A piece by Thomas DeMeo.
(The first part of this piece is a personal rant, skip to the first team listed if you just want the sports talk.)
Ok, so if anyone had read my Western team's evaluation you're probably wondering why this took so long. I was almost done with the original, until my body decided no and I got sick and in turn got my girlfriend sick and by the time we were both feeling better it was the NBA draft and free agency and naturally that changed my opinion on some teams. With much delay here are finally my evaluations for every NBA Eastern conference team.
Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers:
Is this cheating? Kinda. But I honestly feel the same way about all three of these teams. They are all rebuilding and have some promising, but unproven young talent. (Congratulations on Cade Cunningham Detroit.) But the rest is up in the air. I have no expectations for any of these three, but I hope at least one of the guys on these teams develops nicely. If nothing else, you've given your fans hope for the future.
Toronto Raptors:
This team has fallen hard. From a serious threat in the east to one of the worst teams in the league. The rebuild has already begun with letting Kyle Lowry go. It sucks but it was the best option for both parties. There still are some promising pieces on this team. O.G Anunoby and Fred Vanvleet are still around, and if Siakim can become consistent this team could bounce back fast. I'm keeping a close eye on them.
Chicago Bulls:
This team has gone all in very fast. Getting both Lonzo Ball and Demar DeRozan in free agency were bold moves. While not the biggest names, they both should have an impact with Zach Levine. If all goes well this team could be very dangerous. I will say though if they don't make a run in the playoffs heads are gonna roll. They gave up quite a bit to assemble their new team. They either compete or the process starts all over, overall I am excited and think this team will be a threat.
Charlotte Hornets:
Admit defeat Michael. You have failed every year with this team. Any potential dies on your court. Signing Gordon Hayward to an exorbitant contract and then trying to trade him a year later is apparently good decision making? Kelly Oubre for over twelve million a year is gonna save you? Yes you do have Lamelo Ball, he's the only reason anyone talked about this team. But hey you made the playin tournament, clearly you're improving from terrible to just mediocre. Still think Jerry Krause had it easy Michael?
Indiana Pacers:
Yet another boring, mediocre team. The Pacers are not good, but not bad. Not tanking, but not competing. They have caught themselves in league limbo. If their team was a supporting cast then they would be contenders, but right now it's a lot of good starting caliber players who lack the star power to get them over the top. If they can find that star to bring it all together then I'll be interested, until then enjoy perpetual mediocrity.
Washington Wizards:
And the perpetual wheels of mediocrity keep spinning. Who would've thought Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal versus the league wasn't a good plan? This team has wasted so much talent over the years and has done nothing to help it. Maybe Kyle Kuzma can return to form after with less pressure, but that is a very big maybe. Maybe Spencer Dinwiddie Dinwiddie is the answer, but I'm not holding my breath. Honestly I have no hope for you guys, just please free Bradly Beal from this hell and let him contribute to a real team.
Boston Celtics:
The art of wasting talent and opportunity;
-Hope talent bails you out at all times. Yes Jayson Tatum is incredible but seriously expecting fifty a night is impossible. Jaylen Brown is good, but after that who's left to ease the scoring load.
- Blame everyone else for your shortcomings. Yes Kyrie leaving was rough and talent like him is hard to replace, except he left three years ago… get over it. This happens in sports and a good management team should accept that. Also yes injuries cannot be controlled, but that doesn't take away from your lack of depth and floor spacing.
- Point out everyone else's faults but never admit to your own. Yes you did screw over Brooklyn to get Tatum and Brown, but what have you done since? Brooklyn rebuilt well and was able to lure in big name free agents. Boston just gave up a first round pick to get back Al Horford.
- Finally just say fuck it and leave. Danny Ainge out and for some strange reason Brad Stevens in? I don't get it. Yes Boston needed a change but that move was questionable at best. Maybe this team actually learns and improves or maybe they'll just keep talking about 2008. Which is more likely?
Miami Heat:
I was hoping so much that you guys were actually good. I wanted you to prove so much that your title run wasn't a fluke. But what did you give me… nothing but inconsistency. One second you're the best team in the conference the next fans are wondering why they ever thought highly of Tyler Hero. And for the playoffs, you weren't inconsistent, you were just consistently shit. To make matters worse this team's only response has been throwing big money at Kyle Lowry (granted an overpay was necessary) and giving ninety million dollars to Duncan Robinson. In my opinion you're now fucked, I see you in limbo, you'll make the playoffs, but you'll never be a serious threat or taken seriously. Thanks for proving everyone right.
Atlanta Hawks:
First off fuck you guys for beating the Knicks. On a serious note though this team has impressed me. From being awful and having to fire your head coach mid season to making the conference finals is no small feat. Trae Young has blossomed into one of the league's best young players. John Collins earned a big pay day and hopefully lives up to it. They even managed to get talented (granted raw and development is needed) players later in the draft this year. This team is dangerous and committed, they're my dark horse contender for the east.
New York Knicks:
Despite literally dying in the playoffs I am very proud of this team. They defied literally everyone's expectations and even in the offseason have made some solid moves. As of right now there's been no blockbuster trade or signing. Evan Fournier might be an overpay, but for a consistent scoring guard that price is sometimes necessary. The big move though was grabbing Kemba Walker off the waivers. Yes his injury history is not great, for less than ten million a year. The potential rewards far outweigh the risk. I see them as another strong playoff team and if just one of their rookies (or Obi Toppin) develops well they could become dark horse contenders. Please just don't blow it like you have in the past.
Brooklyn Nets:
Next year's champions, at least according to the internet. The talent is obvious, but I am worried about their depth and overall team health. At least one of the big three was injuried most of the season and it showed their lack of bench. If healthy they are the clear favorites to win the East, if not well it's a lot more complicated and I have serious concerns for how much more Durant and Irving can take. While I hope no player gets injured, as a Knicks fan I hope you somehow blow this opportunity and return to your meme origins.
Philadelphia 76ers:
This team is a sad reminder that even after failing again and again you can still be told everything is fine and that you'll get them next year. Sam Hinkie is somewhere screaming. All his hard work has gone to waste, all those terrible seasons just to be terrible in a different way… giving fans false hope. Ben Simmons has not evolved. I understand a lack of confidence and potential mental struggles, but when you've been offered endless opportunities for help and even advice from Kobe Bryant, I no longer feel bad. Hilariously this team still sees Ben at the level of Lebron James. No Philly, no one is giving you young talent and a swarm of draft picks for a stagnated player. Even more hilarious Doc Rivers still has a job. His career has become nothing but a trend of choking and failing to adjust. I am sorry Joel Embiid you deserve far better than this hell.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Thank you Milwaukee. Thank you for giving us one of the best finals in years. Thank you for giving hope to small markets. Thank you for pissing off every ESPN analyst because you're not the Lakers. Giannis' mission accomplished, you and your team have earned everything you have. No super team, no crazy moves, just a well built lineup all the way around. Even if you can't do it again with this core, enjoy this moment, you've earned it. Keep bringing balance to the league.
So that wraps up Eastern conference teams, honestly there is some excitement in the conference and I have my eye on many teams. This upcoming season is looking to be a thriller. Just please let Brooklyn not have a cakewalk.