Part 5/8:
The scrutiny doesn’t merely pertain to viewership numbers; it extends to the implications for individual players' legacies. Winning championships holds far greater weight than trivial achievements, like an in-season cup. Should a talented player rack up several NBA Cup wins without ever securing a championship, it could tarnish their legacy significantly.
This dilemma also illustrates a broader concern for the league: Are they prioritizing short-term initiatives over the long-term sanctity of the game?