Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey has a few radical ideas on how to improve the NBA product.
Appearing on The Colin Cowherd Podcast earlier this week, Morey suggested that the NBA cut the number of regular season games from 82 games to 58.
“You’re too timid, but you gotta go farther,” Morey told Cowherd, who suggested a 74-game season. “I like 58. Every team plays every [other] team two times. . . Shorter is better.”
But that wasn’t all Morey had in mind. He also believes the NBA should do away with its current playoff format and instead, implement a March Madness-like structure.
“I would have it one-and-done,” Morey said, shutting down Cowherd’s best-of-five idea. “There’s a reason everyone tunes into every game at huge ratings in the NFL. It is literally one-and-done. And the NCAA Tournament, in 63 games, gets more money than we do in our entire regular season.
“Any sport should want more games that are close to the Super Bowl. Nothing’s going to beat the Super Bowl for a little while, though I think the NBA can pass the NFL in my lifetime for sure for their biggest game being a big deal.”
The Super Bowl is the grandest stage in sports, but there’s only one due to the violence of the game. The NBA may not be able to pull that off as effectively, although the idea of shortening the season is a good one. Injuries have been up across the league in recent years and now more than ever, there are “load management” days for players to get rest.
Ultimately, money talks and unless someone can convince the NBA they’ll make more with less, neither of Morey’s suggestions are likely to come to fruition.
Photo: Dec 22, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey looks on before a game between the Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
