NBA playoffs: In absence of homecourt edge, higher seeds seek other advantages

Without homecourt advantage in the upcoming playoffs should the NBA successfully return, higher-seeded squads are proposing both rational and weird ways to gain an edge in the post-season.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources around the league are actually seeking ways to gain any sort of advantage over lower seeded squads to make up for the absence of the classic homecourt advantage.

With homecourt advantage out the window in an NBA bubble, some contenders are angling for an alternative leg-up, sources tell ESPN. Extra possessions, extra coaches challenges and even first dibs at picking a team hotel on site are being discussed https://t.co/26G5Iwo0rt

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 3, 2020

Should the season resume, all games shall be played in the ESPN’s Wild World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Among the suggestions made by higher-seeded teams are:

Gaining extra possessions by having the officials grant them first possessions in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters of a game.
Gaining an extra coach’s challenge or an extra player being able to foul out on the 7th foul.
Having the first choice on picking which hotel they will stay at.

More absurd suggestions include the teams being able to transport their actual hardwood homecourt to have a “feel of their home playing experience” and higher-seeded teams being able to choose their first-round opponent, which will likely be unapproved.

Under commissioner Adam Silver’s proposal, the NBA will return on July 31 with 22 teams playing 8 extra regular seasons to determine the final playoff seedings.

Potentially, there might be a play-in round for the 8th and 9th seeds of each conference to determine who takes the final playoff spots.