NBA league Commissioner Adam Silver has been making changes and implementing new ideas for the NBA left, right, and center this year, in his first year after taking over for David Stern. All while dealing with a variety of complicated issues, none more so than ousting of Clippers’ former owner Donald Sterling for his racist remarks and behavior.
But the attention as of late has been on the idea of ‘unconferencing’ the playoff seeding structure so that the top teams in the league make the playoffs, regardless of what conference they are in. This year has drawn considerable attention to the matter given the Western Conference has a few teams on track for 40-50 wins that won’t make the playoffs, yet there are 2-3 teams in the Eastern Conference in a playoff spot with a sub .500 record. Our own Ryan Bawek mentioned last night that one of the issues to watch in the latter half of the season was the debate around ‘unconferencing’. Adam Silver seems to think they may be able to implement the idea by the 2016-17 season….
Here is what Adam Silver today said when he sat down with USA Today Sports (video after the jump):
On a Golden State Warriors TV broadcast last week, Silver suggested a chance the playoff format should happen soon. But he clarified those remarks to USA TODAY Sports. A change in the playoff system won’t happen next season but 2016-17 is a possibility.
“There is a lot to be said for taking a fresh look at our seedings and ensuring the very best teams are competing in the playoffs,” Silver said. “I should’ve been slightly more cautious in my response (to Golden State broadcaster) only because there is a long tradition in terms of our conference system. There are some important logistic issues we need to examine in terms of travel (and schedules). It’s fair to say it’s something that requires a very strong examination.”(via USA Today Sports)
