Eastern Promises
So how does the Eastern Conference look now after the trade deadline and the KG injures? Here are some predictions for the second half and while I have some teams jumping up a number of spots, that has more to do with their schedule than any personnel change. Right now, Detroit is looking like they might be in trouble while Chicago and New York could find themselves on some major winning streaks. I'm not sold on Miami and think they could slide a bit. Also, I think Toronto will be a bit of a mess as the year winds to a close.
1. Cleveland: LeBron is in the driver's seat. But can he win it all with Mo Williams riding shotgun?
2. Boston: The KG injury hurts. The bench just isn't that deep this year and they are going to need a bought out player to come over quickly if they are going to hold onto the #1 spot.
3. Orlando: The Rafer acquisition pretty much cements that they will be the #3 seed and probably won't make it past the second round.
4. Atlanta: I just don't think they are as good as their record. I wouldn't be stunned if they were upset in the first round.
5. Chicago: I like the moves they made and think they are hitting their stride at the right time.
6. New York: It'll be a hell of a turnaround but they have a good schedule to do it with and the team seems to finally be getting the D'Antoni system.
7. Philadelphia: There's nothing all that intriguing about this team. I can't imagine they'll collapse but they probably won't make much noise in the playoffs either.
8. Miami: If Wade starts to break down at all, the Heat could find themselves in the lottery. They could be barely clinging to the 8th seed by the end of this month.
-----
9. Detroit: I can't believe that they won't make the playoffs but looking at their recent play and their future schedule, it's looking like I might have to start embracing the fact that the Pistons run is over. I wouldn't mind the C's looking at adding 'Sheed next offseason.
10. Milwaukee: Just too many injuries to overcome.
11. Indiana: If Granger wasn't hurt I might give them a shot at the playoffs but he is and I just can't see them putting together enough of a run to make it.
12. Charlotte: Things are going about as well as you could hope. But you can't hope for much with this roster.
13. New Jersey: I see a collapse coming and Vince shutting it down in a month or so.
14. Washington: I think the Wiz could save some face by putting together a nice run at the end of the season. Just nice enough to get out of the basement.
15. Toronto: Adding Shawn "Speed Racer" Marion could be the straw that breaks the camels back. I could see this team just not giving a damn for the rest of the season as Chris Bosh starts trying to figure out where he'd like to play in 2010.
The East could have the MVP (LeBron), ROY (Derrick Rose), and Coach of the Year (Mike D'Antoni). Wilson Chandler or Nate Robinson could benefit from D'Antoni ball and nab "Most Improved".
