“This Isn’t… Larry O’Brien Trophy”: Set to Revolutionalize NBA, Adam Silver Comes Clean on His Major Decision

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been a vocal proponent of change since taking over the league in 2014. He has overseen a number of significant changes. Rules like the expansion of instant replay review and, recently, the implementation of a play-in tournament. Silver has been discussing the idea of an in-season tournament for several years. But finally starting this season, the league finalized its plans and the season will debut on November 3rd. 

In-season games will be played in a knockout format, with teams seeded based on their regular season record. The top two seeds in each conference will receive a bye to the second round. The remaining teams will play in a single-elimination tournament to reach the second round. It will conclude on December 8th. Silver has said that the tournament will inject excitement and give teams another championship trophy to compete for. 

Adam Silver explains how In-Season came to fruition

He explained that the concept of the in-season tournament was born out of the recognition that the NBA season is long. And there is only one opportunity to win a trophy. The in-season tournament will not add extra games to the already packed NBA schedule. Instead, as Adam explains, “We take games that are already part of the regular season. Re-designate a set of games as an In-Season tournament game, and then create a separate competition around them.”

This approach also acknowledges the physical demands on players over a long season and avoids adding a whole separate tournament. 

The Larry O’Brien Trophy is the ultimate goal for every team, but Silver hopes that winning what they are calling the NBA Cup will also be seen as a significant achievement.

In-season trophy is not a replacement 

The response from coaches and players has been really positive. This format adds an extra layer of excitement and thrill. In terms of presentation, fans can expect to see some changes. The floor will be different and players will be wearing different uniforms. 

Silver acknowledged that traditions aren’t created overnight and expressed optimism about the buy-in throughout the league. Players are getting excited about the prospect of competing for the NBA Cup.

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Although this is a bold step in the NBA, but this isn’t a replacement for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Adam hopes that “people will say if I can go out and win this In-Season tournament, get this what we are calling as the NBA cup, that will mean that’ll be meaningful.”

What do you think about in-season tournaments? Do you think this format will be exciting? Let us know if you are looking forward to it!

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