(05-26-2024, 06:45 PM)SleepingHero Wrote: #2 is actually very creative.
Problem is you've now generated a super cut throat scenario. Imagine in a probable near future where the Mavs, Rockets, Spurs, and Pelicans are all playoff bound, while you have the south east and all teams (ATL, CHA, MIA) save ORL are way below .500, and 1 of those are about to be easy fodder.
It's a creative idea though. Probably just make it the best 16 teams is the easiest option.
Thanks!
The issue with the best 16 teams only is that it removes the historical significance of the East vs West... and impacts rewards (such as conference Finals MVP, etc) and statistical records.
Just trying to flesh #2 out further. I would split the divisions this way... after adding Seattle and Vegas, moving Minnesota to the East, and moving the Grizzlies back to Vancouver (or another location that makes more sense for Western Conference Division 2 below). Only 2 teams from each of these divisions go through to the playoffs. They could even make teams play more often against their Divisional rivals than other teams, to make things more interesting in the regular season. The betting sites will also probably love the fiercer divisional rivalries, lol. Anyway, I think it could work out really well, alongside the new cap rules.
Eastern Conference:
Division 1: Celtics, Knicks, Nets, 76ers
Division 2: Wolves, Bucks, Pistons, Raptors
Division 3: Bulls, Pacers, Cavs, Wizards
Division 4: Heat, Magic, Hawks, Hornets
Western Conference:
Division 1: Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs, Pelicans
Division 2: Grizzlies, Blazers, Seattle, Vegas
Division 3: Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Kings
Division 4: Suns, Nuggets, Jazz, Thunder