Real hoopers would be excited at the idea that level of play might be higher for these games and getting a chance to show out while more fans are watching.
Also, I dont buy the 500k prize not meaning anything. Even if you are a millionaire, who doesn't want an extra 500k? That's found money that youweren'tt planning on. You could guiltlessly blow it on anything, take on a high-risk/high reward investment, or buy some gifts for family members.
It's great that we got to see an LA matchup with high level play from Kawhi, PG, LeBron, AD, and even Russ at times. Regardless of who you root for, that's good for the game and good for fans.
For anyone who wants a non hyperbole breakdown of how Pat has been, here's my observations. First, he is a strong 4 who can guard forwards and big wings, but you don't really want him constantly chasing smaller guys around screens. He has been a good defender and has the tools to keep improving.
He is a good 3pt shooter on low volume. He can be hesitant in his shot/drive decision making, but its something he has improved on (still can be an issue). He has no handle, which is the primary reason why he can't get his own shot. He struggles to make that one dribble move to get around help defense when he has an open drive to the hoop. His touch around the rim could use a little work, but the tools are there. He's got a decent midrange shot, mostly off the dribble, that has lot of potential depending on if he can improve his handle.
Overall, he's shown enough to where I see his floor as a decent 3 and D forward. If he can keep his % high while getting up a few more attempts per game, he will at least be a good corner 3 threat. His handle is what holds him back from being a more dynamic offensive threat, and I haven't seen much to make me expect that it will get better. I do think he can at least improve his handle on drives to the basket. Last year, he improved his physicality inside by using his strength to get boards and also play a little bully ball against mismatches. He had a lot of good looks that he couldn't quite finish, but it looked promising, and I expect him to convert more of those looks.
My expected range of outcomes is:
floor: Rotation 3 and D forward that gives you good defense, corner 3s when open, some rebounding and help rim protection.
Ceiling: Solid starting forward, good defense off ball, 3 and D with an average volume of attempts on a good %, can successfully drive on closeouts, and converts inside on rebounds and mismatches.
Don't expect good analysis from any of these halftime/post game shows. I hope people realize that even if the Inside guys are entertaining, they don't care enough/prep enough to have a good understanding of the league.
The tournament games counting for the regular season is actually a really good idea. If they didn't, you would have some teams resting all their players.