According to Last Word on Sports sources, the NBA is planning on having a consolation tournament for the eight teams that were left out of the continued season. In order of worst record to best, the eight teams that would compete in a possible consolation tournament would be the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and the Charlotte Hornets.
Update: ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the report on July 2nd.
Reported NBA Consolation Tournament in the Works
Not a lot of details have been passed on to LWOS at this time but one thing that is known is that the tournament will also take place in the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.
Update: Though sources indicated the tournament would be in Orlando, the consolation will take place in Chicago instead.
This is also a welcomed addition for the teams involved. Cleveland Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff voiced his and his players’ displeasure when they were excluded from the extended season.
The eight teams being excluded were at a clear disadvantage from a team-building perspective. Most of the teams that will be involved in the potential consolation tournament are very young. The more games they get together, the better.
Young Teams Who Can Benefit
The Cavaliers, Hawks, Knicks, Bulls, and Hornets have a lot of young pieces as part of their core. For Cleveland, in particular, Collin Sexton was really coming on as the season was postponed. It was a major blow to his development.
The same can be said for the Knicks with players like RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. The Hawks are full of young players with sky-high potential. Trae Young is already an All-Star. Plus, they roster players such as John Collins, Kevin Huerter, Cam Reddish, and De’Andre Hunter.
Vital Details
Unfortunately, at this time, not a lot of details have been disclosed. LWOS’ source has mentioned that the above eight teams have been in contact with the league office and that the season doesn’t “feel” over for them.
What seems to be clear is that the games will be played in the bubble in Orlando. However, what the teams could be playing for, if anything, is still unclear. The NBA could make it interesting by revolving this around draft lottery odds.
LWOS will keep you posted as details come in.
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