Big 3 Sports Blog

This Division sent 3 teams to the Playoffs last season, bookending with the #1 seed and #8 seed.  Top to bottom though, this may be one of the weaker Divisions in the NBA.  Top heavy, with a couple bottom-feeders.  Here is what we have to look forward to.

Chicago Bulls
I’ll be honest, when I looked at their 2019 roster, there were a hell of a lot of names I didn’t recognize.  But, they have plethora of young talent, with 5 players under the age of 25 to score in double figures last season.  Bright future.  But it will take a few years for them to start seeing dividends, so I seem them as a lottery team this year.

Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs had the 2^nd worst record in the NBA last year, but do have a nice young core to build around.  Jordan Clarkson (26), Cedi Osman (23), and Collin Sexton (20) are all coming off promising seasons, and they also landed Darius Garland with the 5^th pick of the Draft.  Like the Bulls, this team’s future could be very bright, but they are definitely a few years away.  Also curious to see how Kevin Love fits into the mix.  Most rebuilding teams don’t have a high-priced 30 year old taking playing time away from the youngsters.  Look for him to be traded this season.

Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had a surprising season last year, sneaking into the Playoffs as the #8 seed.  Blake Griffin had arguably his best season as a pro, and Andre Drummond averaged 17 points and 16 boards.  Best production for a big man duo in the league last year.  Both are back, along with veteran Reggie Jackson.  However, once you get past those 3, their roster doesn’t have much to speak of.  Griffin and Drummond will probably lead them into the Playoffs in a weak East, but it will probably be a quick exit.

Indiana Pacers
Would you consider the Pacers offseason a success or a failure?  Their top 4 free agents (Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Wesley Matthews, and Cory Joseph) all left for other teams, and team leader Darren Collison unexpectedly retired.  But, they signed Malcolm Brodgon and Jeremy Lamb as free agents, and traded for T.J. Warren.  These players add to a young nucleus which already includes Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner.  But the x-factor on this team is Victor Oladipo.  Even with the additions, he is their best player, but is coming off brutal leg injury, and is expected to miss at least a couple months.  If they can keep the ship afloat before he returns, he gives them a huge boost for the 2^nd half of the season.

Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks were the #1 seed last season, and held a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.  Unfortunately they fell to the eventual Champion Raptors, but this team should be back in the same position this season.  Most of their young core is back, and now they know what it takes to win in the Playoffs.  Although they lost Malcolm Brogdon in free agency, they added veteran Wesley Matthews and sharpshooter Kyle Korver.  I expect this team to, at minimum, be back in the Eastern Conference Finals.

If Oladipo was healthy all season, I would give Indiana a chance here…but he’s not.  The Bucks were the best team all of last season, and there is no reason to think they won’t be the best team this season again.  Central Division Winner – Milwaukee Bucks.

Now, tell me what you think!!!

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