[esperanzafleet69Participant]

one team ive really been suprised with this offseason is chicago.. not just because they added boozer… but because theyve added Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson and Kurt Thomas. this makes them an INCREDIBLY deep team and i think the new east rivalry is gonna be chicago and miami… i really think they can get a top 3 seed in the east…

what do you guys think about chicago and about how the rest of the east will turn out..

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

I really like the Bulls because unlike the Heat, the have a lineup of players who actually play their true positions. Even if the heat start Chalmers at the point and Anthony or Z at center and thus have players playing their true positions, Chalmers is not going to become Rondo and Anthony won’t be as effective as Perkins. That said the Heat are still #1 in my mind, but the Bulls are going to give them a run for their money. Miami should also be wary of the Bucks. They might have had the best record in the East after acquiring Salmons and took ATL to 7 games in the first round without Bogut. They’re now much deeper and have a lot more talent overall, and Jennings is going to be even better. There’s a ton of talent on that team; their success will just depend on how intense they are on defense, because guys like Maggette, Salmons, Gooden are not known exactly as defensive stoppers, and Jennings isn’t a lockdown defender either. But they could be great considering how much success they had last year without all the talent they have now.

[TyroberParticipant]

1. Heat
2. Magic
3. Bulls
4. Boston
5. Hawks/Bucks
6. Hawks/Bucks
7. Knicks
8. Bobcats

[BothTeamsPlayedHardParticipant]

I think people are making too much of those lesser signings. Korver, Brewer, Watson, Thomas, and by next week McGrady are nice pickups. They don’t change the outlook drastically. Swapping out Brad Miller for Kurt Thomas is a nothing exchange. Dropping Kirk Hinrich and adding the combo platter of Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver adds a little because of the length, but has the detriment of neither player having the complete game. C.J. Watson is Jannero Pargo after a couple years in Golden State. He is just another little shooter. Now, Carlos Boozer makes them better. Derrick Rose continuing to improve his game makes them better. I would hope Noah overcomes his plantar fasciitis, but there is no guarantee there. For some guys it lingers, others it doesn’t. I think the team should win 50 games, but it would not surprise me if they finish second in the division to Milwaukee. They have also improved their roster significantly. I also don’t know if they end up with a better record than Atlanta or Boston. The Celtics can win as many games as they want, but there is no reason for them to push it. Atlanta gets slept on all the time. They when put out a lineup of Jamal Crawford, Jordan Crawford, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford, they are going to be tough. Jordan Crawford can be a contributor right away if he keeps his head on straight. Regardless of whether they are the third or sixth seed, I think those are the three teams the Bulls will be grouped with all year and then in the first round.

[TyroberParticipant]

The bulls are going to be very very good. They are going to be a top 3 seed for sure.

[sammybuckeye13Participant]

I really don’t see the Bobcats making the playoffs. They were just the 7 seed last year and got destroyed, and they lost Felton and Chandler. I think they’re presence will be missed more than expected; Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace are the only players on that team averaging double-figures for their career I’m pretty sure and they play the same position. They regressed a lot and I see that 8 spot being taken by a surprise team.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

Heat
Magic
Bucks
Celtics
Bulls
Hawks
Knicks
76ers

[llperez]

heat

magic

celtics

bulls

hawks

bucks

76ers, wizards and knicks should all battle for the last 2 spots imo.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

I don’t understand how the Wizards could contend for the playoffs. Do you really believe John Wall will make that big of an impact?

[llperez]

i believe wall will win rookie of the year and im one of the few people on here who thinks arenas is gonna bouonce back real hard and focused and be an all-star caliber player again next year. Add in the addition of hinrich and the backcourt is one of the better ones in the east. If mcgee and blatche continue to develop, they have a lot of weapons and can put points on the board with anyone.

[Stojakovicfor3Participant]

1. Heat
2. Magic
3. Celtics
4. Bulls
5. Bucks
6. Hawks
7. Knicks
8. 76ers

[ghettosermonParticipant]

I think a healthy Arenas is just as important as Wall for the success of the Wizards. If Javale Mcgee plays the way he is capable of , that’s a dangerous starting lineup with guys like Hinrich, Yi, Nick Young, off the bench. They have a very solid 8 man rotation and then guys beyond that who could surprise like Trevor Booker, Hamady Ndiaye, Kevin Seraphin and Lester Hudson or Cartier Martin.

[SubZeroParticipant]

Knicksboy, it’s not just Wall. It’s Arenas bouncing back, the addition of Hinrich, if Blatche gets his head straight and if McGee continues to develop like he has been. They could surprise you next year.

[PlatypusParticipant]

whos gonna play the 3 for the Wiz?

[llperez]

probably al thornton. He’s athletic and can defend. Nick Young will also get some minutes.

[ChrischiParticipant]

Seriously guys, I don’t think Boston will be top4. They’re old and they’ll probably have injury trouble and will rest their guys alot. That’s why:

1-2. Miami
1-2. Orlando
3-4. Hawks
3-4. Bulls
5-6 Celtics
5-6 Bucks
7. Knicks
8. A lot of teams will have a shot at this spot, I think Detroit might make it

[btown gmParticipant]

if u thnk detorit is gonna make the playoffs than u should start watching basketball. these guyz have no chemistry and all of them want to score and get ther own.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Yeah. It’s not like John Wall is the only good player on the roster. They have other Young talent in Young, Thornton, McGee, and Blatche. Blatche has to prove that he can play well for a full 82 games and if matures and plays hard all the time, I certainly think he can do that. I think McGee will have his breakout year. John Wall is valuable for McGee. Each year McGee has been with the Wizards, they had no pass-first and true point guard. Now, they have that in Wall and with Wall’s passing skills, I think McGee will have a breakout season. Thornton played well before the injury last season and he is expected to be the starting SF and I think he will be a solid starter. Young can be a scoring punch off the bench. He is really athletic and is a great shooter. They also acquired Yi Jianlian and Kirk Hinrich in the offseason. I don’t know why people say that Yi was a bad acquisition. He will probably never live up to the hype that was given to him during the draft, but he is still a solid player and can certainly contribute well. Kirk is a great defender and a good shooter and can mentor John Wall like he mentored Derrick Rose. And if Gilbert can play the way he was playing a few years ago, I don’t know how that’s not a playoff team. I think they can certainly sneak into the playoffs and grab a low playoff seed.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

I just doubt it I guess

McGee is becoming overrated. He had a nice summer league. Let’s see him against some legit NBA post players.

Blatche had a good 2nd half, lets see if he builds on that.

Arenas will be solid next season but will struggle early moving from on the ball to off the ball.

Hinrich will be good

Young, Yi are both good but underachieving.

Wall should help all of this but still, he’d had issues turning the ball over.

Anthoner factor? Tempo. If WAS is running, I could see them being a better team. If Saunders keeps his tempo? We don’t know what to expect.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Let me explain myself before you give me negatives..
The Heat will dominate…

BOTHTEAMSPLAYEDHARD Jannero Pargo and Kirk Hinrich were scorers at a low scale not “shooters” like Korver and Watson. Chicago also didnt have a Post presence with mid-range jumpshot capabillities and an athletic defender on the wing.

The Hawks slowly improve every year and will find a way to do so this year. If my predictions on Orlando are correct they will have a much easier time getting a high seed in the Regular Season.

The Bucks may have improved more than anyone aside from the 2 teams at the top and it should show. Jennings with a 45% jumper and 3 point range and a healthy Bogut could allow the Bucks to be a top team in the L. Who knows how good Jennings can be.

Boston is getting old and will save it for the Playoffs.

Doug Collins should turn this team around, create roles for the players, imply the fastbreak and set a hardnose defence in Philly. This team has plenty of talent and with breakout seasons from Holiday and Speights they could easily grab a seed.

Dwight Howard has never had an injury, and has only missed 4 regular season games…Vince Carter despite falling to the ground and clutching some part of his body every game has played 70 plus games the last 7 seasons and I just don’t see these streaks continuing.

The Wizards rejuvinate their franchise with Wall (similar to Rose 2 years ago). They aqcuire more depth in Free Agency and become a good playoff contender.

Knicks and Nets are extremely overrated for whatever reason. The Knicks aqcuired Stoudimire a good PF NOT C, and surrounded him with intriguing young players from losing programs and Raymond Felton the most overrated player in the league today. The Nets pickup who? Morrow, Outlaw and Favors? What the hell are they gonna do?

Bobcats just suck…

Heat
Bulls
Hawks
Bucks
Celtics
76ers
Magic
Wizards
———–
Cavaliers
Bobcats
Knicks
Raptors
Nets
Pistons
Pacers

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

I think your underrating the Knicks. Yes, Stoudemire is a little overrated at this point but he’s still worth 23-8 next season. Felton is not overrated, he had a bad playoff series ( His 1st btw).

I think the Knicks made solid moves. We added Length, depth and youth. I think they won’t start out hot but should be in the playoff race. I expect Gallo to have a better season next year, Randolph could get boards and score a little. Turiaf should be a really good defensive piece for NY inside. Azu should be alright and if Timofey could provide another big body? Playoffs IMO

[OhCanada-Participant]

wow it really doesnt wanna post my thoughts on the Knicks for Knicksboy…Sorry Knicksboy threads not working so im gonna post my respose in a new thread.

[Mr.Knick 32Participant]

You can post your thoughts. I don’t care. We will see when the season starts. If you feel the Knicks are overrated, that’s your opinion. I feel NY is in pefect shape to go get the 7th or 8th seed.

[sheltwon3Participant]

Canada is a Knicks hater and you know that order has to be off if he put Cleveland high and then them in front of the Knicks. That makes no sense.

Orlando will be the king of the regular season

Miami will be good but not the best

Chicago is a lot better and if they do get T Mac, 50 games may be a bit too low.

Boston finds a way especially if they somehow have two O’neals

Milwaukee is rising

ATL will have growing pains as Teague gets minutes but they will be tougher in the playoffs for it

Knicks should get the 7th or 8th seed.

Philly has the talent and if Collins can get them active and running they could get the 7th or 8th

Wizard are young and talented with the exception of Arenas but I think they will have shot to make it but fall short unless Philly falls off hard

Toronto has talent that is ready to make the next step but is that enough also they have too much depth that could be a problem because Calderon was supposed to be moved and maybe still is going to be

Bobcats don’t have enough fire power but you can’t completely shut up Larry Brown

Detroit
New Jersey
Indiana
Cleveland

[ChewyParticipant]

1. Miami – Lebron/Wade/Miller/Haslem/Bosh may be unstoppable
2. Chicago- younger legs can bring it for 82 games (tough competition for division w/ bucks)
3. Boston- They still take their division at least
4. Orlando- 2nd best team in their division, 2nd best team in the east
5. Milwaukee- Brandon and Veterans = improvements on an already good team
6. Atlanta- Really, really, really, really good is still not great.
7. New York- D’Antoni likes to run, well now he has Amare, Felton, Chandler, and Randolph… Knicks start your engine
8. Wow, I really do not know… whoever it is will be a huge drop off in competition.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

With the young talent they have and how bad the bottom of the east it, I would put defintiely put them in the playoff picture. Wall Blatche and Mcgee are going to be running all day, they just need to play defense. Hinrich is a great perimeter defender should help.

One of the things that could stop them from making it this year is their division. ORL and MIA are the top 2 teams in the east as well as ATL and CHA- 2 playoff teams from last year.

[SubZeroParticipant]

Wall and McGee could turn out to be one of the best inside-out duos someday. And Knicksboy, yes Wall has his TO problems. He had like 8 turnovers in both of his first games, but after that he got 2 or 3 in the last 3 games. Turning the ball over is something that can be fixed, and there’s no doubt in my mind John Wall will fix it. Maybe not early in the year, maybe not even this year, but by next season I guarantee he’ll cut down the turnovers

[cavsforlifeParticipant]

i think the cavs can make the 7/8 seed with the roster they currently have.
you got mo, parker, moon, andy, jj, jamison, delonte, eyenga, i think they will compete for one of those last spots

[PlatypusParticipant]

The Cavs are the worst team in the division, even worse than the pistons

[PlatypusParticipant]

Cavs compared to Pistons

bigs (cavs all powerforwards)
Jamison, Vareajo, Hickson, Powe Stuckey, Bynum, and Terrico White

Shooting Guards (better shooting)
West, Green, Parker, and Eyenga < Hamilton, Gordon, and White

Small Forwards (defense)
Jamario Moon Keuster

Pistons win 3 – 2

[WizardofOzParticipant]

If you were good at math, you would realize that according to what you wrote, the Cavs should win 3-2.

[BallerzD30Participant]

Yeah but the thing is chemisty….
Pistons who have the same team from last year is pretty much gonna be the same injury and chemistry problems… and chemistry as in playing on the court not as inside the locker room.
While the Cavs have proven that they play well together… so what no Lebron James… I think that will probably give them more of a reason to play harder and not rely on him so much… this is a 40-45 win team!!

[WizardofOzParticipant]

This is what you wrote:

Small Forwards (defense)
Jamario Moon < Prince, Daye, and Summers

So according to that, you said the Cavs win small forward. When you point the arrow to the right, that means the team on the let wins. You should have learned that in Math class during elementary school.

[PlatypusParticipant]

can u read?

dont u kno math?

Cavs win
points and coaching

pistons win
Bigs, small forward, and shooting guard

[SwatLakeCityParticipant]

okay you guys have it wrong. Yes the heat are good because of the 3 headed monster (Bosh, Lebron, and Dwade), but the only one that has championship experience is Dwade, and he only made it one year, and the other years were crap. Bosh’s team has always been crap, so he ain’t gonna show much experience, and Lebron, he should but his last team depended on him completely and it was really just a one man show, so honestly even though Miami has the youngest talent in the East they are not #1 not in my mind. That spot goes to the Magic, because they have proved it in year’s past, and they have what it takes to be a #1 team.
Celtics may be old, but they can play and real well too. They proved me wrong this year, I thought for sure they would be out after the first round, but they made it to the finals and gave the Lakers a run for their money, even though they were just a 4th seed. They too have what it takes, they may be a year older but they can play some of best ball, and that will show when it all counts in April. Yes, Hawks do improve this year, but they really did do anything to improve their team, while Bucks, Bulls, Heat, Knicks all have. So even though they should improve they might because they just don’t the talent necessary. Here is how I see it:
1 Magic
2 Heat
3 Celtics
4 Bulls
5 Bucks
6 Hawks
7 Knicks
8 Wizards

That 8th spot is really hard, Bobcats could make it, but I think the trading of Chandler for Dampier pretty took them out of the question, Detroit, they could be good, but all of that unstability and stacked position just doesn’t success to me. Wizards have all that young talent, and could do real well with Wall at the point and directing, it really be a proof of his leadership if he makes it. And Jersey could make it too, I love their new coach, and they have the talent they just need to start doing so. In the end there should be a good battle for the 8th spot by the Knicks, Wizards, Nets, and Bobcats.

Imagine that 4 and 5 match up, Noah and Bogut, now there is a match up that I want to see. Two of my favorite Centers to watch., and then the PGs too. Jennings and Rose. Very young talent, but I think both are future all stars someday.

[billykParticipant]

The Heat should win around 60-65 games in the REGULAR SEASON….

[BallerzD30Participant]

Don’t get me wrong…i’m not a Heat lover… i hated Lebron’s idea…. but i think they are good enough to challenge Jordan’s 72-10 season. These are superstars but also great friends so they probably gell well together, it’s also proven that they play well together- look at the team USA.

[ChewyParticipant]

Rose is already an all star

[mwalling2117Participant]

1. Miami Heat
2. Orlando Magic
(big drop off)
3. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Boston Celtics
(mini drop off)
7. Charlotte Bobcats
8. New York Knicks

[WrecklessParticipant]

I think he wrote it right.

I dunno, i need to go back to school, but im pretty sure he wrote it correctly.

Damn, fuck it all, fuck it all.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Small Forwards (defense)
Jamario Moon < Prince, Daye, and Summers

This doesnt mean cavs have the advantage.
It would like using greater or less than with numbers for example:

1<2 (one is greater than 2)

It shouldnt take that much to realize that the Pistons have better SFs than the Cavs

[cavsforlifeParticipant]

the side which the alligator is eating is the side that wins…..
2>1, pistons sf>cavs, its not that hard,
you really do need to get back to math if you dont know that.

[Author]

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