Post by celticfan on Jul 10, 2014 21:54:05 GMT
Eastern Conference Predictions. Just what I think about the upcoming season. People may disagree. Not that I really care. Did I do the poll right? Hope to read comments under this. Enjoy!
THE FAVORTIES
1: Chicago Bulls: 61-21
Best team in the East. They have one of the best players in Lebron James, and didn’t lose anyone that was that significant off of the roster. They may have trouble scoring points, but James and DeSean Butler should be able to carry the team back to the Eastern Conference Finals. They are the favorites in my mind to win the championship again, despite losing Al Jefferson. Anthony Randolph will help to prove he is capable of defending the hoop, but whenever you have Lebron James on your team, you are going to be considered one of the favorites. Also, Noah Vonleh is going to have to be a reliable offensive option this coming season without Al Jefferson.
2: Milwaukee Bucks: 58-24
Talk about defense. This team is the best defensive team in the league, and it is not even close. Russell Westbrook and Andre Igoudala will shut people down in the backcourt. Serge Ibaka will be able to protect the rim, and recently drafted Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, is also a stud defender. They also ended up with Chris Walker, potential all-star, and have solid pieces off the bench (Tony Wroten, Dorell Wright, Pau Gasol, Tristan Thompson. If there is one team that can overtake the Bulls, it is this team. One of the deepest teams in the league.
3: Miami Heat : 56-26
Best starting lineup in the league. Williams/Harden/McLemore/Davis/Okafor. That staying lineup has the right mix of defense and scoring. Harden is a stud and will score close to 23-24 points a game. Williams is a top four point guard, and the Davis/Okafor duo up front can’t be ignored. McLemore is going to have to be a more consistent scorer, and right now the bench is nonexistent. They have to fill out the roster with the right pieces, but if they do that, they could jump the Bucks, and contend for the Eastern Conference crown.
POTENTIAL CONTENDERS
4: Orlando Magic: 53-27
Kevin Love improved this off-season and will be one of the best scorers in the league. He will consistently put up 24-12, and will be in the MVP discussions. Tyreke Evans will put up 20 points a game. They do lose one of the best centers in the league in Andris Biendris, and gave up stud point guard Trey Burke to get Evans. Despite the subtractions, they are still a top four team in the Eastern Conference. I expect Shortyman to make some moves soon to improve, because he always does.
5: Toronto Raptors: 51-31
They have one of the best all-around players in Brandon Roy. Greg Oden, Lucas Nogueria, and Desanga Diop will hold down the fort on the inside, with their ferocious defense. Andrei Kirilenko and Brandon Roy will hodl their own on the wings. Chandler Parsons and Daniel Gibson will provide some offense off the bench. However, outside of Roy and maybe Oden, who can help with the scoring? They will be one of the best defensive teams once again, but their inability to score the ball will keep them out of contention.
Playoff Bound, But Likely first Round Exits
6: Philadelphia Sixers: 47-35
Brook Lopez and Stephen Curry are a great duo, and combined to score 44 points a game last season. Jonas Valancunias, Dion Waiters, and Wilson Chandler provide a great supporting cast, but outside of them, the Sixers don’t have much. The Sixers need Valancunias and/or Chandler to step up on offensive in order for them to have a chance to make a run in the Eastern Conference.
7: Indiana Pacers: 44-38
Paul George is the best player on the team, and will be counted on to carry the scoring load for the Pacers. DeAndre Jordan and Mohammed Sene, although huge offensive liabilities, will be the anchors on the defensive end and will be able to protect the basket. The big question is can Harrison Barnes and Josh Childress provide enough help on offense to turn this team into a true contender, instead of just being a pretender. I think the Pacers are still another scorer away from being a true contender in the Eastern Conference, but their tenacious defense and being led by a top five small forward in Paul George, should get them into the playoffs.
Race for the Eighth
8: Atlanta Hawks: 43-39
Hawks are going to be a run and run type of team. They have many great three point shooters (Caron Butler, Bradley Beal, Tayshaun Prince) to surround their young point guard in Marcus Smart. Also, Butler and Prince didn’t decline in TC, so they should bring similar output as the year before. The big question is who is going to run the point? Rumors are that maybe James Young might make the switch. If not, Can the Hawks count on the combo of Smart and Teague? Time will tell
9: Charlotte Hornets: 42-40
Jeremy Lamb really improved in TC, and should be a 20 point scorer, as he and Isaiah Thomas will be threats from behind the arc. They locked up Milan Macvan for a decent contract, and he should be a 20/10 guy. Faried will provide some toughness inside. There is no doubt that they have three guys capable of putting up 20 points a game, but who else will score. Faried may give them 10 or so a game, but it will be the play of Alex Abrines, that will determine if they make the playoffs or not. I give the edge to the Hawks, but the Hornets could definitely get the eight seed.
On the outside Looking in
10: Brooklyn Nets: 40-42
Rudy Gay and Demar Derozan. These guys will be counted on to score a majority of the points. In an inside focus offense, they may both succeed. George Hill is an average point guard, whom could be a third option. The problem here is defense. Outside of Robin Lopez on the inside, they lack any defensive presences. They may be able to drop in 100 points a night with the right focus and pace, but they are going to be giving up 100+ as well.
They needed more defensive minded players in order to make a run for the playoffs.
Lottery Bound
11: Detroit Pistons: 37-45
This team I just don’t know if I can figure out. They should be higher in my mind, but here they are at 11, and likely lottery bound. I understand they have Blake Griffin, who is a walking double double, and Lance Stephenson, whom looks like he may have a break out year. They also have Nicolas Batum, whom should be a great third option. The problem is, they don’t have a center or really a point guard. I don’t think they can win with Marcus Williams and Javale McGee at their starting 1 and 5. Plus they have no bench. I like Kyle Anderson, but he isn’t ready yet. They must improve their bench, and at least get a more reliable point guard if they even want to think about, the playoffs.
12: Washington Wizards: 35-48
After the expansion draft, the Wizards were able to pick up some nice pieces to shore up the frontcourt. JJ Hickson/Zach Randolph/Paul Milsap will provide a majority of the offense for the Wizards. However, the backcourt is a work in progress. With Randolph, Milsap, and Hickson taking a majority of the shots, the backcourt will be counted on to defend, which outside of Bledsoe won’t be their strength. Unless the backcourt can really step up, they aren't likely to make any noise for making the playoffs. Too bad they don’t have their own pick next year.
13: Cleveland Cavaliers: 27-55
They have Kyrie Irving and no one else. Kyrie will get his 25 or so points a game. But with Klay Thompson not really developing into the player the Cavaliers thought we would, and basically all rookies on the roster, it is hard to imagine the Cavaliers coming even close to the playoffs.
14: Boston Celtics: 22-60
Very, Very young team. They have a up and coming point guard in Trey Burke, who should be a Celtic for a very long time. Devin Harris can score the basketball, but at the shooting guard spot, he will be undersized and may have trouble defending or scoring, unless he plays in a fast, outside offense. Julius Randle is not a center and he really didn’t improve much in TC, which is a concern. He and Karl Towns will have trouble defending the bigger players at power forward and center. The Celtics have a great future, but they are still two years away from really making a push for the playoffs.
15: New York Knicks: 17-64
Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel, the New York Knicks are going to struggle for some time. They do have some youth in Tyus Jones and Theo Pinson, but outside of those two, they have a lot of average and below average players. Expect a very long year in New York, unless Chris Kaman and Jared Dudley have monster years. Even if they do, don’t expect them to get out of the cellar of the Eastern Conference.
THE FAVORTIES
1: Chicago Bulls: 61-21
Best team in the East. They have one of the best players in Lebron James, and didn’t lose anyone that was that significant off of the roster. They may have trouble scoring points, but James and DeSean Butler should be able to carry the team back to the Eastern Conference Finals. They are the favorites in my mind to win the championship again, despite losing Al Jefferson. Anthony Randolph will help to prove he is capable of defending the hoop, but whenever you have Lebron James on your team, you are going to be considered one of the favorites. Also, Noah Vonleh is going to have to be a reliable offensive option this coming season without Al Jefferson.
2: Milwaukee Bucks: 58-24
Talk about defense. This team is the best defensive team in the league, and it is not even close. Russell Westbrook and Andre Igoudala will shut people down in the backcourt. Serge Ibaka will be able to protect the rim, and recently drafted Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, is also a stud defender. They also ended up with Chris Walker, potential all-star, and have solid pieces off the bench (Tony Wroten, Dorell Wright, Pau Gasol, Tristan Thompson. If there is one team that can overtake the Bulls, it is this team. One of the deepest teams in the league.
3: Miami Heat : 56-26
Best starting lineup in the league. Williams/Harden/McLemore/Davis/Okafor. That staying lineup has the right mix of defense and scoring. Harden is a stud and will score close to 23-24 points a game. Williams is a top four point guard, and the Davis/Okafor duo up front can’t be ignored. McLemore is going to have to be a more consistent scorer, and right now the bench is nonexistent. They have to fill out the roster with the right pieces, but if they do that, they could jump the Bucks, and contend for the Eastern Conference crown.
POTENTIAL CONTENDERS
4: Orlando Magic: 53-27
Kevin Love improved this off-season and will be one of the best scorers in the league. He will consistently put up 24-12, and will be in the MVP discussions. Tyreke Evans will put up 20 points a game. They do lose one of the best centers in the league in Andris Biendris, and gave up stud point guard Trey Burke to get Evans. Despite the subtractions, they are still a top four team in the Eastern Conference. I expect Shortyman to make some moves soon to improve, because he always does.
5: Toronto Raptors: 51-31
They have one of the best all-around players in Brandon Roy. Greg Oden, Lucas Nogueria, and Desanga Diop will hold down the fort on the inside, with their ferocious defense. Andrei Kirilenko and Brandon Roy will hodl their own on the wings. Chandler Parsons and Daniel Gibson will provide some offense off the bench. However, outside of Roy and maybe Oden, who can help with the scoring? They will be one of the best defensive teams once again, but their inability to score the ball will keep them out of contention.
Playoff Bound, But Likely first Round Exits
6: Philadelphia Sixers: 47-35
Brook Lopez and Stephen Curry are a great duo, and combined to score 44 points a game last season. Jonas Valancunias, Dion Waiters, and Wilson Chandler provide a great supporting cast, but outside of them, the Sixers don’t have much. The Sixers need Valancunias and/or Chandler to step up on offensive in order for them to have a chance to make a run in the Eastern Conference.
7: Indiana Pacers: 44-38
Paul George is the best player on the team, and will be counted on to carry the scoring load for the Pacers. DeAndre Jordan and Mohammed Sene, although huge offensive liabilities, will be the anchors on the defensive end and will be able to protect the basket. The big question is can Harrison Barnes and Josh Childress provide enough help on offense to turn this team into a true contender, instead of just being a pretender. I think the Pacers are still another scorer away from being a true contender in the Eastern Conference, but their tenacious defense and being led by a top five small forward in Paul George, should get them into the playoffs.
Race for the Eighth
8: Atlanta Hawks: 43-39
Hawks are going to be a run and run type of team. They have many great three point shooters (Caron Butler, Bradley Beal, Tayshaun Prince) to surround their young point guard in Marcus Smart. Also, Butler and Prince didn’t decline in TC, so they should bring similar output as the year before. The big question is who is going to run the point? Rumors are that maybe James Young might make the switch. If not, Can the Hawks count on the combo of Smart and Teague? Time will tell
9: Charlotte Hornets: 42-40
Jeremy Lamb really improved in TC, and should be a 20 point scorer, as he and Isaiah Thomas will be threats from behind the arc. They locked up Milan Macvan for a decent contract, and he should be a 20/10 guy. Faried will provide some toughness inside. There is no doubt that they have three guys capable of putting up 20 points a game, but who else will score. Faried may give them 10 or so a game, but it will be the play of Alex Abrines, that will determine if they make the playoffs or not. I give the edge to the Hawks, but the Hornets could definitely get the eight seed.
On the outside Looking in
10: Brooklyn Nets: 40-42
Rudy Gay and Demar Derozan. These guys will be counted on to score a majority of the points. In an inside focus offense, they may both succeed. George Hill is an average point guard, whom could be a third option. The problem here is defense. Outside of Robin Lopez on the inside, they lack any defensive presences. They may be able to drop in 100 points a night with the right focus and pace, but they are going to be giving up 100+ as well.
They needed more defensive minded players in order to make a run for the playoffs.
Lottery Bound
11: Detroit Pistons: 37-45
This team I just don’t know if I can figure out. They should be higher in my mind, but here they are at 11, and likely lottery bound. I understand they have Blake Griffin, who is a walking double double, and Lance Stephenson, whom looks like he may have a break out year. They also have Nicolas Batum, whom should be a great third option. The problem is, they don’t have a center or really a point guard. I don’t think they can win with Marcus Williams and Javale McGee at their starting 1 and 5. Plus they have no bench. I like Kyle Anderson, but he isn’t ready yet. They must improve their bench, and at least get a more reliable point guard if they even want to think about, the playoffs.
12: Washington Wizards: 35-48
After the expansion draft, the Wizards were able to pick up some nice pieces to shore up the frontcourt. JJ Hickson/Zach Randolph/Paul Milsap will provide a majority of the offense for the Wizards. However, the backcourt is a work in progress. With Randolph, Milsap, and Hickson taking a majority of the shots, the backcourt will be counted on to defend, which outside of Bledsoe won’t be their strength. Unless the backcourt can really step up, they aren't likely to make any noise for making the playoffs. Too bad they don’t have their own pick next year.
13: Cleveland Cavaliers: 27-55
They have Kyrie Irving and no one else. Kyrie will get his 25 or so points a game. But with Klay Thompson not really developing into the player the Cavaliers thought we would, and basically all rookies on the roster, it is hard to imagine the Cavaliers coming even close to the playoffs.
14: Boston Celtics: 22-60
Very, Very young team. They have a up and coming point guard in Trey Burke, who should be a Celtic for a very long time. Devin Harris can score the basketball, but at the shooting guard spot, he will be undersized and may have trouble defending or scoring, unless he plays in a fast, outside offense. Julius Randle is not a center and he really didn’t improve much in TC, which is a concern. He and Karl Towns will have trouble defending the bigger players at power forward and center. The Celtics have a great future, but they are still two years away from really making a push for the playoffs.
15: New York Knicks: 17-64
Although there is some light at the end of the tunnel, the New York Knicks are going to struggle for some time. They do have some youth in Tyus Jones and Theo Pinson, but outside of those two, they have a lot of average and below average players. Expect a very long year in New York, unless Chris Kaman and Jared Dudley have monster years. Even if they do, don’t expect them to get out of the cellar of the Eastern Conference.
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