NBA: Re-Ranking The Eastern Conference After Free Agency

May 24, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) blocks the shot of Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) during overtime in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Hawks

2014-15 Record: 60-22

2015-16 Projected Wins: 45-55

DeMarre Carroll is at least worth a good 5-10 games per season for this Atlanta Hawks team, right? Under that thinking, I predict the Hawks to fall a bit back to the pack after a historical tear through the Eastern Conference in the regular season one year ago.

The good thing for the Hawks is that they managed to re-sign Paul Millsap. And if it really came down to either Millsap or Carroll, I believe that they made the right choice.

The Hawks are going to be good this season, if they can remain healthy, I just don’t think they’re going to be as impressive as they were a season ago. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Next: No. 2 Chicago Bulls