Since Adam Silver has taken over as the NBA Commissioner, he has implemented several new ideas to keep the fans interested. Emirates NBA Cup, Play In tournament, and Coach’s Challenge are among those initiatives that have found immense success. But Silver’s latest suggestion might not sit well with everyone. During The Dan Patrick Show, he revealed the wildest thing the league has considered, “I’m a fan of and I’m probably in the minority as we get more involved in global basketball, NBA is the only league that plays 48 minutes. I am a fan of four ten-minute quarters.”

Yes, Silver has floated the idea of shortening a quarter to ten minutes, which would reduce the game’s length to 40 minutes, so that it fits the television programming better. However, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is not a fan of the idea, “I’m probably more traditional so I’d hate to see that. That’s just personal. I really haven’t thought about it just because of all the records and things of that nature. I think we have a great game.”

Well, the idea could directly impact the sport’s history because shorter games mean lower scores and reduced stats for players. So, LeBron James’ scoring record, Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, or similar historic feats might never be achieved again. Even Silver acknowledged that it would bring a “dramatic” change to the game.

Of course, Thibs has been a coach in this league for over three decades and he prefers things the way they have always been. And he believes shortening quarters might not be the solution, “I think what the fans enjoy is great competition. I think if we focus on the competition aspect of it, everything else will fall into place.” Yes, Thibodeau urged Silver to focus on making the game more competitive instead of following the Olympics’ and FIBA’s pattern of 40-minute games. Obviously, he is not the only person with that mindset.

Magic Johnson urged players to “Wake Up” amid declining NBA viewership

Thibodeau made it clear that more competitiveness could solve the league’s issue of declining viewership. Well, he might have a point because fans become more invested when there is a rivalry brewing between multiple franchises or athletes. LeBron vs Steph, Lakers vs Celtics, Magic vs Bird. People want to watch that.

However, Magic Johnson recently pointed out that the players today lack that aspect, “They don’t hate each other anymore. That’s what’s happening nowadays. I hated Larry Bird and every Celtics player back then… Back then, the Celtics and the Lakers genuinely disliked each other, and that tension was great for TV and drew viewers in. Now, it’s different—everyone shakes hands and seems to get along.”

Sure enough, it could be one of the reasons why fans are losing interest. And the Lakers legend urged the players to do something about it, “The viewership numbers are dropping, and these guys better wake up and say, ‘Hey, man, we’ve got to change this.’” Well, Silver’s initiatives so far have helped bring back that competitiveness and sense of rivalry to the game. But the 10-minute quarter suggestion might not be one of those brilliant ideas. Do you agree?