NBA Rumors: The NBA is considering a major overhaul to combat ratings free fall

The NBA has apparently been looking for ways to improve and make itself more exciting and two changes would affect the NBA all-star game as well as the NBA Cup. The NBA all-star game has long been unexciting, with the games' best players often mailing it in, turning it into a layup line or a glorified shoot-around. 

To the league's credit, they have tried—and failed—to improve the game, including getting rid of East Vs. West and going to a different scoring model. Now, they are going to a tournament model of three teams of eight, with a fourth team composed of rising stars. 

While that might seem like a lame attempt at improvement, that model actually worked quite well for the Rising Stars game last year, with the G-League team upsetting the three other teams comprised of rookies and sophomores. 

The NBA's potential rule changes could actually bring excitement back to the season.

In addition to the NBA All-Star Game revamp, which sounds promising, they are also considering changes to the in-season tournament. The NBA Cup is currently ongoing, with qualifying games happening now in November and the NBA Cup Finals happening in December. 

However, they are considering moving the NBA Cup back to February, after the end of the NFL season, which ends the same month. One option they could consider is having the NBA Cup Finals after the NBA All-Star game, which is set for February 16th this year, notably a week after the Super Bowl. 

Having the All-Star game occur in mid-February and the NBA Cup Finals occur in late February would hopefully draw in casual fans. Especially with the trade deadline now before the All-Star game, which tends to draw significant interest.

It would also likely lead to a better in-season tournament, with qualifying games currently taking place in the first 20 games of the season. Having it take place closer to mid-season and the actual tournament taking place after the halfway mark makes sense. Teams will be playing far better and will have been able to integrate their free-agent signings and draft selections by then, resulting in better basketball.

On the other hand, teams are usually bitten by the injury bug by then, but we have already seen several stars miss time to start this season. Ultimately, the NBA may be better served by moving the NBA Cup closer to midseason since it will coincide with the trade deadline, the revamped All-Star Game, and the end of the NFL season. Both changes should help to draw more interest and hopefully reverse the ratings slide.