Dear Commissioner Silver, the NBA’s Orlando restart needs the Elam Ending

Risks and benefits

When hypothesizing the NBAs actual use of the Elam Ending, a multitude of risks are worthy of consideration, albeit most of them minor. In totality, the risk for implementing the Elam Ending in these particular scenarios is, frankly, not particularly steep. Some commonly perceived drawbacks of the Elam Ending stand out the most. Though, in the grand scheme, one could deem most as ‘ticky-tack.’

Namely, every game that features an Elam Ending runs the risk of ending on a free throw. However, Mr. Elam himself has previously given a carefully considered estimate that “only 15-20 percent” of TBT contests end on a free throw. In fairness, players, coaches, and fans alike raved about the All-Star Game despite Anthony Davis icing the battle from the charity stripe.

Another prominent risk is the perception of the season being tainted by utilizing a separate game-format from the rest of the season. Granted, this only applies to the play-in tournament or first round of the playoffs. From a television viewership perspective, it is difficult to conceptualize a reality where fewer fans watch NBA competition that takes advantage of the Elam Ending.

Contrastingly, the full extent of potential benefits is, well, challenging to encapsulate. It feels utterly lazy to constrict this inquiry so tightly. Still, the honest question seems to be, “how, exactly, bringing the Elam Ending to Orlando wouldn’t end up benefitting the NBA?”

For starters, under any of the three posed formats, a marquee matchup is guaranteed to end on a game-winning shot, and likely create a unique, first-time signature moment. Whether to make the playoffs, to trudge through remaining seeding games, or to advance to the Conference Semifinals, the Elam Ending is ripe with transcendent-moment potential.

Beyond the excitement of game-winning shots, the potential health benefits that could impact the next NBA season and preserve player safety stand quietly paramount. No, it isn’t a make-or-break issue, but it could offer unanticipated long-term benefits. If the on-court product and health of the players are both on a positive linear trajectory, literally everybody wins.

Further enticing benefits include what the league might learn from experimentation with the Elam Ending in Orlando, and how it could shape the layout of future seasons. Food for thought: using the format in real games during the NBA Restart, even if for a few days, could potentially illustrate ways to enrich future scheduling practices for years.

Professional sports discussions, of course, can always circle back to TV ratings and viewership. Regardless of the outcome, the intrigue of the Elam Ending would undoubtedly make it a lock to spike viewers in any context. Whether the games are “meaningless” or for a chance to advance closer to the Larry O’Brien trophy, more people will watch when they know it’s going to be a thriller.

One final (and perhaps most crucial) benefit is how the Elam Ending bringing additional eyeballs to NBA competition could provide a latent boost to the discussion surrounding racial equality. Experimenting with a novel – yet proven – format will elevate viewership, thus promoting the league’s platform. Even if the increase is marginal, it will make a difference. In these times, every single set of eyes and ears matter when it comes to progressing in social justice endeavors.