Aside from the Pacers, the Detroit Pistons are a team looking to take advantage of a sure down-year for the Bulls. Despite missing the playoffs, the Pistons finished the season strong as the young core started to mesh nicely.
The Cavaliers have their star of the future in Kyrie Irving but the challenge for Byron Scott lies in finding a strong supporting crew for Irving to work with. Other than Daniel Gibson, there is a huge drop-off in talent, which is why I see another sub-.500 year in store for the struggling Cavs.
A team to watch out for is the Milwaukee Bucks. They had some relatively strong off-season pickups, most notably Monta Ellis, which should make this team an entertaining watch. In the past, the Bucks have been offensively challenged but a Jennings/Ellis backcourt could change that this year.
Division Standings Predictions:
1. Indiana Pacers (48-34)
2. Chicago Bulls (46-36)
3. Milwaukee Bucks (41-41)
4. Detroit Pistons (38-44)
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (28-54)
Next Page: Indiana Pacers
It’s not a secret anymore: The Indiana Pacers are a legit threat in the Eastern Conference. In last year’s playoffs, they surprised everybody by giving the Miami Heat a run for their money. No longer flying under-the-radar, it’ll be interesting to see how this team comes into this season as a favorite not only in the Central Division, but the entire conference.
Center Roy Hibbert has established himself as one of the dominant big men in the East. Arguably a top-5 center in the league, Hibbert makes the Pacers a tough match defensively, taking up so much of the paint. With a wide array of shots at his disposal, the development of the former Georgetown standout will be fun to watch.
George Hill will take over at the point guard spot with Darren Collison’s departure to Dallas. But the success of this team rides on the health of Danny Granger. Considered one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and three-point shooters, Danny Granger could be the difference between a top-3 and top-6 playoff seed for the Pacers.
Key Players: Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert
Key Additions: Gerald Green
Key Departures: Darren Collison, Leandro Barbosa
Next Page: Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls come into this season amid uncertainty and speculation about what direction this team is headed in. It’s unclear how long Derrick Rose will be out of action and if he’ll even be the explosive player we’ve come to admire when he returns. This is terrible news not just for the Bulls, but for the entire NBA.
The Bulls will have to look elsewhere for scoring as they unloaded most of their “Bench Mob” during the off-season. With the departures of CJ Watson, Kyle Korver, Omer Asik and Ronnie Brewer, the Bulls will have to rely on Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer to do the bulk of the scoring.
If the Bulls are going to want to stay in contention for the division title, they will have to give more playing time to Taj Gibson. Averaging eight points and five rebounds in just 20 minutes of play last season, expect to see more time come his way. Along with Joakim Noah down low, there is plenty of size and length to keep teams on the perimeter.
Under coach Tom Thibodeau, the identity of this team is on the defensive side of the ball. If they can hold teams to scoring under 90 points a game like Chicago is accustomed to, the Bulls will get through the Derrick Rose injury just fine.
Key Players: Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose
Key Additions: Nate Robinson, Marquis Teague and Kirk Hinrich
Key Departures: CJ Watson, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Omer Asik
Next Page: Milwaukee Bucks
3. Milwaukee Bucks – 31-35 (2011-12)
With the addition of Monta Ellis, the Milwaukee Bucks might have one of the most explosive backcourts in the league. The dynamic of Ellis and Brandon Jennings is interesting since teams will have to focus their defensive strategies stopping one or the other. Both are deadly off the dribble and are capable of dropping 3s right in your face.
The Bucks said goodbye to Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson but welcomed Samuel Dalembert as their new big man. They don’t see any scoring from Dalembert as most of the shots will come from the outside.
Draft picks Doron Lamb and John Henson should see playing time right away as the Bucks’ season will be dominated by Brandon Jennings trade rumors. Not one to shy away from speaking his mind, it’ll be interesting to see how Jennings approaches this season as a desired free agent.
Key Players: Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis
Key Additions: Sam Dalembert, Marquis Daniels, Joel Przybilla
Key Departures: Stephen Jackson, Andrew Bogut
Next Page: Detroit Pistons
4. Detroit Pistons – 25-41 (2011-12)
This year’s Detroit Pistons might be the surprise wildcard pick for a playoff spot in the East. With young guns like Brandon Knight and Greg Monroe coming into their own, this is a team looking to take the next step. Tayshaun Prince is in the final leg of his career and Ben Wallace has retired, so expect to see the youth movement take over in Motown.
The Pistons took a chance on UConn product, Andre Drummond but have not seen great things from him this preseason. Despite his raw talent, expectations are high for the 19-year old man-child.
This team has played with each other for some time now. Will Bynum, Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva are used to playing with each other so this new group of young guys should revitalize the familiar group of core players.
Key Players: Brandon Knight, Rodney Stuckey, Greg Monroe
Key Additions: Andre Drummond, Kyle Singler, Corey Maggette
Key Departures: Ben Gordon, Ben Wallace
Next Page: Cleveland Cavaliers
A team built around their future superstar Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavaliers are starting to look like a respectable NBA team as they continue their life without LeBron. But if the Cavs are looking to make a serious run at the number eight spot in the East this season, they are going to need a healthy Anderson Varejao and have the rookies step up.
Dion Waiters is a natural scorer and good compliment perimeter player to the immensely talented Irving. With the roster lacking scorers, Waiters should make an immediate impact. Fellow rookie Tyler Zeller also could also score early in his career, given his great post game.
Tristan Thompson might be the X-factor for this team’s playoff chances and if last year was any indication, this kid should keep improving. Defensively, Thompson is exactly what the Cavs need. Offensively, he is still raw but learning. Also, look for C.J. Miles, one of the most underrated pickups this off-season, to have a major impact for the young Cavs squad.
Key Players: Kyrie Irving
Key Additions: Dion Waiters, C.J. Miles, Tyler Zeller
Key Departures: Antawn Jamison