It should be no conferences, top 16 teams in playoffs

[selrahc]

1. San Antonio
16. Minnesota

8. Golden State
9. Memphis

5. Miami Heat
12. Chicago

4. LA Clippers
13. Toronto

3. Indiana
14. Brooklyn

6. Houston Rockets
11. Phoenix

7. Portland
10. Dallas

2. Oklahoma City
15. Washington

If it was like this, there would only be 2 teams from the East in the top 11 playoff teams and only 6 overall. :roll:

There would only be two teams from the East in the second round.... Indiana and Miami

And there is no way LeBron and Miami's overrated asses would make it to the Finals without an easy road to the playoffs like they normally have in the East. They would face the Clippers in the second round, the Spurs in the third round, then probably OKC or Indiana in the finals..

This would be so much more interesting with better teams playing each other sooner and way better playoff matchups... instead of having to watch a bunch of shitty teams from the East every year that have no business being in the playoffs.

Anybody else want to see this format instead?

[ForeverHeat]

Should stay how it is in my opinion.

[Fudge]

Shut up, Charles.

[Sarcastic]

Nope. The NBA already does the best job of crowning the rightful champion. There are no flukes, unlike pretty much every other major sport. A hot pitcher or hot goalie can't carry you to a title, nor is it decided by one and done like the Super Bowl or NCAA.

[Thunderfan86]

Sounds like fun

[red1]

a laker fan crying about the heat. whats new

[mr.big35]

why change something that is not broken

[ZenMaster]

Should stay how it is in my opinion.

I have to ask, how could you possibly want this?

A system that goes against a core value of sports: winning more than others.

[ABfor3]

why change something that is not broken
yup

[T_L_P]

They really should change it.

The best East teams have an easy road to the Finals / ECF (and don't say the Heat played a lot of games before the Finals last year. That just proves my point).

It'll be even worse this year.

[ForeverHeat]

I have to ask, how could you possibly want this?

A system that goes against a core value of sports: winning more than others.

So? There are 16 teams in each conference. All you have to do is finish in the top 50%. If you cant do that then whats the point of being in the playoffs anyway?

[selrahc]

why change something that is not broken

because instead of watching the miami heat play the ****ing charlotte bobcats then chicago bulls in the second round, you can watch them play chicago in the first round then the clippers...

the playoffs would be a million times more entertaining in terms of match ups

[FLDFSU]

But then the Heat would get to beat up on the West and take the number one seed...

[oarabbus]

I dunno, but what they SHOULD have is a play-in format. Top 6 (or 7) seeds are decided by conference just like it is now. The remaining teams, regardless of conference, play in for the final spots.

[OmniStrife]

because instead of watching the miami heat play the ****ing charlotte bobcats then chicago bulls in the second round, you can watch them play chicago in the first round then the clippers...

the playoffs would be a million times more entertaining in terms of match ups
This.
I don't see how anyone with at least half a brain could oppose this change.
The Eastern conferense is shit outside of two teams and you all know it.

[ZenMaster]

So? There are 16 teams in each conference. All you have to do is finish in the top 50%. If you cant do that then whats the point of being in the playoffs anyway?

Again, winning more than others is what team sports have always been about.

The NBA system of inferior teams getting rewarded is unique compared to other serious sports leagues.

There are 32 teams in the league, all you have to do is finish top 50%. If you can't do that what's the point of being in the playoffs anyway?

[FLDFSU]

They really should change it.

The best East teams have an easy road to the Finals / ECF (and don't say the Heat played a lot of games before the Finals last year. That just proves my point).

It'll be even worse this year.

Then those superior west teams should have no problem clown stumping those inferior east teams come finals time.

[OmniStrife]

because instead of watching the miami heat play the ****ing charlotte bobcats then chicago bulls in the second round, you can watch them play chicago in the first round then the clippers...

the playoffs would be a million times more entertaining in terms of match ups
This.
I don't see how anyone with at least half a brain could oppose this change.
The Eastern conferense is shit outside of two teams and you all know it.

[ballup]

The East has it easy
*Looks at Bulls*

Yep easy

[OmniStrife]

Then those superior west teams should have no problem clown stumping those inferior east teams come finals time.
No because only the ELITE eastern teams can get there and since there are only two of those that teams path to the finals is EASY compared to the west finalist.

Really... Was that too hard for you to realize it by yourself??

[FLDFSU]

because instead of watching the miami heat play the ****ing charlotte bobcats then chicago bulls in the second round, you can watch them play chicago in the first round then the clippers...

the playoffs would be a million times more entertaining in terms of match ups

So?

And the Pacers get to play the Hawks and then the Raptors.

Why do we not care who the Pacers play?

[selrahc]

So?

And the Pacers get to play the Hawks and then the Raptors.

Why do we not care who the Pacers play?

we do.

the hawks suck dick.

instead they could be playing the brooklyn nets first round then the houston rockets in the second

[FLDFSU]

Again, winning more than others is what team sports have always been about.

The NBA system of inferior teams getting rewarded is unique compared to other serious sports leagues.

There are 32 teams in the league, all you have to do is finish top 50%. If you can't do that what's the point of being in the playoffs anyway?

There are far more superior teams that play in the NFC than the AFC in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals was superior to both the Colts, Chiefs, and Chargers.

And many believe the 49ers was superior to every AFC team.

Life isn't fair.

[mr.big35]

because instead of watching the miami heat play the ****ing charlotte bobcats then chicago bulls in the second round, you can watch them play chicago in the first round then the clippers...

the playoffs would be a million times more entertaining in terms of match ups

this is not going to work you would have first round of teams playing against a team in the west coast. this would bad for traveling. playoffs would be alot longer and not good quality of games.

[ZenMaster]

There are far more superior teams that play in the NFC than the AFC in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals was superior to both the Colts, Chiefs, and Chargers.

And many believe the 49ers was superior to every AFC team.

Life isn't fair.

You haven't made an argument for it yet that doesn't take root in "it's just the way it is".

Life isn't fair, but right now the NBA has a chance to make their league setup as fair as can be: best teams move compete for more.

[FLDFSU]

No because only the ELITE eastern teams can get there and since there are only two of those that teams path to the finals is EASY compared to the west finalist.

Really... Was that too hard for you to realize it by yourself??

Who cares? Lets assume you are correct. The Elite Eastern conference teams have it easier.

At the end of the day, in order for those elite Eastern conference teams to achieve their goals...they have to go through the champion of the "superior" west.

[oarabbus]

Who cares? Lets assume you are correct. The Elite Eastern conference teams have it easier.

At the end of the day, in order for those elite Eastern conference teams to achieve their goals...they have to go through the champion of the "superior" west.


Yeah, after the champion of the West has been ravaged round after round by tough teams.

[ZenMaster]

So?

And the Pacers get to play the Hawks and then the Raptors.

Why do we not care who the Pacers play?

Ahh I missed this post, you're assuming other people don't like the east/west system because they don't like the Miami Heat as a team. You made it a fan agenda thing...it's not.

[Droid101]

Definitely. Increases competition, better teams get to make the playoffs, and worse teams get a try at a draft pick.

Can you imagine if Dallas or Phoenix didn't make the playoffs... then won the lottery? That's not going to help with parity. The current system HURTS parity because several very good West teams are getting lottery picks every year, and a bunch of garbage East teams are making the playoffs and not getting a good pick.

[FLDFSU]

You haven't made an argument for it yet that doesn't take root in "it's just the way it is".

Life isn't fair, but right now the NBA has a chance to make their league setup as fair as can be: best teams move compete for more.

I guess I fail to see the point. If the west is superior, then the west team will b*tch slap the eastern team comes the finals.

Should the University of Georgia football team complain that they have to play in the SEC?

No. If UGA cannot beat Alabama in the SEC championship, then who cares that they could beat Notre Dame should they meet in the Championship?

The point is...UGA is not the best team. If they were, they would be Champions.

[FLDFSU]

Yeah, after the champion of the West has been ravaged round after round by tough teams.

Meh. Man up. Your either the best team or you're not.

I care not that the 49ers could have beaten the Broncos if they were to meet in the Superbowl.

The fact is...you couldn't beat the Seahawks.

[Droid101]

What a gutless wimp FLDFSU is.

If the East was stacked with great teams, he'd be crying for a rule change so that the Heat wouldn't be the one facing all the good teams while OKC got to sweep past garbage.

[Dro]

Id like the change for the all the reasons already stated..Pacers would be a 3rd seed...Id love to see them play somebody other than the Hawks....Feels like we play them every year...

[D.J.]

Only issue I have is travel. Picture that format with the Knicks playing the Lakers the 1st round, then Golden State. Or the Lakers playing the Knicks the 1st round, then having to play Boston. In terms of travel, the current system is much better.

[Droid101]

Only issue I have is travel. Picture that format with the Knicks playing the Lakers the 1st round, then Golden State. Or the Lakers playing the Knicks the 1st round, then having to play Boston. In terms of travel, the current system is much better.
Is it?

What if Portland meets Memphis?

It's really not a big deal anymore, with planes being what they are these days.

[FLDFSU]

Ahh I missed this post, you're assuming other people don't like the east/west system because they don't like the Miami Heat as a team. You made it a fan agenda thing...it's not.

Well, the only team the OP is mentioning are the Heat.

[D.J.]

Is it?

What if Portland meets Memphis?

It's really not a big deal anymore, with planes being what they are these days.


It is a big deal. East Coast to West Coast is still 5-6 hours. You can make up to 5 trips if it goes all 7 games. The reason the current system has remained in tact is to avoid traveling issues. Being in New York and traveling to Miami or Detroit is a lot different than having to travel to LA or Oakland.

[FLDFSU]

What a gutless wimp FLDFSU is.

If the East was stacked with great teams, he'd be crying for a rule change so that the Heat wouldn't be the one facing all the good teams while OKC got to sweep past garbage.

I am a wimp?

I am not the one complaining about the western team "having a harder path" to the finals.

Man up. If your western team is better...then in the finals they will prove it.

Stop making excuses.

[Droid101]

It is a big deal. East Coast to West Coast is still 5-6 hours. You can make up to 5 trips if it goes all 7 games. The reason the current system has remained in tact is to avoid traveling issues. Being in New York and traveling to Miami or Detroit is a lot different than having to travel to LA or Oakland.
I'm just saying, that it still happens anyway. Golden State and New Orleans? Yuck.

Changing it to seeding would mean some matchups would suck still (NY to Cali), but some would actually get better (Milwaukee to Minny, Chicago to Memphis, etc).

[Droid101]

I am a wimp?

I am not the one complaining about the western team "having a harder path" to the finals.

Man up. If your western team is better...then in the finals they will prove it.

Stop making excuses.
This isn't about my Western team. This is about liking to watch the best teams play the best teams to see who wins. Nobody who lives outside of Georgia wants to see Atlanta in the playoffs over the Suns. Nobody.

[TheReal Kendall]

I love this idea. Only problem like others have stated is the traveling.

To solve the traveling I say they give those series an extra day of rest or have them meet in a neutral arena(this would be a problem cause it would eliminate home court advantage)

So I say just give those series that has to go from East to West or vice versa a extra day in between games

[oarabbus]

I am a wimp?

I am not the one complaining about the western team "having a harder path" to the finals.

Man up. If your western team is better...then in the finals they will prove it.

Stop making excuses.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330113&page=1&pp=15

East teams get to rest their guys. West teams are fighting a ****ing massacre.

We get it kid, you aren't going to change your mind.

[ZenMaster]

I guess I fail to see the point. If the west is superior, then the west team will b*tch slap the eastern team comes the finals.

Should the University of Georgia football team complain that they have to play in the SEC?

No. If UGA cannot beat Alabama in the SEC championship, then who cares that they could beat Notre Dame should they meet in the Championship?

The point is...UGA is not the best team. If they were, they would be Champions.

You are completely missing the point, I mean you're arguing for a watered down product just because the finals will present the same matchup.

Not going to bring college sports into it because that's entirely different as there are hundreds of teams playing school sports.

NBA is a pro league with only 32 top professional teams.
There's is more to a sports league than just who wins in the end.
Minnesota wins more games than teams making the playoffs in the east, they deserve recognition for being better than those teams. They deserve the extra money that comes with making the playoffs. All this goes for any team that competes better.

Instead Minnesota and Phoenix will end up in the worst positions in the NBA, because the day the regular season ends the standings is flipped for non-playoff teams in terms of importane.
Suck enough in the NBA and you get rewarded, suck in the English Premier League and you get booted out of the league for at least a year.

[Solefade]

lol Spurs had it just as easy or even easier than the heat/pacers last year...they basically swept their way to the finals


and its a myth that western conference is harder to play in than the east...while west teams are a lot more potent offensively, the east teams play a more physical defensive style.

[Crown&Coke]

The only issue I have with this is the entire season would have to be reworked. You can no longer have east teams playing each other 4x and the west teams 2x (and vice versa)

It would have to be evenly split (or as even as you can possibly work it with arena bookings and travel and the like)

Travel would be a bitch, but the NBA is already going back to the 2-2-1-1-1 for the finals, which last I checked is one East team vs. one West team

[livingby3's]

Only issue I have is travel. Picture that format with the Knicks playing the Lakers the 1st round, then Golden State. Or the Lakers playing the Knicks the 1st round, then having to play Boston. In terms of travel, the current system is much better.

I would certainly like the format change, for it certainly will boost the quality of the playoffs and make things more competitive. Similarly for allstar selection, the conference format just favors the east.

But this post right here makes so much sense too.

[oarabbus]

lol Spurs had it just as easy or even easier than the heat/pacers last year...they basically swept their way to the finals


and its a myth that western conference is harder to play in than the east...while west teams are a lot more potent offensively, the east teams play a more physical defensive style.


6 game series w/multiple OT = sweep?

And you're proving the point. Spurs had an "easy" WCF because they avoided OKC, who were beaten by the Grizz. OKC matches up well vs. the Spurs and had previously knocked them out of the finals. East teams don't have to worry about matchups.

Oh and let's not forget that your last statement is total bullsh1t, considering that the Grizz are a top 3 tough, brutal, physical defensive team who played very rough D on the spurs, even if it was a 5 game series.

[FLDFSU]

This isn't about my Western team. This is about liking to watch the best teams play the best teams to see who wins. Nobody who lives outside of Georgia wants to see Atlanta in the playoffs over the Suns. Nobody.

Okay, I can understand that.

But then the Suns should learn how to be one of top 8 teams out of a 16 team conference.

And let's be honest. This is only about seeing the Heat play "good" teams as evident by the OP and others only mentioning potential Heat match ups.

Nobody will care if the Pacers face 2 "garbage" east team prior to the ECF. ISH would lose their shet if Miami plays 2 "garbage" east teams prior to the ECF.

[FLDFSU]

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330113&page=1&pp=15

East teams get to rest their guys. West teams are fighting a ****ing massacre.

We get it kid, you aren't going to change your mind.

And as a 49ers fan it would have been great to get some rest for our main guys instead of fighting a ****ing massacre in the NFCW.

Man, why couldn't we be the Patriots and play in the AFCE with the Dolphins, Jets, and Bills.

:cry:

[oarabbus]

And as a 49ers fan it would have been great to get some rest for our main guys instead of fighting a ****ing massacre in the NFCW.

Man, why couldn't we be the Patriots and play in the AFCE with the Dolphins, Jets, and Bills.

:cry:


The NFL has much better parity than the NBA, so your points are irrelevant. Not to mention differences in playoff format.


Oh, and you're a Heat and Niners fan, who went to FSU, huh? :coleman:
Us true Niners fans know whats up when someone shows up and the Bulls, Heat, or Lakers is their favorite basketball team.


edit: and since you seem to be missing the point, it's bullsh1t that the Pacers have such an easy road to the ECF as well. Don't try to make this about the Heat. It isn't.

[ZenMaster]

Okay, I can understand that.

But then the Suns should learn how to be one of top 8 teams out of a 16 team conference.

And let's be honest. This is only about seeing the Heat play "good" teams as evident by the OP and others only mentioning potential Heat match ups.

Nobody will care if the Pacers face 2 "garbage" east team prior to the ECF. ISH would lose their shet if Miami plays 2 "garbage" east teams prior to the ECF.

People care about a league that applaudes winning instead of losing, you can't see past it because of the 13 year old fan mentality.

[FLDFSU]

You are completely missing the point, I mean you're arguing for a watered down product just because the finals will present the same matchup.

Not going to bring college sports into it because that's entirely different as there are hundreds of teams playing school sports.

NBA is a pro league with only 32 top professional teams.
There's is more to a sports league than just who wins in the end.
Minnesota wins more games than teams making the playoffs in the east, they deserve recognition for being better than those teams. They deserve the extra money that comes with making the playoffs. All this goes for any team that competes better.

Instead Minnesota and Phoenix will end up in the worst positions in the NBA, because the day the regular season ends the standings is flipped for non-playoff teams in terms of importane.
Suck enough in the NBA and you get rewarded, suck in the English Premier League and you get booted out of the league for at least a year.

No they don't. Minnesota, if you want to make the playoffs, finish better than 1/2 your conference. Same for Phoenix.

This also works in my world. A Duke law student that graduates in the bottom 1/2 of his class is generally not as competitive as a student from Houston that graduates in the top 1/2 of his.

[ZenMaster]

No they don't. Minnesota, if you want to make the playoffs, finish better than 1/2 your conference. Same for Phoenix.

This also works in my world. A Duke law student that graduates in the bottom 1/2 of his class is generally not as competitive as a student from Houston that graduates in the top 1/2 of his.

You're implying Phoenix and Minnesota aren't as competitive as the weakest eastern conference teams.. I don't even know what to say, I mean they've won more games with a tougher schedule...

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Figures. Only Heat fans would be against this. :roll:

[Sarcastic]

Figures. Only Heat fans would be against this. :roll:


I hate the Heat as much as anyone, and I am against this.


There is literally zero precedent for this in any of the major US sports leagues. All of them use separate leagues/conferences, and have the winner of each meet in the finals.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Check that. Heat fans and one imbecile.

[Jon_Koncak]

Completely agree with op.Not just for playoff seedings there should be no conferences or divisions,period.In the age of liar jets the travel excuse doesnt make any sense.Teams should face each other three times in the regular season and best 16 advance to the playoffs.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

How can anyone be against this. Its completely unfair that one of the 10 best teams in the league wont be in the playoff b/c one of the conferences is so fcking horrible

[oh the horror]

Please sign me up for this.


TIRED of watching uninteresting first round matchups in the east year after year.

[D.J.]

How can anyone be against this. Its completely unfair that one of the 10 best teams in the league wont be in the playoff b/c one of the conferences is so fcking horrible


As a Nets fan, I wouldn't want back-to-back matchups against say the Lakers and Warriors. They would never go all the way if they had to do that.

[wagexslave]

why change something that is not broken
This would be changing something that IS broken, so what's the point of your post?

[Droid101]

Bump. Atlanta and Charlotte should not be in the playoffs when Dallas would be 3rd in the East.

[FLDFSU]

Figures. Only Heat fans would be against this. :roll:

Funny. The OP explicitly wants this change because he believes this a way to "expose" the Heat. This is the reasoning he gave. The Heat.

So if someone at your job wants to change company policy only because they specifically believe it will "expose" you (basically targeting you), are you inclined to support that proposal?

[NustABut]

lol imagine the travel involved in that LA - TOR matchup

2-2-1-1-1 wouldnt work for that series.

[Droid101]

lol imagine the travel involved in that LA - TOR matchup

2-2-1-1-1 wouldnt work for that series.
Why is Portland - New Orleans any better?

[secund2nun]

Nope. The NBA already does the best job of crowning the rightful champion. There are no flukes, unlike pretty much every other major sport. A hot pitcher or hot goalie can't carry you to a title, nor is it decided by one and done like the Super Bowl or NCAA.

This is why I especially hate the NFL. The entire season is irrelevant because one hot game by a inferior team can make them the champion. You just have to be in the right place at the right time. A championship is meaningless.

[zoom17]

Wish this would happen to would make the playoffs more fun to watch.

[FLDFSU]

This is why I especially hate the NFL. The entire season is irrelevant because one hot game by a inferior team can make them the champion. You just have to be in the right place at the right time. A championship is meaningless.

But does the NFL have any other choice? Are they going to have best of 3 series?

But I do agree. Inferior teams can win the Superbowl in the NFL. That's why being a 6th seed may not be all that bad given their recent track record.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Funny. The OP explicitly wants this change because he believes this a way to "expose" the Heat. This is the reasoning he gave. The Heat.

And?


So if someone at your job wants to change company policy only because they specifically believe it will "expose" you (basically targeting you), are you inclined to support that proposal?

Apples and bowling balls. Try making a point that applies here.

[ZenMaster]

Funny. The OP explicitly wants this change because he believes this a way to "expose" the Heat. This is the reasoning he gave. The Heat.

So if someone at your job wants to change company policy only because they specifically believe it will "expose" you (basically targeting you), are you inclined to support that proposal?

Try and see past this, you've been given a ton of arguments that have nothing to with the Heat or any other team specifically, but you cling to this so bad.

[NustABut]

Why is Portland - New Orleans any better?

Didnt say anything about that brah

that wouldnt work either :biggums:

But first the pelicants have to make top 16

[FLDFSU]

And?

And...that is the reason why Heat fans would oppose it. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to reason that fans of the franchise the OP intents to adversely affect would oppose the change.

Apples and bowling balls. Try making a point that applies here.

I did. Keep up.

[selrahc]

Didnt say anything about that brah

that wouldnt work either :biggums:

But first the pelicants have to make top 16

both teams are in the west so it is likely to happen sometime in the future... and what about memphis vs la... thats pretty much across the whole country as well and that happens every year

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

I did. Keep up.

No. Actually you didn't...unless you think being a little bitch suffices?

[FLDFSU]

Try and see past this, you've been given a ton of arguments that have nothing to with the Heat or any other team specifically, but you cling to this so bad.

Even if the Heat did not exist, I see little reason to change the current format. You are going to get the same result at the end of the day: the champion. Whether by eliminating conferences or leaving it the same...

Jordan's Bulls still win
Shaq/Kobe Laker's still win
Duncan's Spurs still win
Detroit still wins
Lebron's Heat still win
Dirk's Mavs still win
Boston? Nope, they still win

What changes? Who suddenly fails to become a champion? Jordan because he had to face another western conference opponent?

And there is a reason that ALL professional leagues use the current system rather than a single conference set up. Chief among them is that you create geographical rivalries that you are FAR more likely to get in the current format.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

It ensures the absolute BEST competition. How could anyone be against that? :facepalm

[selrahc]

Even if the Heat did not exist, I see little reason to change the current format. You are going to get the same result at the end of the day: the champion. Whether by eliminating conferences or leaving it the same...

Jordan's Bulls still win
Shaq/Kobe Laker's still win
Duncan's Spurs still win
Detroit still wins
Lebron's Heat still win
Dirk's Mavs still win
Boston? Nope, they still win

What changes? Who suddenly fails to become a champion? Jordan because he had to face another western conference opponent?

And there is a reason that ALL professional leagues use the current system rather than a single conference set up. Chief among them is that you create geographical rivalries that you are FAR more likely to get in the current format.

if the team who is going to win will win no matter what format, then why not change it? the first rounds will be more interesting and give all the teams in the west a chance to compete...

or are you scared because then the heat would actually have to face real competition and have a higher chance of getting knocked out before making it to the finals?

[FLDFSU]

if the team who is going to win will win no matter what format, then why not change it? the first rounds will be more interesting and give all the teams in the west a chance to compete...

or are you scared because then the heat would actually have to face real competition and have a higher chance of getting knocked out before making it to the finals?

I guess.

I have no idea why some are so interested in who comes in second place tho. As I said, who cares that the 49ers could have beaten the Broncos in the SB...you still lost to the Seahawks, the champions. 2nd=not 1st.

And there is a drawback to eliminating conferences. You are far less likely to get a Spurs-Mavs or Spurs-OKC or LAC-MEM or a MIA-INDY series (rivalries). Or a Heat-Knicks series from the late 90s. Or Cavs-Celtics series from the mid 2000s. etc.

You have potentially eliminated historic rivalries and therefore "interesting" first round match ups. And under this format, it will be much harder to create new rivalries because the chances will be slimmer that those teams will meet in this expanded bracket.

But I digress.

[ZenMaster]

Even if the Heat did not exist, I see little reason to change the current format. You are going to get the same result at the end of the day: the champion. Whether by eliminating conferences or leaving it the same...

Jordan's Bulls still win
Shaq/Kobe Laker's still win
Duncan's Spurs still win
Detroit still wins
Lebron's Heat still win
Dirk's Mavs still win
Boston? Nope, they still win

What changes? Who suddenly fails to become a champion? Jordan because he had to face another western conference opponent?

And there is a reason that ALL professional leagues use the current system rather than a single conference set up. Chief among them is that you create geographical rivalries that you are FAR more likely to get in the current format.

NBA is a pro league with only 32 top professional teams.
There's is more to a sports league than just who wins in the end.
Minnesota wins more games than teams making the playoffs in the east, they deserve recognition for being better than those teams. They deserve the extra money that comes with making the playoffs. All this goes for any team that competes better.

[FLDFSU]

NBA is a pro league with only 32 top professional teams.
There's is more to a sports league than just who wins in the end.
Minnesota wins more games than teams making the playoffs in the east, they deserve recognition for being better than those teams. They deserve the extra money that comes with making the playoffs. All this goes for any team that competes better.

Not trying to be a jackas% but Minnesota doesn't deserve sh*t if they cannot finish in the top half of their conference. You want more money and recognition Minnesota? Stop giving up 104 points a game and figure out a way to not have a losing record on the road.

And if your not first, your last.

IMO, if Miami can't beat the Clippers in the finals, they might as well lose to the Hawks in the first round.

[ZenMaster]

Not trying to be a jackas% but Minnesota doesn't deserve sh*t if they cannot finish in the top half of their conference. You want more money and recognition Minnesota? Stop giving up 104 points a game and figure out a way to not have a losing record on the road.

And if your not first, your last.

IMO, if Miami can't beat the Clippers in the finals, they might as well lose to the Hawks in the first round.

If they can finish in the top half of the league they should be there.

A core value of sports: if you win more than somebody else, then you shold be recognized as being better.

But OK Ricky Bobby, by your theory there's no point watching any NBA except the last 4-7 games..

I bet somebody was high when they said that.

[OmniStrife]

Atlanta and Charlotte are gonna be in the playoffs...
Dallas, Phoenix or Memphis will not.

The system is fine... :roll:

[Droid101]

Not trying to be a jackas% but Minnesota doesn't deserve sh*t if they cannot finish in the top half of their conference.
So because of geography, Minnesota doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs.

k

[Jameerthefear]

Should stay how it is.

[Legends66NBA7]

It's not practical to have 1 whole league. Scheduling would be insane and top off that, the favourites would still be the favourites to come to the final 4 teams and Finals, which would be Indiana, Miami, OKC, and San Antonio.

It cannot and will not happen.


No. If you did it by record, there is no guarantee that Miami or Indiana makes the finals. That's the point.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330107

We already have this thread. Junk this one.


In the round before the Finals, it would be OKC vs. Indiana, and Spurs vs. Miami or Clippers.

Did you even bother reading what my point was ? It doesn't matter what type of style your using even when it's completely non-practical, Indiana and Miami are going to come out on top as the East representatives. And what about the guarantee ? Dallas, Phoenix, and whichever lower seed of the West (along with the East) aren't seeing the Finals if pretty much guaranteed.

Look at the round before the Finals that you posted. You've basically agreed with me. :oldlol:


This would be changing something that IS broken, so what's the point of your post?

One conference just has more depth. That doesn't mean it's broken.

[wagexslave]

One conference just has more depth. That doesn't mean it's broken.
One conference is a complete joke with joke teams making the playoffs. It's broken, accept it.

[Legends66NBA7]

One conference is a complete joke with joke teams making the playoffs. It's broken, accept it.

There's nothing broken. The GM's in the West just acquired better talent over the years. If this is broken, the other leagues are also broken.

To have a seeding like this is just absurd and it would never effect the outcomes of the Top East teams anyways. So what if Minnesota, Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix all make it ? They aren't winning a title or going far enough. You're still getting Miami and Indiana in the ECF, more than 95% of the posters here have already called it and no low seed team from the West is changing that.

[ImKobe]

Atlanta and Charlotte are gonna be in the playoffs...
Dallas, Phoenix or Memphis will not.

The system is fine... :roll:

This.

[Rose'sACL]

Not trying to be a jackas% but Minnesota doesn't deserve sh*t if they cannot finish in the top half of their conference. You want more money and recognition Minnesota? Stop giving up 104 points a game and figure out a way to not have a losing record on the road.

And if your not first, your last.

IMO, if Miami can't beat the Clippers in the finals, they might as well lose to the Hawks in the first round.
you're an idiot and i guess that is why you are against this idea.
I would not call you an idiot if your reasons were travel distances but the reasons you have been giving are totally wrong.
Just think if grizzlies were in east. i am using memphis here because they are the only lower seed playoff team in the west which would make it tough for heat. even if heat manage to win in 5, they would get tired. Just imagine playing bulls, memphis and pacers in first 3 rounds.
Same for an clippers or okc if they play 3 very physical teams instead of 1 physical team like memphis and 2 fastpaced teams.
In my opinion regular season should be 58 games with every team playing every other team twice. Stop caring about past records because of less games resulting in lesser points and start caring about a better product.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

There's nothing broken. The GM's in the West just acquired better talent over the years. If this is broken, the other leagues are also broken.

To have a seeding like this is just absurd and it would never effect the outcomes of the Top East teams anyways. So what if Minnesota, Memphis, Dallas, and Phoenix all make it ? They aren't winning a title or going far enough. You're still getting Miami and Indiana in the ECF, more than 95% of the posters here have already called it and no low seed team from the West is changing that.

How do you know that, though? Sure SA/DAL (or SA/PHX) and OKC/MEM, will probably be short series, but are they NOT physically taxing?

Having a tougher road to the finals (where physicality, defense and intensity picks up) matters, IMO.

[Legends66NBA7]

How do you know that, though? Sure SA/DAL (or SA/PHX) and OKC/MEM, will probably be short series, but are they NOT physically taxing?

Having a tougher road to the finals (where physicality, defense and intensity picks up) matters, IMO.

I agree the road is tougher, but I don't see Miami or Indiana not come out on top against those same teams. Both teams have been battle tested in the past and would takeout any low seed in the West.

Yes, it sucks that the competition in the East got killed by injuries. If the Hawks , Bulls, Nets, and Knicks were healthy all year and didn't lose their top players for the season, they could have at least made the first couple of rounds interesting. But I don't see the system being broken because of it.

Would I like to see the absolute best compete ? Yes, I'm down for it. But it just wouldn't happen in a practical and convenience for the league. Also, as I said before, Indiana and Miami would still go deep and be very likely to reach the Finals.