While I certainly wouldn't mind seeing a few, they are all but gone. Still the NBA is thriving.

As far a getting a better product out there last year I believe the West's 9th team was like 12 games better than than the East's 8th. That is a HUGE deal.

Just as big would be the seeding of teams. The Cavs were pretty bad for 1/2 of the season but still get rewarded with a 2 seed in the East. The Spurs played better for the year and get rewarded with a 6 seed. That doesn't make sense. So we will end up with less intriguing playoff matchups as the rounds go on because of it.