Anonymous
Years ago
Eastern Conference
Is a heap of talk about how the KG trade will now effect the East, and will it make it better than the West.
No chance will it make it better than the West, but with some of the moves over the off season it will make it a hell of a lot deeper.
For what its worth (not a whole lot) here's my playoff predictions waaaaaaay before we've had the chance to see any of the team. Am interested to get other peoples opinions and thoughts.
1. Detroit Pistons
They are still good, and they're going to be hurting from last year. Regardless of their shock exit they still have all the tools in the shed to make a run at the finals. Their kids are pretty good too. Watch for Jason Maxiel.
NEED: Nazr Mohammed to have an impact this year.
2. Chicago Bulls
Tremendous upside to this team. Noah is going to bring plenty of energy, and be a solid support for Wallace off the bench. Deng, Thomas and Gordan will be a year older, and a year smarter.
NEED: Hinrich to lead this group, Noah to develop quickly.
3. Boston Celtics
Major recruiting, and have mortgaged the future to get here. Need to win NOW, as they can lay out a 3 year plan. Anytime you add an all-star its a big shake up, let alone 2.
NEED: Luck with injury. They have the thinest bench in the NBA.
4. Cleverland Cavaliers
Despite not adding anybody major to the group, they still have Lebron. As we saw this year, that was enough. Everyone has improved, but have Cleverland improved enough?
NEED: Help for Lebron (again)
5. New Jersey Nets
Have all the key players returning, and they key returning in Kristic. Last year when he got injured they lacked inside, so he is a major inclusion. Their smaller version of the "Boston 3" (Kidd, Carter, Jefferson)if can remain healthy will be dangerous.
NEED: Magloire to contribute, and work in tandem with Kristic.
6. Toronto Raptors
Improved markedly last year, with Bosh having a career year. Addition of Kapono is interesting, will see plenty of it if Bosh is double teamed. Bargnani will be better for last year also. They are young and play with plenty of passion.
NEED: They are praying to the basketball gods that Bosh doesnt get injured, the cupboard is bare after him.
7. Orlando Magic
Despite paying far too much for Lewis, the guy can still play. He brings good scoring from both penetration as well as the outside. Howard just gets better and better. Hill's leadership and experience could be costly.
NEEDS: A reliable point guard to lead them in Hill's absence.
8. Miami Heat
Only this low due to injury concerns. Wade coming back from injury, Shaq another year older, and Zo in his final year. If all are fit and going the sky's the limit. Wade could win the conference off his own bat ala Lebron last year.
NEED: Shaq to play 65+ games, and an unstricted Wade.
JUST MISSING OUT:
Washington: Is all on the great Gilberto's injury for these guys. If he can recover and be his usual self they can push the playoffs. Dont know if Caron and Jamieson can carry the team without him. Lack of a legitimate big also raises concerns.
Charlotte: Will improve this year, are probably a year away from being a legitimate contender.
New York: Dont think trading away Frye was a great move, even to pick up Randolph. Will have major chemistry problems, and can Randolph pick up a player on the perimeter if Curry is guarding the post?
As you can see, the conference just got deeper, but not quite good enough to challenge the Suns, Spurs, and Mavs in the other side.
Thoughts?
