Still think Miami is better than Both New York teams and the Hawks. Drakhorse (very long shot, but they have some nice pieces for the 8th seed is Orlando. 35-38 wins may not be out of the question there.
Now that a lot of dominos are falling into place, I thought I would start a thread to discuss the Eastern Conference. Still a lot of pieces to move (K. Love, Monroe, Lance, etc.) but I think we have enough to begin.
Cavs obviously have some more moves up their sleeve. Regardless of Love, should be a 1-3 seed. I am going to operate under the assumption we get the deal done.
Chicago will add Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol to a gritty team which won 48 games. They do lose Boozer and Deng. Probably a 1-4 seed in the East.
Indiana looks like they may lose Lance. Good frontcourt which would give the Cavs trouble.
Toronto keeps the team together. I saw these guys at the Q last year. Like the backcourt a lot. JV was a non-factor in the game I saw. I think they are a 4-5 seed.
Washington loses Ariza, replaces with Pierce. Seems like a lateral move. Destined for the 5-8 seed and a first round exit.
Brooklyn loses Livingston and Pierce, adds Jack, adds more miles on KG. Loses J-Kidd. I don't like this team.
Charlotte loses McBob, adds Vonleh. Were a tough team last year and I expect more of the same. Going back to the Hornets makes them cool again too.
Miami has scrambled and kept a reasonable core with Wade, Bosh, Deng. Unfortunately for them, the losses are big and that core is aging. McBob is a decent player but not enough. This smells like a 7-10 seed to me. If anything it helps our negotiations for Love as the draft pick becomes more valuable. But then again, the Finals team without Bron looked like a lottery team. If Wade only plays 55 games....could be a 30 win team.
1. Cleveland
2. Chicago
3. Toronto
4. Washington
5. Indiana (Edit: Thanks Mac)
6. Charlotte
7. Brooklyn
8. Miami
Or something like that. I may be overrating the heat due to an anchoring bias of the last few years.
I'm not worried about any of these teams...
Obligatory head in the dirt if I can't see it it isn't plausible..but applauded for blind homer ism none the less
Assuming the Cavs end up with Love, which team is beating Cleveland?? Chicago? Yeah, no.
Horrible feeling for Pacer fans. I was hoping Indy would beat out the Bulls before lance left and the horrific event of tonight.
With the way Rose looked, it seems that the Bulls and Cavs are on a collision course for the ECF. Washington and Charlotte have a shot, but I feel like it is Cavs and Bulls in late May.
I think the Wizzards and Hornets are next up IMO, Washington is the one team I cna see spoiling the Cavs Bulls collision.
Washington is not going to beat the Cavs. It is not going to happen. Swapping Trevor Ariza for old Paul Pierce is not scary. It's not 2008.
Same for the Bulls. I don't trust they can stay healthy in Thibs system. Even if healthy, Cavs w Love are better.
From how Rose looked last night, I came away for the first time in the summer worried about the Bulls. I think we are better, but only after getting Love. Another strong reason I do not wait to try to make a trade at the break. I dont think Love is in any way a luxury with a healthy (explosive Rose) I think he is a necessity to get out of the East!
The Bulls are going to be very solid!
From how Rose looked last night, I came away for the first time in the summer worried about the Bulls. I think we are better, but only after getting Love. Another strong reason I do not wait to try to make a trade at the break. I dont think Love is in any way a luxury with a healthy (explosive Rose) I think he is a necessity to get out of the East!
The Bulls are going to be very solid!