For the past few years, many have labeled the Eastern Conference as ‘weak’. Some of the criticisms have been warranted given the fact that the Cavs were just too good and no other team could really contend with them in the East.
Now, we have to end the criticism. The Eastern Conference is continuing to improve and this season, they are looking to be the more competitive conference. The Celtics and Pacers are two teams that have significantly gotten better since this past year and can arguably be labeled as elite teams now.
The Knicks, Bulls, and Bucks are three teams who have improved as well and should make things interesting in terms of the playoff race.
In the East this year, you have 11 or 12 teams that could realistically make the playoffs at this point. In the West, you have just about 10.
This is who I have now as the true playoff contenders:
Eastern Conference:
Cavs, Celtics, Pacers, Raptors, Bucks, Knicks, Hawks, Pistons, Wizards, Heat, Bulls, Hornets
Western Conference:
Warriors, Spurs, Thunder, Clippers, Trail Blazers, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Rockets, Jazz, Timberwolves
Obviously, I may be missing one or two teams at this point, but it does seem like the East is more competitive going into this season. Yes, the West is very top heavy and has more elite teams, but the Eastern Conference is no longer the weak conference in my opinion.
I don’t about the heat being part of one elite teams in the East, I mean they great talent but with the huge loss of Dwayne Wade and the uncertainty of Chris Bosh is definitely in question. Also the Timberwolves are maybe 1 or 2 years away from being a team to reckoned with for sure ( but who knows maybe they might shock a lot of fans this season, I for one am a fan of them for sure). All in all I’m excited to watch the Lakers (D’angelo Russell), Denver Nuggets (Emmanuel Mudiay) and of course Golden State ( Steph and Klay) and this season in general.