Post by GMHornets on Dec 17, 2005 22:51:18 GMT -5
The Beast of the East? Well, in the last few seasons this term did not necessarily define the Eastern Conference. With a few dominant teams and little else, the East was usually out-depthed by the West. Though never a laughingstock due to the early dynasties of the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, the conference was nothing more than average. Until now.
This season, the play throughout the Eastern Conference has been nothing short of astounding. With the traditional Chicago-Detroit slugfest taking a backseat to upstart teams in Cleveland, Milwaukee, and New Orleans, BBS fans have witnessed a changing of the guard. From the Bucks to the Pacers, the conference is tough throughout. How could these two divisions gotten so tough, so quickly? Well, it’s simple. A combination of competent general managers, franchise young talents sprinkled in with the occasional superstar veteran, and successful rebuilding projects (New Orleans, Cleveland, and Milwaukee) have all culminated to peak at the right time for BBS executives seeking excitement in their league, but wrong for each other (as each team continues to knock each other off). I cannot remember a time where a conference was as loaded as we’re witnessing, not to mention the potentially five teams in the Central with .600 winning percentages. With that said, we must rank ‘em. So, without further adieu...
The Cream of the Crop:
1. Orlando Magic
Surprised? Don’t be. There record does not tell the story, not even close. Every team in the league (not just the East) is dreading a potential playoff matchup with the boys from Orlando. Going into the season, the always-quiet GM of this squad was excited about their chances. With perhaps the best duo in the BBS at the time (Wade and Larry Bird) along with upstart point Daniel Gibson, there were championship aspirations for some in their front office. Well, those that were not convinced on this team early on must be believers now as Orlando has added a great defensive big man in Bill Laimbeer, and paired him with perhaps the most dominant player in the league, Kevin Garnett. After getting Garnett for peanuts (in comparison of his perceived value), one anonymous GM was said to have thrown his arms in the air exclaim, “Why don’t we just end the season now?”.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
How odd. The two teams who won the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson sweepstakes a few years back are currently, to this writer, the top squads in not only the East, but the entire BBS. The Bucks boast a formidable frontline featuring star youngster Andray Blatche (18 and 12 per game in points and rebounds, respectively), which compliments one of the best backcourts in the league (Johnson/Rose). Derrick Rose’s decision making and marksmanship from the outside has kept defenses honest, but it has been Johnson’s play that has led Milwaukee to this point. With great stats across the board, he’s basically impossible to guard. Equipping that with picture-perfect defense, and it’s no wonder it took a Kevin Garnett to take them out of the top spot.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
It was only a few seasons back that Cleveland was the laughingstock of the league. With horrid season after horrid season, the future was glum for the Cavaliers. Yet, all it took was new management and the maturation of their young stars to turn this franchise around. The Cavs are led by their young and talented front line consisting of Greg Oden and Josh McRoberts. Combining to average over thirty-five points and twenty-five rebounds per game, it’s nearly impossible to guard these guys. Couple that with youthful legs and the always-dangerous Eric Gordon (23 points per game) and this upstart team is making serious noise.
4. New Orleans Hornets
It was only a few weeks ago that the Hornets sat comfortable atop the Central division with a winning percentage of .712. They were cruising for the top spot in the East, licking their lips with the rewards that came with that title. As quickly as it happened, it all seemed to fall apart. No, the Hornets are not done. But, they have lost their top-spot cushion, and now need to battle to regain it. New Orleans is led by point guard Shaun Livingston, who has become Mr. Reliable for the squad. He and OJ Mayo form one of the best backcourts in the league. Two talents in Gerald Green and Dwight Howard keep the defense honest with their individual abilities (slashing in Green’s case, back-to-the-basket moves in Dwight’s). This team has the chance to make noise in the playoffs, but they are most likely a year away.
Best of the Rest:
5. Toronto Raptors
Last year’s champions, the Raptors have barely skipped a beat in their quest to defend their title. Though not having the same success as last year’s squad, that could be due to the increased competition in the division as opposed to a depletion in talent. Toronto is still led by point guard Raymond Felton and power forward Chris Bosh, which has opposing teams scared stiff. The addition of Tim Duncan came at the price of their leader Elton Brand, but it provided them a better talent, and zero attitude. Still contenders, but no longer the best team running.
6. Chicago Bulls
Constant player change has hurt the Bulls. There was a time when they could boast a team consisting of Tracy McGrady, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Webber, and Kevin Garnett, among others. That team has long been disassembled, but the new boys in the Windy City are far from an embarrassment. Point guard Baron Davis is a most valuable player contender, and his running mate (Jason Richardson) is averaging nearly twenty-five points per game. With quality depth and a young frontline, this team could be a player in the playoffs. Just don’t expect them to win it.
7. Detroit Pistons
It’s shocking that this team has hung on the way they have after they lost one of, if not the best player in the BBS, Jermaine O’Neal. With Jermaine O’Neal out, swingman Kobe Bryant has asserted himself as a top 2/3. But, it’s been the emergence of rookie forward Herb Williams that has kept this team afloat. With great defense and a decent offensive game, Williams has been quite a surprise. Chris Paul runs the team, but the offense goes through Kobe first and foremost. Had they had Jermaine healthy all year, it would not have been a surprise to see them listed in the Cream of the Crop.
Contenders:
8. New York Knicks
When was the last time a current number two seed has been relegated (or slapped in the face, your call) to the 8th best team in the conference? Well, that’s the case with this year’s edition of the New York Knicks. Though boasting the 4th best record in the conference, looking at their overall talent, I find it difficult to believe that they will compete with the other seven in a seven-game series. However, any team that has Monta Ellis, Jason Kidd, and Dirk always has a fighting chance.
9. Indiana Pacers
Watch out for this team next year. Though Sacramento employed the same method of building a team (through trading away youngsters and picks for a few stars), I find it difficult to believe this group will fail. Elton Brand and Tracy McGrady are proven studs, and with rising talent Kevin McHale in the fold, watch out.
10. Atlanta Hawks
A work in progress. Atlanta has good talent, but it is not entirely developed, mainly shooting guard Kevin Branch. Branch is the future of the team, though far from having a refined game. However, management is extremely high on him. With the fantastic Tony Parker and reigning defensive player of the year Eddy Curry taking the floor each night, they could have a decent year next season.
11. Washington Wizards
A tough team to figure. With Carmelo Anthony, Jordan Farmar, Allen Iverson, Nene, and Al Jefferson composing the starting lineup, it was expected that this team would be well over .500 at this point in the season. But, after the BBS refused to let Washington play with two balls to satisfy both Anthony and Iverson, the team went downhill.
Not Quite There:
12. Miami Heat
13. New Jersey Nets
14. Philadelphia 76ers
15. Boston Celtics
The trophy will come out of the East this year. The champion, though, is anybodies guess.
This season, the play throughout the Eastern Conference has been nothing short of astounding. With the traditional Chicago-Detroit slugfest taking a backseat to upstart teams in Cleveland, Milwaukee, and New Orleans, BBS fans have witnessed a changing of the guard. From the Bucks to the Pacers, the conference is tough throughout. How could these two divisions gotten so tough, so quickly? Well, it’s simple. A combination of competent general managers, franchise young talents sprinkled in with the occasional superstar veteran, and successful rebuilding projects (New Orleans, Cleveland, and Milwaukee) have all culminated to peak at the right time for BBS executives seeking excitement in their league, but wrong for each other (as each team continues to knock each other off). I cannot remember a time where a conference was as loaded as we’re witnessing, not to mention the potentially five teams in the Central with .600 winning percentages. With that said, we must rank ‘em. So, without further adieu...
The Cream of the Crop:
1. Orlando Magic
Surprised? Don’t be. There record does not tell the story, not even close. Every team in the league (not just the East) is dreading a potential playoff matchup with the boys from Orlando. Going into the season, the always-quiet GM of this squad was excited about their chances. With perhaps the best duo in the BBS at the time (Wade and Larry Bird) along with upstart point Daniel Gibson, there were championship aspirations for some in their front office. Well, those that were not convinced on this team early on must be believers now as Orlando has added a great defensive big man in Bill Laimbeer, and paired him with perhaps the most dominant player in the league, Kevin Garnett. After getting Garnett for peanuts (in comparison of his perceived value), one anonymous GM was said to have thrown his arms in the air exclaim, “Why don’t we just end the season now?”.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
How odd. The two teams who won the Larry Bird and Magic Johnson sweepstakes a few years back are currently, to this writer, the top squads in not only the East, but the entire BBS. The Bucks boast a formidable frontline featuring star youngster Andray Blatche (18 and 12 per game in points and rebounds, respectively), which compliments one of the best backcourts in the league (Johnson/Rose). Derrick Rose’s decision making and marksmanship from the outside has kept defenses honest, but it has been Johnson’s play that has led Milwaukee to this point. With great stats across the board, he’s basically impossible to guard. Equipping that with picture-perfect defense, and it’s no wonder it took a Kevin Garnett to take them out of the top spot.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
It was only a few seasons back that Cleveland was the laughingstock of the league. With horrid season after horrid season, the future was glum for the Cavaliers. Yet, all it took was new management and the maturation of their young stars to turn this franchise around. The Cavs are led by their young and talented front line consisting of Greg Oden and Josh McRoberts. Combining to average over thirty-five points and twenty-five rebounds per game, it’s nearly impossible to guard these guys. Couple that with youthful legs and the always-dangerous Eric Gordon (23 points per game) and this upstart team is making serious noise.
4. New Orleans Hornets
It was only a few weeks ago that the Hornets sat comfortable atop the Central division with a winning percentage of .712. They were cruising for the top spot in the East, licking their lips with the rewards that came with that title. As quickly as it happened, it all seemed to fall apart. No, the Hornets are not done. But, they have lost their top-spot cushion, and now need to battle to regain it. New Orleans is led by point guard Shaun Livingston, who has become Mr. Reliable for the squad. He and OJ Mayo form one of the best backcourts in the league. Two talents in Gerald Green and Dwight Howard keep the defense honest with their individual abilities (slashing in Green’s case, back-to-the-basket moves in Dwight’s). This team has the chance to make noise in the playoffs, but they are most likely a year away.
Best of the Rest:
5. Toronto Raptors
Last year’s champions, the Raptors have barely skipped a beat in their quest to defend their title. Though not having the same success as last year’s squad, that could be due to the increased competition in the division as opposed to a depletion in talent. Toronto is still led by point guard Raymond Felton and power forward Chris Bosh, which has opposing teams scared stiff. The addition of Tim Duncan came at the price of their leader Elton Brand, but it provided them a better talent, and zero attitude. Still contenders, but no longer the best team running.
6. Chicago Bulls
Constant player change has hurt the Bulls. There was a time when they could boast a team consisting of Tracy McGrady, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Webber, and Kevin Garnett, among others. That team has long been disassembled, but the new boys in the Windy City are far from an embarrassment. Point guard Baron Davis is a most valuable player contender, and his running mate (Jason Richardson) is averaging nearly twenty-five points per game. With quality depth and a young frontline, this team could be a player in the playoffs. Just don’t expect them to win it.
7. Detroit Pistons
It’s shocking that this team has hung on the way they have after they lost one of, if not the best player in the BBS, Jermaine O’Neal. With Jermaine O’Neal out, swingman Kobe Bryant has asserted himself as a top 2/3. But, it’s been the emergence of rookie forward Herb Williams that has kept this team afloat. With great defense and a decent offensive game, Williams has been quite a surprise. Chris Paul runs the team, but the offense goes through Kobe first and foremost. Had they had Jermaine healthy all year, it would not have been a surprise to see them listed in the Cream of the Crop.
Contenders:
8. New York Knicks
When was the last time a current number two seed has been relegated (or slapped in the face, your call) to the 8th best team in the conference? Well, that’s the case with this year’s edition of the New York Knicks. Though boasting the 4th best record in the conference, looking at their overall talent, I find it difficult to believe that they will compete with the other seven in a seven-game series. However, any team that has Monta Ellis, Jason Kidd, and Dirk always has a fighting chance.
9. Indiana Pacers
Watch out for this team next year. Though Sacramento employed the same method of building a team (through trading away youngsters and picks for a few stars), I find it difficult to believe this group will fail. Elton Brand and Tracy McGrady are proven studs, and with rising talent Kevin McHale in the fold, watch out.
10. Atlanta Hawks
A work in progress. Atlanta has good talent, but it is not entirely developed, mainly shooting guard Kevin Branch. Branch is the future of the team, though far from having a refined game. However, management is extremely high on him. With the fantastic Tony Parker and reigning defensive player of the year Eddy Curry taking the floor each night, they could have a decent year next season.
11. Washington Wizards
A tough team to figure. With Carmelo Anthony, Jordan Farmar, Allen Iverson, Nene, and Al Jefferson composing the starting lineup, it was expected that this team would be well over .500 at this point in the season. But, after the BBS refused to let Washington play with two balls to satisfy both Anthony and Iverson, the team went downhill.
Not Quite There:
12. Miami Heat
13. New Jersey Nets
14. Philadelphia 76ers
15. Boston Celtics
The trophy will come out of the East this year. The champion, though, is anybodies guess.
