Boston Celtics All-Star swingman Jayson Tatum is into adding some new wrinkles to the NBA by adding tournaments into the mix, which he spoke about during All-Star media availability on Saturday.
Criticism swirled around changes to popular events most years, and in particular this one.
The 3-Point Contest — rebranded the “Mountain Dew” 3-Point Contest, complete with green ball — is a notable example, and debates concerning the legitimacy of others, such as the NBA’s Dunk Contest, have begun to overshadow the midseason exhibition.
To that end, the Duke product shared his thoughts on having a one-on-one tournament, presumably at All-Star Weekend.
The Missouri native had high aim for such an event, stating he’d want to take on Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I think it would be a good idea,” offered Tatum. “It would be fun.”
Jayson Tatum is def. still getting used to his fame. He talks about meeting @christuckerreal yesterday:
"he knew who I was and that was a big deal for me." pic.twitter.com/hDnbD3j4V9
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 16, 2020
He would also be open to a midseason tournament such as was being floated by the NBA before an overabundance of hurdles had the idea shelved for at least the short-term this winter.
“Sometimes change is good when they bring new things and new ideas,” said the former Blue Devil. “So, I’m not opposed to it.”
Tatum’s more enthusiastic about the prospect of a play-in game for the postseason, noting, “I think it would bring a lot of attention to that game.”
“It would be a big deal because it’s like college, win or go home.”
“That would be pretty cool,” he added.
It could be some time before any of the above ever graces the court of an actual, in-the-flesh NBA event, but it’s good to see some of the biggest names of the next generation like Tatum disposed to tinkering around the margins of the league’s existing structure.
While the NBA itself may be as popular as ever in popular media, events like the All-Star Game are often criticized for the low level of fan engagement they tend to have.
And with injuries, new means of league engagement and perhaps politics and other issues causing a short-term dip in revenue, having the NBA’s best players amenable to shaking things up a bit in the future might just be exactly what the doctor ordered.
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