The Impending Makeover of NBA

Here’s a list of changes to the NBA that might come into effect, after the NBA Board of Governors’ meeting on Tuesday in Las Vegas. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has given an interesting insight into what might be happening to the NBA in the near future. Broadly, the various possible changes that might have serious implications in the next NBA season are as follows :

1. Division Titles won’t be that great

Every NBA team competes in 1 of the six divisions. Though it may not be very prestigious,but teams are somewhat happy winning their divisional title. The major reason  for this is that a divisional winner is assured a top 4 seed, even if the other teams finish with a better regular season record.

A prime example of that incident occurred in 2014-15. Portland (51-31) were seeded ahead of Memphis and Spurs (55-27), thanks to their first divisional title in 16 years. The possible changes that would come into force would be the best 8 will be seeded based solely on their regular season records.

However, Silver has said that the Owners will consult their respective General Managers and coaches before a vote takes place this fall. It could be implemented this year itself, with Silver being confident that it will be passed, but everyone’s yet to witness if it really will be. There are reports on having enough sentiment among the Board on retaining the current divisional format.

1. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

The Players Union and Owners are expected to renew the CBA in 2017, after the previous deal was opened and accepted in 2011. Silver and Players’ Union President, Michele Roberts, will meet during the summer to discuss on the issue and avoid on work stoppages.

He would be looking at changing the financial structure as teams are spending beyond their means. Despite the NBA raking in massive revenue figures like never seen before, the teams  are offering the players massive salaries, taxes, construction of new training facilities which is leading to financial losses for most of the teams. It’s one issue Silver will be expected to address upon.

1. Free Agency

The DeAndre Jordan incident caused quite a stir. Silver admitted that it did not look good because of the breakdown of trust between Jordan and Mavs (to whom he agreed to join and then left them in the last minute), but that it was perfectly within his rights that all players have under the CBA.

Silver has said that the moratorium could be shortened by a few days based on the various comments he has received from players and their agents. This could help teams to quickly sign the stars and then build the roster around them. If a team is unable to sign a player that they had wanted to at the first place, their team could be seriously handicapped at the start of the season itself.

In some other news, the NBA now has legislated against the Hack-a Jordan strategy (Teams intentionally foul poor free throw shooters off the ball during a game to regain possession without much possibility of them scoring). In the final 2 minutes, such fouls are awarded a solitary free throw instead of standard 2. Critics feel that it should be implemented for the entire duration of the game but the NBA ,as of now, has it in force for the last 2 minutes of the match only.

On news regarding the potential relocation of Milwaukee, Silver hopes that they stay where they are, with the stadium getting prepared on time.

Edited By : Akanksha Agarwal