The NBA should change the playoff format to make the entire playoffs more competitive, regardless of conference.
Many people have thought that LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and even when he was with the Miami Heat, coasted through the Eastern Conference because it was weaker than the Western Conference. That was out of James’ control.
Yes, LeBron James went to the Miami Heat to form a big three of superstars, but he went where it was possible financially, due to the NBA’s strict salary rules. However, he was also drafted by the Cavs and eventually returned because they are his hometown team. Both teams are in the Eastern Conference, and nothing would change that.
Changing the playoff format would give Eastern Conference teams a tougher path to the NBA Finals. For Western Conference teams, it would give them an easier path over recent years.
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The NBA should change to playoff format to an overall seeding and do away with conference playoffs. This idea stems from CBS Sports’ Matt Moore’s original tweet with a playoff breakout from the 2016 Playoffs if it appeared that way.
Not that the NBA needs help with viewership, but converting the NBA Playoffs to a “seeding” bracket as opposed to the current “conference” format.
In 2016, there could have been great potential upsets in a seven-game series, particularly in the quarterfinals. The Golden State Warriors could have met the Boston Celtics, who beat them late in the season. Cleveland could have matched up against the Los Angeles Clippers. Atlanta could have had a shot at the San Antonio Spurs.
How different would the playoffs have been if they were played out by seeding? There’s no true way to tell, but there would be no arguing that any team had an easy path because a bracket is balanced and is supposed to be even.
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Even sticking with a seven-game series, going with a bracket makes the most sense when trying to find the best way to make the playoffs competitive.
It could have an impact on viewership during the playoffs. Going to a bracket style of playoffs would make the NBA more like NCAA’s March Madness, in that sense, but would still be different with seven-game series and far fewer teams.
With the Warriors looking like front-runners to reach the NBA Finals in the Western Conference this season, there may not be the same argument of having an easier path in the East, just because Golden State could be that good.
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Changing the NBA Playoffs format to a seeded bracket may not happen any time soon, though it should. So fans in favor of this change will have to play it out on a video game to add to their excitement.
If you have a story idea or want to reach Editor Aaron Ferguson, you can tweet him @Sports_Aaron or email him at sports.aaron.journalism@gmail.com