The best team in the division also made the biggest off season move as Cleveland brought in Shaquille O’Neal to team with LeBron James. Even though Ben Gordon fled to the Pistons, Chicago remains the most dangerous team.
The Bulls are the team most likely to challenge the reign of King James, but when the dust settles, Cleveland will remain the top team in the division.
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers (58-24)
New teammates, LBJ and Shaq
This is the year he has to make the leap. LeBron James has captivated basketball fans since he made the jump straight from high school to the NBA in 2002, but Cleveland needs a title this year. Will he depart after the season? Can he become the most unstoppable player ever? This is the year James solidifies himself as one of the 10 greatest, ever.
Oh yeah: Among the quietest moves of the off season was the signing of forward Jamario Moon. Although he won’t get much playing time behind James, for those few minutes when the King needs to rest his crown, Moon is an adequate replacement.
Oh no: Everyone assumes the addition of Shaquille O’Neal means the Cavs will instantly become the best team in the league. While adding O’Neal is an upgrade, the way he plays could hinder what makes James so great. With Shaq clogging the middle, James may not be able to drive to the basket as easily.
Watch out for: J.J. Hickson. Playing power forward, Hickson brings something starter Anderson Varejao doesn’t: offense. Already establishing himself as a terrific rebounder and energy player, if Hickson also become a legitimate scoring threat, he could see a significant workload increase.
Chicago Bulls (51-31)
Following an incredible playoff run where they went toe-to-toe with the defending champion Boston Celtics, the Bulls have again become the team expected to become championship contenders. With a fantastic young point guard and explosive wing players, Chicago may be the toughest challenge for Cleveland in the Eastern Conference.
Pargo back in Chi-town
Oh yeah: Following Ben Gordon’s departure to Detroit, the Bulls struck immediately by bringing back Jannero Pargo, a player with a similar skill set as Gordon, for a fraction of the cost. The move allows them salary cap space for the summer of 2010.
Oh no: Seeking a low post threat for years, Chicago could have made a push to acquire Jazz forward Carlos Boozer at a lesser price. Although a deal can still be made before for the trading deadline, Chicago can’t rely on Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas for interior scoring.
Watch out for: John Salmons. After providing an immediate scoring impact following his trade from Sacramento, Salmons should keep his starting job even with the return of Loul Deng. Salmons is a scorer, plain and simple.
Detroit Pistons (37-45)
Rockcity's Jason Maxiell
The incredible run of six-straight appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals came to an end last season. Now, the Pistons are officially in rebuilding mode. Detroit parted ways with Allen Iverson and brought back Ben Wallace, but should finish the season outside of the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons.
Oh yeah: With the departure of Amir Johnson to the Toronto Raptors, Detroit has finally freed up some playing time for Jason Maxiell. A player with a similar skill set to Kenyon Martin, Maxiell’s ability to rock the rim should be a welcome addition in Detroit, even if it means sacrificing some minutes from the newly acquired Charlie Villanueva.
Oh no: The Ben Gordon signing essentially brings the same problems the team had with Iverson, with Gordon agreeing to come off the bench. But if point guard Rodney Stuckey doesn’t improve from last season, does Gordon start? There’s too many questions for this to be a playoff team.
Watch out for: Will Bynum. The backup point guard had six games with at least 19 points, including a season high 32 against Charlotte. Bynum can explode on any given night, and may be the best bench scorer in the division other than Gordon.
Indiana Pacers (32-50)
Indiana's Danny Granger
For the Indiana Pacers, it all begins and ends with Danny Granger. The former No. 17 selection out of Nevada may be the most complete player in the league not named LeBron James. The question for Indiana is can anyone else step up and take some of the scoring burden off Granger, and who will it be?
Oh yeah: Finally ridding themselves of Jamaal Tinsley, the Indiana Pacers have T.J. Ford and Earl Watson at point guard, two reliable players that will make their teammates better.
Oh no: Selecting Tyler Hansborough 13th overall wasn’t bad enough, it was coupled with the selection of Roy Hibbert, last year’s first round bust, marking the second consecutive lottery pick that is expected to make little to no impact during their career.
Watch out for: Dahntay Jones. The former Denver Nugget should provide the Pacers a much needed scoring punch after allowing Marquis Daniels to join the Celtics. Jones can do it all on the court, and may be the only bright spot in Indiana after Granger.
Milwaukee Bucks (31-53)
The story in Milwaukee is more about who isn’t there anymore: point guard Ramon Sessions fled to the Minnesota Timberwolves and forward Charlie Villanueva joined the Pistons. By drafting Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee may have selected the NBA version of Terrell Owens. With low expectations, the Bucks can easily become the surprise team this season or fight for a high lottery selection.
Hakim Warrick, last year with Memphis
Oh yeah: Signing Hakim Warrick from Memphis to be the starting small forward, Warrick is poised to become the top scorer for the Bucks. Say hello to the 2009-10 Most Improved Player.
Oh no: The signing of Carlos Delfino makes little sense. The team already has a defensive stopper with Luc Mbah a Moute (not a typo) so Delfino’s role really isn’t defined. Not a great three-point shooter or slasher, Delfino will just steal minutes slowing down the development of last year’s lottery pick Joe Alexander and Mbah a Moute.
Watch out for: Jodie Meeks. Last season at Kentucky he displayed his prolific scoring ability and could see plenty of minutes behind injury-prone shooting guard Michael Redd, who doubles as Milwaukee’s number one trading asset.
Can Orlando meet high expectations this year? Tomorrow will we look at the Southeast Division.
Other division previews:
Atlantic Division; Southeast Division; Northwest Division; Pacific Division; Southwest Division
