. I know only 25% of GM's voted for it, but maybe some don't fully understand it yet and also they could tweak the structure more. It seems weird to jump straight to the playoffs but start with a crappy team playin tournament. Are the Blazers only guaranteed one game? That doesnt seen worth the hassle of a bubble. But having multiple playin series seems too long for the top teams to wait. Then it would lead to the normally boring 1st round series'. This group stage sounds so much better.
Yup, and on the flip side, I'm sure that the Blazers, Pelicans, Kings & Spurs are all in favor of a play-in tournament. Nobody will ever convince me that it's fair just handing the 8th spot to the Grizzlies simply because the season was put on hold prior to them having to play the hardest part of their schedule. Every fan and every team is going to have their own interests at heart. That's why Silver needs to just get alone with his own advisors and pick a plan that is in the overall best interests of the league. The need for safety argues for a smaller number of teams. The interests of having wider viewership and making money argue in favor of an expanded number of teams. I think that the 20 team format is probably the best compromise, but it's going to be a bit of a no win situation for Silver no matter what he chooses.
If there is play-in tournament, 12th seeded Knicks are in! Edit: Washington is only team in from East.
Looks like we’re set! Here it is: Current playoff teams plus Portland, NO, Sac, SA, Phoenix, and Washington. https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/1975800
Btw it’s kinda fucked that Orlando/Brooklyn will have to play Washington for a spot in the playoffs. The Wizards are currently 5.5 games out. Same with the suns having an opportunity to get in. But whatever just play ball. I like Portland’s chances to get in.
Does anyone have concerns that Portland seems to have had slow starts to seasons lately and this will be like starting a new season?
Given that two good starters who have missed all, in the case of Nurk, and all but 3 games in the case of Collins, are now available to play, I’d say that your statement is likely no longer true.
