“Incidentally, if you went to a 40-minute game with the issues around load management and resting, it would be the equivalent of, I don’t know the exact math, taking like 15 games off the season”. What was set to be a simple conversation between Adam Silver and Dan Patrick soon became a top headline after the NBA commissioner made a sudden proposal. Highlighting how the NBA is the only basketball league that plays 48-minute-long games, Silver revealed his interest in matchups that instead have quarters lasting 10 minutes each. With the NBA having already experimented with the Play-In series and new formats with the All-Star game, Silver might use this interest to change the main game format too. After all, he said, “I don’t think most fans would be disappointed if it was a 2-hour presentation”.

Even if most fans would not be disappointed, some of the NBA coaches have already displayed their staunch opposition to the change. After the Boston Celtics’ 122-100 win against the Chicago Bulls, Joe Mazzulla interacted with the media during the post-game presser. During the same, a reporter highlighted Adam Silver’s comments and asked the HC’s opinion on shortening the game time. Without thinking too long, Mazzulla answered, “I don’t care. Whatever you got to do. Just play the game”.

Meanwhile, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was also asked about his thoughts during his respective post-game presser. After making a joke about not engaging in “hypothetical thoughts”, Thibodeau stated that he would hate such a change. After all, he described himself as being “more traditional”. He admitted that he hasn’t thought about the change much, but still admitted his viewpoint on what part of the NBA should be prioritized.

“I think we have a great game. I think what people really want to see is competition” said Thibodeau. “When you study which transpired over time, there has always been different styles of play. So, the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, what goes into winning is the same. And, I think what fans really enjoy is great competition. I think if we focus on the competition aspect of it, everything else will fall into place.”

NBA games were played under 10-minute quarters for a period. However, that was between the 1951 and 1954 seasons, when the league was still in its early stages. Since 1954, the traditional 12-minute quarter games have been the norm, and not many calls made to change the same. Implementing such a change would certainly have some benefits.

Several single-game and single-season records reportedly would become untouchable, and several league stars could play entire games more frequently. After all, Silver’s reasoning was based on the performance that Team USA, especially Stephen Curry delivered in 40-minute games during the Paris Olympics. At the same time, however, lessening the game time would reduce the importance of bench players. Any future players who would go on to establish records won’t have the advantage of playing under the same minutes as the previous NBA legends did.

Joe Mazzulla and Tom Thibodeau toed the line with their comments. However, they weren’t the only ones to do so.

Michael Malone dismisses Adam Silver’s 10-minute quarters proposal

As highlighted by Hardwood Heroics, Adam Silver’s proposal was nothing but “the Latest Ploy in NBA’s Profit-Minded Soul-Searching”. It is no secret that the viewership of NBA games recorded a low this season. It is something that Silver himself has been addressing for a while now. Therefore, reducing the game time could be a marketing strategy to bring more attention to the games. If that is the case, then Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone wants nothing to do with the proposal.

“I give the league credit, because they’re always trying to find ways to keep the fans engaged. But I hope we don’t go to 10-minute quarters. I hope we don’t put in a 4-point line. I hope we don’t become Barnum & Bailey, or do whatever we have to do to keep viewership” said Malone before the Nuggets’ 122-112 loss to the New York Knicks. “Because there is a history and greatness to this game. And a purity to this game and I hope we can find a way to stay true to that.”

Adam Silver clarified that most fans would not be disappointed with the proposed change. So, as a fan, where do you stand in regards to the 10-minute quarters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.