I like the current play-in tournament its not perfect but it is a device that counters two of the leagues issues (tanking and players sitting out games). When the NBA returns to a non covid condensed season the return to 82 games and the greater rest and lack of back to backs in a normal season will help counter some of the players/teams complaints. The hope that the play in gives to teams sitting just out of the playoffs is great for the game. Under the old rules would the Wizards be playing this hard (8-2 in their last 10 games) or would they have shut down Beal and Westbrook and push to tank into the lower half of the lottery?
Rather then changing the play in format the league needs to next look to modify the current buy out system. Allowing bad teams to simply buy out players and set them free as late season FA pick ups for contenders makes little sense for the league. I do not have a good way to correct this but the league should address it.