What If... the 16 teams with the best records went to the playoffs?

by Dan Feldman from http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/28/anthony-davis-puts-nba-on-quadruple-double-watch/

          It is a very opinionated debate regarding this question. If the playoffs were to start today, there would be ten teams from the West and six teams from the East. Many people have wondered if the 16 best teams should go against one another or eight from each side. TNT analyst and former NBA player, Charles Barkley has said it is unfair for those teams with above .500 from the West to miss the playoffs and teams below .500 from the East to make the playoffs.

          In last year's playoffs, the West was such a powerhouse that the Phoenix Suns, who had a 48-34 record but missed the playoffs. On the other hand, the New York Knicks had a 37-45 record and needed only 2 more wins to make the playoffs. The Atlanta Hawks were the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference. It goes to show the difference between the two conferences. For this year, it seems to be a bit of balance but the West still has the slighter edge. Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans could reach the playoffs if this change was to be made, making his hopes to the playoffs still alive. Should some teams move from the West to the East or should the 16 teams with the best records reach the playoffs?