Is there a team that can dethrone the Boston Celtics? It’s not going to be easy since the Celtics are deep and extremely well-coached.
Let’s take a closer look at the teams in the Eastern Conference:
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks still have Trae Young but little else and are very far away from being successful.
Boston Celtics
Not only are the Celtics ready to come back and make another go with a championship, but they added a young rookie in Baylor Scheierman, who will fit their system perfectly.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets made the huge trade with the Knicks to give up Bridges but it’s going to take them a long time to make a dent in the distance that they have between being a playoff team and not.
Charlotte Hornets
I really love the upside of Brandon Miller. So long as LaMelo ball can stay healthy, this team might surprise a few people.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls added Josh Giddey in the offseason, but they still have to trade Zach LaVine. Matas Buzelis was the talk of NBA Summer League and definitely has some nice upside.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 06: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls dunks against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the United Center on November 06, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland has the bones of a really good team, with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. Evan Mobley is still an outstanding player to go along with Jarrett Allen in the frontcourt. They just need a little bit more depth to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons are closer than many people actually think. Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey make for a great backcourt, and they added Tobias Harris as a free agent in the offseason. They could win about 30 games this year.
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is a very fun team to watch and could go deep into the playoffs like they did last season. Mathurin, Siakam, and Turner are an exciting front court to pair with all-star Haliburton.
Miami Heat
Sadly, it feels like the Heat’s time has elapsed, and there’s too much ground to make up. It’s likely that they’ll probably move on from Jimmy Butler at some point this season.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks struggled last season because they couldn’t play much defense. If Kris Middleton can stay healthy, they’ve got a big three that matches up with anybody in the Eastern Conference.
PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a dunk during the NBA Paris Game match between Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
New York Knicks
The Knicks did the right thing by trading for Karl-Anthony Towns. They’re built to compete for the next three to five years. They should finish in the top two in the Eastern Conference and possibly even have homecourt in the playoffs.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are a good young team, and they added KCP in the offseason, who is a very good defender on the wing. Paolo Banchero showed that he is a future star, and they might be just one player away from making a true playoff run.
Philadelphia 76ers
The other team that has an outstanding chance to compete against the Celtics are the 76ers who added Paul George in the offseason giving them a big three with Maxey and Embiid. Additionally they added some nice depth in the offseason with Jared McCain from Duke.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are a young team that has some upside, but they lack size. Scottie Barnes is a true superstar.
Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr was a big disappointment in the NBA Summer League, and it looks like this pick may be a bust. Washington will struggle to win 25 games.