predictions for the East...

[pio@edu15.coe.ufl.edu (Mark Piotrowski)]

I see the East stacks up as follows (future FA acquisitions withstanding):

1. Bulls - duh. But the race will be closer this year.

2. Heat - I don't think they overacheived last year, and have added Masburn
(was only around for the tail end of thier run last year), a health
Majerle, Terry Mills, and Duane Causwell (to back up Mourning, allowing
Austin to play more alongside Mourning)

3. Pacers - I think Bird will have them playing real well. The key, in my
mind, is Mullin. People won't be able to focus on just Miller anymore. Bird
will hand the ball to Mark Jackson (who I think is underated) and let them
run an 80s style offense (Celtics, Pistons, etc.) of movement and passing
and strategic fast breaks

4. Hornets - Were you thinking NY, Detroit or Atlanta? The Hornets finished
0-3 games behind them w/ Tony Delk playing point.  They have done the best
job of any team filling thier needs in the offseason.  Wesley/Phills
becomes one of the best--and underrated--backcourts in the East (behind
Chicago, Atlanta and Indiana). Best top to bottom starting 5 in the East
too?

5. Hawks - NY moves up here (or to #4) if they get Dudley, but the Hawks
are as solid as the Hornets.  No superstars but great talent. If they had
grabbed Fox they're #2 in the East in my book.  They're a SF away from
challenging for the title next year (E. Williams?)

6. NY - Their age scares me. See above about if they acquire Dudley. I
don't see anything great about thier bench.  The 1st round NY/Indiana
series would be one for the ages though.

7. Pistons - The fall here by default, not b/c they don't have talent.  I
see 4,5,6 and 7 being seperated by 1-4 games like last year's 3-6 teams. I
do think Hill is the Man, but B. Williams is perhaps the most overated
player in this years FA class (Brian Grant comes close but at least he has
talent).  Remember this is BW's 5th team in 7 years or so.

8. Celtics - No I'm not taking the same drugs as the guy who posted the 5
team trade. Here's how it breaks down:  The Wizards will underacheive to
break out of the gates, then wise up and trade Chaney and Muresan for a
real SG, move Webber to C, and Howard to the 4 spot and start Tracy Murray.
The trade derails their continuity and they finish around .500.  Orlando
breaks out of the gates, but if either Hardaway, Seikaly or Grant get hurt
forget it. The Bucks arguably have more seasoned talent than the C's but
does anyone really think Sherm is going to get them to the playoffs? The
Raptors are just too young.  That brings me back to the C's.  Pitino will
have them playing amazing come December and will squeeze every ounce of
effort out of Mills, Mercer, Walker, Billups, Brown, Knight, et al. and
will have them believing they can knock the Bulls off (I predict a C's
victory on Oct. 31) for the title. They won't do that, but 45 wins is not
out of the realm of possibility and is 1 more than Wash. needed to qualify
last year.  You heard it here first!

- --Mark Piotrowski
The Gainesville Celtic (living in Boston for now!)