What sets this tournament apart is that it will run parallel to the standard NBA season, with all tournament match-ups counting as regular-season games. This means that the results of the tournament will factor into the standings used to determine which teams make the NBA Playoffs.

In addition to the financial incentives, the tournament will also feature unconventional court designs and new uniforms with alternative designs and unique fonts. The goal is to attract more viewership and interest to the early phase of the regular season, creating excitement months before the playoffs.

While a $500,000 prize might not make a significant difference for highly compensated players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, it could be a significant boost for bench players earning the minimum NBA salary of around $1 million.

The tournament is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, and the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets are among the favorites to come out on top. It remains to be seen which team will emerge victorious and claim the inaugural NBA Cup.