But - the West (top to bottom - not the top teams) was a lot weaker than people realized. Actually, outside of about 5 teams (SA, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Miami - barely) most of the NBA just wasn't that good. Even now we are seeing that Miami and Phx (with injuries) may not be as good as advertised. Denver played in a crummy division and still couldn't win 50. For all we hear about the Cavs bandwagon, the first round is no given. I know we love sports parity, but I for one love that the NBA keeps dynasties together for awhile - gives everyone a target to shoot for. If the Mavs topple SA this year, it will be that much sweeter. Having someone retire or demand a trade to ruin a team is not nearly as satisfying (i.e. the Rockets titles when Jordan took his gambling hiatus.) I think the Clippers playoff standing has as much to do with Cassel and the Wolves, Warriors, and Kings not being as good as advertised as it does as them being a decent team. Its a someone had to move up kind of thing. Dunleavy has been there for awhile - if this was his first year I'd buy it. I think the best job done with the least is probably in Chicago, but that's just my two cents. If you're going to reward the 3 best teams, Avery did it with the fewest all stars and the youngest cast.