- Chicago Bulls (11-7): The Chicago Bulls continue to prove why they are best team in the Eastern Conference. It should be no surprise that this team sits atop this division. Even with Derrick Rose already missing eight of their first 18 games and still getting acclimated to the NBA game again, the team has still found a way to succeed. A huge amount of credit has to go to the resurgence of newly-signed big man Paul Gasol and the breakout performance of guard Jimmy Butler who is putting up 22 points per game. You add in a tough defense that is led by center Joakin Noah and you have a great formula for success. Once Rose gets back into the swing of things, their record will skyrocket. The pieces are there for this team to make a deep playoff run and possibly a run to the finals, so watch out NBA.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (9-7): Finally, it seems like the Cavs are starting to mesh. After a rocky start to the second LeBron era, the team seems to be getting back on track, winning four straight games. As James, Kevin Love, and Kyrie Irving, gain chemistry the team will only get better and better. The only problem I see here is the teams inability or unwillingness to play tough defense. That could be something to hold the team back, but it shouldn't stop them from being one of the best in the conference. If they get continue to get star production from the "Big 3" and get some solid production form the role players, there is no reason they shouldn't be competing with the Bulls for top spot in this division.
- Milwaukee Bucks (10-9): One pleasant surprise from the start of the season has been the play of the Bucks. I'm sure no body thought the Bucks who won just 15 games last year would already have 10, 19 games in. Clearly the drafting of Jabari Parker has done something for the team as they look leaps and bounds above where they were last year. I am a big fan of the depth on this team. Whether its Brandon Knight or Ersan Ilyasova or youngsters like Khris Middleton or Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team seems to be buying into coach Jason Kidd's philosophy. Don't be surprised if this team fades and misses the playoffs, but the steps taken this year will be great for the future.
- Indiana Pacers (7-11): Not much more could have gone wrong this offseason for the Pacers. From the injury to Paul George to losing Lance Stephenson to the Hornets, it just seemed like everything went downhill. This makes a 7-11 start kind of a success for the team. With little help behind Roy Hibbert and David West, the fact that the team has been competitive is a great sign for the Pacers. We have seen role players Chris Copeland and Solomon Hill step up and a lot of guys have done their part for Frank Vogel's team. Do I think they can sustain this play? Probably not. But do I think this decent start is a great sign for the club? I sure do.
- Detroit Pistons (3-15): It seems like year in year out we have high expectations for this Pistons team. On paper, they should be a competitive team in a weak conference. The pieces are certainly there for a good record. The team of Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond is a coach's dream. There are solid contributors on the wings in Jennings and Caldwell-Pope. This team should be so much better than they are, but once again they underachieve. Detroit is in desperate need of a top scorer, who can take over games. I don't see that man on this roster right now. All I see is a bunch of next level guys, who aren't going to get the job done in the clutch. Something needs to change in Detroit because the philosophy right now continues to fail.
Stay tuned for more analysis on the season!
No comments:
Post a Comment