AROUND the NBA: CLE Hires Atkinson as Coach| Scottie Barnes Signs 270M Extension

[SleepingHero]

I fully agree with this. The way I see it, there are two ways to make this make more sense.

1) Remove conferences completely... the 16 best teams in the whole NBA make it to the playoffs.

2) Make divisions matter more... i.e., only allow 2 teams per division to make it through to the playoffs. This can only happen after an expansion to 32 teams though... because then you have 16 teams per conference, split into 4 divisions of 4 teams each. The trickle-down effect of only allowing 2 teams per division through... star players will automatically spread themselves around the league, to improve their chances of making the playoffs. So instead of the Western Conference being more loaded, now teams in the East will be on par with those in the West. It will also force team Front Offices to be better. It will also make divisional rivalries matter again.

#2 would be my preferred option.

#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.