Rockets Star James Harden Calls Out the NBA for In-Season Tournament Idea
With NBA television ratings not looking particularly impressive, the league is looking for new ways to boost interest in the regular season.
One of the proposals on the table meant to draw more viewers? Implementing an in-season tournament starting perhaps in the 2021-22 season that would potentially affect playoff seeding.
Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: NBA’s engaged in serious discussions w/ NBPA and broadcast partners on sweeping, dramatic changes to league calendar that include re-seeding of conference finals, an in-season tournament and a postseason play-in. Story: https://t.co/ySSP1sxIla
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 23, 2019
Not everyone is supportive of this idea, however. When Rockets star James Harden was asked for thoughts on the idea, he responded with a pointed question.
James Harden, P.J. Tucker dismiss idea of NBA in-season tournament pic.twitter.com/niv2L1A40O
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) November 27, 2019
"Are we in college?"
The former MVP clearly believes NBA players are above something like this. Houston teammate PJ Tucker also voiced disapproval, saying that teams want to focus solely on a championship in June, not before then.
These guys do make good points. The regular season is so long that a tournament in the middle of it would only add extra mental and physical stress to the campaign.
I don’t get Adam Silver’s fascination with an NBA in-season tournament. Sounds contrived, and I don’t know why fans would find it to be added reason to watch.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) November 24, 2019
Commissioner Adam Silver needs to find other ways to tackle this ratings problem. Allowing more flexibility in the national TV schedule to help protect against load management would be a decent start.
Yes, the Warriors and Pelicans looked like they were going to be fun teams to watch back in August when the schedule was made, but injuries to star players have destroyed a lot of the interest since then. Solving this problem makes more sense than any silly tournament.