After persistent lobbying from the NBA Player’s Association, Commissioner David Stern has agreed to go with a “Make-It, Take-It” game format for the 2006-2007 season.
“Hoops are played ‘Make-It, Take-It’ on playgrounds around the country,” Stern said. “This is the game at its roots. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the NFL follow with a move to Nerf next season.”
The new format, which was heavily pushed by Allen Iverson, the Phoenix Suns and “Hot Sauce” from the And-1 Tour, will be played in a half-court setting, allowing the scoring team to retain possession of the ball.
“Hey, if they can’t stop us, they ain’t scoring,” Iverson said. “I don’t see myself having to play much ‘D’ next year, you know what I’m saying?”
In addition, each play will be initiated with a “check,” two- and three-point baskets will be scored as ones and twos, and, in the event of an airball, the opposing team does not have to take the ball back beyond the perimeter to score.
“Is this a dream?” asked two-time MVP Steve Nash.
Games will be won when a team reaches 21 points with a lead of at least two points.
The playoffs will be tournament form, with seeding determined by order of “We Got Next” or “We Got Down” declarations by team captains. Teams are also responsible for bringing their own ball.
