The NBA’s play-in tournament was a huge success this year. With high stakes on the line, the intensity was high, and fan excitement was through the roof.
Love it or hate it, it attracted a lot of attention — and the NBA might be ready to add another.
According to sources, a mid-season tournament could be a consideration for the NBA, though the details of how such a tournament would work at this time remain unclear.
It’s an interesting thought, but not one everyone stands behind. For Nuggets star Jamal Murray, he just wants to bring simplicity back to basketball.
Plz @nba stop with all these tournament talks. No need to make season complex
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) May 23, 2021
There is no denying that the play-in tourney makes things a little more complicated and harder to track. Adding more tournaments, which each grant their own rewards, would only add to that complexity, not to mention the fatigue it brings to the players.
Then again, if it brings in more money to the league, and adds excitement to the game, it might be worth the sacrifices.
In the comments, fans debated the idea.
Why not? Soccer players play in 3-4 tournaments and that doesn’t even include their international games.
— yuh (@prefusal) May 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/iban_kay/status/1396523843263545346
Why I think it's a great idea. Mid season is usually not very competitive so let's make it competitive
— Comp (1-1) (@CompMVP) May 23, 2021
https://twitter.com/scottritter12/status/1396526813803728896
Y’all want to keep gettin paid these huge max contracts right? The nba needs to make more and more money
— BIGJIB (@UTAHJOES) May 23, 2021
True like damn let the original 8 teams play in peace. This league rigged pic.twitter.com/Zr95ewOOHb
— Life is 아름다운 갤럭시 🌌 (@OnegaiDesUwU) May 23, 2021
Instead of the @NBA trying to do some stupid mid season tournament just expand the league by 2 teams. Don’t make the players run the risk of injury for a money grab 💰💰💰
— Eddie Walker (@EddieWa25025124) May 23, 2021
Ya it's a great idea 💡 it will stop players from resting they have a real problem no fan wants to pay these ticket prices only for the stars to be chilling I can't call in tired at work
— david hibner (@dlizard23) May 23, 2021
Right now, we don’t have to worry about any more tournaments. The league has enough on their plate right now with perfecting the play-in, returning the league to normal, post-COVID condition, and the addition of expansion teams.
But in the future, tournaments could play an increasing role in the NBA, and it will be interesting to see how it works out and if it’s well-received by players and fans.
