The NBA is reportedly considering re-seeding playoffs based on overall team records, disregarding conferences. It wouldn’t change the teams that would qualify based on today’s standings but it would take away a chance to get in the playoffs from some of the big names. At the same time, it would cost ratings for the NBA.
Sports analyst Chris Broussard revealed that the league is considering a play-in tournament to give superstars like Zion Williamson, Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal a chance to earn playoff spots. This is important from commercial point of view as the NBA would be competing with the NFL for attention.
“A lot of the thinking behind that [play-in tournament] is that you give superstars or household names like Zion and Damian Lillard, maybe even Bradley Beal the chance to get in the playoffs. And if you can get Zion in the playoffs, then that creates even more buzz as you have to compete with the NFL,” Broussard told Colin Cowherd on The Herd.
Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are currently 10th in the Western Conference behind Lillard’s Blazers. The 8th place is occupied by the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, Beal’s Wizards are 9th seed in the East, behind the Orlando Magic.
