Post by Skillz on Jun 1, 2020 8:04:33 GMT -8
Assessing the Eastern Conference
After a flurry of deals and an extremely entertaining off-season, it’s hard to remember who belongs to which team. The landscape of the league has fundamentally changed and we are all trying to figure out what comes next. Let’s take a look.
The Favorite:
These are teams that are clearly a cut above the rest. Last year, the Nets would have been in this category and the post-deadline Miami Heat. This season? Just one…
Cavs
The Cavs are one of the only teams not go have undergone a significant transition this summer and still boast one of the league’s best trios in the league. Garnett, KVH and Hill are all elite players and Gary Payton remains very much alive. Cleveland also addressed its biggest need and upgraded at Center via a controversial friends trade. With other Eastern Conference teams taking notable steps back, the Cavs are positioned to win the Eastern Conference.
The Contenders:
These are teams that have more than a puncher’s shot at the title and winning the Eastern conference crown.
Heat
In my mind, the Heat had the best roster in BBS last season but were unable to conquer the Nets in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Miami lost two critical pieces in Free Agency and were unable to replace PJ Brown or Kenny Thomas with competent replacements. Eduardo Najera can play, but he isn’t quite as dynamic, and the Heat are looking at deals to potentially extend its window.
Nets
The reigning champs lost Deke to retirement and must decide whether to ride Michael Jordan for one Last Dance. MJ is so good, and Ben Wallace is such a menace in the middle, that the Nets can make some serious noise even without Deke. But Greeme is playing with house money after winning the title and may very well attempt to pickup some value. I would not count on this roster staying the same for very long.
In the Hunt
These are teams that are a move or two away from becoming serious factors in the Conference.
Celtics
Brian catches a lot of flack for some of his moves (or lack thereof), but the Celtics are well-positioned to compete in the Eastern Conference for a long time. The Bibby/AI/Sheed trio is about as good as it gets and this team has some solid complementary pieces as well. If Brian were a more seasoned GM, we would be confident that he would be in the “contender” group but he will still face some challenges trying to and the plane.
Wizards
Amidst a sea of bad training camps, the Wizards were one of the few teams to actually make strides in TC. Richard Jefferson went from a disappointing rookie to a potential star, and the rest of the Wizards core improved. Jah’s team is well-positioned to made serious gains this year and could easily contend for a title with a little nudge. Jah had previously been known to rest on his laurels, so we’ll see if he continues to ride the slow build.
Knicks
Jamal Crawford out. Manu Ginobili and Zach Randolph in. Without a star Point Guard, it’s going to be difficult for the Knicks to win with smoke and mirrors again. Although the roster is deep and has some talent, expect the Knicks to take a step-back from the 53-win season New York enjoyed last year. I will be on the prowl to attempt to improve this prognosis!
Pacers
After some controversial deals during our inaugural season, SARGO has been on a roll. It seems like he wins the vast majority of his trades and has built a nice young team with a lot of assets. The Pacers will always be dangerous as long as they have the rights to Vince Carter. The rest of the roster is a little bit of a work in progress – with players who have value but don’t necessarily make sense together. I have confidence Sargo can meld these pieces into a functional team that wins. But right now this team is more hypothetical than reality.
In Flux
These are teams facing an inflection point and major decisions about their respective directions.
Bulls
The Bulls are good. But that just doesn’t seem to be Insane or Play’s style. They want to be great. And I just don’t see a path towards greatness given the personnel. Michael Finley and Courtney Alexander had disappointing TC’s and I think this might be a team that could benefit from a rebuild. Lots of players on this roster have value. Moiso is super underrated. Camby is really good. Let’s see what the Bulls end up doing.
Pistons
The Pistons eeked into the playoffs last year and have a true superstar in Chris Webber. Galo also made an excellent move by nabbing Tim Thomas at the deadline. Those are two compliments. Now, to the bad news: whoof. This team is rather old, not very good and doesn’t have a direction that is pointing up. If I were the Pistons, I’d think about trading Webber and recouping value before it’s too late.
Magic
Kobe and Rashard Lewis is a nice start. But where do the Magic go from here? Will they be able to surround Kobe with the right talent? Who is steering the ship….Break? Footy? Are there any other worthwhile pieces to trade? There are just so many questions.
Hawks
I would put the Hawks in the “tank” category if I knew that was 100% the strategy. Not sure that is the case. This team is in danger of getting the CY in the future so I could see loasinglife putting his foot on the gas. Still, it might be prudent to wait one more year. He really needs Francis and Jackson to break-out.
Tanking:
These are the teams we can pretty much ignore until the following season.
76ers
Yao looks amazing. Kudos to Steve. This should be a slow-build. Not worth rushing since there isn’t enough that currently surrounds Yao that can help. Jamison should be moved for a complementary rebuilding deal before he leaves in FA. Marbury should go for whatever minimal value he has left. Yao + a top pick in 03 would be a devastating combo.
Hornets
Pig retained and signed some valuable players in Bonzi Wells and Bobby Jackson and should be able to secure a few 1st round picks for his effort. He is loaded with picks and has finally hit the reset button. He will take part in the race to the bottom.
Raptors
How will GAME tank with a top 5 Point Guard? That will be the challenge. He has signaled that this will indeed be tanking this season so we’ll see some creative DC’s from the Raptors.
Bucks
The Bucks should have no problem losing a lot of games this year. Chipper desperately needs a top-4 pick because the early returns on Carlos Boozer are pretty sad.
