The NBA’s play-in tournament can be described, among other things, as controversial.
For the first time since the bubble games, the league is forcing middle-seeded teams to fight for a playoff spot in a one-and-done style tournament.
Obviously, it has been a hit with the fans so far, who seem to really be enjoying the edge and intensity it adds to the end of the regular season.
But for teams and players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic, they have expressed their displeasure with the new system, suggesting that it’s just a terrible idea all around.
Well, on Sunday, just hours after his team secured the 8th seed in the East, Wizards coach Scott Brooks poked fun at the play-in critics, making a rather comical statement to the media not long after showing support for the play-in:
“I’m with the King,” he said. “Who created this play-in thing? Whoever did that, they need to be fired.”
Scott Brooks, who has previously professed his love for the play-in tournament, says he’s changed his mind now that the Wizards have finished in eighth place: “I’m with the King,” he said. "Who created this play-in thing? Whoever did that, they need to be fired."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) May 16, 2021
Obviously, it’s easy to hate the play-in tournament as a 7th or 8th seed, when (in season’s past) it’s usually enough to guarantee a playoff appearance.
The thought of potentially losing your chance at a title for a new play-in tournament might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
But it’s hard to argue that the tourney isn’t successful in fulfilling its purpose. It adds intrigue, increases interest, and makes the regular season games matter more.
Love it or hate it, it’s probably here to stay.
