Continuing on with my NBA previews, I move on to the Central Division, the most feared division in the Eastern Conference in the 90's and early 2000's. Will they regain that lofty stature this coming season?
Chicago Bulls
Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (1st round) by the Boston Celtics
Key New Additions: None
Projected Starting Line Up: Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Luol Deng, John Salmons, Derrick Rose
When you barely make the playoffs, you expect to try to improve yourself in the off season. Other than not spending too much money on Ben Gordon, the Bulls made no significant moves this summer. Perhaps, they feel like last season's mid season trade (where they got Brad Miller and Salmons) will only reap benefits this year so they're willing to wait it out. The Bulls do have some athletic and talented pieces in Rose, Salmons and Kirk Hinrich, but they still lack for that consistent inside scoring presence that would help them in close game situations. They are also not blessed with the best of head coaches in Vinny del Negro. Del Negro, other than distracting opposing shooters by shouting at their ears, has not shown to be an innovative or resourceful coach, which a young team would thrive under. With their talent, though, the BUlls will battle once again for a playoff spot.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (conference finals) by the Orlando Magic
Key New Additions: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Leon Powe
Projected Starters: Shaquille O'Neal, Anderson Varejao, Lebron James, Anthony Parker, Mo Williams
The Cavs were thoroughly enjoying their 2008-09 run through the NBA until the Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic shoved their sense of entitlement down their throats. In anticipation of another battle with Howard, GM Danny Ferry brought in Shaq to beef up the frontline. Ferry also added length and athleticism to the wing with Moon and Parker and some inside scoring with the still injured Powe. With those huge additions, the Cavs' swagger has returned and they are talking about the championship again, unmindful of their much improving rivals. O'Neal's entry though, threatens to bring more questions than answers. With Shaq's penchant for playing well on his debut seasons with his new teams, the Cavs are expected Shaq to join hands with LBJ and bring Cleveland a coveted major sports award. However, Shaq is an aging, injury-prone center who had never been comfortable guarding the pick and roll, which is what the Magic used to destroy the Cavs' defense. Shaq, then, would theoretically not solve the na gging problem that the Magic presented to them. Moreover, Shaq continues to demand attention due to a superstar in his prime, even if he is 7 years removed from that time. If Shaq, as he claims, learns to defer to Lebron throughout the season both on and off the court, then the Cavs have a chance at that title. Otherwise, it could be more heartbreak for the King.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs
Detroit Pistons
Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Key New Additions: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Wallace, Chris Wilcox
Projected Starters: Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox
After the once mighty Pistons had fallen, GM Joe Dumars took another chance. Going back to what made him a genius of a GM, Dumars trawled the free agent market for competent assets shunned by other teams at a bargain price. Muck like how he built the Pistons before with players no one wanted at that time (Rasheed and Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups), Dumars signed Gordon, Wilcox and VIllanueva players dumped by their previous teams. Unlike his previous three signings that brought a stingy defense and an NBA championship, these latest three are more known for offense and the (lack of) defense. Is Dumars looking for a more offensive team this year, seeing last year's offensive woes? Look for the Pistons to be scoring a lot better while seeing their defense go down a few notches. If Gordon embraces another sixth man role and the team regains a much celebrated chemistry, the Pistons could battle for a playoff spot as well.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)
Indiana Pacers
Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, Luther Head
Projected Starters: Solomon Jones, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Dahntay Jones, T.J. Ford
While GM Larry BIrd has done a great job ridding the Pacers of all the players that caused so much turmoil off the court, he seems to be stuck in a mode of getting all these good guys while not building a team strong enough to be title contenders. Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and T.J. Ford are "nice guy" players that can really play and Danny Granger is an all star that should be a part of Team USA but Coach Jim O'Brien will have another tough year trying to win with this uneven line up. The Pacers lack depth and an inside presence and right off the bat, Mike Dunleavy is still injured. Unless the Pacers perform some minor miracles on the court, Indiana will have to wait at least another year for a playoff spot.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Milwaukee Bucks
Key New Additions: Carlos Delfino, Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings
Projected Starters: Andrew Bogut, Hakim Warrick, Kurt Thomas, Michael Redd, Brandon Jennings
The Bucks have never been willing to shell out big bucks for players, and it can be seen clearly in their present line up. It's a mess. Lacking both firepower offensively and prowess defensively, the Bucks will have a tough time again this year. Michael Redd, when healthy is a most deadly shooter, but who else will step up and support him? It should be time for Andrew Bogut to emerge, but even if he did, the Bucks will not stand a chance in the much improved East. Look for the Bucks to be competitive on games when they figure out Coach Scott Skiles' defense, but they will be on the receiving end on some beatings as well.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Once a feared division with those fabled Bulls, Pacers and Pistons teams, this division will probably send one team into playoffs convincingly. It looks like the Central division will not be at the center of playoff basketball this playoff season.
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