The NBA is considering a number of rule changes to the current playoff format, including the possibility of a play-in tournament to determine the last two seeds in each conference. According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, two specific proposals are circulating at the highest levels within teams and the league office.
The play-in tournament idea is not imminent, and Lowe notes that "it would be a shock if the NBA adopted it in time for 2020 or even 2021," but there are some interesting details regarding how the proposed tournament would play out.
Per Zach Lowe:
"The play-in proposal that has generated the most discussion, according to several sources: two four-team tournaments featuring the seventh, eighth, ninth, and 10th seeds in each conference. The seventh seed would host the eighth seed, with the winner of that single game nabbing the seventh spot, sources say. Meanwhile, the ninth seed would host the 10th seed, with the winner of that game facing the loser of the 7-versus-8 matchup for the final playoff spot."
In addition to the play-in tournament, the league is also considering eliminating conference affiliation and ranking all playoff teams 1-16 once the post-season begins, which would allow two teams from same conference competing for the NBA title.
According to ESPN, any changes to the current playoff format would first need to be approved by the competition committee, as well as a "supermajority" of 23 NBA teams.
Check out the full details regarding some of the league's proposed playoff changes in the link below.
