As of right now, the NBA is looking at multiple different scenarios that could bring about the return of NBA basketball. Fans are very excited about the prospect of the league's return although absolutely nothing is set in stone right now. Perhaps the biggest thing the NBA is talking about right now is their playoff format and how it can be made fair for all of the teams in the league.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the league is also thinking about the bigger picture which, of course, involves ratings. Essentially, they want big-name players in the postseason and that includes Zion Williamson who's New Orleans Pelicans are just outside of the playoffs. As Windhorst explains, the NBA wants to expand the playoff field because then, Zion could get some visibility.
Per Windhorst:
"One of the things I've been hearing as I've talked to people in the league is, the league is gonna set up this playoff plan to make sure Zion Williamson is involved. ... Paranoia is at the top of the list with anything in the NBA. ... They're always paranoid about everything—'the league is screwing me, and they're helping that guy.' In this case, there's a number of different reasons why the league would want to have 20 or 24 teams, a number of different reasons to get extra games. But most of those scenarios include making sure, having Zion Williamson in the postseason."
This supposed tactic by the league shouldn't come as that much of a surprise when you consider how much money they have lost over the last few months. If they truly believe Zion can salvage their profits by just a little, they're going to take that leap.
