IST was a success

The inaugural In-Season Tournament initially was full of skepticism especially from players and team management.  Eventually, the new concept was a success as it generated increased interest in what used to be a boring part of the season.

The tournament resulted in more entertaining games from teams motivated by hefty monetary rewards not only for the players but also for the coaches.  Aside from that blowout semis game between the LA Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans, most of the IST games were competitive.

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said that so far, it had been great and brought more attention to the games and he enjoyed it.  “If it was just another regular season game, who would have cared?”, he added.  Satisfied, he found no need to tweak the tournament.

Players already have their thoughts on what the league can do for next season’s IST.  Giannis’ teammate Damian Lillard wants to have a better court design.  He also wants to sweeten the pot to make players work a bit harder.  I suppose the $100k incentive per Bucks player for making the semifinals is not enough for these multi-millionaires.

Some players wanted to have more games for the IST instead of the tie-breakers.  It was suggested to have games outside of their group at another conference, just to have different scenarios in case of ties.  This would be interesting if NBA commissioner Adam Silver took note of the suggestions and tweaks the IST next season.

Maybe an IST that begins in December and ends before the All-Star break could be introduced.

The LA Lakers, as the inaugural champions with a 7-0 run, will unveil their IST title banner during their home game versus the New York Knicks on December 19, PH time.  Compared to the 17 existing gold-colored NBA championship banners that hang from the rafters, the IST banner will be shaped and colored differently.

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After being required to “formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior”, Ja Morant could finally return to play for the Memphis Grizzlies after being suspended for 25 games.

The 2-time All Star and 2019-2020 Rookie of the Year would be eligible to play on December 20 PH time against Zion Williamson and the 12-11 Pelicans.

Memphis began the season on a six-game losing streak and with big man Steven Adams out for the season, Morant’s return would be a boost for the Grizzlies who sits at fourth in the Western Conference’s Southwest Division.  Their 6-15 win-loss record ties them with the Portland Trailblazers, sharing the bottom of the WC standings with the San Antonio Spurs, who, despite the Wembanyama hype, are on a 16-game losing streak.

We’ll see if Morant can stay away from his “destructive behavior”.