(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks is completely on board with the new NBA In-Season Tournament.
The tournament has received mixed reviews so far, with some people feeling confused by its format and even a bit frustrated by its schedule and the new design of the courts.
But Lillard told HoopsHype that winning the tournament and earning the cash prize that comes with victory can do a lot for certain players.
“You got guys on two-way contracts who are trying to earn a stay and that prize in the end could change their family’s lives,” Lillard said.
Damian Lillard wants that In-Season Tournament prize money… but mostly for teammates who are not so well off financially: “You got guys on two-way contracts who are trying to earn a stay and that prize in the end could change their family’s lives.” pic.twitter.com/AQSaQDyQcQ
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) November 16, 2023
Every player on the team that wins the tournament will earn $500,000.
Some players in the league make way more than that every single year but for some up-and-comers, especially those on two-way contracts, it’s a massive amount of cash.
Of course, the motivation to win this new tournament goes beyond the hefty prize that comes with it.
NBA players are natural competitors and they want proof that they are better than others in the league.
Games in the opening round of the tournament also count toward a team’s regular season record, which gives them even more incentive to win.
So far, Lillard and his Bucks have found success in the In-Season Tournament.
They won their first game against the New York Knicks but now have to face off against the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat.
If they are able to do that, it’ll be on to the next rounds, which are single elimination and even more challenging.
And if the Bucks can get through it all, each player will earn a big payout and the Bucks will prove they really are as special as fans had hoped.
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