NBA Commissioner Silver hints at the possibility of switching to 10-minute quarters

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has suggested the potential for the league to transition from 12-minute to 10-minute quarters in order to appeal to a shifting television audience and to better align with international standards.

During an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Wednesday, Silver expressed his preference for four 10-minute quarters, although he recognized that such a significant alteration would require extensive examination.

"I am uncertain if many others share this view," he admitted. "This represents a substantial modification to the game, and I believe it warrants further discussion over time."

Moreover, Silver clarified that this idea is not currently under active consideration by the league.

"It is not at that stage yet," he stated in response to inquiries regarding potential rule adjustments that league officials have contemplated.

Historically, the NBA has conducted 48-minute games, while international competitions, including the Olympics, feature 40-minute matches, and U.S. collegiate men's games are divided into two 20-minute halves.

If the league were to implement such a change, it could render certain single-game and single-season records unbreakable.

"Given the global nature of the sport, one of our aspirations is to establish a more uniform set of rules worldwide," Silver remarked.

"Disregarding the implications for records and similar concerns, I believe that a two-hour game format aligns better with contemporary television viewing habits."

This adjustment could also alleviate some physical strain on players throughout the lengthy NBA season, without reducing the number of games played.

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, when asked about Silver's remarks prior to his team's matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, expressed his disapproval of the concept.

"I tend to favor traditional approaches, so I would be opposed to that... primarily due to the impact on records and related matters," Thibodeau stated.

"I believe what fans appreciate is high-level competition," he continued. "If we concentrate on the competitive aspect, everything else will naturally align."