Much like last year, the top 3 teams in the Eastern Conference will be fiercely competitive in 2009-10. The Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Orlando Magic have all made significant improvements.
Boston added Rasheed Wallace to the already stellar cast of veterans. Rajon Rondo gained some confidence and clout from his playoff performance last season. If the Celt’s stay healthy, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Lakers get their revenge at the NBA Finals. Boston re-signed all of their significant role players as well.
Cleveland has added Shaquille O’Neal – Which is just about the only thing worth mentioning. Oh, assistant coach John Kuester left the team to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Which means the reigning coach of the year, Mike Brown of Cleveland, will be forced to show his true colors – OVERATTED!
Orlando added Vince Carter and lost Hedu Turkoglu. Carter is an exciting player, but is on the downhill slide of his career. Look for Carter to either make or break the Magic’s chemistry. Hedu’s 3-point brilliance in the playoffs last year gave them the edge they needed to make it to the Finals. If I was Van Gundy, I would be a little worried about the loss of Turkoglu.
Boston added Rasheed Wallace to the already stellar cast of veterans. Rajon Rondo gained some confidence and clout from his playoff performance last season. If the Celt’s stay healthy, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Lakers get their revenge at the NBA Finals. Boston re-signed all of their significant role players as well.
Cleveland has added Shaquille O’Neal – Which is just about the only thing worth mentioning. Oh, assistant coach John Kuester left the team to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Which means the reigning coach of the year, Mike Brown of Cleveland, will be forced to show his true colors – OVERATTED!
Orlando added Vince Carter and lost Hedu Turkoglu. Carter is an exciting player, but is on the downhill slide of his career. Look for Carter to either make or break the Magic’s chemistry. Hedu’s 3-point brilliance in the playoffs last year gave them the edge they needed to make it to the Finals. If I was Van Gundy, I would be a little worried about the loss of Turkoglu.
Playoff predictions in order:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Miami Heat
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Chicago Bulls
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Philadelphia 76ers
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Miami Heat
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Chicago Bulls
Most Improved Team: The Raptors. With the addition of Hedu Turkoglu and a healthy Chris Bosh, they should be a force in the East. I wonder if ranking them 7th is a little low…Time will tell.
Sleeper: Washington Wizards – I expect Gilbert Arenas to sack up! Come on Agent Zero - You’ve got your money, now play some basketball!
Sleeper: Washington Wizards – I expect Gilbert Arenas to sack up! Come on Agent Zero - You’ve got your money, now play some basketball!
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