Rob Manfred’s changes that improved the MLB product appear to have inspired other commissioners, even if every idea isn’t as good as a pitch clock.
For example, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared on the Dan Patrick Show (video above) and mentioned he was a fan of 10-minute NBA quarters.
“As we get more involved in global basketball, the NBA is the only league that plays 48 minutes. I am a fan of four 10-minute quarters. I’m not sure how many others are, and putting aside what it means for records and things like that, I think that a two-hour format for a game is more consistent with modern television habits.”
Silver’s point is that the highly viewed Paris Olympics featured 10-minute quarters, as do WNBA games (as well as college games).
At least Silver is honest that this is about television packages, although a shorter game means either fewer commercials or the same number of commercials jammed into a shorter game.
One of Silver’s great strengths is his willingness to consider new ideas — the play-in was a big change that proved successful. But 10-minute quarters? That’s messing with the fundamental structure of the NBA game. There are steps the league can take to improve the product — more physicality allowed on the perimeter? — but don’t change the quarter length. Not every idea is worthy of serious consideration.
