Top 8 teams in the east

[FlatearthZorro]

Same thing every year in this place.

Raps will finish top 4 again and everyone can keep hoping with their bias that they will suck.

Sixers
Bucks

Raptors

Magic
Celtics
Pacers
Nets (in no real order here with all 4 close)

Heat
Pistons

And just for kicks, Hakws will be knocking on the last spot.

Last season you defense was awesome and all, I think Raptors will be a good playoff team, but I kinda hope we meet in the playoffs. Watching you struggle so HARD on offense and at time not being able to score for extended periods of time even with Kawhi, I don't see how you get out of the 2nd round unless your #1 guy scores 30, 30+ a game like Kawhi did.

100%. And it's the biggest worry. Especially scoring from the wings.

What is intriguing is this is the first season in 8 years? that we don't have a ball stopper on offensive. It was Demar and then it was Kawhi. Granted, Kawhi was a ball stopper who could score the **** out of the ball, so it wasn't an issue.

But we had our bench mob from 2 years ago score and play effectively with Nurse's offense and they didn't have anyone special (other than Siakam and FVV).

I'm wondering what that offense is gonna look like with Gasol and Lowry leading the charge, two of the smartest, best passers at their position.

Btw, I meant no offense. I kinda do expect us to be a 2nd round exit. I don't see us beating Philly, from a great match, I think they are a horrid match for us as of right now. I wouldn't mind facing the Bucks in the 2nd round. Obviously, your coach showed a few things you can do against Giannis(mainly the zone which I'm pissed we didn't try more, although with Kyrie being this poor and trying to cover Giannis cause of lazy walk-backs on defense so often, I doubt a zone would work unless we benched Irving)...

[Duffman100]

Last season you defense was awesome and all, I think Raptors will be a good playoff team, but I kinda hope we meet in the playoffs. Watching you struggle so HARD on offense and at time not being able to score for extended periods of time even with Kawhi, I don't see how you get out of the 2nd round unless your #1 guy scores 30, 30+ a game like Kawhi did.

100%. And it's the biggest worry. Especially scoring from the wings.

What is intriguing is this is the first season in 8 years? that we don't have a ball stopper on offensive. It was Demar and then it was Kawhi. Granted, Kawhi was a ball stopper who could score the **** out of the ball, so it wasn't an issue.

But we had our bench mob from 2 years ago score and play effectively with Nurse's offense and they didn't have anyone special (other than Siakam and FVV).

I'm wondering what that offense is gonna look like with Gasol and Lowry leading the charge, two of the smartest, best passers at their position.

Btw, I meant no offense. I kinda do expect us to be a 2nd round exit. I don't see us beating Philly, from a great match, I think they are a horrid match for us as of right now. I wouldn't mind facing the Bucks in the 2nd round. Obviously, your coach showed a few things you can do against Giannis(mainly the zone which I'm pissed we didn't try more, although with Kyrie being this poor and trying to cover Giannis cause of lazy walk-backs on defense so often, I doubt a zone would work unless we benched Irving)...

No offense taken. I appreciate accurate assessments of teams, instead of random trolls.

We both suffer from similar issues. Your frontcourt is super thin, our wing rotation is super thin. It's going to dictate a lot of our season. I'm hoping that Tatum and Brown take a huge step to help mitigate that. And maybe Robert Williams as well.

[FlatearthZorro]

100%. And it's the biggest worry. Especially scoring from the wings.

What is intriguing is this is the first season in 8 years? that we don't have a ball stopper on offensive. It was Demar and then it was Kawhi. Granted, Kawhi was a ball stopper who could score the **** out of the ball, so it wasn't an issue.

But we had our bench mob from 2 years ago score and play effectively with Nurse's offense and they didn't have anyone special (other than Siakam and FVV).

I'm wondering what that offense is gonna look like with Gasol and Lowry leading the charge, two of the smartest, best passers at their position.

Btw, I meant no offense. I kinda do expect us to be a 2nd round exit. I don't see us beating Philly, from a great match, I think they are a horrid match for us as of right now. I wouldn't mind facing the Bucks in the 2nd round. Obviously, your coach showed a few things you can do against Giannis(mainly the zone which I'm pissed we didn't try more, although with Kyrie being this poor and trying to cover Giannis cause of lazy walk-backs on defense so often, I doubt a zone would work unless we benched Irving)...

No offense taken. I appreciate accurate assessments of teams, instead of random trolls.

We both suffer from similar issues. Your frontcourt is super thin, our wing rotation is super thin. It's going to dictate a lot of our season. I'm hoping that Tatum and Brown take a huge step to help mitigate that. And maybe Robert Williams as well.

We gonna have to count heavily on Kanter and V Poirier/Theis which is might turn out poorly for us, but I have hope for all 3 of them. The new Williams might see some court time, too, he's really smart and skilled but he's 6'7.

As for my rankings:

Philly- I think they got the most talent, if Brett makes it work, they are the favorites to win the East.
Bucks- had a great regular season last year. Imo Brogdon is a HUGE loss. He had a better season than Middleton, that's just my opinion.
Celtics/Raptors- I think the Raptors will have a good regular season, no idea about the playoffs. I expect us to crack 50 wins, too, if our defense is average and Hayward can go back to his former self, we can do some damage, otherwise 2nd round exit.
Pacers- good, I just don't see any superstar talent, people underestimate how good Bogdanovic was for the Pacers, dude averaged over 20 pts when Oladipo went down and shot great %. They added Brogdon but lost Bojan, who had an All-Star season, imo and they have no real SFs.
Heat- if they play good D, I think they will have a much better season this year. Butler is kinda crazy tho, so no idea what will happen there.
Nets- with Durant they are contenders more than likely, without him, I think they will struggle mightily as most if not all of the wings they got on their team are negative on defense. I think their defense will be BAD. Plus wonder if Irving behaves, he probably will tho, cause he took some deserved criticism for what happened in Boston.
Magic- I think they will finish 6th or 7th. Could be better than the Nets this year.

[Duffman100]

Btw, I meant no offense. I kinda do expect us to be a 2nd round exit. I don't see us beating Philly, from a great match, I think they are a horrid match for us as of right now. I wouldn't mind facing the Bucks in the 2nd round. Obviously, your coach showed a few things you can do against Giannis(mainly the zone which I'm pissed we didn't try more, although with Kyrie being this poor and trying to cover Giannis cause of lazy walk-backs on defense so often, I doubt a zone would work unless we benched Irving)...

No offense taken. I appreciate accurate assessments of teams, instead of random trolls.

We both suffer from similar issues. Your frontcourt is super thin, our wing rotation is super thin. It's going to dictate a lot of our season. I'm hoping that Tatum and Brown take a huge step to help mitigate that. And maybe Robert Williams as well.

We gonna have to count heavily on Kanter and V Poirier/Theis which is might turn out poorly for us, but I have hope for all 3 of them. The new Williams might see some court time, too, he's really smart and skilled but he's 6'7.

As for my rankings:

Philly- I think they got the most talent, if Brett makes it work, they are the favorites to win the East.
Bucks- had a great regular season last year. Imo Brogdon is a HUGE loss. He had a better season than Middleton, that's just my opinion.
Celtics/Raptors- I think the Raptors will have a good regular season, no idea about the playoffs. I expect us to crack 50 wins, too, if our defense is average and Hayward can go back to his former self, we can do some damage, otherwise 2nd round exit.
Pacers- good, I just don't see any superstar talent, people underestimate how good Bogdanovic was for the Pacers, dude averaged over 20 pts when Oladipo went down and shot great %. They added Brogdon but lost Bojan, who had an All-Star season, imo and they have no real SFs.
Heat- if they play good D, I think they will have a much better season this year. Butler is kinda crazy tho, so no idea what will happen there.
Nets- with Durant they are contenders more than likely, without him, I think they will struggle mightily as most if not all of the wings they got on their team are negative on defense. I think their defense will be BAD. Plus wonder if Irving behaves, he probably will tho, cause he took some deserved criticism for what happened in Boston.
Magic- I think they will finish 6th or 7th. Could be better than the Nets this year.

I still have the Bucks above the 76ers in the regular season, mostly because Philly's bench is super thin. The conference finals will be super interesting.

Pacers did get TJ Warren, who can score the ball. With Brogon and Oladipo, Turner and Sabonis... I think they could be in the same tier as the Raps and Celtics. Nets MAY be in that tier as well.

I'd rank the Magic above the Heat I think....but this is where it gets muddy. Heat, Magic, Pistons and outside shot at the Hawks could all vie for the last two spots.

[Sixerscan]

These rankings are about who I think the best teams are, seedings might be different because of random reasons that I refer to below:

Sixers and Bucks are the top 2. Maybe they don’t get the top 2 seeds because of injuries/rest/some team gets randomly hot during the regular season, but barring trade or injury or Durant’s Achilles magically healing I expect those two teams to be pretty heavy favorites in any EC playoff series even without home court (except against each other of course)

After that is Boston and Toronto. I give the edge to the Raptors right now because of the championship infrastructure and the lack of obvious hole like the Celtics front court. That being said, I expect the Celtics at some point to make a trade to address that and potentially leap ahead. Raptors 3rd/Celtics 4th for now.

Pacers are next. I would put them in the tier above if I knew Oladipo was coming back 100%, the tier below if I knew he was going to be coming back hobbled, and probably out of the playoffs if I knew he wasn’t coming back at all. So this is the compromise. Could easily see a situation where at the end of the year the Pacers are locked into the 6th seed but Oladipo is rounding into form, and the Celtics/Raptors are tanking games to get the 4 seed instead of the 3 to get a weaker first round opponent.

Next is the Pistons/Magic/Nets/Heat. I expect all 4 teams to be better than they were last year. Who becomes the 9th seed will likely depend on injuries, so I would pick the Pistons as the most likely team to miss out, though if they stay healthy they could also grab the 5 seed as discussed in the Pacers section. If Durant comes back early (which would probably be a bad idea) obviously the Nets leap up a fair amount.

Was close to putting the Hawks in that last tier but just a little too uncertain. Could get bumped up in preseason.

[NirvanaFC]

I'm expecting the Raptors to take a big step back this season.

Older Lowry, Ibaka and Gasol - , Norm + OG on your wings..... FVV as your back-up until Lowry gets injured then he becomes a starter and that will be hideous. Then the bargain basement dumpster diving collection Masai assembled in the off season. Looks like a throw-away season. Siakam is the only thing the current roster has going for it.

If Masai knows what he is doing (and I'm sure he does) he will try to get as much value out of his expirings as possible.

By deadline I could easily see Toronto imploding and selling the farm for picks and prospects and tanking for Lamelo <-- that was a joke haha

Lowry - 35m expiring

Gasol - 26m expiring

Ibaka - 23m expiring

FVV - 9m expiring

These are all big useful/impact playoff players, albeit on their last leg they could be a huge get for any playoff team.

Which playoff team even have 35m of contracts they are willing to give up for half season of Lowry?

[NirvanaFC]

If Masai knows what he is doing (and I'm sure he does) he will try to get as much value out of his expirings as possible.

By deadline I could easily see Toronto imploding and selling the farm for picks and prospects and tanking for Lamelo <-- that was a joke haha

Lowry - 35m expiring

Gasol - 26m expiring

Ibaka - 23m expiring

FVV - 9m expiring

These are all big useful/impact playoff players, albeit on their last leg they could be a huge get for any playoff team.

Chances of Raptors imploding this coming season is minimal at best. We have too much talent for that to happen. Honestly sounds like more of something you WANT to happen than something you believe will actually happen.

I dont expect us to dominating either but we're definitely not imploding.

people have an obsession of NEEDING to get something and not allowing assets to walk.. honestly, if raptors are in playoff position, there's no chance lowry, gasol and ibaka are traded out. they are the type of assets you bring in for a playoff run. so if you have them for free (cause they r on ur team), i dont get why those people want to get rid of them.

Technically, if you could have traded them for assets, then the assets are the cost of keeping them (i.e. they are not free).

[Max Power]

Here’s how I see the East playing out:

1. Philly: Too much talent, and if Simmons learns to shoot. Look out!

2. Milwaukee: MVP, great coaching and supporting cast.

3. Boston: Kemba and Kanter are pretty good replacements for Kyrie and Horford. Could be better fits with Tatum and Brown.

4. Orlando: Surprise here I know, but a young team should be a year better and if the new pieces contribute, they could be deep also. Quietly one of the best teams in the NBA the last 3 months last year.

5. Toronto: Champs are missing a Hall of Famer in Kawhi. Vets and new star Pascal should keep them a playoff team though. Could be prime for a deadline trade.

6. Indiana: I’d have them at 4 if Oladipo was healthy. If he comes back early, they can still be there.

7. Detroit: They need real guards, but Drummond and Griffin up front makes them playoff bound.

8. Miami: Jamie Foxx and Adebayo can only go so far. But they’re on the way up.

***Not sold on Kyrie as a superstar and without Durant I don’t see Brooklyn going anywhere in 2020.

[Bologna Smasher]

Raptors are going to be a lot better than most think. Siakam is about to be a superstar.

We will know very soon, I can tell you that it's a lot easier to play behind the best player in the ENTIRE playoffs than to be that player.

I agree. I also think Siakam having someone like Kawhi to learn from for a year is a big plus for his development. Gives him an idea on what he has to work on to take the next step and the type of attitude/work ethic you need to have to get there.

[Asif16]

Here’s how I see the East playing out:

1. Philly: Too much talent, and if Simmons learns to shoot. Look out!

2. Milwaukee: MVP, great coaching and supporting cast.

3. Boston: Kemba and Kanter are pretty good replacements for Kyrie and Horford. Could be better fits with Tatum and Brown.

4. Orlando: Surprise here I know, but a young team should be a year better and if the new pieces contribute, they could be deep also. Quietly one of the best teams in the NBA the last 3 months last year.

5. Toronto: Champs are missing a Hall of Famer in Kawhi. Vets and new star Pascal should keep them a playoff team though. Could be prime for a deadline trade.

6. Indiana: I’d have them at 4 if Oladipo was healthy. If he comes back early, they can still be there.

7. Detroit: They need real guards, but Drummond and Griffin up front makes them playoff bound.

8. Miami: Jamie Foxx and Adebayo can only go so far. But they’re on the way up.

***Not sold on Kyrie as a superstar and without Durant I don’t see Brooklyn going anywhere in 2020.

Kanter is no where near a good replacement for Horford. Not sure what you're smoking saying that. Kanter is more of a replacement for Baynes. They practically let go of Horford, Rozier, Morris and replaced them with nothing.

Im high on orlando but no way they'll be a top 4 seed. The season is 82 games long and Orlando doesnt have the firepower to hold on to a 4th seed for the whole season unless something drastic happens at the top. They will grab a 6-8 seed.

Also not sure how you can have Detroit as a playoff team and say Brooklyn will miss altogether. Im not sold on the Nets either but they still have far better depth than the Pistons. Pistons have no wings and Andre Drummond is probably one the most overrated players in Basketball. A team relying on a 1 legged Blake Griffin is not going far. To say you have more faith in Andre Drummond than you do in Kyrie is a bit crazy

[CoachD]

Raps as the 8th seed?
I'll put money on this.

And if they were the 8th seed, I bet they get another 4 wins in a row to eliminate the Bucks.

WORST case scenario the Raps are the 4th seed... more likely they are the 3rd, but could be as high as 2.

[Max Power]

OK Asif, let me clarify since you think I’m hitting the lettuce.

1. I didn’t say Kanter was an upgrade to Horford. I said he was a good replacement. Kanter is a solid player. Better to have him than depend on their shaky draft pick from ‘18 right?

2. I stand by what I say about Kyrie. His history suggests teams are better when he’s injured and not playing. The Celtics were good in spite of him. Walker will be a clear upgrade in my opinion. The Nets have Kyrie a talented 2 who’s name escapes me and Jarrett Allen to lean on till Durant comes back. And Kyrie will miss time, so no I don’t expect them to be a playoff team till Durant’s return.

3. Normally, I’d look at Orlando as a 6th seed also, so in reality we see them very similarly. And I’ll admit to being a magic fan just for transparency sake. But the reason I have them at 4 is due mainly to the lack of Kevin Durant and Victor Oladipo. If both those guys are in play, Orlando is clearly in the 6-8 range. But I think with those guys gone they have a chance to sneak up highly than they normally would. They lack a true go to wing, Aaron Gordon just isn’t that guy and Issac has a ways to go yet. Terance Ross is great in that role off the bench, but they need a starter to take that mantle. Fournier isn’t even worth discussing.

4. As for Detroit, like Orlando they need guard help bad, but Griffin is still arguably one of the best power forwards and Drummond still averaged a huge double-double. Sure Embiid eats his lunch but the talent is there. They need a wing to lead them.

[MrDollarBills]

This actually looks the most realistic.

Yeah if you're smoking crack. the Nets' roster going into 19-20 is improved.

lets see how this plays out. one team added talent while yours lost one of the top 3 basketball players in the world. i have a feeling these predictions about the Raptors still being a top team w/o Leonard will look hilarious by January.

What did you improve, exactly? Okay let's say Kyrie is slightly better than Russell, IF Kyrie fits the team. Both are scoring PGs who don't play much defense. Which players on your team will play defense? I'm just wondering, cause most of the current players on your roster are negatives on defense.

The fact that you think Kyrie is "slightly" better than Russell speaks volumes about your agenda. Irving is heads and shoulders above Russell in pretty much every metric.

We weren't a good defensive club year either, we were middle of the pack. I'm not concerned about that.

If you think losing Russell, Carroll, and Davis and replacing them with Irving, Prince, and Jordan is a step backwards you're kidding yourself. Our roster is better this year and this is without Durant.

[bebopdeluxe]

1. Bucks
2. Raptors
3. Celtics
4. 76ers
5. Pacers
6. Magic
7. Heat
8. Nets

A question: why didn't you put the Pacers and Nets in front of the Sixers? I mean, obviously the Pacers getting Oladipo back and the Nets signing Kyrie should put them ahead of the Sixers as well - right?

[bebopdeluxe]

On a serious note, I really don't think Brett Brown or the Sixers care if they get the top seed. There will be some growing pains as far as finding a closer to replace Butler, and both Embiid and Horford will be getting some serious load management.

As long as both Embiid and Horford are healthy in April, I think they come out of the East - regardless of their seed.

[FlatearthZorro]

Yeah if you're smoking crack. the Nets' roster going into 19-20 is improved.

lets see how this plays out. one team added talent while yours lost one of the top 3 basketball players in the world. i have a feeling these predictions about the Raptors still being a top team w/o Leonard will look hilarious by January.

What did you improve, exactly? Okay let's say Kyrie is slightly better than Russell, IF Kyrie fits the team. Both are scoring PGs who don't play much defense. Which players on your team will play defense? I'm just wondering, cause most of the current players on your roster are negatives on defense.

The fact that you think Kyrie is "slightly" better than Russell speaks volumes about your agenda. Irving is heads and shoulders above Russell in pretty much every metric.

We weren't a good defensive club year either, we were middle of the pack. I'm not concerned about that.

If you think losing Russell, Carroll, and Davis and replacing them with Irving, Prince, and Jordan is a step backwards you're kidding yourself. Our roster is better this year and this is without Durant.

I didnt read your entire post but go check Kyries play in the postseason. I feel like most Nets are either in denial or are turning a blind eye as to how poor Irving was. Without him we rated a top 5 defense, with him we gave up a huge amount of points. And yes the difference is what 3 points, neither has rated well on defense for their career. Durant is fantastic, I dont expect him to be back in top notch form next year if at all.

[Adrenaline50]

Raptors are going to be a lot better than most think. Siakam is about to be a superstar.

We will know very soon, I can tell you that it's a lot easier to play behind the best player in the ENTIRE playoffs than to be that player.

I remember one game Kawhi rested Siakam scored 44pts.

Anyway, I learned that outside of 2017, Raptors always exceeded everyone's predictions. Last year ppl thought Sixers were gonna be better than the Raptors BEFORE trading for Butler and Harris, which in hindsight seems a bit comical.

So if people think Raptors are going to be 7th, I fully expect them to be a top 4 seed again. You know, because that's what happens basically every year.

[FlatearthZorro]

Raptors are going to be a lot better than most think. Siakam is about to be a superstar.

We will know very soon, I can tell you that it's a lot easier to play behind the best player in the ENTIRE playoffs than to be that player.

I remember one game Kawhi rested Siakam scored 44pts.

Anyway, I learned that outside of 2017, Raptors always exceeded everyone's predictions. Last year ppl thought Sixers were gonna be better than the Raptors BEFORE trading for Butler and Harris, which in hindsight seems a bit comical.

So if people think Raptors are going to be 7th, I fully expect them to be a top 4 seed again. You know, because that's what happens basically every year.

THey will be top 4 barring injuries or unexpected circumstances.

[kamaze]

This actually looks the most realistic.

Yeah if you're smoking crack. the Nets' roster going into 19-20 is improved.

lets see how this plays out. one team added talent while yours lost one of the top 3 basketball players in the world. i have a feeling these predictions about the Raptors still being a top team w/o Leonard will look hilarious by January.

What did you improve, exactly? Okay let's say Kyrie is slightly better than Russell, IF Kyrie fits the team. Both are scoring PGs who don't play much defense. Which players on your team will play defense? I'm just wondering, cause most of the current players on your roster are negatives on defense.

They brought in 2 defenders in Garett Temple and David Nwabba but other than that there's not much defense on the team.
I think they'll be better next year when Durant is healthy to start the season and the players have a year in the system under their belt.

As far as Kyrie fitting the team, I think the offense should be tweaked to maximize the personell playing not make the players fit into a style based of analytics. I expect Kevin Durant to post up taking that out of his game would be stupid he's unstoppable shooting over players.

Kyrie has the playground style 1 on all it's going to be fun to watch. Go Nets!

[FlatearthZorro]

Yeah if you're smoking crack. the Nets' roster going into 19-20 is improved.

lets see how this plays out. one team added talent while yours lost one of the top 3 basketball players in the world. i have a feeling these predictions about the Raptors still being a top team w/o Leonard will look hilarious by January.

What did you improve, exactly? Okay let's say Kyrie is slightly better than Russell, IF Kyrie fits the team. Both are scoring PGs who don't play much defense. Which players on your team will play defense? I'm just wondering, cause most of the current players on your roster are negatives on defense.

They brought in 2 defenders in Garett Temple and David Nwabba but other than that there's not much defense on the team.
I think they'll be better next year when Durant is healthy to start the season and the players have a year in the system under their belt.

As far as Kyrie fitting the team, I think the offense should be tweaked to maximize the personell playing not make the players fit into a style based of analytics. I expect Kevin Durant to post up taking that out of his game would be stupid he's unstoppable shooting over players.

Kyrie has the playground style 1 on all it's going to be fun to watch. Go Nets!

Nwabba wont play more than likely as you got Lavert and the other kid who's a combo guard I forgot his name, the one who recruited Irving to your team.