The NBA could benefit from adding more incentives if it chooses to create a midseason tournament, Jabari Young of CNBC writes. The league would likely use money as a primary incentive, whether it be for a charity, a social justice organization, or for the players.
While no plans have been finalized, the NBA is actively seeking ways to improve the viewing experience for fans during the regular season. The league recently added a play-in tournament, which has received mixed reactions from fans and teams.
As we relayed last month, the NBA hopes to eventually add a midseason tournament, though it would have to agree with the players’ association first. In addition, two-thirds of the league’s 30 team owners would have to approve of the idea, with 2022/23 being the earliest that it could be tested.
Here are some other odds and ends from around the basketball world:
- The Sydney Kings and former NBA first-round pick Jarell Martin have exercised their mutual option for next season, the team announced. Martin, who averaged 17.9 points in 28 games this year, will return to the club for a second campaign. “Even though Jarell put up strong numbers, we still only got to see a small sample of what he can do in this league – coming in late, dealing with injuries, adjusting to the physicality – we expect him to have a big year” team CEO Chris Pongrass said, as relayed by Sportando.
- Jerian Grant is receiving interest from Olimpia Milano (Italy) and Lokomotiv Kuban (Russia), according to SDNA (hat tip to Sportando). Grant holds five seasons of NBA experience (2015-20), most recently playing in Greece.
- Former Nets forward Dzanan Musa and Anadolu Efes have parted ways, according to Basket Faul (as relayed by EuroHoops). Musa played 49 games with Brooklyn from 2018-20, originally signing with Efes in January.
The most relevant Martin in the NBA these days is KJ Martin, son of Kenyon.
Cody and Caleb Martin on the Hornets are more relevant than KJ.
Are they? KJ Martin was a rookie last season and still averaged more PPG than Cody and Caleb combined. And anyone who actually watched the Rockets last season saw KJ block most of the top big men in the league, he’s an amazing talent. It’s so enjoyable how under the radar this team is right now and I love the laughter here from all of those who are too oblivious to see it.
Jarrell Martin is somebody who I miss whatching in the NBA
I miss him at LSU even more tbh. Some of my fav players over the past few years have been LSU Tigers, Naz Reid, Cam Thomas, Ben Simmons, Tre Waters, Tim Quarterman, Skylar Mays, Jordan Mickey, Trendon Watford & more, but Jarrell might be the most electric guy of that group. His contested, thru the legs dunk vs UF def 1 of the nastiest dunks I seen in the past decade
Midseason tournament? Doesn’t make much sense.
It works in soccer because of the traditions and club rivalries. There used to be rivalries. There just isn’t that type of widespread over the top fanfare today.
If they want to take something from soccer….how about the worst teams are knocked to gleague???
Rebuild a couple gleague teams and have them battle for a spot in the nba.
That competitiveness drives many euro soccer clubs to fight being regulated which impacts budgets, salaries, bonuses, etc.
Relegation would not work in the US. The NBA would not want to lose a city like Houston in favor of Shreveport or Birmingham, even for just a year or two,
Plus, guaranteed NBA deals would prevent it as well. Using Houston as an example again, John Wall’s contract is an NBA deal, so would he be forced to go to the G League, would he become the new team’s property?
Where would the new team’s roster come from? Would they get the relegated team’s players? If so, then why relegate at all? Would they get an expansion draft? Either way, a promoted team is not likely to be any better than a relegated one AND they will likely be in a worse TV market.
Just way too many problems would happen, even if it does seem like a good idea in theory.
Now if you want to consider relegation and promotion based on attendance numbers, then you have my attention.
I agree it is impossible to work out in usa
Just a fun idea to think of
And it would probably work best with a couple of expansion teams (Seattle, Las Vegas, etc) not current gleague teams
I like it, unfortunately it won’t happen.
Semi related –
I’ve been pleading for baseball to adopt a World Classic tourney for 3 weeks midseason every year (No more All-star game) –
International game is a much more inspired watch, and I think it would help move the deafening slow pace of the MLB season along as well- You’d add a 2nd World series every year essentially, maybe even a better one
Season would be shortened 20 games but I think if pulled off correctly it would help generate a lot of interest back into the sport. Might help more Sp’s reach the finish line as well
midseason tourney is great if executed &
marketed right. So many times in like January-March does the season become a little monotonous. Players want to rest and such. but if u were to add something that adds to the competition i think we will see less resting and better games.
Silver will not give up on this. This latest “memo” introduces the man who will figure this out for Silver, Byron Spruell, a minority but not a woman, and not a minority in BB. Missed chance.
“The comissioner’s cup”. Great. A new tv deal is coming up so Silver wants more to offer. But whatever gain is realized will be lost to player or team incentives. One is the #15 pick.
“Silver lining” is that it would single-elim, so resembling the NCAA or any state’s HS system, not that Silver would mention HSs.
But that is not how they do it for European soccer. There they start with the RS and include all teams. But Silver, fighting his own boredom, will keep it elite to NYC eyes.