Detroit-This team has had it's postseason problems over the last few years, since winning the championship in 2004. After getting ride of Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer, they bring in Michael Curry, who has no professional coaching experience. The Pistons have won more then 50 games each of the last 7 seasons, and will likely do the same this season. They could have the best starting lineup in the NBA, and have terrific youth behind them. Michael Curry will just have to sit back and relax until the playoffs, which is when he will realize what it takes to make it in the NBA. Their team is another year older, which means that defense will be a little slower this year. These players won't be together forever, and really need to pull it together if they want to make use of their deep playoff runs.
Cleveland-This team once again shifts their lineup around Lebron James, trying to find someone to mesh with him. They don't need another star, just someone to help Lebron when hes getting double teamed. Mo Wiliams comes in from the Bucks and brings 17 points and 6 assists, giving Lebron a little help. Mo and Daniel Gibson will have to really help Lebron, so he isn't forced to take the game into his hands each and every night. He is a star who can have a triple double every night, but since he came into the league he hasn't had a helper. Two years ago he alone brought this team to the finals, and last year came within a game to making it again. He can only grow as a player and a score, and just needs to be more selective when shooting. But they could find his Robin, or his Pippen, then this team is unstoppable. They will really challenge for that division lead, and will need to win against Detroit. Lebron will once again make some noise in the East.
Indiana-The Pacers were only a game out of the playoffs last year, but 7 game below .500, which proves how bad the East is. They have a very young team and lost Jermaine O'Neal which will really hurt this teams chances. Although they have a lot of top notch young talent, like TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack, it may not be enough to finish above .500 this year. They lost their only big name player and the heart of the organization. Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy are now the veterans on the team but will struggle to keep this team focused. They will most likely finish at the bottom of their division.
Chicago-Are the Bulls Back? They bring in college star Derrick Rose and feel they are a top notch team again. But with all this youth, they may not work together well. There is no leadership on this team, since all of the players are young and want the ball to themselves. Vinny Del Negro, another coach with no experience, will try to lead this team back to its glory days. Well Vinny is going to need to make sure his team wins the games they are suppose to if they want to attempt to make the playoffs. The East is getting stronger and this team hasn't grown to much since last year. Vinny better rent a house, because I don't think he will be there to long.
Milwaukee-This team could be the most improved in this division, bringing in Richard Jefferson and Luke Ridnour. Damon Jones has been on ESPN gloating about his 3-point shooting, so we will see if he has what it takes. Bogut has also been impressive in the paint and will continue to dominate, being one of the largest man in the division. Jefferson brings in a winning attitude which will really help propel Michael Redd's game. Redd is growing as a star and is attempting to keep his All-Star status. They will make a big push for the playoffs, and their youth will help them get there. They have a lot of talent young players on this team, and has the veteran leadership to make some noise in the East.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
NBA Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Preview
Celtics-A year after winning the NBA championship, and having a rediculous payroll, the big 3 are a year older, and possibly a year too old. Although they were set for the Finals last year, this year will be alot tougher, as alot of teams are improved. The Celtics made no serious moves to improve their team, even though they had Allen, Garnett and Pierce. Now that Garnett and Pierce won a ring, what will they do? My guess is return to being an above average team, but not having enough to make a difference in the East.
Raptors-Germ O'Neal, 6'11, and Chris Bosh, 6'10, are two powerful people to have in the paint at all times. With another short playoff appearance last year, this team is hoping that O'Neal can boost them in the East. Although the team will not rely on Germ and Bosh, they will need to rely on their role players. If Calderon, Kapono and Moon can make the big shots, then this team really has a shot at making some noise in the East. Calderon, although he only averaged 11 points a game, also averaged 8 assists a game, will be a big part of this team. He shot 52% from the field, 42% from three, and 91% from the line, proving with the ball in his hands he is dangerous. Look for his stats to sky rocket as O'Neal and Bosh will draw alot of double teams.
76ers-Another team that had a short playoff run, but almost pulled off the upset against Detriot. With their young stars like Iquodala, and picking up Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey, this team has a shot at winning this division. Signing Elton Brand was huge for this team, as they finally have a big guy to throw into the paint. Andre Miller needs to have another solid season for this team really to prosper. As for Samuel Dalembert, who averaged 9 points and 9 boards against Detriot, he will put up bigger numbers having Brand play inches away from him.
Nets-Years ago this team was in the playoffs, putting out year after year of solid play, now are on the way down. Sure they got alot of youth for J-Kidd, this team no longer has the leadership it once had with Kidd and Jefferson. Vinsanity is now the leader of this team, and must use his veteran play to help guide this team to an above .500 season. Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian are two solid players, but are new to this system, and may struggle. I expect Vince to take the ball into his hands most of the time to attempt to take over this team.
Knicks-Ahh the Knicks, I just don't know where to start. This team brought in Mike D'Antoni to help propel this offense, but with this roster, im not sure even he can help. Zach Randolph and Q Richardson need to step up their play if they expect to be competitive in this division. With Duhon running the point, he has alot of options, but it will come down to if he will chose the right option. In all honestly, I do expect this team to be one of the best improved, simply because of the coach and the potential of their offense. But it is all about chemistry, and if this team cant click, or if Starbury is to much of a distraction, then this team will falter, again.
Raptors-Germ O'Neal, 6'11, and Chris Bosh, 6'10, are two powerful people to have in the paint at all times. With another short playoff appearance last year, this team is hoping that O'Neal can boost them in the East. Although the team will not rely on Germ and Bosh, they will need to rely on their role players. If Calderon, Kapono and Moon can make the big shots, then this team really has a shot at making some noise in the East. Calderon, although he only averaged 11 points a game, also averaged 8 assists a game, will be a big part of this team. He shot 52% from the field, 42% from three, and 91% from the line, proving with the ball in his hands he is dangerous. Look for his stats to sky rocket as O'Neal and Bosh will draw alot of double teams.
76ers-Another team that had a short playoff run, but almost pulled off the upset against Detriot. With their young stars like Iquodala, and picking up Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey, this team has a shot at winning this division. Signing Elton Brand was huge for this team, as they finally have a big guy to throw into the paint. Andre Miller needs to have another solid season for this team really to prosper. As for Samuel Dalembert, who averaged 9 points and 9 boards against Detriot, he will put up bigger numbers having Brand play inches away from him.
Nets-Years ago this team was in the playoffs, putting out year after year of solid play, now are on the way down. Sure they got alot of youth for J-Kidd, this team no longer has the leadership it once had with Kidd and Jefferson. Vinsanity is now the leader of this team, and must use his veteran play to help guide this team to an above .500 season. Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian are two solid players, but are new to this system, and may struggle. I expect Vince to take the ball into his hands most of the time to attempt to take over this team.
Knicks-Ahh the Knicks, I just don't know where to start. This team brought in Mike D'Antoni to help propel this offense, but with this roster, im not sure even he can help. Zach Randolph and Q Richardson need to step up their play if they expect to be competitive in this division. With Duhon running the point, he has alot of options, but it will come down to if he will chose the right option. In all honestly, I do expect this team to be one of the best improved, simply because of the coach and the potential of their offense. But it is all about chemistry, and if this team cant click, or if Starbury is to much of a distraction, then this team will falter, again.
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