The 2017 NBA season saw the super-stacked Golden State Warriors exact their revenge on last year’s champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Last year the Warriors blew a 3-1 lead in the finals against the LeBron James lead, Cavaliers.
Insert Kevin Durant, one-time MVP of the league. Durant joined the Warriors in the 2016 free agency period, with a lot of scrutiny from fans all over the world. Durant and Steph Curry lead the Warriors to a cruisy 4-1 win over the Cavaliers to become the 2017 NBA champions.
With the 2017 free agency period soon ending, I will be taking a look at each team in the eastern conference and making some predictions.
Atlanta Hawks
The 2017 year is looking to be a bleak one for the once promising Atland outfit. Picking up absolutely no-one of note, the Hawks will be looking towards their veterans and rookies to step up and be competitive.
It’s not looking all bad for the Hawks, though. Last year they experimented with 23-year-old Dennis Schroder in his fourth professional season to start at point guard. Schroder averaged 17.9 points and 6.3 assists, but what is more impressive is Schroder’s composure in the playoffs. Across six playoff games last year he averaged a very impressive 24.7 points and 7.7 assists. Although this season may look bleak, the future of Atlanta does not.
Boston Celtics
It is no secret that Boston has an issue securing big-name free agents. One of the biggest franchises not only in basketball but in all sport cannot land a big fish? Boston is one of the best in the business in building from the ground up through the fraft and trades. In the past few years, though, history has been just that.
Al Horford, one of the most sought after big men in the league, joined the Celtics, and now the Celtics landed rising superstar Gordon Hayward. Boston finished on top of the eastern conference last year but fell to the Cavaliers in the conference finals.
Adding the scoring power of Hayward, the aggressive nature of Marcus Morris and rookie superstar sensation of Jayson Tatum, all that Boston has lost is some of its defensive edge with the trade of Avery Bradley. It was a questionable trade, and all I can say about it is that Ainge and Bradley must have something up their sleeves.
With the free agency period in Boston’s favour, they are looking to make it a step further this season.
(Image: Wiki Commons)
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls looked a massive force in the NBA, but now that is all what could have been and nothing else.
In the past few years Chicago has seen some great basketballers walk through its doors – for example, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Ben Gordon, Taj Gibson, Rajon Rondo and Jimmy Butler. Butler looked to be the future of the Bulls organisation, but that was not meant to be. At 27 years old and averaging only 23.9 points ad seven rebounds a game, I can see why the Bulls traded him away – he wasn’t the scoring or defensive presence they were hoping for and looking to build around.
With the trade the Bulls received Kris Dunn and Zack Lavine. A lot of Bulls fans were discouraged by the news of Butler. In my opinion the future looks brighter for the Bulls – the brightest it’s been since the Derrick Rose in his prime era.
Zach Lavine will absolutely flourish in his fourth professional year in the NBA. Last year he averaged 18.9 points a game – Lavine may be the scorer the Bulls have been looking for. Expect that average to go up to 22 points a game by the end of the year.
Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron and the Cavs didn’t have that 2017 in their plans: finishing second in the east and absolutely crushing through the playoffs only to be embarrassed by the Warriors in the finals.
The free agency period looked quite bleak for the Cavaliers until the past few days, when they picked up veterans Jeff Green and Jose Calderon. They may not seem like big signings at first glance, but let me assure that they will help the Cavs claim their second title.
The main thing going against the Cavaliers this season is not the Warriors, it’s the clock. The 2018 season is make or break for LeBron and his tight-knit unit. With the east curently at its weakest, the Cavaliers are getting older and older, so they need to take this opportunity and take the cup once again.
What Calderon and Green will bring is experience and a lot of other little factors. Green will bring explosiveness off the bench with the ability to drop 20 points a game if he’s healthy. Calderon will be able to take some of Irving’s minutes to reduce his workload. The Cavaliers have to stay healthy and be consistent to claim their second title for their beloved city.
The Doc
Roar Guru
Nice read Gareth. Good summary of the off-season development for those of us who have lost a bit of touch in the off-season. Look forward to part 2
Roger
Guest
I guess both of our view on the Celtics comes down to how highly we rate Hayward. I don't see him as an elite top 10 player. I see him more of the Lowry, McCollum, DeRozan level of talent player. Can you win without a top 5 player in this era of Lebron and the Warriors? That is why I don't rate it. IT is getting the max, I think that's a lock. I just don't think they are close to winning as they actually think they are, and I don't think they got much closer this off season. By the time this team is ready, surely they are getting swept by Philly.
astro
Guest
I really really really really hope you're right, mushi...That, or Gareth is pushing for a job in the front office of the Bulls.
astro
Guest
The Celts had an incredible off-season. They drafted brilliantly (Tatum looks the goods, as does Brown), and I really think you're underrating Hayward. The guy is a great scorer and above average defender. He's a starting wing in the East all-star team already (not saying much I know, but he is one of the best players in the East now). Bradley, Johnson and Olynyk for Hayward is a HUGE win for the Celts. Amir can barely get off the ground these days, and Olynyk is a back up big man being overpaid by Miami. Bradley is not that much better a defender than Hayward, and half (or less) the scorer, and again, not worth what Detroit will likely pay him. As for the Celts money being tied up with Horford, Hayward and Thomas...it remains to be seen if IT gets the full max. Celts will want him on less, or likely let him walk. And they still have flexibility. They could potentially have 2 top 5 drafts picks next year...Think about that...its insane. Bottom line, the Celts are probably the envy of a heap of NBA teams, not named the Warriors. And so far, Ainge seems to be playing his cards pretty much perfectly.
Ben Sewell
Roar Pro
No way "Zach Lavine will absolutely flourish". ACL's are a two year injury. Players often come back after 12 months but rarely return to their optimal level of play until 2 years later. Bulls have backed themselves into a corner with this. They're going to have to pay Lavine on potential over production as he won't be 100% better by the time his contract expires end of next season.
Lachie Abbott
Roar Pro
If Jeff Green ever drop 20 points a game I will personally take one of his 19237123 charging fouls from his out of control, straight-line drives. Every now and then, one will end in a dunk and this will push him to keep wildly slashing and turning the ball over until the next one in 4 weeks. Just watch a full Jeff Green game and not his highlight reels and you will understand by old man Richard Jefferson will play way more than him.
Lachie Abbott
Roar Pro
Losing Amir Johnson shouldn't be viewed as a negative at all. I'm not even sure his old ankles can get him a foot off the ground anymore. Plus, Aaron Baynes plus Zizic can come in an replace him easily.
Roger
Guest
Agreed with the questionable Celtics trade. The Celtics acquiring Hayward would be one of the most overrated pieces of business this trade period. Celtics have effectively traded Bradley, Johnson and Olynk for Hayward. Considering the offensive improvements and well documented defense Bradley brought (which helped hide Thomas inadequacies), and the 20 min a night Boston got from both Johnson and Olynk; I just don't think it is a big win. After Thomas gets the max next year, Celtics will have 85-90mil in contracts tied up to Horford, Hayward and Thomas. Can you win it in this era with those big 3? No. Smart comes out of contract and probably leaves, can see Crowder leaving due to reduced minutes. Just don't like the way the dominoes have/will fall after the move. Think Ainge may of gone a bit early here.
mushi
Guest
I assumed he was being sarcastic
Lachlan Gault
Roar Rookie
I disagree re the Bulls. Only 23.9 points? Jimmy gets buckets Bulter is a top 20 player in the league. Only 7 rebounds.. he is a guard. Also while I agree Zach Livine is a promising player, he suffered an ACL tear last year, he will be lucky to match his previous PPG, let alone add to it significantly.