ESPN article on how to make the NBA better

[nickagneta]

The idea of hard cap and eliminating a max on contracts works in the NFL because contracts are not guaranteed.  Otherwise, it doesn't work and that is why the NBA has gotten to where they are with all the cap exclusions and things.

One hard a$$ thing I think they could do is put restrictions on players talking about contracts and FA.  If a team has a player under contract, they should not be able to discuss their FA status with another player under contract with another team.  To me, that should be a breach of contract, similar to how GMs can't discuss players under contract with another team.

For the draft, I have always liked the idea of the "snake" draft where you reverse the order in the second round.  That would reduce the value of tanking.  It wouldn't eliminate the problem of course, but it would reduce the incentive some.

And yes, increase the size of the court.  And let defenders defend.  This is improved this year but still too many fouls.  Make it harder for an offensive player to "draw" a foul.  If you are legitimately trying to make a shot and there is contact, fine, but if the offensive player is leaning in or whatever, trying to get fouled vs. truly trying to make a shot, the threshold for a foul should be adjusted.

I agree the contract drama and free agency side of the NBA has become to prevalent. Simmons gets upset sits out, Harden gets annoyed forces a trade, Zion isn't happy he isn't in NY, Lebron builds the team he wanted it doesn't work and he puts the Lakers on notice.... Its all consuming and the media loves it. I agree its fun to speculate about trades and free agent landing spots but we have reached a tipping point. I don't see it being fixed because the owners have lost control and given it to the elite players.   

I have no problem with any of this. I mean really:



Are you not entertained?

[CFAN38]

The idea of hard cap and eliminating a max on contracts works in the NFL because contracts are not guaranteed.  Otherwise, it doesn't work and that is why the NBA has gotten to where they are with all the cap exclusions and things.

One hard a$$ thing I think they could do is put restrictions on players talking about contracts and FA.  If a team has a player under contract, they should not be able to discuss their FA status with another player under contract with another team.  To me, that should be a breach of contract, similar to how GMs can't discuss players under contract with another team.

For the draft, I have always liked the idea of the "snake" draft where you reverse the order in the second round.  That would reduce the value of tanking.  It wouldn't eliminate the problem of course, but it would reduce the incentive some.

And yes, increase the size of the court.  And let defenders defend.  This is improved this year but still too many fouls.  Make it harder for an offensive player to "draw" a foul.  If you are legitimately trying to make a shot and there is contact, fine, but if the offensive player is leaning in or whatever, trying to get fouled vs. truly trying to make a shot, the threshold for a foul should be adjusted.

I agree the contract drama and free agency side of the NBA has become to prevalent. Simmons gets upset sits out, Harden gets annoyed forces a trade, Zion isn't happy he isn't in NY, Lebron builds the team he wanted it doesn't work and he puts the Lakers on notice.... Its all consuming and the media loves it. I agree its fun to speculate about trades and free agent landing spots but we have reached a tipping point. I don't see it being fixed because the owners have lost control and given it to the elite players.   

I have no problem with any of this. I mean really:



Are you not entertained?

I fear the league is becoming more about the drama then the actual on the court game. For the NFL the major media seems more balanced between off the field drama and the on the field product. The major media shows for the NBA are almost to the point of needing to be aired on Bravo. 

[86MaxwellSmart]

Super Max contracts have been a disaster.

[Csfan1984]

Some ideas I like.

1. Shorten Quarters to 10mins.
2. Make the 3 point line same as FIBA
3. Add a 4 point shot.
4. Catch and shoot shots made add an extra point. This will reduce ISO and encourage more passing offenses.
5. Fiba goal tend rules.
6. Player who fouls out can return for upto two more fouls but opposing team gets 9 points.

[footey]

Eventually the players will become the owners of the teams, and just contract out management responsibilities to professional managers.  The players are the product.  They shouldn't give up 50% of the revenue to "governors" to manage the teams.    May not be in our lifetime, but this is where it will end up.

[slamtheking]

Eventually the players will become the owners of the teams, and just contract out management responsibilities to professional managers.  The players are the product.  They shouldn't give up 50% of the revenue to "governors" to manage the teams.    May not be in our lifetime, but this is where it will end up.

let them go start their own league then.  they won't but if they did the squabbling over finances will get real ugly real fast and the product they put out will stink.

of course, if they don't like making more money in their first contract than 90% of the country will make make in their lifetimes all while playing a kid's game they can go find a real job.  no one's stopping them.