Chicago Bulls
Key Additions: Rip Hamilton
Key Subtractions: None
The Bulls had quite a year last year, seeing the emergence of Derrick Rose as the league Most Valuable Player and the defensive dominance of Coach Tom Thibodeau. In the playoffs, though, the seemingly complete Bulls showed some holes in their game which cost them against the Miami Heat. The Bulls think that the addition of Hamilton and another year of maturing will be enough and they may be right. The key for them will be Carlos Boozer. The Bulls need a solid presence down low and Boozer should be the help Rose needs if they want to take the next step.
Fearless Forecast: At least the Eastern Conference Finals
Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Additions: Kyrie Irving, Omri Casspi, Tristan Thompson
Key Subtractions: J.J. Hickson
The 1st year of a rebuilding project is never pretty and this season is it for the Cavaliers. Top pick Irving seems to be improving every game, but this team is 4 or 5 players away from making any significant statement. They must use this time to build an identity under coach Byron Scott and establish Irving as their franchise player.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Detroit Pistons
Key Additions: Damien Wilkins
Key Subtractions: Rip Hamilton
While the Pistons didn't add anyone to their line up that had a losing record last year, this figures to be a better year, locker room-wise. Gone are malcontent Hamilton and coach John Kuester who couldn't control his players to save his life. New coach Lawrence Frank has some nice pieces in Greg Monroe and Jonas Jerebko but stars Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon are not franchise-altering players. Record-wise, the year will still be tough on the Pistons.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Indiana Pacers
Key Additions: David West, George Hill
Key Subtractions: T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush
Apart from winning the David West sweepstakes, the Pacers didn't make earth-shattering news, causing people to question if team president Larry Bird really wants to build a championship team or not. There may be a method to this madness though. Bird retained tough, defensive-minded coach Frank Vogel and he has a roster of high character and hardworking players. While they won't win the title this season, it could be a great 1st step to building a strong team.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed or eliminated in the regular season)
Milwaukee Bucks
Key Additions: Mike Dunleavy, Stephen Jackson
Key Subtractions: Corey Maggette
The Bucks did make moves in the off season, trading away offensive black hole Core Maggette but then they took on Jackson who has also had a troubled past. Whatever happens though, the future of this team lies in the continued development of Brandon Jennings and the health of Andrew Bogut. Coach Scott Skiles' tough ways may just be enough to squeeze out a playoff appearance.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed or eliminated in the regular season)
photos courtesy of yahoo.com and getty images
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