The NBA Cup, now in its second year, still struggles to carve out a distinct identity within the regular season. While last year’s inaugural In-Season Tournament was deemed a success—featuring competitive games and heightened player engagement—the excitement has faded. As the 2024-25 season begins, it’s clear that the NBA Cup needs fresh ideas to capture interest and sustain momentum.
The Need for Change
The initial tournament generated buzz with competitive play and standout performances, including Tyrese Haliburton’s rise to stardom and LeBron James adding another accolade to his illustrious career. However, the aftermath saw a lack of sustained focus on the tournament, as attention shifted quickly to other significant events in the NBA calendar, including the trade deadline and playoffs.
This year, despite the rebranding to the NBA Cup, the novelty has worn off. The tournament’s structure closely mirrors regular-season games, offering no significant incentive for teams beyond achieving victory. While financial rewards motivated players last season, the absence of unique stakes diminishes the tournament’s appeal.
As the league moves forward, here are three innovative changes that could rejuvenate the NBA Cup and enhance its significance:
1. Implement a Single-Elimination Format
To differentiate the NBA Cup from regular-season games, adopting a single-elimination format could create excitement reminiscent of March Madness. This approach would allow teams to compete in knockout rounds, heightening the stakes and drama.
Logistical challenges exist, given the league’s 30-team structure, but potential solutions include:
- Byes for Top Teams: The two best teams could receive a bye in the first round, ensuring they don’t face immediate elimination.
- International Participation: Inviting teams from foreign leagues could create a more dynamic tournament atmosphere and introduce American fans to international talent.
A single-elimination format could also incorporate a loser’s bracket, allowing all teams to finish with a defined ranking, thereby maintaining competitive integrity throughout the tournament.
2. Experiment with Rule Changes
The NBA should use the Cup as a testing ground for potential rule changes. Allowing teams to trial new regulations could generate interest and set the tournament apart from the regular season.
Examples of rule changes to consider:
- Four-Point Line: Testing a four-point shot could add a new dimension to the game.
- Live Balls After Rim Contact: Adopting FIBA’s rule could promote faster-paced play.
Such experiments could create memorable tournament editions, adding a unique flair each year.
3. Introduce the Elam Ending
One of the most exciting changes the NBA could implement is the Elam Ending. This format, successfully used during the 2020 All-Star Game, replaces the traditional timed fourth quarter with a target score based on the leading team’s score after three quarters.
By ensuring that every game culminates in a game-winning shot rather than a free-throw contest, the Elam Ending would add a thrilling layer of drama to the tournament. Fans would tune in knowing that the conclusion of every game would feature decisive, high-stakes action.
Conclusion
As the NBA Cup continues to develop, it’s essential for the league to innovate and distinguish this tournament from the regular season. The ideas presented here—single-elimination formats, experimental rule changes, and the Elam Ending—could inject new life and excitement into the tournament. As the NBA seeks to make the Cup a staple of its calendar, these innovations could help ensure it evolves into a celebrated and anticipated event in the basketball world.