The NBA has significantly grown in popularity over the last decade. Capitalizing on this success, the league was looking for a way to make the regular season more interesting. Looking at other leagues in the world, they settled on something that has been a staple in the soccer world for years, an in season tournament. This concept was initiated last year, but has grown into an official format this year, featuring all 32 teams in a single elimination tournament called the NBA League Cup.

The tournament gives the players and coaches another chance to win something other than the NBA finals.  Furthermore, they are adding some gimmicks to the action like playing on artistically reimagined courts.

Two Hidden Valley basketball players had things to say about the tournament, Wyatt Clarke (11) and Steele Torrance (11). Torrance thinks that the Thunder have a chance of winning, ” I think OKC will win it they are the best team out right now and are playing good.” Clarke, on the other hand, fancies Lebron’s squad, ” I think Lakers will win it because they have great players and have the talent.”

Both feel that the single elimination format gives every team an opportunity, “I think any team could win it, all of the NBA teams have so much talent and the better teams have more of a chance, but I think any team can win it,” said Clarke. “It would be hard for the not so good teams to win it, but anything is possible,” added Torrance.

In the end, both were wrong with their predictions, as the Milwaukee Bucks ended up wining the trophy.  The Bucks currently sit in fifth place in the East, but are led by NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Torrance feels that the cup has been great for the fans, “Yes this is a really good and smart way to get fans excited and buy more things of their favorite teams.” “I think a lot of people think this idea is great with having another form of a playoff and people get to watch teams face off before the real playoffs,” added Clarke