The NBA’s return to play wasn’t groundbreaking. A quartet of scrimmages were held in the Orlando bubble as players, referees, broadcasters and fans adjust to the “New Normal”. As far as in game actions goes, there wasn’t a lot to take note of. The Brooklyn Nets look terrible and Bol Bol showed off a little game.
This may be a good time to mention that a $10 bet on the Washington Wizards to finish as the eighth seed returns $270. All they have to do is finish two games better than Brooklyn during the “regular season” and then beat them twice in a playoff
But we digress. Despite not being fans of the restart, the NBA’s return to play means we are one-step closer to basketball coming back. Here is what we learned from these matchups.
What we noticed during the NBA’s return to play
1) It’s better than the TBT
After watching The Basketball Tournament, it was nice to see good basketball on display, even in a pre-season environment. No disrespect to the players in the TBT, but everything before the Elam Ending wasn’t that great. There was some rust, but the majority of the players seem ready to go.
2) Court design is lacking
The Black Lives Matter display is good, but everything else looks bland. The court doesn’t need to reach the Houston Rockets 1995-96 level of gaudiness but add something. And the NBA logo at mid-court needs to go. It screams overseas exhibition.
3) Sounds are fine
Having the designated home team’s music piped in during the games did add a little atmosphere. The contrived fan chants being used aren’t great, but some people may like these. Overall, the lack of fans is still noticeable, but not unbearable.
4) But the shoe squeaking has to go
Yes, the sound of shoes squeaking is a vital part of basketball. It’s like the crack of the bat in baseball or the popping of pads in football. It is also going to drive people insane without the sounds of fans to drown it out. The NBA needs to find a way to bring the shoe volume down ASAP.
5) Playoffs remain a question
Overall, the NBA’s return to play is welcome. The presentation will be fine for the remaining playoff seeding games. But will this atmosphere cut it for the NBA playoffs? Is watching the same two teams play seven games in the same generic venue going to get stale? It is definitely a concern.
