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The good, bad, and unknown: recent and upcoming changes in the NBA

By Leocciano Callao

SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues a call with official Tony Brothers In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX - APRIL 22 : Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors argues a call with official Tony Brothers In the second half of Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 22 , 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 05: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers hoist the MVP trophy after being named 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 05: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers hoist the MVP trophy after being named 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

The unknown

We return to more recent tweaks in the NBA. This offseason has been busy in terms of changing things up for the upcoming season onwards. But whether or not these modifications work for better or worst is up to question.

Let’s start with the in-season tournament. Though we have seen these work out in other sports, especially soccer, the key difference is those tournaments involve teams in other leagues. The NBA Cup is as big of a coin toss as it gets. But I get it. The tournament gives players and teams slightly more incentives to take the regular season seriously. But what else is really up for grabs other than the new trophy and bragging rights?

This tournament would have worked perfectly if the NBA Cup winner got an automatic spot in the Playoffs. Anything that gives it more importance. Instead, the top four teams get to go to Las Vegas and compete for a trophy. But who knows? Maybe it will add more excitement.

Lastly, we have the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This new set of rules is actively debated for one sole reason– it has its pros and cons.

Let’s face it; we live in an era of super teams. And though it does not always work and isn’t necessarily great for competition, it can add so much narrative to each season. The new CBA could potentially end that, and that’s fine. As I mentioned earlier, it has a good and bad side to it.

The new CBA could reassure a sense of balance in the NBA and recenter its economic structure, which could benefit players and teams.

A takeaway from the new CBA that I appreciate is the minimum number of games required to qualify for end-of-season awards. Load management has been an ongoing conversation around the league in recent years and could be the solution. To be fair, you should not get paid for not working your shift. It adds more value to the awards and makes qualified players earn them.

dark. Next. Is Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama’s to lose?

Overall, we’ll have to see how the upcoming season turns out with these new regulations. Sports are constantly changing, and basketball is no exception. With the NBA being the worldwide leader in basketball, they set the standard for the rest of the world, and God only knows what comes next. A four-point line? Press conferences with referees? We shall see.