As many of us already know, the NBA expansion is "not off the table". But it seems like it won't happen until 2016, the year when the league's current television deal will expire. When we think of a 32-team league, we think of the NFL. It has two conferences each divided into four divisions. And now, let's get back to the NBA and imagine what would the league look when (yes, when) it will have 32 teams...
First off, allow me to reintroduce your Seattle SuuuuuuuuuuperSonics and Kansas City's team!
American Conference, Pacific Division (AC Pacific, ACP):
- Denver Nuggets
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Sacramento Kings
- Seattle SuperSonics
American Conference, Southern Division (AC South, ACS):
American Conference, Midwest Division (AC Midwest, ACM):
- Chicago Bulls
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Indiana Pacers
- Kansas City's NBA team
American Conference, Atlantic Division (AC Atlantic, ACA):
- Boston Celtics
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Orlando Magic
National Conference, Pacific Division (NC Pacific, NCP):
National Conference, Southern Division (NC Southern, NCS):
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- San Antonio Spurs
National Conference, Midwest Division (NC Midwest, NCM):
National Conference, Atlantic Division (NC Atlantic, NCA):
I thought that each division should have two "top" and two "bottom" teams for balance, but that is not always the case - Midwest Division of the National Conference, or NCM, is seemingly the weakest division, while NC's Southern Division, or NCS, is probably the powerhouse one. NCA's is the geographically smallest division, while AC Southern's teams would have to fly a bit more than usual.
What are your thoughts on a possible NBA realignment?
P. S. Let's have a Name The Team contest for Kansas City's possible team.