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MFFL · 11-01-2002, 12:32 AM

http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/stein/1453485.html

Wednesday, October 30
Stern wants to reshuffle divisions if NBA expands
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

NEW ORLEANS -- NBA commissioner David Stern, speaking before the Hornets' first game in New Orleans, revealed Wednesday that he is open to a complete overhaul of the league's divisional structure if a 30th franchise is introduced in Charlotte, as expected, for the 2004-05 season.

Stern's preference is to consider a broad shuffling as opposed to simply moving the Hornets into the West to make space in the East for a Charlotte expansion franchise.

Minnesota and Memphis have also been lobbying league officials for a switch to the East, arguing that that's where they belong geographically.

"If we were to (expand), I think we should go to six divisions and start some real trouble," Stern said. "Let's start from scratch. ... If we ever were to add a 30th team, that would be the occasion to turn it upside-down."

The NBA has operated with a four-division format -- Atlantic, Central, Midwest and Pacific -- since the 1970-71 season. The NHL went to six divisions in 1998-99.

11-01-2002, 12:32 AM	#1
MFFL Guru Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 13,181	http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/stein/1453485.html Wednesday, October 30 Stern wants to reshuffle divisions if NBA expands By Marc Stein ESPN.com NEW ORLEANS -- NBA commissioner David Stern, speaking before the Hornets' first game in New Orleans, revealed Wednesday that he is open to a complete overhaul of the league's divisional structure if a 30th franchise is introduced in Charlotte, as expected, for the 2004-05 season. Stern's preference is to consider a broad shuffling as opposed to simply moving the Hornets into the West to make space in the East for a Charlotte expansion franchise. Minnesota and Memphis have also been lobbying league officials for a switch to the East, arguing that that's where they belong geographically. "If we were to (expand), I think we should go to six divisions and start some real trouble," Stern said. "Let's start from scratch. ... If we ever were to add a 30th team, that would be the occasion to turn it upside-down." The NBA has operated with a four-division format -- Atlantic, Central, Midwest and Pacific -- since the 1970-71 season. The NHL went to six divisions in 1998-99.