By: Ben Christopher

Let’s take a minute to talk about the Phoenix Suns. This team did everything they possibly could after being invited to the bubble, with a chance to make the playoffs, but did they even have a chance? 

The Suns went 8-0 obviously winning every single game they played. These guys left their lives behind to come to the bubble. Bye bye kids, bye bye wife, bye bye home, but why? They did EVERYTHING possible to play in these playoffs, but no, no, you don’t even get a chance. 

Personally, I’m bummed. These guys could not have done better, and they didn’t even get a chance to play in the play in game. The Grizzlies on the other hand went 2-6, and got a chance to defend their 8 seed. How many people would have rather seen the Suns vs Blazers? 

Rhetorical question, the answer is everyone (except Teddy Ballgame). 

The debate of the last few years, has been about changing the playoff format from East vs West to just putting the best 16 teams in the playoffs. As I watch much more talented teams (Suns, Spurs, Grizzlies, and Kings) go home, I think we should really consider the top 16 team format in the future. Even Terrance Ross's mom would rather watch the Suns play in the playoffs than the Magic. 

Let’s move past conferences, and let the best teams play. I understand we probably wouldn’t have the Cavs vs Warriors in the NBA Finals 4 years in a row if the format changed, but the better teams, and more competitive games would make up for those rivalries. Also, wouldn’t it be awesome to have taken the Warriors out BEFORE the finals one of those years?