Why are the Hornets still in the Western conference?

Question

I understood why they moved there to begin with which was because of the damage to the city and arena by the hurricane but now that they're back in New Orleans, shouldnt they move back to the East? I know this may sound like a dumb question, but I was just curious.

Answer 1

Geography suggests they should be in the Eastern Conference but as others have said, that would destabilize the balance of teams. Right now each conference has 15 teams divided among 3 divisions. If the Hornets were in the Eastern Conference, there would be 14 teams in the West and 16 in the East. Also, the Southwest Division would have 4 rather than 5 teams. This would affect schedules and playoff seeding.

As a Blazers fan, I have always wondered why Minnesota is in the Northwest Division. Everything works out better when the numbers are all equal, though.  

Answer 2

They weren't in the Western Conference just because they were playing in Oklahoma City. Geography has little to do with sports conferences in the top levels of the pro ranks most of the time.

Answer 3

lol the Hornets can't go back to the Eastern Conference. they already have 15 teams and 1 more would "flood" their conference (pun intended).

Answer 4

They had to put them in the West so the conferences would be even and fair. I still dont get why Memphis is in the West. Who know.

Answer 5

they have always been in the west.... and if they moved to the east the teams would be 14-16

Answer 6

Basically to just even the conferences 15 to 15.

Answer 7

THE HURRICANE IS OVER  

Answer 8

there are more teams in the east cause of bigger cities. so some eastern city teams had to be in the west. new orleans didnt move to the west because of the hurricane, theyve always played in the west.