A variety of media outlets, fan groups and even Commissioner Adam Silver have suggested that a 1-16 seed NBA playoffs format is an idea worth serious consideration.
It would be in the interest of entertainment, the argument goes. Unfortunately, such a format would not improve the league’s entertainment value.
Here are five problems with a 1-16 seed playoff format.
Problem 1: Scheduling
In order to create fair schedules in a conference-less NBA, the league would have to radically change its scheduling. Assuming divisions are also abolished — which would seem likely, since division crowns are already diminished in value — every team in the NBA would need to play each other the same number of times.