Cuban proposes something similar to what I did. All 30 teams play 5-7 games (I assume the variety is to even out the games played). And then playoffs. Allows teams to try to get into the playoffs, re-establishes interest in the NBA ahead of the playoffs. But all 30 teams is risky.
Going right to the playoffs with 16 teams eliminates nearly half the players/coaches/personnel. And playoff series limits contact. Safer, more manageable.
How about: a 6 team tourney to get the final two playoffs spots per conference. Would allow 24 teams to play meaningful games. 12 teams already qualified and 12 teams battling for the last 4 spots. Make it 8 teams per conference, playing best of 3 series, battling for 2 playoff spots, and you'd have all but 2 teams involved.
Essentially it would be like two playoffs. A pre-playoff tourney of 16 teams, in short best-of-3 series, to get to the playoffs. Then 2 teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs. And you'd be able to design it as two 16 team playoffs. So only half the league at a time involved. More interesting and safer than completing some dull end of season slog.