There’s been a fuss around the NBA Cup ever since its inception last season. Players and fans were both skeptical at first, not fully understanding the format or its significance. However, as time has passed, there seems to be a shift in the narrative. Ever since LeBron James won the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup, followed by Giannis Antetokounmpo winning it this season, In-Season tournaments have become the next hot commodity players want to add to their resume.
Commentator and American television personality Nick Wright reiterated a similar sentiment, explaining how the value of the in-season tournament has surged after the first two were won by two of the most high-profile players in the league.
Wright described how, in the coming years, the NBA Cup will become the next coveted milestone.
LeBron winning this and caring and Giannis winning this and caring … I now think the standard is set moving forward. This is a thing you need to have on your resume if you’re a great player. And I feel like it would have been different had Houston won it this year—no disrespect to Houston—but the fact that LeBron, Giannis [won] the first two, oh, it matters, it is indicative of something.
Nick Wright said on First Things First
FS1’s Nick Wright on the NBA Cup: “LeBron winning this and caring and Giannis winning this and caring … I now think the standard is set moving forward. This is a thing you have to have on your resume if you’re a great player.” pic.twitter.com/zYDt43jgqE
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 18, 2024
This growing respect for the NBA Cup signals a shift in how players and fans perceive in-season tournaments. Beyond the gleaming trophy and the half-a-million-dollar cash prize, it also makes the regular season more competitive and gives it a playoff-like intensity. Although many critics are still dubbing it meaningless and lackluster, only fans can judge how much weight the NBA Cup truly holds.
Commissioner Adam Silver explores moving NBA Cup Final back to home markets
It’s heartbreaking to watch the empty seats in fully adorned and decorated T-Mobile arena. One of the drawbacks of having the in-season tournament in a neutral territory like Vegas is that it attracts casual fans, which diminishes the energy and excitement within the building.
To counter this problem, Commissioner Adam Silver opened up about considering moving the NBA Cup Final back to the teams’ rightful home markets.
Under 10 min until tip between the Bucks and Thunder in the NBA Cup Championship and there are a lot of empty seats.
The arena should fill up shortly but the Vegas attendance and atmosphere has been a topic of discussion regarding the NBA Cup this week. pic.twitter.com/VvHpoQ2eGZ
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 18, 2024
Touching on the subject on Tuesday before the NBA Cup title game, Adam Silver said:
There has been some interest expressed by teams in playing in the home markets. It’s complicated enough scheduling a neutral site. I’m not against playing in our markets.
Adam Silver on possibly scheduling next NBA Cup Finals in home markets
As time goes by, the impact of the NBA Cup on the league’s culture and competitive landscape will become even clearer. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture or fades away in the background, one thing is certain: the first two tournaments have laid a strong foundation.
Adding the home court advantage to the mix will certainly help in boosting the popularity of the tournament among fans and players.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
