* Detroit Pistons: The team that won it all in 2004 has kept their starting line-up virtually intact since, losing only C Ben Wallace in 2006. But after six straight trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, changes are afoot-new Head Coach Michael Curry replaces the polarizing Flip Saunders. With continued development from young players, specifically F Amir Johnson and PG Rodney Stuckey, this team has an exciting blend of youth and experience.
* Cleveland Cavaliers: How can a team led by SF Lebron James be terrible offensively? Head Coach Mike Brown might finally have the tools to rectify that deficiency, in PG Mo Williams and rookie PF J.J. Hickson. Williams’s ability to spread the ball around will open up the floor for James, who seems primed for an astounding statistical season.
* Chicago Bulls: Unproven rookie Head Coach Vinny Del Negro finds himself in a less-than-ideal situation in Chicago. The Bulls are chock full of talent, but are fundamentally unbalanced. Since SG Ben Gordon signed a one-year qualifying offer in the offseason, he could be dangled as trade bait. The Bulls need to move him for a low-post scorer. The key to the team’s success will be the first overall pick in the draft, PG Derrick Rose.
Indiana Pacers: The Pacers addressed last year’s shortcomings-cap space and the point guard spot-by trading C Jermaine O’Neal for PG T.J. Ford and C Rasho Nesterovic, both of whom will be able to jump into the starting line-up immediately. The Pacers are also hoping that 7’2″ rookie C Roy Hibbert will fill the void left by O’Neal’s departure.
Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks’ offseason was full of much-deserved turnover. Milwaukee brought in disciplinarian Scott Skiles as head coach, as well as SF Richard Jefferson, PG Luke Ridnour, and SF Joe Alexander. Out went former head coach Larry Krystkowiak, PG Mo Williams, SF Desmond Mason, and SF Bobby Simmons. For this team to succeed, Jefferson and sharpshooting SG Michael Redd will have to light up the scoreboard, and C Andrew Bogut will need to continue improving.
