Will the 2008 Western Conference champs uphold the argument that that conf. is better if the team ain't...?

...The Spurs, Lakers, Suns, or Mavericks? The issue has pretty much gone on since San Antonio and Los Angeles have racked up multiple titles in recent history. I would like to know if the West is still best if the Detroit Pistons or Boston Celtics had 2 compete in the NBA Finals w/, let's say, the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Hornets, Portland Trailblazers, Golden State Warriors, or Utah Jazz.