OT: The East is gonna be BEASTLY.

[BEASTMODE]

Assuming most of the teams get in the East get the players they want, the Eastern League next season seems pretty scary...
Boston: Rasheed, KG, Rondo, Hill, Rayray, House, BBD, Marbury, Paul Pierce, Perkins
Cavs: Ariza, Artest, LeBron, D-West, Varejao, Maurice Williams, Shaq
Detroit: Villanueva, Gordon, Rip, McDyess, Tayshaun Prince
Wizards: Healthy Arenas, Foye, Miller

There are other teams and players I didn't mention, but they're not as significant as these line-ups right here. Discuss.

[DarkAzcura]

How did you mention Detroit and Washington but not Orlando?

[SonicYouth34]

How did you mention Detroit and Washington but not Orlando?

Because without Hedo being there, they take a huge step back. I don't know how having 5 guys that've averaged 15+ points for many seasons can come together and play well. People were saying that about the Big Three, but they have a big 5.

EDIT: The Cavs can't get both Ariza and Artest since they only have the MLE

[Mahoney_jr]

Vince Carter is better than Hedo Turkoglu in all aspects of the game. But the Magic need to replace Hedo with a starting caliber role player with good defense and the ability to stretch the floor. Otherwise they didn't replace Lee's slot on the team. Additionally they might lose Gortat and need a good backup C.

Why got Detroit mentioned? Their team is a first round loser at best.

I like the Hawks, if they get a nice starting PG back and if they re-sign Marvin Williams and Zaza.

[celticfan42487]

starting 5> bench players.

ORL could make up for those losses almost soley by signing Bass and having a real PF. With Lewis back at SF ironically making him a great post option at that point.

And Vince Carter IS better then Turkey glue in all aspects, especially playmaking. Turkeyglue can get off his own shot, Carter can create shots for anyone.

[shortodom]

How did you mention Detroit and Washington but not Orlando?

Because without Hedo being there, they take a huge step back. I don't know how having 5 guys that've averaged 15+ points for many seasons can come together and play well. People were saying that about the Big Three, but they have a big 5.

EDIT: The Cavs can't get both Ariza and Artest since they only have the MLE

yup they get whoever the lakers don't want

[Colossus]

Vince Carter is better than Hedo Turkoglu in all aspects of the game. But the Magic need to replace Hedo with a starting caliber role player with good defense and the ability to stretch the floor. Otherwise they didn't replace Lee's slot on the team. Additionally they might lose Gortat and need a good backup C.

Why got Detroit mentioned? Their team is a first round loser at best.

I like the Hawks, if they get a nice starting PG back and if they re-sign Marvin Williams and Zaza.

They did replace Lee's slot on the team. His name is J.J. Redick, it's his time to shine.

Dwight/Shard/Carter/Redick/Nelson, that's a real nice starting five, with Pietrus being their sixth man.

[Mahoney_jr]

Vince Carter is better than Hedo Turkoglu in all aspects of the game. But the Magic need to replace Hedo with a starting caliber role player with good defense and the ability to stretch the floor. Otherwise they didn't replace Lee's slot on the team. Additionally they might lose Gortat and need a good backup C.

Why got Detroit mentioned? Their team is a first round loser at best.

I like the Hawks, if they get a nice starting PG back and if they re-sign Marvin Williams and Zaza.

They did replace Lee's slot on the team. His name is J.J. Redick, it's his time to shine.

Dwight/Shard/Carter/Redick/Nelson, that's a real nice starting five, with Pietrus being their sixth man.

Sorry man. That's too thin. You need a legit SF Ariza type player in your rotation. While I appreciate how Redick evolved into a useful role player he's not good enough for 30 minutes.

[Ticket_Stub]

I don't see the Cavs getting both Ariza and Artest. Maybe Artest at best, but not both.

[humblebum]

Pietrus still plays for Orlando last time I checked. He's a solid SF alongside Carter. The Magic are going to have to go out and get a couple of backup bigs but with their starting five they look good. Just need to add a few pieces intelligently and they'll remain a top team in the east, barring injury of course.

[Rocky5000]

I don't see the Cavs getting Ariza OR Artest. Ariza is going to Portland or Toronto depending on where Hedo ends up. Varejao is also not guaranteed to be back on the Cavs.

[Marley2Hendrix]

^^^^^ i was just going to add that, I think Varejao's return is about 50/50 and drops down to near zero if they drop bank on ariza or artest. Should the cavs miss out on ariza, odom, artest and just gain shaq this offseason while losing varejao, I see that as a net loss.

[BEASTMODE]

I don't see the Cavs getting both Ariza and Artest. Maybe Artest at best, but not both.

Whoops, sorry guys. Forgot to take into account the MLE. And I forgot about Orlando, but it's only a slight improvement, IMO.

[Cyclical]

You just like the word BEAST.





But yes, you're right. Definitely stronger than the west.

[Collinto]

The bigger issue for me is that the NBA is crazy top heavy.

[kmgarnett21]

Also when you mentioned Wash you forgot two of their best players: Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. Although I don't think Wash will be on the level with Bos, Cle and Orl, they will be the 4th best team.

Arenas, Foye, Butler, jamison, Haywood, Mike Miller, Stevenson is a solid start