As we’ve been writing here for the past week or so, as it looks like the NBA is going to attempt to return in some form or fashion this summer, the details of such hopes to return have not yet been finalized. There are rumors from everyone from reporters to owners about a two-site return in Las Vegas and Orlando, as well as the resumption of a few regular-season games, likely in order to have teams uphold their television deals with local regional sports networks. But these are all just potential paths for the return of pro basketball in North America, but we know that there are more scenarios that the NBA’s decision-makers will give their feedback on.
Shams Charania of The Athletic obtained a memo, which he published on Saturday morning, that includes the details of a survey given to all 30 NBA general managers about how the NBA might return. Among the proposals include questions about whether to continue the regular season at all and if they do want to continue it, their choices are between 72 and 76 games. This would mean that the Lakers play up to 13 regular season games depending on what the results provide.
As far as playoff formats are concerned, there are three options that the memo lays out. First, a regular playoff with the top-8 teams from each conference as of the standings on March 12, meaning no more regular-season games. Also given the extraordinary circumstances, the NBA is also asking teams whether they’d like to uphold the traditional East/West format or reseed the 16 teams once they’ve been finalized.
In addition to the re-seeding, the NBA is also asking teams whether they would consider a “playoff-plus” scenario, that would expand the playoff field from 16 teams to as many as 24 teams. A 24-team scenario would basically give every team a chance to compete for the playoffs, should there be a regular season.
But while the NBA is asking for feedback for the formats, the league is waiting ultimately for the direction from Adam Silver, about how, when, where, and ultimately if, they will come back to play.
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