Kevin Punter explains why players are against EuroLeague Play-In tournament / News - Basketnews.com

While EuroLeague fans embrace the Play-In format, Kevin Punter expresses concerns as he sees the new format diminishing the hard work put in during the regular season.

Credit: ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic Credit ABA League j.t.d./Emilija Jovanovic

The introduction of the Play-In Showdown in the 2023-24 EuroLeague season has been met with excitement by many EuroLeague fans. However, one of the tournament's brightest stars, Kevin Punter, expressed his concerns after seeing the changes in the upcoming basketball calendar.

Kevin Punter

Position:SGAge:30Height:190 cmWeight:86 kgBirth place:New York, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

During an episode of the URBONUS podcast, the Partizan Belgrade scorer shared his thoughts on the new format.

"I don't like it. We have 34 games. You better figure it out in those 34," he chuckled.

"I'm sorry, but this league is too competitive. The talent from top to bottom is too good to throw in a play-in game," he added.

Punter emphasized that the Play-In tournament diminishes the hard work put in during the regular seasons, known for its intense, challenging, and competitive nature in the EuroLeague.

According to Punter, the Play-In Showdown disadvantages stronger teams that have fought for their position throughout the rigorous regular season.

He suggested that the one-game format gives an advantage to teams that may have been weaker during the season but are in a better position to win a single game due to particular circumstances.

"I don't know if play-in games would significantly prolong the season, but that should be taken into consideration. The season is already long and intense. Players compete fiercely in those 34 games. You better leave it all out there, and we should determine it by the standings," Punter stated.

"I'm sorry to all the basketball junkies, I love you, but figure it out because we have to play. I don't want to play any play-in games," Punter jokingly remarked.

URBONUS co-host Errick McCollum looked at the situation from two perspectives.

"I don't like it from the player side because it diminishes the significance of your performance throughout the season. You can almost rectify your entire season in one or two games.

For me, the regular season in Europe holds so much importance, and this addition feels like a punishment for teams that handled their business while offering a mulligan or an extra chance to those who didn't. As a player, I don't like it," McCollum understood Punter's concerns.

"As a fan, ah, I hate to say it, but I do like it," he smiled.

"You get to witness another high-stakes game. Every do-or-die game carries immense energy, and knowing that your season could end today adds that Final Four flare," he continued.

"It provides more games for a team. We've seen what it does for Zalgiris; it has a huge impact because it changes teams' financial outlook, allowing them to assemble a stronger roster and pay players more. I love that," McCollum laughed.

"It's also good for fans who want to see more games and have the opportunity to experience a home game in this type of environment. It could also generate additional TV revenue.

We've already seen how the NBA acquired broadcasting rights in France for Victor Wembanyama. Games like these, in such environments, could lead to more broadcasting and revenue opportunities. I'm torn because as a player, I hate it, but as a fan, I love it."

Punter suggested replacing the play-in games with a EuroLeague All-Star game.

"I think that would be awesome. The All-Star game would be amazing, especially with ESPN3 covering every game this year. I think it's great for marketing," Punter preferred an All-Star game over the Play-In Showdown.

"No play-in games. Add an All-Star game and make it a series instead of a Final Four," he concluded.

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