I don't want the NBA to pick the 16 teams with the best record, regardless of conference. That would be a hasty and fairly unjustified reaction to temporary Western Conference dominance. Imagine Portland having to travel to Boston and back again for a first round series. But there are a couple of rules that I would like to see changed. This isn't feasible, but I'd like to see a rule where a team under.500 is disqualified from making the playoffs. More logically, I'd like to see fewer teams in the playoffs. A total of 12 teams is good, with the first round a best of 3 series. The winners then play the top 2 teams in each conference in a best of 7 series.
In the East, I sincerely hope the Celtics and the Pistons meet in the conference finals. I like that Boston has added some veteran role players to come off the bench of late, but I would still give Detroit the edge, no matter which team holds home court advantage. Boston's three leaders have each played in the conference finals once, while the four Detroit stars have all won the title, together.
Cleveland is the only team that could potentially ruin that plan. On paper, I like their recent trade. Now they have shooters, and more depth down low. Delonte West is probably the best point guard LeBron has played with during his short NBA career, a fact that is a little depressing. I question the Cleveland's ability to mesh so quickly, however. Often times, one player can push a team over the top, but the Cavs have changed many of their top players with only a couple dozen games left. Orlando will probably finish with a better record than the Cavs, but the Magic just aren't there yet. They'll probably win in the first round and it will be a good experience to build on for next season.
The west is absolutely crazy. Nine teams really are that good. I'm shocked theat the Rockets have been able to keep winning without Yao. It's a testament to McGrady and shows he is maturing as a ballplayer, but he still has to prove it in the playoffs. I still expect Houston to be the odd team out. The Spurs are still the favorite and they might be better this season than last. I don't know if Dallas has the depth or the mental toughness to come out of the west. Kidd help though. The Suns better win this year. They mortgaged their future by getting Shaq for Marion. Miami traded away Odom and Butler for Shaq a few years ago and now look at them. But it was worth it because they got the ring. How will this trade look for the Suns when Shaq, Nash, and Hill are gone in a couple of years?
New Orleans is an exciting young team with loads of potential, but their lack of experience will probably hurt them this postseason. Utah, however, is a dangerous team. I don't like that it looks like it might be more advantageous to be the 5 seed as opposed to the 3 seed in the west (according to record). The NBA needs to get rid of guaranteeing the division winners a top 4 seed. Golden State could pull another shocker if they have the right matchup, but most likely, they're one and done. Denver is very talented, but doesn't play defense and needs a Derek Fisher-type point guard. The Lakers are the hot bandwagon this season. They'll get by the first round, but could run into trouble in Round 2. One thing I love about the NBA is that advancing far in the playoffs is a hard journey often taking many years and requiring many hardships.
Can't wait for the playoffs. I think I'll even stay in the country this year.
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