Standings Predictions, where will we rank?

[LofJ]

For us to win the division and get HCA we need MKG and Zeller to take big steps this season.

[Roll Tide 09]

I'm really looking forward to this season!

[HornetJail]

I'm really looking forward to this season!

October is so far away!

[LofJ]

I can't wait for the season to begin either. All of our guys have been putting in major work this offseason. I can't wait to see how we stack up against the Raptors, Cavs, and Wizards. Almost everyone on the general board has them pegged higher than us, I want our guys to prove them wrong.

[Hornet Mania]

The Eastern Conference is as wide-open as I can ever remember. Back in 1999 I remember being excited because MJ was finally gone and anyone had a shot, but even then the Pacers, Knicks and Heat were all returning with proven groups. The top two teams from last year are both going to take a step back, the Bulls are never going to be a known quantity with Rose, and finally the Wiz/Raps are expected to improve but by how much? And that's not even mentioning our own team, one of the youngest in last years playoffs with the true definition of a wildcard in Lance Stephenson expected to take a leading role. My tentative rankings:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James will make them a regular season juggernaut. I expect 55 wins or more.
2. Chicago Bulls: This assumes a relatively healthy Rose. If not, drop them to 4th or 5th.
3. Toronto Raptors: I think the Raps benefit from continuity, and they were even younger than us last year. Expect improvement.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Continuity plus improved play at SG will be the difference.
5. Indiana Pacers: Does the tailspin continue? Will Hibbert rebound? (pun intended) Lance for CJ Miles hurts.
6. Miami Heat: I don't expect the 6th seed to be terribly great (43-45 wins), I expect Miami can do that at least.
7. Washington Wizards: I'm one of the few who sees Paul Pierce as a downgrade. Ariza had a career year, they will miss his energy and defense. Their coach is lol-awful, I expect uneven performances akin to 2013.
8. Atlanta Hawks: An enigma. They looked great early last year. Their talent appears inferior, but they could be anywhere from 3-8 and I wouldn't be shocked.

9. New York Knicks: Make a push for relevance in order to attract free agents.
10. Detroit Pistons: SVG will figure it out, by 2015 they'll be dangerous.
11. Brooklyn Nets: This team is primed to implode. Brook Lopez's feet scare me, as does D-Will in general. Pierce is gone, Joe Johnson feels the reaper's breath on his neck, KG is done.
12. Milwaulkee: A frisky riser. Jabari and Giannis will be tons of fun, Singleton is a nice young player as well. One more impact piece away, but the arrow is squarely pointing up for once.
13. Boston: May try to tank again, but I think Rondo and Smart will be too much to let them slip below the more obvious dogs.
14. Orlando: So many talented players, but far too young. Who the eff can shoot on this team aside from Frye and Gordon? Who can take on a leadership role?
15. Philadelphis 76ers: I hope they pick 4th. I could certainly see them shutting Noel down mid-February if he looks too strong. Tankers with no honor.

[JDR720]

As high as 3 and as low as missing playoffs

Im gonna say 4th

[TheKingofSting]

The Eastern Conference is as wide-open as I can ever remember. Back in 1999 I remember being excited because MJ was finally gone and anyone had a shot, but even then the Pacers, Knicks and Heat were all returning with proven groups. The top two teams from last year are both going to take a step back, the Bulls are never going to be a known quantity with Rose, and finally the Wiz/Raps are expected to improve but by how much? And that's not even mentioning our own team, one of the youngest in last years playoffs with the true definition of a wildcard in Lance Stephenson expected to take a leading role. My tentative rankings:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James will make them a regular season juggernaut. I expect 55 wins or more.
2. Chicago Bulls: This assumes a relatively healthy Rose. If not, drop them to 4th or 5th.
3. Toronto Raptors: I think the Raps benefit from continuity, and they were even younger than us last year. Expect improvement.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Continuity plus improved play at SG will be the difference.
5. Indiana Pacers: Does the tailspin continue? Will Hibbert rebound? (pun intended) Lance for CJ Miles hurts.
6. Miami Heat: I don't expect the 6th seed to be terribly great (43-45 wins), I expect Miami can do that at least.
7. Washington Wizards: I'm one of the few who sees Paul Pierce as a downgrade. Ariza had a career year, they will miss his energy and defense. Their coach is lol-awful, I expect uneven performances akin to 2013.
8. Atlanta Hawks: An enigma. They looked great early last year. Their talent appears inferior, but they could be anywhere from 3-8 and I wouldn't be shocked.

9. New York Knicks: Make a push for relevance in order to attract free agents.
10. Detroit Pistons: SVG will figure it out, by 2015 they'll be dangerous.
11. Brooklyn Nets: This team is primed to implode. Brook Lopez's feet scare me, as does D-Will in general. Pierce is gone, Joe Johnson feels the reaper's breath on his neck, KG is done.
12. Milwaulkee: A frisky riser. Jabari and Giannis will be tons of fun, Singleton is a nice young player as well. One more impact piece away, but the arrow is squarely pointing up for once.
13. Boston: May try to tank again, but I think Rondo and Smart will be too much to let them slip below the more obvious dogs.
14. Orlando: So many talented players, but far too young. Who the eff can shoot on this team aside from Frye and Gordon? Who can take on a leadership role?
15. Philadelphis 76ers: I hope they pick 4th. I could certainly see them shutting Noel down mid-February if he looks too strong. Tankers with no honor.

We would be third in that scenario, the top 3 seeds are always division champs.

[Hornet Mania]

The Eastern Conference is as wide-open as I can ever remember. Back in 1999 I remember being excited because MJ was finally gone and anyone had a shot, but even then the Pacers, Knicks and Heat were all returning with proven groups. The top two teams from last year are both going to take a step back, the Bulls are never going to be a known quantity with Rose, and finally the Wiz/Raps are expected to improve but by how much? And that's not even mentioning our own team, one of the youngest in last years playoffs with the true definition of a wildcard in Lance Stephenson expected to take a leading role. My tentative rankings:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James will make them a regular season juggernaut. I expect 55 wins or more.
2. Chicago Bulls: This assumes a relatively healthy Rose. If not, drop them to 4th or 5th.
3. Toronto Raptors: I think the Raps benefit from continuity, and they were even younger than us last year. Expect improvement.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Continuity plus improved play at SG will be the difference.
5. Indiana Pacers: Does the tailspin continue? Will Hibbert rebound? (pun intended) Lance for CJ Miles hurts.
6. Miami Heat: I don't expect the 6th seed to be terribly great (43-45 wins), I expect Miami can do that at least.
7. Washington Wizards: I'm one of the few who sees Paul Pierce as a downgrade. Ariza had a career year, they will miss his energy and defense. Their coach is lol-awful, I expect uneven performances akin to 2013.
8. Atlanta Hawks: An enigma. They looked great early last year. Their talent appears inferior, but they could be anywhere from 3-8 and I wouldn't be shocked.

9. New York Knicks: Make a push for relevance in order to attract free agents.
10. Detroit Pistons: SVG will figure it out, by 2015 they'll be dangerous.
11. Brooklyn Nets: This team is primed to implode. Brook Lopez's feet scare me, as does D-Will in general. Pierce is gone, Joe Johnson feels the reaper's breath on his neck, KG is done.
12. Milwaulkee: A frisky riser. Jabari and Giannis will be tons of fun, Singleton is a nice young player as well. One more impact piece away, but the arrow is squarely pointing up for once.
13. Boston: May try to tank again, but I think Rondo and Smart will be too much to let them slip below the more obvious dogs.
14. Orlando: So many talented players, but far too young. Who the eff can shoot on this team aside from Frye and Gordon? Who can take on a leadership role?
15. Philadelphis 76ers: I hope they pick 4th. I could certainly see them shutting Noel down mid-February if he looks too strong. Tankers with no honor.

We would be third in that scenario, the top 3 seeds are always division champs.

Ah, I didn't consider that. That's where I expect the East to shake out record-wise, anyway.

[BlackOutBuzz]

The Eastern Conference is as wide-open as I can ever remember. Back in 1999 I remember being excited because MJ was finally gone and anyone had a shot, but even then the Pacers, Knicks and Heat were all returning with proven groups. The top two teams from last year are both going to take a step back, the Bulls are never going to be a known quantity with Rose, and finally the Wiz/Raps are expected to improve but by how much? And that's not even mentioning our own team, one of the youngest in last years playoffs with the true definition of a wildcard in Lance Stephenson expected to take a leading role. My tentative rankings:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James will make them a regular season juggernaut. I expect 55 wins or more.
2. Chicago Bulls: This assumes a relatively healthy Rose. If not, drop them to 4th or 5th.
3. Toronto Raptors: I think the Raps benefit from continuity, and they were even younger than us last year. Expect improvement.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Continuity plus improved play at SG will be the difference.
5. Indiana Pacers: Does the tailspin continue? Will Hibbert rebound? (pun intended) Lance for CJ Miles hurts.
6. Miami Heat: I don't expect the 6th seed to be terribly great (43-45 wins), I expect Miami can do that at least.
7. Washington Wizards: I'm one of the few who sees Paul Pierce as a downgrade. Ariza had a career year, they will miss his energy and defense. Their coach is lol-awful, I expect uneven performances akin to 2013.
8. Atlanta Hawks: An enigma. They looked great early last year. Their talent appears inferior, but they could be anywhere from 3-8 and I wouldn't be shocked.

9. New York Knicks: Make a push for relevance in order to attract free agents.
10. Detroit Pistons: SVG will figure it out, by 2015 they'll be dangerous.
11. Brooklyn Nets: This team is primed to implode. Brook Lopez's feet scare me, as does D-Will in general. Pierce is gone, Joe Johnson feels the reaper's breath on his neck, KG is done.
12. Milwaulkee: A frisky riser. Jabari and Giannis will be tons of fun, Singleton is a nice young player as well. One more impact piece away, but the arrow is squarely pointing up for once.
13. Boston: May try to tank again, but I think Rondo and Smart will be too much to let them slip below the more obvious dogs.
14. Orlando: So many talented players, but far too young. Who the eff can shoot on this team aside from Frye and Gordon? Who can take on a leadership role?
15. Philadelphis 76ers: I hope they pick 4th. I could certainly see them shutting Noel down mid-February if he looks too strong. Tankers with no honor.

We would be third in that scenario, the top 3 seeds are always division champs.

Division champs are only guaranteed a top 4 seed, along with one wild card team.

Sent from my SM-G900V using RealGM Forums mobile app

[penquin11]

1. Cavaliers: The team has as much talent as any of the previous Cleveland teams that Lebron has been on (some would argue it has more). Irving-Wiggins-Lebron-Thompson-Varejoa is a solid rotation (especially with Ray Allen + Dion Waiters coming off the bench) Thompson/Varejoa are very solid defenders.

2. Bulls: Rose or not the Bulls will challenge for first place. Say what you want about Paul Gasol, but he is a much better player than Boozer at this point in his career, and his game fits what the Bulls do perfectly. Moreover Tony Snell looks to build on a promising summer-league along with rookie McDermott. Aaron Brooks looks to enjoy the same "Bulls Booster" effect that boosted DJ Augustin last year. And Noah will remain once of the most versatile big-men in the game. Last year, in a (somehow) deeper East the Bulls were competitive, even though they were worse then they are now. If Derek Rose returns to form, I see this team as being the #1 team in the conference rather than the #2.

3. Hornets: Any concerns over the loss of McBob and his awesome passing were quickly alleviated when the Hornets landed potential franchise player Lance Stephenson. Lance is still young and flashed skills that are draw dropping. Add him to a lineup featuring Kemba Walker, MKG (who he compliments PERFECTLY), Zeller/Vonleh, and Al Jefferson (who Vonleh would compliment PERFECTLY) and you have a dangerous team! Moreover the Hornets actually appear to have some depth this year as Henderson opt's in as a 6th man/ starter (when/if Lance is at SF), Neal returns as a sharpshooting specialist who isn't breaking the bank, CDR returns, Pargo (who I can't figure out why the hell doesn't receive more minutes), and even the great turnstyle of China adds depth to a team that has been lacking in that category.

4. Raptors: I still struggle to buy into this team, but if Valanciunus takes a step forwards defensively, and the rest of the Raptors team continues to develop, then the Raptors could be dangerous. That stated, I would like to see if Ross and Valanciunus have developed more before I rank them higher. Also, we will need to see if Derozan's year was simply a fluke or not.

5. Pacers: The Pacers just lost an impact player, and I'm interested to see how they rebound from last year's collapse. Honestly, I look for them to finish above the Raptors if not only because of coach quality, but at the current time the Raptors are the better and deeper team.

6. Wizards: I will go ahead and say it. The Wizards lost their (consistently) second best player in free agency (you could argue it was Nene, but he was out for so long!) this year in Trevor Ariza. And while Paul Pierce is an incredible player for his age, he isn't going to be able to bring it night after night like Ariza did for the Wizards. Moreover the team is a living injury concern. With Pierce, Miller, Harington, Gooden, Gortat, and Nene all either having injury history or the need for significant rest.

7. Nets: with the controversial Kidd at captain the Nets marched into the playoffs last year. Now that they have a proven and battle tested coach I am eager to see how they do this year. I believe they are being vastly over-looked.

8. Pistons: The Pistons now have a real coach and a very talented back-court. And... The east sucks this badly.

EDIT:
I could see the Heat landing at 7 or 8 as well! Technically they are deeper then the Nets, but they have injury concerns!

[predators]

People are sleeping on Atlanta. Horford is back, but I don't know who you bounce out. Really intrigued for the year.

[Liver_Pooty]

53-29. 2nd in the east.

People thought I was crazy when I predicted last years record (off by one) and got the 7 seed right on the button. I think Stephenson is the most talented player on the roster. He just has to keep all that garbage BS of his out of the picture, and I think he will.

[TheKingofSting]

We are hoping you are right again Liver Pooty!

[2Mas]

1- Chicago Bulls - More depth than usual, Thibs & +Rose, Mirotic, Pau.

2- Cleveland Cavaliers - They'll be really fun. Don't think they have enough depth/defense yet though. Getting Love doesn't fix any of that either. But regardless, watching Kyrie, Waiters, Wiggins, LBJ get up & down the floor will be great.

3- Washington Wizards - Be a close race for the SE title w/ Cha. Think Was has more vets & not as many ?'s though.

4- Toronto Raptors - Only cause division rules. I really enjoy them though. They use the Spurs model (deep, good passing bench & play a fun style). Look for Ross & Jonas to take a step up & keep them around 48 wins.

5- Charlotte Hornets - Really good & young. Couple ?'s. KG develop offense? Zeller-Vonleh-Biyombo need to step up. If they all get to their potential you'll be much higher, but until than, you loose a very tight battle for SE crown. They'll reach 50wins & have HC against Tor.

6- Indiana Pacers - Don't think they'll be as bad as 2nd half Indy. Think their 2nd tier in the east (where they've always been). Mile will add shooting & Stuckey can do a little playmaking. Curious if PG24 takes a step again & if Roy can get himself right.

7- Miami Heat - Solid team. No wing depth though. Bosh & co will be over .500 for sure, but too many health questions between Wade-Deng-Granger to fight for home court.

8- Brooklyn - The fight for 7 & 8 will be crazy. Mia, Nyk, BK, Atl can all get in. BK is vet savy & Hollins with a clear direction is better. Their defense will be good. Kg will be better. They'll have good D & slip in the 8th spot.

9- New York - Fish & the Triangle will help. Amare healthy will be good too. Think their around .500 w/ a fun offense, bad defense & end up a little bit short.

10- Atlanta Hawks - Always solid, but I think they took advantage of a weak east. Now you gonna havta be > .500 to make it. Not because their bad, just the east took steps to get better.

11- Detroit - SVG is going to make this team competitive, but unless Smith and Jennings are moved or drastically alter their playing styles, they will be the undoing of the Pistons. There's still nowhere near enough spacing to play Van Gundy ball around Drummond anyhow.

12- Boston - IDK where to put my boys with that roster. We can play small fast gun out & be 10th-11th. Our roster is just so confusing, until Ainge makes a big trade, I'm putting my team in the middle of mediocrity.

13- Milwaukee - Crazy potential. Marshall is solid, Knight Parker Giannis Henson. If Mayo & Sanders bounce back, playing an uptempo pace that Kidd likes,, Mil can be up & coming quick.

14- Orlando - Their fun, they'll just suck. Like Payton a lot. Good defense, fun pace, just not enough experience. I do like Ridnour & Frye off the bench (overpaid for Frye though).

15- Philly - They should be punished for trying to tank so hard. They're going to havta spend like $20mil before the end of the season, so they'll make some moves. Think Embiid is out for the year, but another year together, they'll be better than last year. Like their 2nd rounders a lot. McDaniels, McRae should be good.

[LofJ]

53-29. 2nd in the east.

People thought I was crazy when I predicted last years record (off by one) and got the 7 seed right on the button. I think Stephenson is the most talented player on the roster. He just has to keep all that garbage BS of his out of the picture, and I think he will.

Ok, you've got me excited. Why doesn't the season start tomorrow?

I've revised my rankings after the PG injury, I had us as the 6th seed. Now I've moved us into the 5 spot.

1) Bulls (Deep & experienced; added Gasol, Buckets, Mirotic, and Rose to a 48 win team)
2) Cavaliers (No depth at center is a big concern)
3) Raptors (Deep team in the worst division in the NBA, they're practically guaranteed HCA)
4) Wizards (Lost Ariza but added quality veteran depth with Pierce, Blair, and Humphries)
5) Hornets (Future is brightest its been in a long time, but frontcourt inexperience will be an issue this year)
6) Heat (Old & have no true Center. They still haven't done anything to address their wing depth either)
7) Hawks (Great coach and experienced team, they could go higher)
8) Nets (Overachieved last year and lost Piece and Livingston)
9) Pistons (Will compete for a playoff spot all season with SVG at the helm, injuries to Nets/Heat will be key)
10) Pacers (Will start off strong, but as the season continues they'll drop back and play the trade market)

[TheKingofSting]

1- Chicago Bulls - More depth than usual, Thibs & +Rose, Mirotic, Pau.

2- Cleveland Cavaliers - They'll be really fun. Don't think they have enough depth/defense yet though. Getting Love doesn't fix any of that either. But regardless, watching Kyrie, Waiters, Wiggins, LBJ get up & down the floor will be great.

3- Washington Wizards - Be a close race for the SE title w/ Cha. Think Was has more vets & not as many ?'s though.

4- Toronto Raptors - Only cause division rules. I really enjoy them though. They use the Spurs model (deep, good passing bench & play a fun style). Look for Ross & Jonas to take a step up & keep them around 48 wins.

5- Charlotte Hornets - Really good & young. Couple ?'s. KG develop offense? Zeller-Vonleh-Biyombo need to step up. If they all get to their potential you'll be much higher, but until than, you loose a very tight battle for SE crown. They'll reach 50wins & have HC against Tor.

6- Indiana Pacers - Don't think they'll be as bad as 2nd half Indy. Think their 2nd tier in the east (where they've always been). Mile will add shooting & Stuckey can do a little playmaking. Curious if PG24 takes a step again & if Roy can get himself right.

7- Miami Heat - Solid team. No wing depth though. Bosh & co will be over .500 for sure, but too many health questions between Wade-Deng-Granger to fight for home court.

8- Brooklyn - The fight for 7 & 8 will be crazy. Mia, Nyk, BK, Atl can all get in. BK is vet savy & Hollins with a clear direction is better. Their defense will be good. Kg will be better. They'll have good D & slip in the 8th spot.

9- New York - Fish & the Triangle will help. Amare healthy will be good too. Think their around .500 w/ a fun offense, bad defense & end up a little bit short.

10- Atlanta Hawks - Always solid, but I think they took advantage of a weak east. Now you gonna havta be > .500 to make it. Not because their bad, just the east took steps to get better.

11- Detroit - SVG is going to make this team competitive, but unless Smith and Jennings are moved or drastically alter their playing styles, they will be the undoing of the Pistons. There's still nowhere near enough spacing to play Van Gundy ball around Drummond anyhow.

12- Boston - IDK where to put my boys with that roster. We can play small fast gun out & be 10th-11th. Our roster is just so confusing, until Ainge makes a big trade, I'm putting my team in the middle of mediocrity.

13- Milwaukee - Crazy potential. Marshall is solid, Knight Parker Giannis Henson. If Mayo & Sanders bounce back, playing an uptempo pace that Kidd likes,, Mil can be up & coming quick.

14- Orlando - Their fun, they'll just suck. Like Payton a lot. Good defense, fun pace, just not enough experience. I do like Ridnour & Frye off the bench (overpaid for Frye though).

15- Philly - They should be punished for trying to tank so hard. They're going to havta spend like $20mil before the end of the season, so they'll make some moves. Think Embiid is out for the year, but another year together, they'll be better than last year. Like their 2nd rounders a lot. McDaniels, McRae should be good.

I know it won't be popular around here but I think Detroit sneaks in.