Expansion Could Create Push For NBA To Also Eliminate Conferences, Allow Top-16 To Reach Playoffs
The NBA continues to have an imbalance in quality teams between the Western and Eastern Conference. With the NBA expected to expand in the coming years with Seattle and Las Vegas the two most likely cities, the league will need to move one team out of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans to the Eastern Conference. But there could be a push for a more dramatic change where the conference structure is eliminated in order to allow the top 16 teams to make the playoffs. The concept has been raised previously. "It would be the right thing to do for the health of the league," one West general manager said. "It's not just about fairness, it's about giving the fans the best playoff product." In order for the measure to be approved, 23 teams or more than 75 percent of the league, would have to support it. This would require eight of the 15 East owners to vote against their own self-interest.
The NBA continues to have an imbalance in quality teams between the Western and Eastern Conference. With the NBA expected to expand in the coming years with Seattle and Las Vegas the two most likely cities, the league will need to move one team out of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans to the Eastern Conference.
But there could be a push for a more dramatic change where the conference structure is eliminated in order to allow the top 16 teams to make the playoffs. The concept has been raised previously.
"It would be the right thing to do for the health of the league," one West general manager said. "It's not just about fairness, it's about giving the fans the best playoff product."
In order for the measure to be approved, 23 teams or more than 75 percent of the league, would have to support it. This would require eight of the 15 East owners to vote against their own self-interest.
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