Who do you think is the best team in the east? Boston New Jersey Detriot Orlando New Orleans Atlanta other? I think the best team is going to be Boston. I think Vin BAker is going to play alot better in Boston and should push the Celtics into the Finals. Keep an eye on New Jersey, but they can't beat the Celtics.
Was your statement made before or after the Nets acquired Mutombo? I haven't gone back to look at the stats, but I thought the Sixers gave the C's alot of trouble last season. Alot of that was Deke's inside presence.
I think Indiana would be the best team on paper. Now if they only had a coach... ATL cannot even be considered. Detroit played like a team, but were not that talented. Orlando could be really good if Grant Hill is healthy and they have any inside presence. NJ I don't think should've even made the EC Finals. Boston could be if Vin Baker doesn't suck...IF... New Orleans could be pretty damn good if everyone is healthy I can't believe you didn't mention Milwaukee. If it wasn't for Karl, they would HAVE been the top team, no doubt(Don't know about now) Also, watch out for Toronto, because Vince has alot to prove... Teams to watch: 1.Indiana 2.New Orleans 3.Toronto 4.Orlando
I actually think Philly hit the jackpot with that trade. My roommate from school is from Philly, so I have learned a lot about that team. Mutumbo is so overrated. He is clumsy and slow too. The Sixers always lacked that scorer from the outside that could compliment Iverson. Van Horn is perfect for that role. They also added some depth in the offseason which should contribute to their success next year. New Jersey did that trade so that they could have an inside presence when going against the big boys of the West. What they failed to realize is that Van Horn got them past the teams from the East. I think Boston will have a solid team next year, better than they performed this year. Orlando will be good too, if Hill is healthy. If not, then they will be a playoff team, but will be in the middle of the pack. Atlanta, with their new "big dog", will improve and possibly make the playoffs, but thats it. If they make the playoffs, it will be a low seed followed by a quick exit. Detroit and New Orleans will be right there with all the other top eastern conference teams. Basically, there are about 5-6 teams that will challenge for the title, "Best team in the east". Its a sad, sad conference. Those teams would suck had they played in the west.
I think New Orleans could surprise a lot of people and come out of the east. They've got weapons at every position and are pretty deep too.
Best team is New Jersey until somebody beats them. No-one else has done enough to overtake them on paper. Boston and Indiana would be tied for second.
New Jersey though i don't like them. Boston - hopefully the vin baker trade won't hurt too much at pg. Indiana - if jermaine o'neal and crew keep gettin better, watch out!
The Mutumbo trade sets back both teams IMO, but it especially sucks for New Jersey. Mutombo is a good guy who has contributed to a number of noble causes, but with that said, he's overrated and isn't going to get any better. He still gets his share of rebounds and blocked shots, but he's too slow to seal passing lanes or beat his man to the post anymore (so he isn't going to deny Shaq's positioning). A quick center who can play with his back to the basket can easily take him out to twelve feet, where he's useless, or his interior defense can be negated by a team that jacks up a lot of three-pointers. He can't run the floor anymore, so Nets fans will be having flashbacks of Sam Bowie. Also, the New Jersey's specialty last year was ball-movement, and while the team didn't attempt many three-pointers, spot-up shooters coming off screens were invaluable. My prediction: New Jersey will be a third seed, while Philadelphia won't see any improvement. Boston and Orlando will exceed fifty wins. Atlanta will be this year's surprise team, having added more talent than anyone else in its conference.
