Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved changes to playoff seeding and qualification procedures effective with the 2015-16 season, the league announced Tuesday.
As part of the modifications, the eight playoff teams in each conference will be seeded in order of their regular-season record. Most recently, every division winner was guaranteed a top four seed in its respective conference regardless of its record but did not receive home-court advantage if its playoff opponent had a better record.
NBA.com – NBA to seed conference playoff teams by record
The move to 1-8 seeding in each conference means, essentially, the end of divisions. The only reason to maintain divisions now is for traditional rivalries, such as Boston-New York. But even that’s barely necessary since the Celtics play almost every Eastern team twice at home and twice away anyway.
This change seems to be in response to last season’s Western Conference playoffs. Portland, with 51 wins, topped the Northwest Division and, with the top-four guarantee, was seeded fourth for the playoffs. Memphis and San Antonio, with 55 wins each, were seeded fifth and sixth. Didn’t make much sense.
Many observers had hoped the NBA would eliminate conferences for seeding, but it’s better that they didn’t. True, the West has more playoff-worthy teams than the east. Thing is, even if 1-16 seeding had been in place last season, the only difference would’ve been Brooklyn (38 wins) out of the playoffs and Phoenix (39) in.
Besides, these things run in cycles. Wait a few years and it will even out or go the other way. In the ’80s, the Lakers coasted to the Finals every year, while no other Western team was able to win more than 57 games in any season for the entire decade. Meanwhile, Boston had to get past Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Detroit, each of which was at or above 57 multiple times. No one suggested junking conferences then.
Related: ESPN Boston – What playoff seeding change means to Celtics
On Page 2: We green-light Trader Danny
Will the Celtics make a big move during the 2015-16 season? […]
This writer isn’t sold that a big deal is likely, if only because of how difficult it is to find a trade partner (and then you add in the additional obstacles with any in-season deal given roster clutter and cap constraints).
And yet we can’t shake what Ainge has repeated so often: That Boston wants to “stay in the game” and be ready to pounce should a superstar talent become available. What works in Boston’s favor is its ability to immediately offer a seller an enticing package of draft picks, young talent and expiring contracts should an opportunity arise.
ESPN Boston – Celtics Summer Forecast: Finally fireworks?
Chris Forsberg’s summer series concluded with him hedging his bets on whether or not Ainge will pull off a significant trade. It’s hard to predict, because even if Ainge wants to trade, can he find a sensible way to make it happen? Nearly two-thirds of Forsberg’s blogger panel said yes. Three of your faithful Red’s Army correspondents weighed in, and we all fully expect Trader Danny to live up to his nickname.
Ben Mark, Red’s Army (Yes)
Let’s call it a medium-sized trade to improve the roster for a playoff push. If Brooklyn and/or Dallas are floundering and the Celtics are in the thick of a playoff race, then Boston will be positioned well as buyers at the trade deadline with flexibility to dangle one of three potential first-round picks as bait. I don’t know if it will be a “big” move because it really depends on who is made available, but nothing can be counted out with Trader Danny at the controls.John Karalis, Red’s Army (Yes)
Will the sun rise during the 2015-16 season? Man, I hope so. Then we’ll see the crazy ways Ainge has adjusted this roster. I don’t know what it will be, but there’s no way this Celtics team doesn’t make noise this season.Mike Dynon, Red’s Army (Yes)
Ainge has a history of making recent big in-season moves (Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green; Rajon Rondo for Jae Crowder; spare parts for Isaiah Thomas), so there’s no reason to think he won’t this year. That’s especially true since: a) Danny still has plenty of assets and flexibility, and b) He learned the hard way how reluctant some team execs are to trade on draft night (see also: Jordan, Michael). If the Celtics seem ready to make noise in the postseason, Ainge should be extra motivated to upgrade the roster.
And, finally: Isaiah be like…
LOL that’s funny RT @MarcelasHoward: Isaiah Thomas @Isaiah_Thomas be like… pic.twitter.com/vs4wJixzuC
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) September 8, 2015
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Everyone’s getting into the imitation act, and this baller does an exceptional Isaiah Thomas – so good that the real IT gave him the shoutout. That hesitation dribble is for real.
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