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| LeBron's won a few EC Championships, is he on his way to another? |
Cleveland Cavaliers
For
the longest time it was Cleveland…and everyone else. The winners of the
Eastern Conference were penciled in by the time the year changed its last
digit. That’s why pencils have erasers. The Toronto Raptors have gone on a run
while the Cavs have dropped 3 of their last five games and appear to be
searching for their mojo. Moreover, there are reports that Kyrie Irving is
unhappy. With 23 games remaining, the Cavs have more questions surrounding them
than at any other point in the season.
Toronto Raptors
I
don’t believe in them. I know the team is closing the gap on the Cavs, but the
team is built in the backcourt and neither Kyle Lowry nor DeMar DeRozan have
proven to be efficient scorers in the postseason. To his credit, Lowry is
having the best season of his career, posting career highs in points, rebounds,
field goal and 3 point percentage. For the Raptors to take the next step
forward, they will need consistent play not only from their stars bu their
frontcourt as well. Jonas Valanciunas and his post game help give the Raptors
balance. Will the Raptos have enough to finally get over the hump?
Boston Celtics
Brad Stevens has quickly established himself as a guy that
is going to be in the Coach of the Year discussion perennially. His after
timeout offensive sets are both confounding and effective, and he’s arguably
the most recognizable guy for this franchise.
The team is third in pace and defensive efficiency, while keeping their
turnovers low (they have the 6th lowest number of possessions that
result in one). Isaiah Thomas has made a name for himself in Boston and is the
best player on the surprising team. In
the end, stars win playoff series and this organization is still looking to
barter its assets to acquire one. Still, the future looks bright for one of the
stalwarts of the NBA…even if there is a good chance all these wins end in a
first round exit.
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| Wade has another running mate, NC's own Hassan Whiteside (USATSI) |
Miami Heat
This team is as intriguing as it is frustrating. When Chris Bosh went down with a
recurrence of blood clot issues it felt like the season was careening
towards a disappointing end. But as
Hassan Whiteside has continued to improve, and Joe
Johnson’s recent acquisition Miami looks to be surging at the right time.
Add to that the fact that through some shrewd moves, they will avoid paying a
repeater luxury tax (Pat Riley for Executive of the Year?) and the future looks
as bright as the present. Still, they
will need Bosh if they plan on making a real run. But the idea of a Miami Heat vs LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers Eastern Conference Finals matchup is incredibly exciting.
Atlanta Hawks
After winning 60 games last season, there was a hope that
the Hawks were close to dethroning the Cavaliers. Then they lost DeMarre Carroll and got off to
an extremely rough start. After deciding
not to blow up the team at the trade deadline, the Hawks have continued to
struggle. They’ve had four different three game losing streaks this season.
That magic that they captured is gone. It seems like the right time to figure
out the value for the pieces that they have, and come up with a plan for the
future.
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| Steve Clifford has put himself in the COY runnings (USATSI) |
Charlotte Hornets
What a delight to have the local team invited to the
party. Ranked 6th, they are
showing signs of consistency, easily dispatching the Suns and 76ers most
recently. Perhaps even more impressive,
they have incorporated Al Jefferson back into the fold without missing a beat.
His time as a part of he second unit gives the team’s offense a dynamic
flair. Last season the team was 24th
in 3 pointers attempted, this season they are 4th. The startling contrast is a testament to Head
Coach Steve Clifford’s flexibility and understanding of his roster. This year
will be a success if they make the playoffs and keep soon-to-be-free agent
Nicolas Batum.
Indiana Pacers
This team has far exceeded my expectations, and that starts
with their star Paul George. It’s been about 18 months since George injured his
leg on that stanchion in Las Vegas. Most
expected this year to be one of rebuilding—for him and the franchise. Instead, the team sits in the 7th
spot in the Conference and rookie Myles Turner has continued the team trend of
going beyond what the pundits thought possible. Turner and Ian Mahinmi have
provided the front court presence for a team that has used Monta Ellis as a
pseudo point guard to make their occasionally docile offensive attack more
dangerous. They already have their
superstar in place, a good free agency haul and the Pacers could be back among
the best teams in the East.
Detroit Pistons
Speaking of pleasant surprises, the Pistons suddenly have
two emerging stars. Andre Drummond’s
ascension, while sharp, has been expected.
Reggie Jackson’s rise has been more startling. After years of being
Russell Westbrook’s understudy in Oklahoma City, Jackson wrestled the starting
position away from an injured Brandon Jennings, making him expendable. Jennings
departure meant Tobias Harris could come into the fold, which should improve
their below average offensive efficiency. If they can avoid Cleveland in the
first round, they will be a tough out for someone.
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| Wall must carry his team to the playoffs to be considered one of the sport's best PGs (USATSI) |
Washington Wizards
I know the Wizards are currently 9th and out of
the playoff bracket if it started today—but it doesn’t start for another 20
games or so. And this team is finally
healthy (no team has lost more games to injury than the Wizards). If I had to bet on a team with the majority
of its talent in the backcourt, give me Washington over Toronto. As long as they stay healthy, they’ll make
the postseason. Imagine playing all season to get homecourt advantage and the
prize is John Wall and a fresh Bradley Beal. Good luck.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are yet another case of talent taken asunder by
injury woes. The Bulls have had injuries to nearly all off their key
members. Ironically, 35-year-old Pau Gasol
has been the healthiest and most consistent member of the team. With star player Jimmy
Butler finally cleared to play, do the Bulls have enough time to run down
the bottom of the playoff contenders?
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