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NBA Summer League reportedly set to adopt March Madness-style format

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Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

The NBA Summer League just got a whole lot more interesting: a March Madness-style format will reportedly be implemented this year.

Looking to kick the competition up a notch while giving fans another reason to tune in, the NBA Summer League will adopt a March Madness-style tournament format featuring an actual title game this year, Ric Bucher of CSN Bay Area reports.

Under the new format, teams will still be scheduled to play at least the customary five games, but advancing further into the tournament could allow a team to play as many as eight contests. Following a three-game group period, all teams will be seeded, with the top teams being given first round byes.

The first round will pare down the field to eight teams, which will play out the remainder of the summer season in a standard tournament format, culminating with a Summer League Championship Game.

As Bucher notes, some teams will presumably oppose the new measures given that the league is supposed to be focused on player development and giving opportunities, but he adds that the added degree of intensity the new format provides is highly intriguing.

For hoops fans still wanting to get their fix over the summer, this is undoubtedly some good news.

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