2022 NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD
Is it far-fetched to think that the NBA might actually come up with three different divisions i.e. East Coast ,Central and West Coast? It would definitely ensure more teams in the playoffs.Well an expansion of two additional NBA teams seem very much in the mix.
The three cities I have heard mentioned the most are Seattle, Las Vegas, and St Louis(or KC).
All three would be be further West than NOLA, and could push them to the EC.
However the NBA might look at a travel distance component too. In that case Minnesota might be one of the teams to switch to the east due to their proximity to the great lakes and general distance from the entire WC.
If Missouri got an expansion team they might be in the East due to the travel, otherwise NOLA or Memphis would seem to be the best options.
Of course I think Vegas would be one team selected, and Seattle would seem like the natural second team... but I live in Seattle and I doubt the taxpayers would be willing to pay for a new NBA arena. The NHL Kraken play in Climate Pledge Arena, formerly Key Arena, which is very nicely remodeled but im not sure it would be enticing to the NBA.
Now another thing is Silver has shown a desire for is doing away with conference based playoffs. He pushed for it briefly in the 2020 bubble season. That would really mess with tipoff times.
