The NBA playoffs need a major face lift. I remember two weeks ago when the entire sporting community was pumped up for the amazing ride ahead. Fast forward to the present and the first round dragged on so long that the playoffs have seemed to take a backseat to the NFL draft/labor dispute and (I hate to say it) the NHL. Commissioner Stern needs to give his playoffs a shot of 5 hour energy. Before I lay out what I think needs to change about the NBA playoffs I'll be very clear; none of these changes will ever be implemented for the simple fact that they would most likely reduce television revenues.In my opinion there are two big changes the NBA needs to adopt to keep the league in the forefront of the sporting community's collective minds.
1) Bring the first round back to 5 games.
Moving back to best of 5 series in the first round will keep the playoffs from becoming stagnant. In the first round this year none of the outcomes would have been different if the series were played in just 5 games. What is the value in playing a best of 7 series outside of increased TV revenue?
When the playoffs first started no one was talking about Miami vs Philly or the Lakers vs the Hornets. Outside of Boston - NY the entire basketball community was already looking forward to the potential drama filled conference semi finals. Why drag out the first round and risk losing the excitement of your fan base?
2) Cut out the off days
The biggest issue I have the with NBA playoffs is that they take soooo damn long. Basketball was in the air two weeks ago and the league fails to capitalize on that excitement. These teams play back to back games consistently throughout the season, why can't they do that in the playoffs? The NBA needs to move back to the time where the only off days were travel days. There's no reason that these teams need a day off between every single game in the playoffs.
I want to see the NBA regain its glory and popularity. These changes need to be made to keep fans excited and into the playoffs.
