NBA Playoffs Format Needs To Be Changed Says Commissioner Adam Silver

Finally, the head of the most popular basketball league in the world has admitted that a change in the format of the National Basketball Association, or NBA, playoffs should be explored. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated that they will look at options and proposals that could pave the way for changing the current format of the NBA Playoffs.

“Ultimately we want to see your best teams in the playoffs. And there is an unbalance and a certain unfairness. There is a proposal … where the division winners would all automatically go into the playoffs and then you’d seed the next 10 best teams. I think that’s the kind of proposal we need to look at.” Silver said during the live telecast of the Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks match-up on Wednesday. “There are travel issues of course, but in this day in age every team of course has their own plane, travels charter. I don’t think the discussion should end there. And as I’ve said, my first year I was studying a lot of these issues and year two is time to take action. It’s something I’m going to look at closely with the competition committee. I do think it’s an area where we need to make a change.”

Currently the best eight teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences make up the postseason line-up. However, there are calls, both from the fans and some NBA writers that the best 16 teams— regardless of conferences— should make the playoffs. Silver mentioned “unbalance” and “certain unfairness” in his interview and that rings true at the moment. If the postseason started today, teams like the Charlotte Hornets (22-27) and the Miami Heat (21-28) will make it as seventh and eighth seeds, respectively, in the East. However, winning teams like New Orleans Hornets (26-23) and Oklahoma City Thunder (25-25), both with above 0.500 win-loss records are only ranked ninth and tenth in the West, respectively and will not be part of the postseason.

With Silver finally admitting that a change could be discussed, the NBA could be in for an exciting future especially if the current playoff format is changed in favour of a new system pitting the best teams in the league.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au