Miami Thrice. The Miami trinity. The dream team. Well, the last one is stretching it a bit, but there is no doubting that the new threesome in Miami is very, very good. Scary good.
However, the NBA is not about one team, or three players, and there were significant developments from the free agency, which has shifted the balance of power to one side, the Eastern Conference.
While the spread of talent and good teams from 1-10 remains with the west, the top tier teams in the east have improved.
Here is a look at how it’s panned out in the east, and what I expect going into next season.
1. Orlando: For my money, still remain the best team in the east, regardless of what happens in Miami. They have had two consecutive seasons of 59 games won, captured the second best record in the east, and have the best big man in the game in Dwight Howard.
The Magic had a disrupted 2010 season with trying to accommodate Carter, the injury layoffs to Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis. Their first two round performances against the Bobcats and Hawks were completely dominating. Remain the team to beat for the nunber one seed. Predict 59+wins.
2. Miami: A team with Wade, Lebron and Bosh as your core is going to challenge every time. With the announcement that they have taken $2.5 million pay cuts for the team, the Heat look set to make a run at the number one seed.
The challenge remains in putting together a competitive roster, with Derek Fisher, Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem being courted. Mike Miller looks to be an excellent addition as he is a brilliant shooter who can spread the floor.
Still need a competitive big man, a energetic 6th man and a capable bench. Predict 58 wins.
3. Chicago: One of the big winners from the free agency, even though they didn’t get one of the big three. An already good Bulls side will improve from their 8th seed last season. Noah, Rose, and Deng needed an excellent spot up shooter and 3 point marksmen and they got it in Kyle Korver and help on the inside.
Boozer is a 20 10 guy that will only improve a young hungry bulls side. Excellent additions and the third seed in my mind. Predict 56 wins.
4. Atlanta: No big changes in the offseason. They re-signed Joe Johnson, but paid way to much for him. What were the alternatives? Not many.
They are competitive with him and will only get better. They won 53 games last year and if josh Smith keeps improving defensively, then they could improve on that. Currently in talks with Childress returning and Shaq in their front lines. Predict 53+ wins.
5. Boston: Ray and Pierce are back, objective completed. Jermaine O’Neal was also added to boost their centre stocks.
They did lose their best defensive sub in Tony Allen, who was excellent in the post season against Wade, Lebron and Kobe and Perkins is out for most of the year. That loss will hurt.
The Celts will need to trade Wallace to a team desperate for cap space as his retirement is probably a sure thing. This will allow Boston to get a quality wing player and add to their bench. If the Celts stay healthy, they can capture the 5th seed in the east (it only took 50 games to do it this season) Predict 52+games.
6. Bucks: I’m going to have to go with the Bucks to capture the 6th seed. Their end of the season was unexpected, and they did it without Redd and Bogut. Gooden re-signed with Salmons, and a weakened bottom half of the eastern conference means 6, 7 and 8th spots are up for grabs. Desperately need Ridnour back along with their injured all stars to cement their place as 6th best in the conference. Predict 45 wins
7. Charlotte: are the front runners to take place number seven, but the loss of Felton will hurt. Regardless, they were one of the best defensive teams in the east, are well coached, and have a defensive dynamo in Gerald Wallace. Don’t expect anything higher, but will be challenged strongly from the teams below. Predict 44 Games
8. Only twp teams look capable. New York have added Amare and Felton, and should capture the last seed, but Mo Williams and Jamison would argue their Cavs can still make the playoffs without lebron.
The other contenders from last year were Toronto, but without Bosh and any significant additions to the team, I can’t see them contesting. Indiana, Detroit and Philly will remain about the same and I expect Washington to actually leapfrog them. I think Ji Jianlian, John Wall and Kirk Hinrich are solid improvements and the Wizards are my smokey for the playoffs.
Gilbert Arenas may return, which will only add wins. 41 wins was all that was required to be 8th best in the east, and I think they may be in the running.
Look out for my Western Conference Power rankings and predictions. Coming soon.
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