[外絮] 增隊成功後，季後賽改制會是下一步？

https://shm.to/6sBsYCc

Expansion Could Create Push For NBA To Also Eliminate Conferences, Allow Top-16 To Reach Playoffs

原文作者：BRIAN WINDHORST, TIM MACMAHON/ESPN（RealGM摘要轉錄）
https://i.imgur.com/k4WMnk6.jpeg

The NBA continues to have an imbalance in quality teams between the Western
and Eastern Conference. With the NBA expected to expand in the coming
years with Seattle and Las Vegas the
two most likely cities, the league will need
to move one team out of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and
New Orleans Pelicans to the Eastern Conference

NBA至今仍面臨東西區競爭力不均衡的問題。不過，隨著聯盟即將正式擴張球隊（
而且很有可能就是西雅圖與賭城），聯盟也必須在鵜鶘、灰熊與灰狼三隊中，選一隻
送往東區。

But there could be a push for a more dramatic change where the conference
structure is eliminated in order to allow the top 16 teams to make the
playoffs. The concept has been raised previously.

但還有一種更戲劇化，而且先前就被提過的意見，那就是：乾脆廢除現在的分區
制度，直接讓例行賽最好的16隻球隊進入季後賽。

"It would be the right thing to do for the health of the league," one West
general manager said. "It's not just about fairness, it's about giving the fansthe best playoff product."

一位西區球隊總管對記者透露：「對於聯盟的健康來說，這會是正確的決定。這不只是
為了球賽的公平性，更是為了給球迷最好的季後賽。」

In order for the measure to be approved, 23 teams or more than 75 percent of
the league, would have to support it. This would require eight of the 15 Eastowners to vote against their own self-interest.

如果此項改革方案要被核准，老闆開會表決時至少要有75%的支持度（換算實際票數
是23票）。這也意味著15隻東區球隊中，至少要有8位老闆願意支持這項違反自己
利益的提議。

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