Courtesy: Bleacher Report
LeBron James going back to the Cleveland Cavaliers is the biggest move in free agency that the NBA has since the last time he made a free agency decision. It has completely shifted the balance of power in the Eastern Conference. The East still doesn’t look as powerful as the Western Conference, but there is certainly a lot of talent and teams who could give some fo the perrenial powers a run for their money. This article will examine the top five teams of the Eastern Conference.
1) Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and his decision to return home have the Cleveland Cavaliers in serious contention for winning the 2014-15 NBA Title. The Cavaliers have a new head coach, David Blatt, who will help make them a serious offensive threat with an uptempo pace. Cleveland will also be sending their no. 1 overall draft pick, Andrew Wiggins, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love, making them a serious powerhouse with their big three of James, Kyrie Irving and Love. Other Eastern teams better be on the lookout because the Cavaliers will be hard to stop this season, especially if they can do everything right on the defensive side of the ball.
2) Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose is back and healthy, which helps makes the Chicago Bulls the second best team in the East. He is a serious game changer and a great defensive player. Chicago also made a great free agency move in acquiring former Los Angeles Laker, Pau Gasol; his help on the boards will go a long way for Chicago. His interior presence will make Chicago a powerhouse in the paint, alongside center Joakim Noah. Chicago did a great job in this year’s draft when they drafted Doug McDermott, who could have a breakout year, as a perimeter shooter. The Chicago Bulls are looking to be a serious threat this year; as long as, everything stays in tune and Rose stays healthy.
3) Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are one of the most overlooked teams in the Eastern Conference. Last season, the team went 48-34 and finished with the third seed in the East. Kyle Lowry had a break out year and the team is bringing back their entire young core. During this year’s free agency, the team added James Johnson and Lou Williams, two players who will provide a serious boost off the bench. The Raptors are looking like one of the most well rounded teams in the East and they have all the pieces to go far in a thin East.
4) Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have DC on the rise. The team did a great job of re-signing Marcin Gortat and also added Kris Humphries and DeJuan Blair; giving Washington much needed depth in the frontcourt. Though the Wizards lost Trevor Ariza, the team was able to sign Paul Pierce, who will provide much experience and talent into Washington’s game. This ranking could seem a little high to some but Washington should pickup things right where they left off. It will be a good season for the Wizards as long as they get the same amount of production from John Wall and Bradley Beal.
5) Miami Heat
It certainly hurts losing LeBron James, but the Miami Heat were able to sign the next best thing available and add depth at the small forward position with Luol Deng and Danny Granger. Miami also did good re-signing Chris Bosh, which will help keep their frontcourt strong, even though he will have to carry more of the workload this upcoming season. The signing of Josh McRoberts will help Bosh on the block and his presence will go along way for Miami. It’s going to be a tough year for the Heat after losing James, but if Dwayne Wade’s knee’s can stay healthy Miami will still be a playoff contender.
