Rank These East Teams: Raptors, Pacers, Celtics, Hawks
Michael Saenz: Celtics, Raptors, Hawks, Pacers – The loss of Jared Sullinger, for me, moves the Raptors to the third seed.
Tyree Morton: 1.Pacers 2. Celtics 3. Raptors 4. Hawks
Clevis Murray: Pacers, Celtics, Raptors, Hawks
James Polazzon: 1. Boston Celtics – They finished with 48 wins last year, added the second best free agent available in Al Horford and drafted Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick in the Draft. Expect a boost in wins for Brad Stevens’ squad.
2. Toronto Raptors – After a franchise record 56 wins last season, I doubt that the Raptors, who lost Bismack Biyombo to the Magic in the offseason, would be able to match last season’s excellence even if Biyombo was still on the team. They’ll still be a top three team in the East and contend to reach the Conference Finals but I think the Celtics are just a bit better now with Al Horford.
3. Atlanta Hawks – Sure, they lost Al Horford but they added Dwight Howard to replace him and were able to retain Kent Bazemore. Most importantly, as long as Paul Millsap keeps up his thus far amazing Hawks career, Atlanta will be near locks to reach the postseason again.
4. Indiana Pacers – Indiana is a team that I think is a bit overhyped. I think they’ll make the playoffs but I’m not quite sure how much of an upgrade Jeff Teague and Nate McMillan are over George Hill and Frank Vogel. I like the Thaddeus Young addition but if they want to play “fast,” I honestly can’t figure out why they signed Al Jefferson. Indiana will be postseason contenders anyway as long as Paul George is healthy and at his best.
Mason McFee: While I recognize some bias exists as a Celtics fans, at least out of these teams, I think they’re the best. I think Jaylen Brown is the real deal and will make a big impact for the Cs in his rookie season. The Pacers made some solid additions in Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson and trading for Teague, and I’m really high on their upside. While losing Al hurts, I think Howard has a bounce back year thanks to Budenholzer’s genius. The Raptors haven’t done much this offseason to make me think they’re going to continue playing at a high level. They’re relying the most on their young guys developing out of these teams.
Drew Clark: Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Hawks. Top three should be in order after the Cavs in the playoffs. The Hawks have too many questions and I could actually see them struggling early, resulting in a Millsap trade and maybe even missing the postseason.
Richard Staple Jr.: Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Hawks. The Celtics grabbing one of the prized possessions of the offseason in Al Hortford gives the Celtics a low post offensive presence that they haven’t had since Kevin Garnett. In addition, Isaiah Thomas has become one of the league’s elite at the 1 position, and you can combine that with the wing depth that they have. The Raptors emerged as a clear threat to the Cavs last year, but a large part of that was due to the impact of Bismack Biyombo, who is now in Orlando.
That frontline depth may take a blow. The Pacers upgraded at point guard and on the frontline with their additions of Thaddeus Young, Al Jefferson and Jeff Teague, but their depth on the bench may not be for a long haul. Atlanta losing two starters hurts, and I don’t think I’m ready to hand the keys to Dennis Schroder and an injury-ridden Dwight Howard to replace the services of Teague and Hortford. Those losses will hurt the Hawks.
Tony Webb: Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Hawks but it’s close, like 4 games could separate the 2nd and 5th Seed.
Ray Petree: Khloe Kardashian may have doomed Tristan Thompson’s career, but Cleveland is still towering above the East. Vegas expects 56.5 win season, so take the over, way over, because this is a 60+ win team. PG-13 seems like he’s ready to validate his place among the NBA’s best. Thankfully, Indiana had a super-under-the-radar offseason, and Myles Turner is only getting better. Once again, Vegas has the Pacers listed at 42.5 wins, so pound the “over” button, because this is your second seed.
Toronto and Boston is a big toss up. I like Toronto’s experience, but I love Boston’s excitement. Don’t be surprised if these two split 51 games, and the Celtics steal third from “the 6”. Sorry Atlanta, but Schroeder and Dwight’s pick ‘n roll combo won’t be great enough to reclaim your former “glory”. At least the Falcons are exciting, for now.