NBA Preview: Central Division
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by The Beast
Provided they do not trade for Kobe, the Chicago Bulls should be a big threat to win the Eastern Conference title. They are a very young and talented team that has a lot of energy to play an uptempo style of basketball. The addition of Florida Gator Joakim Noah was a great pick to help bolster a frontline of Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas. While their frontline is improving each year, the Bulls' backcourt of Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, and Luol Deng, separates them from the rest of the Eastern Conference. The only thing that hurts the Bulls it their lack of a true low post scorer. If Thomas or Noah, develop quickly than the Bulls could be serious challengers for the NBA title as well.
Despite the fact that the Pistons continue to get older each year, they should still be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Chauncey Billups and Richard "Rip" Hamilton form one of the best backcourt duos in the entire. What does not appear impressive about the Pistons is their newfound laziness on the defensive end. If the Pistons want to make a run at the NBA Finals than their defense must approve this year.
Since the Central Division is one of the best divisions in the NBA, it will be hard to imagine the Cavs finishing higher than third. Yes, they are the reigning Eastern Conference Champions and have LeBron James, but they got worse over the offseason. Cleveland did not have one single draft pick and failed to add any players via free agency or trade. Additionally, they have not resigned their two restricted free agents, Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlocic. If second year guard Daniel Gibson can continue making strides and Larry Hughes can remain healthy than the Cavs may have another finals run left in them.
This is a very interesting team with a good mix of young players. Their front line should be one of the best in this division with Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, and Yi Jianlian. If the guys can play well alongside sharp shooter Michael Redd than this team will remain in contention for the final eighth spot throughout the year.
This team no doubt has a lot of scoring threats but not much of a defense. Center Jermaine O'Neal will, once again, keep the Pacers in contention for the playoffs. Outside of O'Neal the Pacers do not have much of anything. Danny Granger is an intriguing young player but he has not proven to be a consistent scoring option yet. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Troy Murphy, who were acquired in a trade from Golden State last season, have proven to be softies. Indiana just doesn't have all the pieces for a serious playoff run.
