[Tom]

soem guy out of Twolve land who isn't a point. Vin baker? please. Tell me how anyone who is going to challenge the nets who are a year older. Rj is going to be a star. Don't fool yourselves, the nets are still the team to beat.

[Chops]

Uhhhh. A lot of teams got better....

[untitled]

The east got a lot better due to some reasons.

The draft. The players from last year have one year under their belt, the new players are only getting better as time goes by.

The east may not be as talented as the West, but they are improving. They can still compete. Thats My opinion. So i dont really care

[Coatesvillain]

Originally posted by Tom
soem guy out of Twolve land who isn't a point. Vin baker? please. Tell me how anyone who is going to challenge the nets who are a year older. Rj is going to be a star. Don't fool yourselves, the nets are still the team to beat.

Us Sixers fans said the same exact thing after we defied all laws of physics, and beat the Lakers in a game in the Finals. I bet the Knicks said the same when the Pacers went to the finals instead.

Just because you throw out the same team, as the previous season it doesn't mean you'll just come out. There's a reason the games are played. The East may not be the better of the two conferences, but it's a lot more dangerous because it's more parity stricken, plus you have more teams coming trying to knock their way into the playoffs:

-Hawks
-Wizards
-Bucks (trying to get back)
-Heat (trying to get back)

Eastern conference, is that unpredictable.. and that's why it's fun. We could have four new playoff teams this year. You never know. While out West, the top half of the brackets can be written in at the beginning of the year.

-Tim

[Thrilla]

Heat improved by filling thier biggest need, SF with Caron Butler, who can help them now. Strickland, Jones, Butler, Grant, Zo is a good team and can make the playoffs.

Nets- Same team as last year- Even though no major changes, they are talented enough to make the playoffs.

Celtics- Pierce and Walker is a great combo and should be able to make the playoffs.

Detroit- Added a big PG and a SF. Wallace is a beast and players like Rodney White should contribute more. Also should make the playoffs.

Magic- Last year, they rode on Tmac, MM, and DArm. Supposedly, Hill is back.......combine that with Humphreys, who had good workouts......should make the playoffs also.

Bucks- Allen, Cassell, Robinson, Thomas, Haslip, Gadzuric, Pryz- A talented team that should also make the playoffs


Thats 13 teams trying to make the playoffs....The competition should be fierce and exciting.

Also, Phili, Wash, Toronto, Indiana, NY, Atl, and NO could make the playoffs.

Actually, every team in theAtlantic Division has a legit shot at making the PO's.

[Thrilla]

I made a mistake.............this was supposed to go under the "East is more competitive" post........or something like that

[John]

I have merged the two threads into one, thanks. - Community Moderator - John

[Damian Necronamous]

Top teams in the East next year...

1. Celtics
2. Nets
3. Hornets
4. Magic (If Hill is healthy, they COULD be the No. 1 seed)
5. Raptors
6. Sixers
7. Pistons
8. Knicks

Teams that could make it:
Pacers and Bucks

If Vince Carter is injured most of the year, expect the Pacers to be in, if the Bucks recover from last year (which they should), they could be one of the top seeds. Although the East isn't as good as the West, it's much closer in the standings, and much more competitive.

Also, the Heat could be in there too. I forgot about them . There are 11 teams that could run for the Playoffs next year.

The Bulls won't be in the race next year, because they are way too young, and inexperienced. But in 2 to 3 years, they should be up there, in the top seeds.

[TO4LIFE]

If the Raps start the season with there current roster expect them not even to make the play offs

[Thrilla]

Originally posted by John
I have merged the two threads into one, thanks. - Community Moderator - John

Thanks..................Sorry about that.