CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bulls guard Zach LaVine eventually will sit down and peruse the details of the dramatic changes the NBA is proposing for the regular-season schedule and the playoff seedings — maybe when he’s on a team that’s actually going to the playoffs.
“I want to get to the playoffs before I even start to . . . I just want to taste it,’’ LaVine said Saturday, laughing. “[The changes don’t] matter. At this point, just let me get in there.’’
ESPN reported that the NBA is in discussions with the National Basketball Players Association and broadcast partners about major changes to the league calendar that would include a reseeding of the four conference finalists, a 30-team in-season tournament and a postseason play-in, which would shorten the regular season to 78 games.
The report said the hope is to get the details ironed out by April in order to introduce them to a vote and have them ready for the 2021-22 season.
If the reseeding of the teams in the semifinal round based on regular-season record is passed, it could give the league a Finals that includes its two best teams rather than having talent-heavy Western Conference teams battling it out in the semis.
“I mean, it seems like the West is always a little bit better than the East, and it’s been like that for a while,’’ LaVine said. “[But] the East has won a lot of championships, too. I’m not the commissioner. I’m just here to play.’’
That was basically coach Jim Boylen’s attitude.
“I’m a huge fan of [NBA commissioner] Adam Silver,’’ Boylen said. “I’m going to worry about coaching my team. If they feel that’s what is best for all of us, we all are reaping the benefits of what’s laid down by the league office. I’ll continue to trust that. Whatever they need me to do to help them and support them, I’ll do.’’
Guilty as shin
Forward Chandler Hutchison was back in uniform against the Hornets after missing the last two games with sore shins.
He did not start, however, as Boylen said he will be cautious with him, especially with Otto Porter Jr. (left foot) still on the shelf.
