The Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and Milwaukee Bucks will all look to improve on last year's performances as they do battle in the Central Division. Here is a preview:
Chicago Bulls Season Preview
The Bulls are coming off a strong showing against the Boston Celtics in what was a classic series in last year's playoffs. They are led by Derrick Rose, one of the best young point guards in the NBA. If Luol Deng is healthy and rediscovers his old form, that will be a huge boost to this team this year. Their frontline is solid with Tyrus Thomas and Joakhim Noah. They did suffer a big blow in the off season however, when their primary scorer Ben Gordon went to division rival Detroit. John Salmons will likely shoulder a bigger scoring load to try to compensate for the loss. This team has a lot of young talent and should be a playoff team once again.
Prediction: Second Place
Cleveland Cavaliers Season Preview
The Cavs had the best record in the NBA in the regular season last year but had a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. In response, they strengthened the team in the off-season with the additions of Anthony Parker, Leon Powe, Jamario Moon, and some guy named Shaq. The problem is that Shaq is getting old and is not the same guy who won those championships with Kobe in L.A. or even the one that won with Wade in Miami. He is a poor defender these days and an inconsistent offensive player. It seems that the last couple of years, Cleveland management is throwing stuff against the wall and hoping it sticks. Mo Williams was not the final piece and Shaq is unlikely to be that piece either. The Cavs will run away with this division but don't like their chances against Boston or Orlando in the playoffs. The big question is whether Lebron will stay in Cleveland or go elsewhere after the season.
Prediction: First Place
Detroit Pistons Season Preview
The Pistions had a disappointing season last year but they did sneak into the playoffs. The team will have a different look this year with the additions of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva as well as the loss of Rasheed Wallace. Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince are still there and they know how to win. They are a little weak on the frontline, however, and they will have trouble consistently scoring points. This is a transition year for Detroit but if the new additions can mesh quickly, they could sneak into the playoffs.
Prediction: Third Place
Indiana Pacers Season Preview
The Pacers have a budding young star in Danny Granger but they do not have enough around him to be a playoff team this year. If Mike Dunleavy can stay healthy that will at least give them a chance to be competitive. Troy Murphy is a solid scorer and rebounder. The addition of Dahntay Jones should help their defense, which was a concern last year. Tyler Hansbrough should give this team a boost as well. Ultimately, though, they are not ready to make that leap to be a playoff team.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Milwaukee Bucks Season Preview
The Bucks traded Richard Jefferson in the off-season and didn't get much back for him. Their best player, Michael Redd had an injury-plagued season last year as did their center Andrew Bogut. If those guys can stay healthy this team should be fairly competitive this year. Ultimately, though, they don't have enough around those guys to be a playoff team.
Prediction: Fifth Place
