Eastern Conference Preview

I’m writing this as I watch Shaq and Charles Barkley crack jokes and make predictions during the first TNT pre-game show of the season, and I start to wonder: what point is there in writing a preview for the Eastern Conference this year? As a majority of the NBA likely views it this season, it’s the Leastern Conference + The Heat. So instead of analyzing Almighty Miami, I think it’s more worth your while to analyze which teams have the best chance of dethroning the reigning champions.

Boston Celtics – The debate has to start with the Boston Celtics, Lebron’s kryptonite until last season. Despite losing Ray Allen, this veteran group won’t miss a beat after adding Jason Terry as well as getting a talented Avery Bradley back from injury (Bradley actually started over Allen before his season prematurely came to an end). Adding Jared Sullinger could prove to be very beneficial if he builds off the success he had during the summer league. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett both have enough in the tank to be competitive for another season or two. Despite losing it in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals last year, I think the Celtics could pull up the upset while looking for redemption.

Chicago Bulls – I’ll go ahead and say right off the bat that Chicago won’t three-peat for the top spot in the East this year (Derrick Rose is out until next calendar year due to an injury he suffered during the playoffs). They should still make the playoffs in the top 5 and could make some noise depending on how healthy D-Rose is. They have a strong supporting cast that can pick up the load until Rose returns, but the load will be on Rose if the Bulls want to take the next step and reach the Finals.

The Heat Big 3 look to tighten their current grip on the NBA this season; photo from coreytabor.com

New York Knicks – If they can learn to play as well as they look on paper, the Knicks could finally make it past the first round of the playoffs. On paper, they look to be easily the second best team in the East, but on the court, it’s an entirely different story. At the start of the season, the Knicks should first focus on being the best team in their state, and maybe thenfocus on being the best in the conference.

Brooklyn Nets – The Nets are set up to be a team that could match up to The Heat. They have an elite point guard (Deron Williams), a towering wing (the 6’7 Joe Johnson) and strong centers (Kris Humphries and Brook Lopez) who could pound the Heat in the paint with their size.  They, like the Knicks, should be good on paper–however, I want to see this team make the playoffs first before talking about them in the Finals.

The Heat are the clear favorites right now; however, there’s a reason they play the games!