I promised some predictions…..weeks ago. Here’s what were going to do: Eastern Conference part 1 ( predictions) and part 2 ( breakout players, all east team and some other things I’m not going to spoil) so let’s look into the eastern conference. Oddly enough, the East got stronger and there are some teams who have talent and might missed the playoffs (crazy considering a couple sub .500 teams made the playoffs in the past 4 seasons). Here’s how the entire east should shake out. Mind you, this is my opinion and not the total writing staff’s opinion
1. Miami Heat ( Projected W-L: 66-16)
Surprise?!? The Heat are my #1 eastern conference team. The only reasons why the Heat couldn’t reach these high expectation are injuries and jealousy (which remains to be seen). If they start out hot (15-0 to 20-1), expect alot of Bulls 72 talk. Could LeBron be in range for what was seen as impossible for years in averaging a triple double? I don’t see 70 wins but 66 is reachable.
2. Orlando Magic ( Projected W-L: 55-27)
I made a post just to say: Don’t Forget Orlando! The offseason moves of Richardson and Duhon were solid. Vince Carter should play well (contract year) and might be moved. After a flame out against Boston, I could see this team looking for redemption. The overall team should be better (and a little underrated with Miami looking at the best team in the division) but my questions still remain: How safe is Stan Van Gundy and What’s up with Dwight Howard’s offensive post game?
3. Chicago Bulls (Projected: W-L: 53-29)
The Bulls, to some people, had the best overall free agency with the additions of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Omar Asik, Kieth Bogans and C.J. Watson. All of them should be in the rotation. The best part is the fact there main 3 ( Loul Deng, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah) all main in tact and should be ready to go next season. The biggest question: Who’s the 6th man? I see some potential problems. Most likely, I believe Watson, Korver and Gibson should handle the bench scoring but one should step up into that 6th man role.
4. Boston Celtics (Projected W-L: 50-32)
The Celtics have some different looks. They could rated as high as 2nd and as low as 6th depending on how the Celtics rest there big 3 in Garnett, Allen and Pierce. Rondo getting some rest this summer could be a great thing as he logged in tons of PT the past 3 seasons. The additions of both Jermaine and Shaquille O’Neal should allow Boston to have solid rotations with the PF and C spots. Adding Von Wafer and Delonte West as backups are both solid additions.
5. Milwaukee Bucks (Projected W-L: 48-34)
People don’t remember, the Bucks not only made the first offseason signing (Drew Gooden) but they made the most roster moves other then the Miami Heat in the East. Add Chris Douglas Roberts, Drew Gooden, Jon Brockman and Keyon Dooling to Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, John Salmons, Ersan Ilyasova and Carlos Delfino? This team should be going in the right direction.
6. Atlanta Hawks (Projected W-L: 48- 34)
The Hawks are a mystery to me. New head coach Larry Drew is expected to run a faster offense. Should I expect a little bit of a fall because Jeff Teague ( 9 times outta 10) will be running the offense? Might Jamal Crawford be traded before the season? If Teague can get the offense down and run it- The Hawks might be in contention for that 3rd seed. If not, things can get a little bumpy.
7. New York Knicks (Projected W-L: 42-40)
The Knicks should be happy with this spot. As a Knicks fan, I don’t want to be too bias. This is the best spot for NY. Amar’e Stoudemire should be able to continue his play similar to his departure from Phoenix. Raymond Felton is a solid point guard, still have some question if he can run a D’Antoni offense though. Anthony Randolph is a breakout candidate and should be a solid 6th man for this team. If Gallinari and Chandler can continue to develop, New York should be looking to buy playoff tickets.
8. Indiana Pacers ( Projected W-L: 41-41)
The Pacers weren’t in my playoffs a month ago. That Darren Collison move will turn out to be a smart one. They might lose alot in the frontcourt but they have solid wings. Right now, Danny Granger should be able to score with the best of them. The question is the bench, the rookies and can Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough ( the projected starter at PF) play well enough to keep Indiana to get into the playoffs.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (Projected W-L: 39-43)
First off: Has anyone had a more terrible FIBA games for the US other then Andre Iguadala? That made me drop Philadelphia a little bit for me. The upside for Philadelphia is this amazing stat: Doug Collins has increase the win total of each team he coached in there 1st season by at least 10 games. By that stat, Philadelphia goes to 37 games. Elton Brand rumored to drop down to 255 lbs this offseason. Jrue Holiday is expecting to start at point guard. I like alot of young talent but they must step up to make the playoffs. Seriously: I’m watching the USA games and watching Iguadala air ball a jumper ( again and again) and making the “I’m a star, why is that call on me?” face just makes me think: Would I want him on my team as a #2? No thank you. #3? Yes please.
10. Charlotte Bobcats( Projected W-L : 38-44)
I might be the only one who feels this way but: Shaun Livingston/D.J. Augustine combo? Not selling me. Moving Tyson Chandler ( contract season version) for Erick Dampier? Lateral but I say that got the worst of that deal. No incoming draft picks? Other then Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw: They pretty much stayed stagnant.
11. Washington Wizards (Projected: W-L: 36-46)
Some might overrate them, some will underrate them. I: will underrate them. I see some issues on the horizon. We hear alot of ” If Gil is going to act up, he will be moved” but they tried buying him out and trading him. No takers. I expect Wall to play well but it all depends on how Arenas fit into the offense. Not to mention: Not a great frontcourt. Tons of potential, we will have to wait and see.
12. Detroit Pistons (Projected W-L: 32-50)
The Pistons have some talent but questionable coaching and front office. I say: Too many finesse players. Other then Tyshaun Prince, who else could you say get dirty? I don’t see one player. Terrible moves hurt them over the past 3 seasons but they have some hope in #8 overall pick Greg Monroe, Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye. The Pistons need to find a identity, a #1 option and a way to unload Gordon and Hamilton’s contracts.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (Projected W-L: 26- 56)
The Cavs lost LeBron, we know this but Mo Williams and Antwan Jamison are guys who could play well. J.J. Hickson will be given every chance to prove he’s a legit starter. Is Cleveland going to suck? Yes but I feel both Williams and Jamison will be able to keep them from the #1 overall pick in the 2011 draft.
14. New Jersey Nets (Projected W-L: 22-60)
There’s upside with the Nets. Devin Harris and Brook Lopez (Year 3 Lopez: so watch out) plus Troy Murphy, Travis Outlaw and Anthony Morrow could get some wins. The downside: I like Harris, but he hasn’t played 70 games in a season since 2006, the Murphy-Lopez combo must be one of the worst defensive frontcourts in the east plus: I’d say 8 teams in the East all improved so they might have issues beating other teams.
15. Toronto Raptors (Projected W-L: 16-66)
It’s tough for me to believe in Toronto. Losing your best player when not making the playoffs is tough to come back from. The young talent is there in Weems, DeRozan and Bargnani plus players like Barbosa and Klezia who could play well off the bench but this is a team that has no identity and might be struggling ALOT at times this upcoming season.