NBA East Predictions
August 19, 2004:
We all know the Detroit Pistons are world champions. (Go Pistons!) But can they try
hard and repeat next year? Before them, only two teams (the Spurs and Lakers) had won in five
years. And with Larry Brown, Richard Hamilton, the Wallaces, and all their other players, who
wouldn't say they would repeat? I certainly wouldn't bet against them. But it won't be as easy
as some may think. They have several teams standing in their way. So can they do it, or will
someone else take the rings next year?
The Eastern Conference sure has its fair share of contenders and pretenders. Let's start
with the pretenders. I'll strike out the Bobcats immediately; I think you know why. Obviously
Washington, Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago all have a small chance next season, since no team won
thirty games last year and none was able to improve its roster. Whether they have Vince Carter
or not, we all know that Toronto (33-49 last year), is going to miss the playoffs. The ten we have
left do have legitimate shots.
Now let's work our way down. I believe Indiana can win another 60 games, or close to,
next year, taking the number one seed again. The Pistons can easily follow up their championship
with another 50+ win season, and will probably take the two-seed. Miami, with Shaq, can win
fifty games too, and receive the three-seed going into the playoffs. And despite losing Kenyon
Martin, the Nets' Kidd-Jefferson combo can give them a .500+ season and probably the #4 seed.
Here comes the tricky part. We're left with New Orleans, New York, Boston, Philly,
Milwaukee, and Cleveland. Cleveland's out of it though; James won't be able to carry the entire
team, but he will help them win about thrity-five games. The Knicks are a promising team, and I
believe they will get the fifth seed. New Orleans will be sixth. Milwaukee can get seventh. Now the
teams left are Philly and Boston. Who gets the playoff berth, I believe, will come down to one
factor: Gary Payton. If Boston gets him, they can win close to forty games and make the playoffs.
Yes, I know how much of a disaster "The Glove" was last year, but he's still a Hall-of-Fame
candidate and he can still help out any team that has him. I think, though, that after Payton's done
pouting he will agree to play for the Celtics.
So that leaves us with a playoff picture. How will the matchups turn out? The Pacers,
the Pistons, and the Heat should have little trouble moving on. However, I think the Knicks could,
and will, upset the Nets. However, the Pacers will easily dispose of them. The Pistons-Heat series
could be one for the ages, but I have to give the Pistons the edge. Then the Pacers-Pistons series
also could be a thriller. I give the Pistons the edge too. However, don't think I'm saying the Pistons
will be able to repeat as easy as pie. They have a great chance of getting knocked off. But, with the
players--and coach--they have, I certainly wouldn't bet against them.
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