Eastern Conference Predictions Pt 2

After reading part 1, I’m sure your interested in seeing part 2. In part 2, we will look at some of the potential breakout players, top player at each position, coaches on the hot seat and some undercover storylines in the East. Let’s start with the all breakout team.

All Breakout Team

Point guard: Jrue Holiday ( Philadelphia 76ers)– Holiday was a favorite of mine in the 2009 NBA draft. Sadly, the Knicks passed him (another post in the future). Holiday is 6-4 and a strong on ball defender. In summer league play, Holiday has shown more lead guard qualities and was getting the “Gary Payton” comparison when defending point guards and shooting guards. Right now, he’s not named the starter but don’t be shocked if he starts over Lou Williams.

Shooting guard: Anthony Morrow ( New Jersey Nets)– Morrow was a 22 year old undrafted rookie, now after 2 seasons in Golden State, he’s moved on to New Jersey where I believe he can post even better numbers. Morrow now is the starting shooting guard and could increase his scoring from 13 to 17 with more playing time. Also, Terrance Williams and Devin Harris are respectable playmakers who should get open shots for Morrow.

Small Forward: Chris Douglas Roberts ( Milwaukee Bucks)– We go from a new Net to a old Net in CDR. Douglas-Roberts might be the shooting guard or starting small forward ( if the Bucks decide Maggette is best off the bench). Either way, Douglas-Roberts made huge strides last season go from what was perceived as a selfish scorer to a smarter offensive player and a improving defender.

Power Forward: Andrea Bargnani ( Toronto Raptors)– Someone who averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds could breakout? Yes. Bargnani will be the main offensive player in Toronto now that Bosh is gone. At age 24, some compared him to Dirk the year he was coming out the draft. Now, he might have a chance to prove it. Being the first option, I see 22 points and 8 rebounds potentially. Let’s look at it another way: Either Bargnani steps up, OR Toronto will be able to scout Harrison Barnes next season.

Center: JaVale McGee (Washington Wizards)– With John Wall coming in next season, McGee will be seen as the Tyson Chandler to Wall’s Chris Paul. McGee is athletic-look at the tape right here. The question: Is he capable of using this as a springboard to help him in the regular season? Although he was good in the open court but he need to develop those post moves. McGee should be able to post numbers like 14ppg and 8rpg next season.

My All East Team

Derrick Rose

Dwyane Wade

LeBron James

Al Horford

Andrew Bogut

5 Storylines In The East

– Shake up In Detroit

The Pistons haven’t been to back to back lotteries since the 93-94 season. They have some terrible contracts mixed with some young players. Somehow, the Pistons must look to use there young talent ( Jonas Jerebko, Rodney Stuckey, Austin Daye, Greg Monroe, Terrico White) and look to move some bad contracts ( Richard Hamilton, Ben Gordon) or it could get VERY ugly in Detroit.

– Derrick Rose: MVP?

With LeBron now going to Miami, many people believe the MVP award is up for grabs. Don’t sleep on Derrick Rose. Rose has made strides in his 1st 2 seasons and the addition of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer give him some more scorers. Carlos Boozer will help Derrick Rose because it gives him someone who could make people think twice before double teaming him.

– Toronto & Cleveland’s bounce back

After losing their top players, Cleveland and Toronto look to rebuild. Cleveland looks to use Mo Williams and Antwan Jamison to remain out the cellar. Toronto uses it’s young talent in Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan, Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson and 13th overall pick Ed Davis to help save basketball in Toronto. Neither will have winning seasons this year but the future isn’t dark.

– Larry Brown: Year 3

Year 1: Larry rips down the team.

Year 2: Playoffs for Larry

Year 3: Larry’s team falls back in the conference then he looks to leave.

– Dwight Howard

This seems to be the season. Dwight Howard could go from to some people “superstar lacking the post moves” to ” The best big man in the NBA”. He has 3 teams who he could make his legacy on. If he developed his low post moves with Hakeem, he could be a MVP candidate AND get Orlando back into the finals.