CHICAGO BULLS
Reasons for Success:
They finally addressed their biggest need over the last half decade and added Carlos Boozer to establish a low-post threat. Derrick Rose will become the best point guard in the league within the next few years and Joakim Noah is the new generation's version of Dennis Rodman sans craziness. They also added great role players in Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. New head coach Tom Thibodeau brings a winning attitude from Boston. And let's not forget the Prince of Wow Luol Deng!
Causes for Concern:
They are still a relatively young team and may be a year or two away from beating out the other powerhouses of the East.
Prediction: 1st Division 4th Conference
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Reasons for Success:
Came out of nowhere last season to make the playoffs and turn some heads. Brandon Jennings will need to follow up his amazing rookie season to help this team reach the playoffs again. Andrew Bogut is back from his horrific arm injury. They have added Drew Gooden as insurance for Bogut and brought in free-throw extraordinaire Corey Maggette to round out the roster. The "Fear the Deer" moniker is spreading like the flu!
Causes for Concern:
Early indications show that Bogut will be experiencing significant pain in his recovering arm and losing him at any point will be a huge blow to the team.
Prediction: 2nd Division 6th Conference
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Reasons for Success:
This sports city has been kicked in the groin multiple times even before LeBron decided to take his talents to south beach. They still have decent players in Mo Williams, Antwan Jamison, Anderson Varajeo and JJ Hickson. They hired Byron Scott to rally the troops and move forward to build a new chapter in its history. For this team to be successful they will really have to embody the cliche, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Causes for Concern:
After losing a player like LeBron, one cannot blame this team/city to go into deep depression. Mo Williams already has a head start.
Prediction: 3rd Division 8th Conference
DETROIT PISTONS
Reasons for Success:
Veteran presence of Hamilton, Prince and Wallace will help guide the youth movement in the Motorcity. Rebound years from Charlie V and Ben Gordan will go a long way to justifying those contract given to them two summers ago.
Causes for Concern:
Gone are the days of the Bad Boy Pistons and Defensive Juggernauts. This team needs to carve out a new identity and a changing of the guard may be needed for that to happen.
Prediction: 4th Division 11th Conference
INDIANA PACERS
Reasons for Success:
They finally realized TJ Ford is garbage and brought in a Darren Collison from New Orleans after his breakout season. The emergence of Roy Hibbert will give the team an inside presence that is vacant with Troy Murphy leaving town. Danny Granger is an all-around allstar who needs to stay healthy for this team to improve.
Causes for Concern:
With the East getting better, they will struggle to reach .500. Larry Bird is another example of a great player turned atrocious manager.
Prediction: 5th Division 14th Conference
No comments:
Post a Comment