NBA: Eastern Conference Projected Standings

Photo Credit: basketballmegastore

The NBA offseason is coming to an end and while the transactions period is getting dry, there is a better sense of where teams may end up after the 2014-15 season.  Now teams are putting the finishing touches on their roster to prepare for training camp.  We will start off with the East, whom as a conference, have been inferior to the strong Western Conference over the past few years; other than the Heat, other teams could not put up the fight against opposing teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.

(Remember, these are just projections, I am just predicting where the teams will finish and what their record might be. I will be wrong on of one of these teams: nobody believed in the Suns and Trailblazers last year, it could happen again).

1. Chicago Bulls 58-24

When the Bulls were at their best a few years back, they were one of, if not the best team in the NBA.  They have added some solid talent in Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, and Doug McDermott.  Question marks will always arise for Derrick Rose, but he seems better than ever for now.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers 55-27

A lot of people are already giving the Cavaliers the Eastern Crown, but I believe they won’t be victors just yet. They will go through growing pains just like the Miami Heat did. Chemistry will cost them a few games, but with the additions of LeBron James, Mike Miller, Kevin Love, and Shawn Marion, there isn’t an excuse for them not to finish top three in the East.

3.  Toronto Raptors 49-33

After a bad start, the Raptors had a great finish to their regular season. This time they will have the whole season to put it all together. A big reason why I projected them at three stems from the weak Atlantic Division they are in. Teams like the Celtics and the 76ers should be easy wins.

4. Miami Heat 47-35 *Wins Tiebreaker with Washington

I’m not sure why so many people have written the Heat since you know who left.  They replaced him with a former All-Star with Luol Deng, as well as upgrade their Center position with Josh McRoberts, who was a big key to Charlotte’s playoff run last year.  I expect a big season from Chris Bosh.  Shabazz Napier should be exciting too.

5. Washington Wizards 47-35

The Wizards might have the best – possibly second best back-court behind the Warriors -in the whole league, but can they carry the whole team? Paul Pierce should be a useful veteran who can score and play hard. The bigger questions are their big men who struggle to stay healthy, which can be dangerous since their bench isn’t that deep. Otto Porter has to step up too. A fifth seed still shouldn’t be a tall task.

6. Charlotte Hornets 44-38

With Charlotte improving every year, their new name change means a fresh start.  Adding Lance Stephenson should move them up the Eastern Conference but as we all know “Lance can be Lance” and may hurt the team at times.  Ultimately, the team seems to be shaping up with a new big three in with Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker, and Stephenson.

7. Atlanta Hawks 42-40

The Hawks still made the playoffs even with Al Horford out for a long period of time. Now that he is back they will make their return to the playoffs.  They might not be the most talented team, but Coach Budenholzer has their offense playing scary well.

8. New York Knicks 40-42

I just can’t see a team ran by Phil Jackson not make the playoffs. Jose Calderon should be a nice player to run this New York offense.  They also have nice collection of youngsters who may step up and become of greater value.

9. Brooklyn Nets 38-44

The Nets had a near nightmare season last year and it continued during the offseason with the Jason Kidd drama. To top it all off Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston left the team via free agency.  Those two players were more valuable to this Brooklyn squad than you think.

10. Detroit Pistons 37-45

I can’t see them not improve, they have too many talented players not too. But they still need another addition to put them above .500. Maybe next year Detroit…

11. Indiana Pacers 35-47

They just lost their two most important players. Do we really expect Roy Hibbert to carry the team to success after his terrible year?  Ronald Stuckey and CJ Miles should be nice fillers, but they are no Paul George or Lance Stephenson.

12. Boston Celtics 29-53

Marcus Smart seems like he can make a run for the Rookie of the Year award. However, this team will be focused on the future on Rajon Rondo.  He may be traded at any time during the first half of the season.

13. Orlando Magic 25-57

I like what Orlando did by drafting Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton, but they are two raw players who aren’t going to be ready to contribute to a lot of wins.  They also lost Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson, two proven veterans who could’ve taught the younger guards.

14. Milwaukee Bucks 22-60

They have nice pieces, but for some reason it hasn’t translated onto the court.  They’ll be focused on developing John Henson, Jabari Parker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

15. Philadelphia 76ers 19-63

Not much to say about them. They have younger players who are either hurt, overseas, or inexperienced. They will improve in the future, but for now… Tank City