The J-Notes
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How will the new in-season tournament work for the Utah Jazz and the other 29 NBA teams?

By Chad Porto

SALT LAKE CITY UT- NOVEMBER 7: Will Hardy head coach of the Utah Jazz watches play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of their game at the Vivint Arena November 7, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- NOVEMBER 7: Will Hardy head coach of the Utah Jazz watches play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of their game at the Vivint Arena November 7, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /
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Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz.
Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, and Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz. /

What is on the line for the Utah Jazz?

So what are the Utah Jazz and the NBA’s other 29 teams competing for? Well, not much. At least for an NBA player.

Winning the tournament will see each player win $500k, not a paltry sum to many, but the best of the best of the NBA isn’t going to go all out in extra games for what accounts for a game-check. Someone like Steph Curry makes more than that per game. Since this is a star-driven league, shouldn’t the onus be on incentivizing the best in the league?

Players who don’t make the finals, but make the knockout round, will still make extra cash, with semi-finalists earning $200k, and quarterfinalists making $50k.

Not only can a player make money but they can also earn bogus (errr…bonus) awards; with a tournament Most Valuable Player to be awarded at the conclusion of the tournament as well as “All-Tournament Team” selections.

The rewards for such a tournament don’t seem that rewarding, and it makes a lot of sense why Adam Silver made the results of the regular season matter during the tournament; it’s the only way to best protect the league from its stars sitting out a pointless in-season tournament.

Next. 4 legendary Utah Jazz players with a case to be in the Hall of Fame. dark

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