Post by hifigator on Apr 28, 2009 12:06:44 GMT -5
Apparently this debate has been popping up every now and then for years. I honestly don't remember hearing it debated before. But one of the local guys down here took it for his soapbox platform. His point was that you play over 80 games during the regular season to determine who the best teams are. But then, bang, one upset, and you are somehow at a disadvantage. I think his point concerned the Bulls-Celtics series primarily. If the Bulls were to knock off the Celtics, then the Magic-Sixers winner would play Chicago. For argument's sake, suppose the Sixers win. Now you would have the Sixers playing the Bulls for the shot to advance to the conference finals. Meanwhile, the class of the Eastern Conference, The Cleveland Cavaliers, would have to play either the Hawks or the Heat -- each significantly more difficult opponents, at least on paper. Like I said, I had never really thought about it. Obviousy with March Madness, we have a bracket system, and we know that going in. For what it's worth, he wasn't suggesting restructuring college as well, just the NBA. He, of course pointed out that the NFL does it that way -- seeding the teams and then having the highest play the lowest after the first round, and so forth.
One problem I see initially is that the series don't end at the same time. And they really want to space them out so they can maximize television coverage, whereas the NFL has games only on Saturday and Sunday, so it's much easier to set the schedules on the fly. In any case, what are your opinions on the issue? On one hand, I see the argument that the Cavs shouldn't be rewarded for their succussful season by playing the toughest remaining team. But on the other hand, the only reason that arises is because a team like the Bulls or the Sixers would have stepped up and beaten an another elite team through the year.
thoughts?
One problem I see initially is that the series don't end at the same time. And they really want to space them out so they can maximize television coverage, whereas the NFL has games only on Saturday and Sunday, so it's much easier to set the schedules on the fly. In any case, what are your opinions on the issue? On one hand, I see the argument that the Cavs shouldn't be rewarded for their succussful season by playing the toughest remaining team. But on the other hand, the only reason that arises is because a team like the Bulls or the Sixers would have stepped up and beaten an another elite team through the year.
thoughts?