NBA In-Season Tournament (OP/ED)

graphic from Sporting News

Drew Caraway gives his opinion on the NBA In-Season Tournament. 
by Drew Caraway

photo courtesy of USA Today Sports

On July 8th, 2023, Adam Silver announced there would be an In-Season Tournament.
“What’s the point?” I said to myself, and honestly, I’m still kind of confused on why it’s a thing. The good thing is, it’s supposed to make players compete for a trophy, which all athletes want to do. 
In my personal opinion, I think the In-Season Tournament is not necessary. I think it is too complicated and it is a little pointless. 

Most people, including myself, are still confused on what the In-Season Tournament is. Well, according to NBA.com, it is “a new annual competition for all 30 teams that will debut in the 2023-24 season.” All 30 teams will play, and like the regular playoffs, only eight teams will make it to the tournament unlike the real playoffs where 16 teams make the tournament. Every team has been randomly chosen into six different groups, and each team will play against each other in that group. 

(In order of matchups) The Lakers, Suns, Kings, Pelicans, Bucks, Knicks, Pacers and Celtics all made the tournament. As of December 7th at 8:15 AM (EST), The Lakers, Kings, Bucks and Pacers all advanced. Those teams will play each other tonight with the Bucks and Pacers playing at 5:00 PM (EST) and the Lakers and Kings playing at 9:00 PM (EST). The winners will play each other for the NBA Cup on Saturday at 8:00 PM (EST).

I still don’t think this is necessary. I think it is better to leave the NBA how it is, and let teams play. Yes, it is to make the league more competitive, especially early in the season, but it will also make the playoffs more competitive at the end of the season. In recent years, players have been dealing with “load management” issues and I feel the addition of the In-Season Tournament will just make that worse. 

On the contrary, it is extremely entertaining to watch. Especially the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton has been incredible. He’s extremely talented and smart. He is averaging 28 points per game, 13.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds (according to StatMuse) in the In-Season Tournament. 
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Maybe the next three games will change my perspective. But for now, I still think it needs to go away. 

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