I disagree with the whole FIBA/FIFA world cup format as far as group play and then later knockout rounds. I also find the mixing of group play with regular seasons games confusing as hell. They should instead model this after March Madness. A completely single elimination tournament will be more exciting, where any team can go on a Cinderella run. And if fan engagement is what they want earlier in the season, the biggest way to do that is to make it interactive for fans and potentially worth something for them as well. A March Madness format could mean NBA Cup brackets to fill out. It could mean office pools. I mean, people who don't watch college basketball all year will fill out brackets and watch simply because it's fun to see how well they do and maybe turn $5 into a few hundred at the office. If the NBA expands to 32 teams, then that format becomes much easier. Should have waited until then in my opinion.
I disagree with the whole FIBA/FIFA world cup format as far as group play and then later knockout rounds. I also find the mixing of group play with regular seasons games confusing as hell. They should instead model this after March Madness. A completely single elimination tournament will be more exciting, where any team can go on a Cinderella run. And if fan engagement is what they want earlier in the season, the biggest way to do that is to make it interactive for fans and potentially worth something for them as well. A March Madness format could mean NBA Cup brackets to fill out. It could mean office pools. I mean, people who don't watch college basketball all year will fill out brackets and watch simply because it's fun to see how well they do and maybe turn $5 into a few hundred at the office. If the NBA expands to 32 teams, then that format becomes much easier. Should have waited until then in my opinion.