This just goes to show how much better the west is than the east.
In the west, other than OKC (who is great), there are a ton of good playoff contending teams. Probably at least 9. Teams who started without expectations like Utah and Minny are tough teams (who will sadly miss out on the playoffs). Teams like SA won't die. Teams like Houston... What the?????????? Are somehow winning? perennial bullies, like the Lakers and Mavs look extremely vulnerable. Previous doormats, like the Clippers, are power houses... Denver, is clearly better without Melo.
Sadly, some of these teams are going to be left out while some junkheap weakstern team with a sub .500 record will still be playing this summer. Sad.
After we rid ourselves of the retarded BCS, we need to rid ourselves of the retarded playoff system in the NBA. Take the top 16 and let them duke it out. If only 2 EC teams make it and all the rest come from the west, then so be it. Teams like the Jazz or Minny shouldn't be punished for be classified in the WC while teams like the crappy Bucks are rewarded.
Just look @ the west. If the playoffs started right now, Minny, Memphis, and Porty would be left out. All 3 of those teams are quality teams. All 3 of those teams when matched against anyone but the top 2 EC teams, would probably win in a 7 game series.
I think contrary to popular belief, having a much more competitive playoff system rather than a system based on regions would be much more profitable. Instead of watching Miami rape the Bucks (who the hell is going to watch this crap? No Buck fan wants to see their team destroyed by 30+. Yet the 5 Miami fans probably will fall asleep during the Lebron/Wade highlight film), you'd watch Miami slug it out against SA.
