The inaugural In-Season Tournament in the NBA is about to come to an end, and with its conclusion comes a contrived controversy over whether the winner should hang a banner to celebrate their victory. This debate has divided players, coaches, and fans alike, with some arguing that it is a significant achievement worthy of recognition, while others dismiss it as unimportant.
Damian Lillard, for example, took a curmudgeonly approach by stating that he would rather take the money than raise a banner. However, no one has said that players can’t have both. On the other hand, young players like Tyrese Haliburton value the idea of raising a banner, seeing it as a symbol of accomplishment. They understand that as their careers progress, the significance of early-season achievements may fade.
Pelicans coach Willie Green, an older coach with a younger team, is enthusiastic about the idea of raising any kind of banner in their arena. However, tradition and orthodoxy still play a role in how the In-Season Tournament is perceived by the league and its fans.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver would undoubtedly love it if the champion decided to raise a banner and invited him to emcee the event. However, many fans and players remain cynical about the tournament’s significance. Yet, NBA teams continue to raise banners for regular-season division championships, a feat that holds less weight in the NBA compared to other professional sports.
To determine whether an accomplishment is worthy of a banner, a three-pronged Banner Test could be applied. First, does the accomplishment honor someone or an event that stands out in the organization’s history? Winning a month-long tournament done only once a season certainly counts. Second, will raising the banner be embarrassing or subject the team to mockery? While opposing fans may mock any banner, teams must consider whether their own fans will come to regret it. Lastly, will the players respect the banner? The players’ participation and enthusiasm in the In-Season Tournament have shown that they do.
Raising banners is about showing off and asserting dominance over the competition. The NBA Cup is still in its infancy, but as more teams raise banners, it will gain the same reverence as other prestigious tournaments. The tournament has already earned credibility among the players, which is crucial for its success.
Looking at how soccer clubs treat the FA Cup in England, it becomes clear that the NBA should not be any different. While logistical issues may prevent hanging banners in arenas, there are alternative ways to acknowledge the tournament’s champions. UNC raises banners for ACC titles, and NBA teams honor division titles, so why should the In-Season Tournament championship banner be controversial?
In conclusion, the debate over whether the winner of the In-Season Tournament should hang a banner to celebrate their victory has caused a divide among NBA players, coaches, and fans. However, considering the significance of the tournament and how other accomplishments are celebrated in the league, it seems only fair to acknowledge the champions with a banner or some form of recognition. The tournament has already gained credibility among the players, and as more teams follow suit, the controversy will likely fade away.
