ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy has an interesting theory for why the NBA should shorten the preseason

Van Gundy said he would like to take the extra week and use it in the regular season to space out games and avoid teams playing games on back-to-back nights. He also said, in lieu of preseason games where “no one plays, everyone is hurt or fakes being hurt,” he would like to see the NBA use NFL-style scrimmages between two teams, where they practice for a few days, then play a preseason game against each other.

Van Gundy acknowledged that owners who make money off preseason games would likely not want to see fewer games. However, Lowe later added that in the ongoing discussions for a new bargaining agreement, there may be a shortened preseason.

Van Gundy’s sentiments are likely not lost on players. On his own podcast, Clippers guard J.J. Redick admitted he would like to see fewer preseason games.

“I don’t wanna say [preseason] is pointless, because it’s not pointless, but I think in the short amount of time you can sort of get into a rhythm of playing real games … I hate to say this as a professional athlete, but your approach for a preseason game and sort of mental mindset is, it’s just different.”

The NBA has been progressive in trying to ease the burden on players during the regular season. If players don’t need as long of a preseason to get into shape, it may be worth using some of that time to space out games when they really matter.