Who Benefits From a Shortened NBA Season?

Amidst labor negotiations, Commissioner David Stern canceled the first two weeks of the regular season on Monday, October 10. Negotiations will continue on Tuesday, October 18, when a federal mediator will meet with both sides. If this federal mediator can somehow manage to get a deal done between the owners and players, then the 2011-2012 NBA season will commence, albeit shortened. Life will go on but who really benefits from a shortened NBA season?

Kobe Bryant, SG – Los Angeles Lakers

There’s no doubt that the one person who benefits the most from a potential shortened season is Kobe Bryant. After seven NBA Finals appearances and averaging the lowest PPG in his career since 2003 (25.3), his body needs the extra rest, more specifically, his knees and arthritic index finger. The rumors of Bryant playing in Italy have yet to materialize, and the most likely scenario is he goes there for a game or two. A 60-game season enables Bryant to be more productive throughout. He’ll get another chance to tie #23 for the elusive sixth ring without having to destroy his body as much as previous seasons.

The Old Guys (Boston, San Antonio, Dallas)

The theme here is old. The older teams in the league will have a chance to rest their creaky bodies and not fade down the stretch (see 2011 Spurs). Suddenly, the grind of a full 82-game season is gone and a shortened season won’t be as daunting on tired legs. They may have a psychological edge because they realize a short season could be their last real chance to win/steal a championship. If 2010 was the changing of the guard, then 2011 could be “out with the new and in with the old.”

The Bottom Feeders (Cleveland, Minnesota, Toronto)

Yes, I do mean the Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Raptors. Over the course of an 82-game season, there’s just no way these bottom feeders could finish with a better record than teams like Boston, Oklahoma City or Los Angeles. However, given a shortened season and the relatively higher probability that the bottom teams could defeat the better teams in a single game, it stands to reason that some bottom feeders could sneak into the playoffs. (Cavs-Twolves NBA Finals anyone? If that were to be the Finals and we knew this ahead of time, let’s just cancel the season now.) Of course, it will give these teams lower draft picks, but why not take advantage of a shortened season? New York took advantage in 1999. Besides, these shortened seasons only come around every 13 years or so.

Kevin Durant, SF – Oklahoma City Thunder

Improving his skills during the lockout and putting on offensive shows, Durant has progressed while others have regressed or plateaued. A shortened season allows KD to use that advantage and put up epic numbers, especially early on against players who may be out of shape and unready to play. His place among the NBA elite had been cemented before this summer, but now he’s reached another stratosphere. If all falls into place and given his momentum from this summer, Durant could get his first of many rings.

Tim Duncan, PF – San Antonio Spurs

A short season enables Timmy to give more on the floor each night and play more minutes. Remember, this is a contract year for Duncan and anything he can do to remove the memory of his sub par 2010 is a positive. It’ll be his chance to show the Spurs, and potential other suitors, he still has something left in the tank.