The upcoming playoff season has reignited debates over seeding fairness, with arguments growing stronger for either re-seeding teams by regular-season record after the first round or adopting a full single-elimination format based on performance throughout the year. Current rules allow higher-seeded teams to face lower-seeded opponents in later rounds, potentially undermining the rewards of a dominant regular season. Critics say the system fails to properly recognize teams that outperform expectations early, while also creating mismatches that don’t reflect true competitive strength. The discussion highlights a broader tension between tradition and meritocracy in postseason structures.
This is the season that will emphasize why the playoffs should, at minimum, be re-seeded by best-to-worst record after the first round — if not simply seeded that way from the outset.
