There are plenty of more sane (read: easier) options for fixing the NBA schedule so that the best 16 teams (regardless of conference) get into the playoffs but this is 'An Asinine Blog' so I think a little more creative thinking is required. So here's one idea I think would fix the NBA playoffs and add some additional side fun for fans and writers alike.
The Idea
Step 1) Keep conference divisions as is and still offer spots to the 8 best teams in each conference. Sounds like I'm just restating what is currently the format, right? Bear with me.
Step 2) Offer every team with an above .500 record that did not make the playoffs an extra (high) second round pick in the upcoming draft (we'll call this the 1.5 round). This added pick would fall between the first and second rounds and the order is awarded based on highest to lowest record (opposite of how it currently works).
Step 3) Offer every team with a below .500 record that is in the playoffs a chance to 'trade' their playoff position to an above .500 team who is not in the playoffs in return for their extra second round pick. Important note: You can only trade between a below .500 team in the playoffs and an above .500 team that is not in the playoffs.
Step 4) Once all the 'trades' are complete the playoff seeding is re-calibrated based on the new teams records.
Why this is a good idea
The first is it keeps conferences in play and old rivalries won't be sabotaged and travel issues will be limited in this new format. This keeps the old guard happy.
The second is it offers incentives for mediocre teams to try and win... and hopefully avoid tanking. If you are in a weak conference, making the playoffs gives you a new trade asset (a playoff spot) that you could leverage into an extra draft pick. You are encouraged to win, not tank. Teams in tough conferences are offered the hope to break into the playoffs without too many dramatic shifts to get you there- just a simple trade of an extra asset given to you for your woes.
The third is the dilemma that's created. Teams have to choose between playoff experience and draft assets. An extra pick is not just another chance at a prospect, it could be combined at the draft for a bigger piece or a better draft position. But that pick would still be in the low 30s which wouldn't necessarily yield a star and doesn't have as much appeal to teams in the thick of playoff hunt... at least on the surface. After all, assets are necessary in this NBA ... and so is playoff experience. Plus, there are fans to think of. Will they want you to rebuild with an extra asset or roll the dice in the playoffs? All these questions get to play a role for the team, the fans, the media... everyone!
The downsides
For one, it rewards mediocrity. You are giving extra picks to teams only because they are 'ok'. The top teams don't get draft bonuses and while the lower teams could land a top player, they are the ones that need draft assets the most and yet it's the teams a few rungs above them that are gaining that edge.
It also puts the schedule and media focus on these mediocre teams. Bad teams in the playoffs, good (but not great teams) out of the playoffs. These are not the things you want to feature in the NBA but they would get center stage down the stretch as their decisions and battles may even trump the top teams fighting for home court advantage.
There's also the question of playoff money. To trade out of the playoffs means to lose money (sometimes a lot of money) your team had earned... even if it was in a bad conference. How many owners would really be ok with turning down cash? This would need to be addressed in some way.
And finally, it creates confusion. Since the playoff seeding wouldn't be decided until after the last games were played and the 'trades' determined, teams wouldn't have much time to prepare for their match-ups. Is this too much unnecessary stress?
What do you think? Let me know!
