NBA Cup Overview

The NBA Cup has entered its third year, and by now, most fans have at least a basic understanding of how it’s structured. The league organizes teams into groups, and they compete against one another. The best six teams from these groups, along with two wild cards, progress to the knockout rounds. There’s a substantial prize at stake, with over $500,000 available for the winning team’s players during the tournament.

When it started, particularly in the first year, many players noticed that while the prize might seem trivial for the top stars, it’s a significant amount for guys like second-round picks or undrafted players. The focus for these individuals is often about the money.

Players aren’t shy about admitting this motivation, and with that in mind, we’ve highlighted some of the NBA’s most committed Cup contenders.

Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have struggled to advance beyond the round-robin phase of the Cup games. In the recent season, they found themselves tied with the Phoenix Suns for a wild card position, but lost out due to goal difference. Nonetheless, they kicked off this year’s tournament on a positive note, defeating the Utah Jazz decisively. After that win, McDaniels expressed that he and his teammates were determined to reach the finals this time around.

“Go get that money, Jayden,” right?

Cole Anthony, Milwaukee Bucks

Cole Anthony’s reactions to the previous season’s results showcased some frustration. His team, similar to the Timberwolves, also failed to reach the final last year, primarily due to goal difference. Despite having a strong record, the Magic found themselves overshadowed by teams like the Celtics and Knicks when qualifying for the next round.

Anthony seemed upset about the missed opportunity, sharing with reporters that it felt unjust, especially since, for him, these games are about more than just competition; they have financial implications.

Despite this setback, the Bucks began this season on a strong note, beating the Chicago Bulls. Anthony’s experience with the Magic could potentially help the Bucks stay focused as they aim for the Cup title again.

“We can’t take this lightly,” he noted. “It’s vital to our chances.”

Jaylin Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder narrowly missed the finals last year, which was a costly disappointment for the players. During that time, Jaylin Williams emerged as a motivating presence in the locker room. His enthusiasm and commitment to winning drove others to stay focused on their goal.

His drive for the prize money became a rallying point for the entire team. Despite not winning the Cup last season, it was a rewarding year financially, with each player reportedly earning just over $800,000 for winning the NBA championship.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis’s perspective on the Cup prize is rather different. With earnings over $340 million throughout his career, he doesn’t see the monetary aspect as a primary motivating factor. However, he values the impact it could have on his teammates and staff within the organization.

“Money doesn’t matter to me,” he emphasized, noting the importance of this prize for many around him. “It’s meaningful for so many, not just the players.”

This sentiment particularly resonates with members of the team on lower contracts, like Liam Robbins, who pocketed extra money thanks to the Cup victory last season.

Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks

Kyle Kuzma joined the Bucks after their Cup championship, which meant he missed out on any prize money from that win. Yet being part of a championship team helped him understand the stakes involved in the Cup. His focus is now on maximizing every game, not just for financial rewards but for that competitive edge.

“I think it’s essential to have these high-stakes games throughout the season to keep us all motivated,” he conveyed.

Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

The first NBA Cup presented a unique opportunity for Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers, serving as a catalyst for their progress. Although they missed the playoffs last year, they went undefeated in the group stage, impressively defeating established teams. The experience helped them secure a successful season later on, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Haliburton noted how the tournament allowed for real competition at an NBA level, providing players with a taste of playoff intensity that they hadn’t experienced before.

“This is a chance to make the games more thrilling for everyone,” he said, sharing optimism about future Cup tournaments.

Critique of Doc Rivers

Despite the clear enthusiasm from many players about the Cup, head coach Doc Rivers doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment. At one point, he almost dropped the trophy after their victory, which fed into concerns about the team’s trajectory, especially after early playoff exits.