I think that’s what’s lost on this new tournament, 500k is amazing for the winning players, but what’s different for the fans? 500k is a drop in the bucket for the superstars, but it’s amazing for the players lower on the depth chart, but will that really draw more fans to watch the game?
I’ve enjoyed the hell out of the run my team is making and will be enjoying it even more during that quarterfinal game at home in a week or so. YMMV depending on how your team does, but that is the case regardless of this tournament.
I know the Pacers have 0% chance of winning The Finals this year, but this is fun to see a young team making some noise and getting experience with higher stakes ball. And don’t discount that 500k for any player. Sure they make millions, but you wouldn’t get up for an equivalent bonus your boss gave you at work? Or are you like “nah, no thanks” and just dick around?
Pacers are a great team tho, I think them upsetting a top seed in the playoffs is more impressive than winning the nba cup