Mark Cuban proposes 20-team playoff system
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has a magic bullet solution for the NBA's problems.
Cuban sent out a message on Cyber Dust on Thursday which proposed a 20-team playoff system wherein 10 teams would qualify from each conference.
Cuban argued that more teams making the playoffs would make it more difficult to tank. His system would include a bye for the top seeds while the bottom seeds play an abbreviated five-game series.
More from Cuban:
I had an idea that I proposed to my fellow owners as food for thought.
With all the concern about getting a high draft pick taking precedent over winning games, the disparity in talent between conferences and the general challenges of team building, I asked the question:
Why do just eight teams per conference make the playoffs? Why not 10?
The increased number would reduce the chances of good teams missing the playoffs in the stronger conference. It would make it harder to tank since the chance of making the playoffs increased.
It would keep things interesting for fans longer into the season. Team that suffered difficult injuries would increase their chances of recovering.
We could offer a (bye) to the best records per conference and let the bottom two teams play an accelerated best of five series.
Cuban's proposal carries the same sentiment as an idea proposed by former ESPN columnist Bill Simmons. Expanding the playoffs to include an additional round for the lower seeds would increase revenue and entice more teams to compete, rather than to tank.
However, adding an additional round would put further strain on an already jam-packed schedule. The push from players has been to shorten - not lengthen - the season.
The more interesting angle is Cuban's personal interests. Having missed out on their main target in free agency, the Mavericks project as a bubble team fighting for a low playoff spot along with the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns. Adding an extra two spots would greatly increase the Mavericks' chances of making the postseason.
That also speaks to Cuban's point about good teams missing the playoffs in the West. The Oklahoma City Thunder missed the playoffs after winning 45 games last season, while teams like the Boston Celtics (40 wins) and Brooklyn Nets (38 wins) made it in the East. In 2013-14, the Suns missed the playoffs despite finishing with 48 wins, which tied the Toronto Raptors for third-most in the East that season.
But that comes with a cost, too. Adding extra spots in the West makes sense because its a competitive conference. However, adding two more playoff seeds in the East would just further dilute the talent pool with mediocre squads.
That's why abolishing conferences and letting the top 16 teams make the playoffs would be the most equitable solution. It wouldn't curb tanking, but along with a balanced schedule, it would ensure the best teams make the playoffs.
Restructuring the playoffs has been a contentious point within NBA circles. On Wednesday, commissioner Adam Silver hinted at a change in playoff seeding wherein the top eight teams in each conference would be sorted according to record, without regard for division winners.