I think getting the "best" teams in the playoffs would make it more exciting. Seeing the Bobcats and Hawks in the playoffs (even though the latter forced a game 7) wouldn't have been potentially as exciting as seeing what the Wolves and Suns could do. The more better teams in the playoffs, the "better" the matchups, and the longer the potential series (and not only that, but actually having exciting individual games). It could work... especially if the gap between 1 and 8 isn't all that much (and evidenced by this year's playoffs, apparently its not).
Interesting... I noticed towns with alot of deadbeats and loafers/unemployed like atlanta and detroit are pushing higher than their weight. too much tv watching sign of lazyness?
Those rankings include surrounding areas, not just the city itself. That's why Houston drops from 4th to 10th when comparing population vs. media market. Also, Detroit and Atlanta have very affluent suburbs and surrounding areas.
I have been a fan of the NBA since forever and I can't remember a first round like this one in more ways than seven game series. So many close games and overtime games.
