Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets: Top Contenders for the Eastern Conference Play-offs - NBA Feature (Part 1)
Ever since the formation of “big three” at the South Beach a couple of years ago and Miami Heat’s championship title last season, it is hard to think of any other major contender for the Eastern Conference.
With the exception of a Boston Celtics, it is difficult to differentiate the Eastern Conference sides on the basis of chances alone. Here is the first of a two part series to rank the top 8 contenders for the Eastern Conference
title in 2013.
8) Chicago Bulls:
Add Derrick Rose and this side will shoot up this ranking without a doubt but with his presence in doubt for the earlier half of next season, it is not hard to understand that the Bulls will struggle on the court.
However, if the rest of Bulls’ scoring battery keeps the boat floating, keeping the team in contention till the time Rose takes the court, we might see a surge in their performance and it will be no surprise if they go on to be
the side that beats Miami Heat.
If players like Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer can produce anything close to what Rose has been doing for the past few years; the Bulls might yet be able to raise their game for the coming season which otherwise looks
a very tough one.
7) Philadelphia 76ers:
Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers broke new grounds. They looked on top of their game in the play-offs and after beating Rose-less Bulls, they stretched Boston Celtics to 7 games before bowing out.
However, the departure of Andre Iguodala and the inclusion of Andrew Bynum may pose a very tricky situation for the Sixers. Whether Andrew Bynum will be the answer to their needs for a go-to scorer or will he struggle to form the
chemistry with the likes of Thaddeus Young and Spencer Hawes will essentially define the Sixers chances to get to the play-offs and show some substance once again.
6) Atlanta Hawks:
In a side with many good players but no superstar, you can never be so sure and that has been the situation with the Hawks for the better part of last decade.
They are definitely a side that can get into the play-offs but will someone rise and take them beyond the first round? That is highly debatable.
The Hawks might set their eyes and hopes on Josh Smith who had a very solid season with them last time but he will have to raise his game further. If he can do that, then a move beyond the first round may not be too ambitious
foe the Hawks.
5) Brooklyn Nets:
While there is no doubt that we are in for a big improvement in their performance, the Nets still have some distance to cover before they can court a team to beat Miami Heat or Boston Celtics.
All-star point guard Deron Williams is definitely the star amongst their ranks but for the Nets to put up some good performances consistently, Williams will have to be more of a team player and change the score first, pass later
game into something which helps the side progress in the play-offs.
The Nets’ core-four of Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace and Joe Johnson are almost certain to put up a good show but as of right now, it will not be enough to include them much higher than five in the contention for
the Eastern Conference Champions.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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