Not one, not two but FIVE(5!) non-playoffs teams earned nationally televised broadcasts before them is ludicrous. Somehow the New York Knicks (twice), Philadelphia 76ers (twice), Minnesota Timberwolves (twice), Los Angeles Lakers (twice), and New Orleans Pelicans all earned spots ahead of the 8th seed in 2016-17 Western Conference.

It's understood the Knicks and Lakers play in the largest media markets but the Timberbulls and the Pelicans? You're choosing Anthony Davis and Boogie over Lillard and McCollum? Really?

The Trail Blazers were the damn playoff team, have been the damn playoff team for four years now!

http://wincolumnsports.ca/portland-t...-more-respect/