NBA Power Rankings (East 1-8)
Some people will say the Eastern conference is the weaker, and that is true. Some will say there are less Stars, and that is also true. But the East do have some contenders, only if it's just three. Here is my Eastern Playoff teams.
8. Heat
The Heat were really pushing for D-Wade. South Beach wanted their man back. Sadly, even if that happened, the Heat would be nowhere near the top 5 in the East. The Heat have good, young talent mixed with experienced veterans like Dragic and Haslem. The Heat don't have a centerpiece, or someone to build their team around and that may need to be answered soon. Otherwise, the Heat will be staring at the 8th seed for the next 5 years.
7. Pistons
Getting Bradley was a MUST need for the Pistons. Bradley is obviously the best defending 2 guard in the league. Matching him up with Drummond should be fun. The Pistons are one person away from a big 3 (somewhat). Jackson, Bradley, Johnson, Harris, and Drummond will be a fun team to watch, but 42 wins may be stretch. We'll see.
6. Hornets
I feel like I am really low on the Hornets and I shouldn't be. Kemba Walker is a VERY GOOD point guard. Howard is probably really underrated at the only two things he can do; rebound and low post D. Batum is smart player, Kidd-Gilchrist athleticism is out of the roof. Then you add Monk, the scorer that the Hornets needed the past 5 seasons. This team could win 50 games, but that's a 10% chance. 45 wins at most.
5. Raptors
Anyone else not a big fan of DeRozan? Anybody else think that Serge Ibaka can't do anything anymore? At first glance, it looks like the Raptors are a championship contender. But, if you look deep down, this team has major holes. Not enough shooting, the defense is going to be horrendous this year. I like Lowry, and Miles is a great addition, but the Raptors are 1 dimensional.
4. Bucks
Giannis is going to win an MVP. Whether that be this year, next year, or 3 years from now. This man is destined to be the greatest point forward of all time. Giannis' freakish ability and his never-ending potential is what will propel the Bucks to 50 wins. Brogdon was ROTY, Middleton is a good 3andD guy, and Parker should be coming back before the season ends. I like this team.
3. Wizards
Now this is where we get to the cream of the crop. The three teams that could go up against almost everyone in the West. Here's the deal, John Wall is the best point guard in the East. Yes, he's better than Kyrie, Walker, Goron, Fultz and Thomas. Bradley Beal is a real deal if healthy. Otto Porter is a top 5 3andD guy. John Wall will be scary, the scariest he's ever been. Mark my words, John Wall will have be the best Point Guard in the NBA this season.
2. Celtics
The Celtics are going to be dominant... in three years. Right now, the Cavs are the best team in the East, maybe in the league. Kyrie Irving is one of my favorite players and I can just see him being just what the Celtics needed. Give me 30 games, and I will be able to give a full breakdown of the Celtics. I just don't know right now. It's going to be fun to see.
1. Cavaliers
Losing Kyrie was hard. Gaining IT, Crowder, D Wade, Derrick Rose, and Jeff Green was awesome. Not to mention the Cavs are dangling the Nets Unprotected 1st right above New Orleans heads. This team is stacked, like really stacked. The Cavs are my Finals favorite, and will be until proven otherwise. The Cavs second 5 is better than the Bulls, Hawks, Nets, Pacers, Magic, Mavs, Suns, Kings, Lakers, and the Jazz's staring fives. Yeah, 65 wins could be a possibility.
