NBA Realignment

[John Corn]

In the 2004-2005 season, when Charlotte re-enters the league as the 30th team, this is what I would do with the realignment. Stern said they will most likely expand to 6 divisions.

First off, change some nicknames (as the NBA will push for) to make more sense. Utah becomes the Grizzlies. New Orleans becomes the Jazz. Charlotte becomes the Hornets. Memphis creates a new nickname with new uniforms going into their brand new stadium.

East

North

New Jersey Nets
Boston Celtics
Milwaukee Bucks
Toronto Raptors
New York Knicks

Central

Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia 76ers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Chicago Bulls

South

Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks
Miami Heat
Charlotte Hornets

West

North

Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
Seattle SuperSonics
Utah Grizzlies
Denver Nuggets

Central

San Antonio Spurs
Dallas Mavericks
New Orleans Jazz
Houston Rockets
Memphis Something

South

Los Angeles Lakers
Sacramento Kings
Los Angeles Clippers
Phoenix Suns
Golden State Warriors

This would even things up a bit in the NBA. What do you think of this plan?

[swinslow]

I like your suggestions. Now, would you please talk to the NFL about the still crazy alignments there too!

[Charles Oliva]

I would slightly alter your list:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
New Jersey Nets
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors

Southeast Division
Charlotte "Hornets"
Atlanta Hawks
Orlando Magic
Miami Heat
Washington Wizards

Midwest Division
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
San Antonio Spurs
New Orleans "Jazz"
Memphis "Express"

Northwest Division
Seattle Sonics
Portland Blazers
Utah "Grizzlies"
Denver Nuggets
Minnesota T-Wolves

Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Sacramento Kings
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Phoenix Suns