Post by bloop on May 7, 2014 20:36:55 GMT
What an odd start to the season. My predictions were rather embarrassing, but as I’ve learned after one season, FBB is one fickle SOB. This article will look at the current standings of the Eastern Conference, providing some analysis and more predictions. It will also pick a midseason Eastern Conference MVP, 6th Man, MIP, and UP(Underachieving Player).
The Lucky 8:
Wizards
“When the Stars Align”
Wow. The Wizards have gone through the first half of the season with ease. It seems like everything is clicking for them. The firepower of Nash, Butler, and VC has finally come together to produce one of the most potent offenses. It seems like the entire team has hit its prime at exactly the same time. The only thing stopping this team from a top 3 seed is an injury to a star. Great coaching and patience has let this team reach its potential.
Current Record: 27-8
Prediction: 57-25 (3rd seed)
Magic
“A Model of Consistency”
The Magic truly impress me. They lost McGrady and somehow seem to have improved. They even went on a winning streak WITHOUT Ron Artest for a significant period of time. Any worries of a championship hangover can be instantly thrown away after watching this team perform at a high level night in and night out this season. If you take away an inexplicable 4 game losing streak earlier in the season, the Magic are the top seed. I can’t see that happening again to this team and expect them to regain the top seed by year’s end. They are my choice to represent the East in the Finals.
Current Record: 27-11
Prediction: 60-22 (1st seed)
Bulls
“In Flux”
So many moves, so little time. The Bulls have completely changed from who they were a year ago. They made two huge trades this season sending away Dwight and Amare for LeBron and Darko. This has allowed up and comer Anthony Randolph to finally secure the starting spot that he has been begging for since he first entered the league. It’s hard to say if these changes will benefit the team now or in the future. The team is currently atop the Central Division, but they have had two shaky sims in a row, coupled with injuries to Darko and Randolph. So far the new starting 5 has been on the court together for under 5 games. The verdict is still out on these new look Bulls, but here’s to hoping the new lineup can gain some chemistry before season’s end.
Current Record: 23-13
Prediction: 53-29 (2nd seed)
Knicks
“Late Bloomers”
The Knicks began slow, but have come around near the end of the first half of the season. They are playing how many analysts thought they would after a successful offseason. At 26-18, there is still plenty of time left for the Knicks to push for a top 3 seed. It won’t be easy, but consistent play and a steady/productive DC could go a long way for this team. They will be a team to keep an eye on going forward.
Current Record: 26-18
Prediction: 50-32 (5th seed)
Raptors
“Go Big or Go Home”
During the offseason, many owners scoffed at the signings of Jermaine O’Neal AND Brad Miller to hefty contracts. The Raptors GM apparently knew something the rest of the league did not. After a disappointing season last year, the Raptors are in a great position heading into ASW. Kobe has started to become comfortable in his new environment and the additions of O’Neal and Miller have paid dividends. Nagging injuries have prevented this team from reaching its full potential, but I fully expect them to have a strong and healthy second half to close the season. Do not be surprised if the Raptors and Bulls are fighting for the 2 seed late into the season.
Current Record: 27-19
Prediction: 52-30 (4th seed)
Heat
“Broken Pieces”
After the first sim, the Heat shocked the league. They were a potent offense somehow consistently holding their opponents to under 100 points a game. Since that sim, however, the Heat have repeatedly caught the injury bug. Redd has missed multiple games. Lewis has dealt with nagging injuries. And now Deron Williams has fractured his skull, requiring an immediate skull transplant courtesy of Jason Kidd’s son. The Heat have all the makings of a contender, but they need to get healthy. If they can manage to squeeze into the playoffs despite all these injuries, we may see a run similar to the Lakers last season in the West.
Current Record: 23-23
Prediction: 46-36 (6th seed)
Pistons
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
No one knows the true identity of this Pistons team. Marked for dead less than a week ago, they have somehow managed to save their season in the final sim. They went on an impressive 9-3 run to take them from a sure lotto team to the 7th seed. With the top heavy East, it’s possible the Pistons move up as far as the 4th seed in the 2nd half of the season. It seems it took McGrady a few weeks to get acclimated to his new team. In the 2nd half of the season, there is an equal chance of the Pistons continuing their recent success or repeating their early season struggles. The first few sims after ASW will be telling.
Current Record: 19-20
Prediction: 41-41 (8th seed)
Pacers
“Bizzaro Pacers”
Nothing changed from last season heading into this one. The roster, coach, and strategy were all the same. This consistency did not produce the same results, however. The Pacers were without a doubt the most surprising team in the 1st half of the season. They could just not seem to get it going. The coach, GM, and owner had a meeting before the last sim and were content with chalking this year up as a loss. They planned on gaining experience for their younger guys and hopefully adding a starter through the draft. The players, however, were not content with this. In a surprise twist, the Pacers had a great sim and ended up as the 8th seed heading into ASW. There is absolutely no way of knowing which Pacers team will show up for the rest of the season, so I will not embarrass myself by trying to guess. They are a team both conferences will watch out of sheer curiosity and intrigue.
Current Record: 20-23
Prediction: 43-39 (7th seed)
The First Four Out:
Bobcats
“Win-Win”
When putting this season into context, the Bobcats are overachieving. They are a young team with unlimited potential and still contending for a playoff spot. This is happening even despite injuries to key players throughout the first half of the season. Dajuan Summers is flirting with superstardom and it’s possible he could lead this team to the playoffs. No matter the outcome of this season, the Bobcats will chalk this year up as a success. Experience or another young talent will benefit this team going forward.
Current Record: 20-24
Prediction: 39-43
Bucks
“Desperation Mode”
The Bucks seem to be staying in the same place after every sim. They will take 2 steps forward then 2 steps back. I still have a lot of faith in this team and the owner. They have too much talent to stay below .500 for the rest of the season. A change of strategy or a midseason trade could be in the near future for this team. The owner is pressed to finish above .500 and I believe he will accomplish this by season’s end. The Bucks were a part of my contender list during the preseason and I see no reason why they can’t finish the season as one. The league will be watching this team as it strives to finish above .500 or achieve a playoff berth.
Current Record: 19-23
Prediction: 41-41
76ers
“The Bobcats’ Younger Brother”
The 76ers came into this season with low expectations. They are a young team with a solid core in Curry, Sanders, and Lopez. Before this last sim, they were even a top 8 team in the East. An unfortunate injury to Curry put this team on the outside looking in as we enter ASW. This team resembles the Bobcats in that I can’t see an ending to this season that turns out bad for this team. They are competing with elite teams and doing it with youth. They will either finish this season as a playoff team and gaining experience, or barely missing it with a chance to add another piece through the draft. Kudos to the owner for putting together a competitive team with a bright future.
Current Record: 17-21
Prediction: 35-47
Celtics
“Unconfirmed”
The Celtics are still a mystery in my eyes. They have beaten some elite teams this season, but have also had their share of inexplicable losses. The pieces are there for this team to compete now, but I can’t shake the idea that they might be better off with a lotto pick. KG still has life left in him and could possibly be a huge trading piece in the 2nd half of the season. It will be up to the Celtics (still) to decide how they want their season to end.
Current Record: 16-22
Prediction: 30-52
Lotto Bound:
Cavs
“A Minor Bump in the Road”
The Cavs made drastic changes to their roster after the first sim. From my understanding, they did not think they could win it all with the team they started the season with. They decided to fully revamp their roster and it’s resulted in an up and down season so far. They have had some strange losses, but also some wins against elite teams. This team may be on the wrong end of FBB luck this year, but they have a solid core that could easily see this team back as a contender next season. The plethora of below .500 records in the East also makes the playoffs a distant, but possible destination for this team this year. They will need to make a huge turn around in the 2nd half. Either way, I like the future of this team. They can either turn it around with the core they have now, or gain a potential superstar in the draft.
Current Record: 13-22
Prediction: 30-52
Hawks
"Consistently Inconsistent”
The team I picked as my dark horse has not lived up to the hype I bestowed on them. Inconsistent play has been this team’s downfall throughout the season. The pieces are there for this team to be a contender. Changes need to be made in the 2nd half of the season, and I’m sure the owner and GM are putting in the hours to turn this team around. They are not out of the playoff picture yet, and I expect this team to make a strong push for a playoff spot later in the season.
Current Record: 17-26
Prediction: 37-45
Nets
“Future, Future, and more Future”
The Nets are handling this season in this organization’s best interest. They are competing night in and night out, but have structured their cap and roster for the future. They know they need more pieces to be contenders again and are in a good position to do that this offseason. The Nets may not be a contender this year, but I have high hopes for this team next year. Pairing Jrue Holiday with a stud found in the draft or free agency could instantly turn this team’s fortunes around.
Current Record: 11-27
Prediction: 25-57
The East has not lived up to the hype surrounding it this preseason. Injuries and bad luck have marred many of these teams which contributes to the numerous below .500 teams. I expect the East to have a much stronger 2nd half and for there to be numerous battles for playoff spots late into the season.
So Far Awards:
Eastern Conference MVP: Stevie Franchise
The Magic have not missed a beat and it’s primarily because of this guy. With already 2 POTM awards, Francis appears to have somehow taken his game to another level this season. As long as he stays healthy, the Magic will have a deep run into the playoffs yet again
Runner Up: Vince Carter
6th Man: Antoine Walker
I wrote in the preseason article that Walker’s injury was a key reason for the Wizards struggles in the 2nd round. His steady play off the bench has allowed the Wizards to play 6 deep with almost no drop off in production between him and Jamison.
Runner Up: Brad Miller
MIP: Dajuan Summers
Summers is taking the league by storm. He’s come out of nowhere to be a top 10 scorer, and the impact he has on his team is evident when he’s forced to miss games. Each season Summers seems to take another step, and this is the year when he should be recognized.
Runner Up: Deron Williams/Tyreke Evans/Tinsley
UP: Josh Smith
After being a solid 2 way player, Josh Smith has fallen on some rough times. The changes in Chicago cannot be ignored and it’s hard to blame him completely for his recent offensive woes. Smith was also not played in the first games in order to preserve his trade value and it’s easy to see how that affected him, too. Regardless, Smith is not putting up the production that people are accustomed to seeing from him. He will look to regain form in the 2nd half of the season.
Runner Up: Rashard Lewis (Injuries account for this more than anything).
The Lucky 8:
Wizards
“When the Stars Align”
Wow. The Wizards have gone through the first half of the season with ease. It seems like everything is clicking for them. The firepower of Nash, Butler, and VC has finally come together to produce one of the most potent offenses. It seems like the entire team has hit its prime at exactly the same time. The only thing stopping this team from a top 3 seed is an injury to a star. Great coaching and patience has let this team reach its potential.
Current Record: 27-8
Prediction: 57-25 (3rd seed)
Magic
“A Model of Consistency”
The Magic truly impress me. They lost McGrady and somehow seem to have improved. They even went on a winning streak WITHOUT Ron Artest for a significant period of time. Any worries of a championship hangover can be instantly thrown away after watching this team perform at a high level night in and night out this season. If you take away an inexplicable 4 game losing streak earlier in the season, the Magic are the top seed. I can’t see that happening again to this team and expect them to regain the top seed by year’s end. They are my choice to represent the East in the Finals.
Current Record: 27-11
Prediction: 60-22 (1st seed)
Bulls
“In Flux”
So many moves, so little time. The Bulls have completely changed from who they were a year ago. They made two huge trades this season sending away Dwight and Amare for LeBron and Darko. This has allowed up and comer Anthony Randolph to finally secure the starting spot that he has been begging for since he first entered the league. It’s hard to say if these changes will benefit the team now or in the future. The team is currently atop the Central Division, but they have had two shaky sims in a row, coupled with injuries to Darko and Randolph. So far the new starting 5 has been on the court together for under 5 games. The verdict is still out on these new look Bulls, but here’s to hoping the new lineup can gain some chemistry before season’s end.
Current Record: 23-13
Prediction: 53-29 (2nd seed)
Knicks
“Late Bloomers”
The Knicks began slow, but have come around near the end of the first half of the season. They are playing how many analysts thought they would after a successful offseason. At 26-18, there is still plenty of time left for the Knicks to push for a top 3 seed. It won’t be easy, but consistent play and a steady/productive DC could go a long way for this team. They will be a team to keep an eye on going forward.
Current Record: 26-18
Prediction: 50-32 (5th seed)
Raptors
“Go Big or Go Home”
During the offseason, many owners scoffed at the signings of Jermaine O’Neal AND Brad Miller to hefty contracts. The Raptors GM apparently knew something the rest of the league did not. After a disappointing season last year, the Raptors are in a great position heading into ASW. Kobe has started to become comfortable in his new environment and the additions of O’Neal and Miller have paid dividends. Nagging injuries have prevented this team from reaching its full potential, but I fully expect them to have a strong and healthy second half to close the season. Do not be surprised if the Raptors and Bulls are fighting for the 2 seed late into the season.
Current Record: 27-19
Prediction: 52-30 (4th seed)
Heat
“Broken Pieces”
After the first sim, the Heat shocked the league. They were a potent offense somehow consistently holding their opponents to under 100 points a game. Since that sim, however, the Heat have repeatedly caught the injury bug. Redd has missed multiple games. Lewis has dealt with nagging injuries. And now Deron Williams has fractured his skull, requiring an immediate skull transplant courtesy of Jason Kidd’s son. The Heat have all the makings of a contender, but they need to get healthy. If they can manage to squeeze into the playoffs despite all these injuries, we may see a run similar to the Lakers last season in the West.
Current Record: 23-23
Prediction: 46-36 (6th seed)
Pistons
“Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
No one knows the true identity of this Pistons team. Marked for dead less than a week ago, they have somehow managed to save their season in the final sim. They went on an impressive 9-3 run to take them from a sure lotto team to the 7th seed. With the top heavy East, it’s possible the Pistons move up as far as the 4th seed in the 2nd half of the season. It seems it took McGrady a few weeks to get acclimated to his new team. In the 2nd half of the season, there is an equal chance of the Pistons continuing their recent success or repeating their early season struggles. The first few sims after ASW will be telling.
Current Record: 19-20
Prediction: 41-41 (8th seed)
Pacers
“Bizzaro Pacers”
Nothing changed from last season heading into this one. The roster, coach, and strategy were all the same. This consistency did not produce the same results, however. The Pacers were without a doubt the most surprising team in the 1st half of the season. They could just not seem to get it going. The coach, GM, and owner had a meeting before the last sim and were content with chalking this year up as a loss. They planned on gaining experience for their younger guys and hopefully adding a starter through the draft. The players, however, were not content with this. In a surprise twist, the Pacers had a great sim and ended up as the 8th seed heading into ASW. There is absolutely no way of knowing which Pacers team will show up for the rest of the season, so I will not embarrass myself by trying to guess. They are a team both conferences will watch out of sheer curiosity and intrigue.
Current Record: 20-23
Prediction: 43-39 (7th seed)
The First Four Out:
Bobcats
“Win-Win”
When putting this season into context, the Bobcats are overachieving. They are a young team with unlimited potential and still contending for a playoff spot. This is happening even despite injuries to key players throughout the first half of the season. Dajuan Summers is flirting with superstardom and it’s possible he could lead this team to the playoffs. No matter the outcome of this season, the Bobcats will chalk this year up as a success. Experience or another young talent will benefit this team going forward.
Current Record: 20-24
Prediction: 39-43
Bucks
“Desperation Mode”
The Bucks seem to be staying in the same place after every sim. They will take 2 steps forward then 2 steps back. I still have a lot of faith in this team and the owner. They have too much talent to stay below .500 for the rest of the season. A change of strategy or a midseason trade could be in the near future for this team. The owner is pressed to finish above .500 and I believe he will accomplish this by season’s end. The Bucks were a part of my contender list during the preseason and I see no reason why they can’t finish the season as one. The league will be watching this team as it strives to finish above .500 or achieve a playoff berth.
Current Record: 19-23
Prediction: 41-41
76ers
“The Bobcats’ Younger Brother”
The 76ers came into this season with low expectations. They are a young team with a solid core in Curry, Sanders, and Lopez. Before this last sim, they were even a top 8 team in the East. An unfortunate injury to Curry put this team on the outside looking in as we enter ASW. This team resembles the Bobcats in that I can’t see an ending to this season that turns out bad for this team. They are competing with elite teams and doing it with youth. They will either finish this season as a playoff team and gaining experience, or barely missing it with a chance to add another piece through the draft. Kudos to the owner for putting together a competitive team with a bright future.
Current Record: 17-21
Prediction: 35-47
Celtics
“Unconfirmed”
The Celtics are still a mystery in my eyes. They have beaten some elite teams this season, but have also had their share of inexplicable losses. The pieces are there for this team to compete now, but I can’t shake the idea that they might be better off with a lotto pick. KG still has life left in him and could possibly be a huge trading piece in the 2nd half of the season. It will be up to the Celtics (still) to decide how they want their season to end.
Current Record: 16-22
Prediction: 30-52
Lotto Bound:
Cavs
“A Minor Bump in the Road”
The Cavs made drastic changes to their roster after the first sim. From my understanding, they did not think they could win it all with the team they started the season with. They decided to fully revamp their roster and it’s resulted in an up and down season so far. They have had some strange losses, but also some wins against elite teams. This team may be on the wrong end of FBB luck this year, but they have a solid core that could easily see this team back as a contender next season. The plethora of below .500 records in the East also makes the playoffs a distant, but possible destination for this team this year. They will need to make a huge turn around in the 2nd half. Either way, I like the future of this team. They can either turn it around with the core they have now, or gain a potential superstar in the draft.
Current Record: 13-22
Prediction: 30-52
Hawks
"Consistently Inconsistent”
The team I picked as my dark horse has not lived up to the hype I bestowed on them. Inconsistent play has been this team’s downfall throughout the season. The pieces are there for this team to be a contender. Changes need to be made in the 2nd half of the season, and I’m sure the owner and GM are putting in the hours to turn this team around. They are not out of the playoff picture yet, and I expect this team to make a strong push for a playoff spot later in the season.
Current Record: 17-26
Prediction: 37-45
Nets
“Future, Future, and more Future”
The Nets are handling this season in this organization’s best interest. They are competing night in and night out, but have structured their cap and roster for the future. They know they need more pieces to be contenders again and are in a good position to do that this offseason. The Nets may not be a contender this year, but I have high hopes for this team next year. Pairing Jrue Holiday with a stud found in the draft or free agency could instantly turn this team’s fortunes around.
Current Record: 11-27
Prediction: 25-57
The East has not lived up to the hype surrounding it this preseason. Injuries and bad luck have marred many of these teams which contributes to the numerous below .500 teams. I expect the East to have a much stronger 2nd half and for there to be numerous battles for playoff spots late into the season.
So Far Awards:
Eastern Conference MVP: Stevie Franchise
The Magic have not missed a beat and it’s primarily because of this guy. With already 2 POTM awards, Francis appears to have somehow taken his game to another level this season. As long as he stays healthy, the Magic will have a deep run into the playoffs yet again
Runner Up: Vince Carter
6th Man: Antoine Walker
I wrote in the preseason article that Walker’s injury was a key reason for the Wizards struggles in the 2nd round. His steady play off the bench has allowed the Wizards to play 6 deep with almost no drop off in production between him and Jamison.
Runner Up: Brad Miller
MIP: Dajuan Summers
Summers is taking the league by storm. He’s come out of nowhere to be a top 10 scorer, and the impact he has on his team is evident when he’s forced to miss games. Each season Summers seems to take another step, and this is the year when he should be recognized.
Runner Up: Deron Williams/Tyreke Evans/Tinsley
UP: Josh Smith
After being a solid 2 way player, Josh Smith has fallen on some rough times. The changes in Chicago cannot be ignored and it’s hard to blame him completely for his recent offensive woes. Smith was also not played in the first games in order to preserve his trade value and it’s easy to see how that affected him, too. Regardless, Smith is not putting up the production that people are accustomed to seeing from him. He will look to regain form in the 2nd half of the season.
Runner Up: Rashard Lewis (Injuries account for this more than anything).
