CHICAGO – NBA commissioner Adam Silver wanted to overhaul the schedule – including in-season and play-in tournaments – for the league’s 75th-anniversary season, 2021-22.
Instead, the Board of Governors vote planned for April was canceled.
Not because the ideas were unpopular, according to Silver. Because they were too popular.
“When we went to our teams, the Players Association and our media partners – probably the most important constituents in making changes,” Silver said, “the response we got was that, frankly, there was so much interest that they didn’t think it made sense to do it as a one-off.”
It’s easy to be skeptical of spin. But Silver is adamant.
“I strongly believe we will end up with some sort of in-season tournament and a play-in tournament,” Silver said.
The NBA will probably eventually have a play-in tournament. It makes a lot of sense, both competitively and financially. When those considerations align, things usually get done.
The league might even also add an in-season tournament. But it’s hard to find people actually enthusiastic about that idea.