Does anyone really care about NBA divisions anymore? The Portland Trail Blazers were definitely responsible for the divisional winner no longer receiving a top-4 seed in the playoffs. The NBA changed the rule after Portland hosted a superior Memphis Grizzlies team in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. So, what’s the point of divisions?
The divisions are now just a way to make sure the teams closest in proximity play each other more often, igniting rivalries and saving on travel expenses. However, it’s still a fun claim to win your division. Generally, division winners end up being a top-4 seed in their respective conference regardless.