Division in the NBA

In the NBA, most of the teams make the playoffs.  In fact, sixteen teams make the playoffs each year while only fourteen team miss the playoffs.  That's a little ridiculous but hey, it isn't my league.  The teams that make the playoffs are the top 8 teams in each of the two conferences, the East and the West.  So, if that is how the NBA sets the playoffs then why do they also have separate divisions within each conference?  Confused?  I bet most of you didn't even know that NBA divisions existed - probably because they are COMPLETELY POINTLESS!  If you don't get a bye or anything for winning your divisions then what is the point of having them?  Get it together NBA - two conferences is enough.  Even the perennially crappy Raptors are going to hang an Atlantic Division banner in their arena this year.  There is no need for more divisions, that it unless you you keep them and then break each division into two team phylums - that I would be down for.

"You won the division.  Congratulations, you get nothing!  You have to get by the Heat - you lose!  Good day, Sir!"