Preseason NBA Eastern Conference Power Rankings

The NBA is starting on Christmas day, so before the first games take places it is time for some power rankings.  Today I will feature my preseason Eastern Conference power rankings.  Look for the Western Conference tomorrow.

1. Miami Heat – Last year they were 2 games shy of their goal, thanks to poor 4th quarters mainly by LeBron James, but this is a new year. I think the Heat’s big three in Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh will lead them to the league’s best record. James needs to let Wade lead the way; Wade already got his ring. Free agent pick up Shane Battier will add that toughness the Heat lacked sometimes. The Heat still might have questions at center.

2. Chicago Bulls – The Bulls return the MVP of the NBA last season is superstar point guard Derrick Rose. Chicago lacked a proven scoring guard but in free agency they added Rip Hamilton. I also think Luol Deng and Joakim Noah don’t get enough credit. Lastly you can also count on the Bulls to give a 100 % effort on the defensive end.

3. New York Knicks- The Knicks feature two of the best players and scorers in the league with Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire. Tyson Chandler was the reason why Dallas won a title, now he signed with the Knicks in free agency. He provides the toughness and defense the Knicks lack sometimes. Also watch out for rookie Iman Shumpert, he could have a big season.

4. Boston Celtics- Yes, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett are not what they use to be but they are still pretty darn productive. They should be motivated because this is probably their last at a title because of contracts and their age. Rajon Rondo is one the best defensive and passing point guards in the league. The loss of Jeff Green for the season hurts as much as losing Caron Butler in free agency.

5. Atlanta Hawks - Atlanta is your typical middle of the road team, doesn’t if fill like they are always 4th or 5th in the East? With the Hawks you know what you are going to get from Joe Johnson, Al Horford, and Josh Smith. If the Hawks want to get to the next level Jeff Teague will have to improve at the point and Tracy McGrady will have to provide a spark off the bench.

6. Indiana Pacers- I really like this team, even though they lost to the Bulls in the playoffs last season, but they were very close games. The signing of David West from Boston is huge. Once again Danny Granger will lead the Pacers. The Pacers have a ton of young talent in Roy Hibbert, George Hill, Tyler Hansbrough and Darren Collison. Larry Bird has got this team on the rise.

7. Orlando Magic – The main question is will Dwight Howard be with the Magic by the end of the season? Howard is the best center in the league, but his supporting cast is not what it used to be. I also have no faith in head coach Stan Van Gundy.

8. Philadelphia 76ers – The 76ers just remind me of the Pacers an up and coming team. You know what you will get from Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand. Brand has to stay healthy. The 76ers also feature a lot of young talent in Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Thaddeus Young, and Lou Williams. The question is who will take the shot when the game is on the line.

9. Milwaukee Bucks- Center Andrew Bogut, and point guard Brandon Jennings will bring it every night, but the question is will they get any help? The loss of Corey Maggette will hurt. Steven Jackson will be the wildcard for this team this season.

10. New Jersey Nets- Center Brook Lopez and point guard Deron Williams are good for about 20 points every night but after that there are huge questions. Hey, at least they still have Kris Humphries. Could the Nets get Dwight Howard by the end of the season?

11. Detroit Pistons- Last season was a nightmare for the Pistons. It was nice the Pistons resigned Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. They have some good young talent in Greg Monroe and Brandon Knight but something is still missing. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanuevea were disappointing last season.

12. Washington Wizards- John Wall had a very good season last season but didn’t get the hype because of the Wizards poor record. The season will come down to how Andray Blatche, and Javal McGee play. Watch out for rookie Jan Vesely this season.

13. Cleveland Cavaliers- Antawn Jamison might be getting up there in age but he still produces. Kyrie Irving the number one pick in the draft has the talent but the Cavs lack the stars to help Irving ease in. Omri Casspi should help coming over from the Kings.

14. Charlotte Bobcats – Poor Charlotte, they are rebuilding mode again. Right now the Bobcats will be starting a 6 foot 8 center. The only player I am looking forward to watching this season for the Bobcats is Kemba Walker. Walker is one exciting player.

15. Toronto Raptors – The Raptors won 22 games last season, they might not win half of that in this year’s 66 game schedule. The only thing I can look forward to is DeMar DeRozan dunks.

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Tags: Miami Heat, NBA power rankings