Eastern Conference Power Rankings

Before I start, did anyone see Steve Carell's bit on "The Decision." Last night on the ESPY's he did a skit about his decision to go to Outback Steakhouse instead of Chile's, I was laughing out loud. Moving on, and as promised, Thur/Fri presents NBA Power Rankings, one conference at a time. Today I will present the Eastern Conference Power Rankings written by my good friend and colleague Jon Saft.

About Jon: Jon Saft is a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in communications and minoring in spanish and corporate strategy. His basketball knowledge stems from his lifelong love affair with the game, culminating in his three years leading The Haverford School basketball team to glory. His career has been plagued by injuries since reaching the college level, but in his prime he was said to remind many of Pau Gasol (others have said Chris Mihm...). In high school, Saft's talents took him beyond the hardwood, as well: editing his schools newspaper and writing a weekly sports column for the Main Line Times.

I brought Jon in because he is an expert on the Eastern Conference and gives a different perspective as a 76ers fan versus me as a Bulls fan. I will post his work and then make a sparknotes version of mine in the comments section underneath, though I will say I am largely in accordance with him. So without further ado:

1. Miami Heat: It remains to be seen how the big 3 will fit together, but with the addition of Mike Miller to spread the floor, you have to call them the favorite. Big guys will hurt them, but without the ability to double team, any one of the big 3 will present an unstoppable matchup problem against any team.

2. Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard is the key. If he develops his offensive game, Orlando will leapfrog Miami and spoil Lebron’s Dream Team fantasy. Jameer Nelson will continue to progress into a premier point guard in this league, but Vince Carter needs to prove he can hit a shot when it counts.

3. Boston Celtics: The Celtics are definitely on the way down, but the defending Eastern Conference champions are still a force. The Jermaine O’Neal signing gives them another big body to guard/foul Howard. It will also help them stay afloat while Kendrick Perkins recovers from major offseason knee surgery and offset the loss of Rasheed Wallace from retirement. While Kevin Garnett’s knees will continue to wear down, Glen Davis’ performance in the Finals and soaring confidence should prove to be quite valuable. At the end of the day, the Paul Pierce-Rajon Rondo duo will keep the Celtics among the East’s elite.

4. Chicago Bulls: A tough call here. The Hawks won 53 games last year and are returning everyone. With the additions of Carlos Boozer and Coach Tom Thibodeau, though, the Bulls did a lot to improve their squad. Derrick Rose has two years under his belt and an all-star in the front court. The Bulls seem to be one or two pieces away from the NBA’s top tier.

5. Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks rewarded Joe Johnson for leading them to an embarrassing second round sweep with $120 million, blaming Coach Mike Woodson instead. They still have no one to guard Dwight Howard. Everyone else in the East seemed to get better while the Hawks stayed the same.

6. Milwaukee Bucks: One of the up and coming teams in the East. Brandon Jennings is the key as he tries to avoid a sophomore slump. Andrew Bogut will try to continue his improvement and team with Jennings to make a formidable 1-2 punch. John Salmons will do his best to fill in for Michael Redd as he recovers from surgery until February.

7. Charlotte Bobcats: Charlotte did not drastically change the landscape of their team. They still have three very athletic, very talented guard/forwards (Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Gerald Henderson) that will keep them competitive every night. D.J. Augustin will have to prove he can be a starting point guard in this league.

8. New York Knicks: The Amar’e signing puts them in the playoff picture, but I still don’t see this team doing much. They gave an injury-prone big guy who’s afraid to play defense a max contract in hopes of reviving basketball in the biggest city in the country. Couple him with the 6’10 Anthony Randolph, tipping the scales at 210 soaking wet, and you have to think they won’t hold an opponent under 100 points all year.

9. Washington Wizards: It will take the Wizards some time to get used to the new dynamic their team, but they are loaded with talent. It remains to be seen how John Wall will adapt his game to the pros, but all signs point to success. With Wall distributing, Gilbert Arenas can focus on what he loves to do: score the basketball. Those two will combine with Andray Blatche to form a pretty exciting young team.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers greatly improved their squad by picking POY Evan Turner with the second pick. Turner will join Jrue Holliday in one of the most promising young backcourts in the league. If Elton Brand can return to form, look for the Sixers to shoot up this list. If not, they still need a big man who can rebound and play defense.

11. Cleveland Cavaliers: Life A.J. (After James) begins with Antawn Jamison leading the way. Now people just remember Jamison from his dismal performance in the playoffs, but he still averaged almost 19 points and more than 8 rebounds a game last year. Respectable numbers, but not enough to lead a team to the playoffs. Jamison will team with Mo Williams and up-and-comer J.J. Hickson to make the Cavs respectable, but the loss of LBJ will cost them 20-30 wins.

12. Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are pretty much Danny Granger, and then everyone else. Granger continues to be the most underrated player in the NBA, but with little help from his surroundings the Pacers’ chances do not look promising.

13. New Jersey Nets: The Nets did not do a whole lot to help their fortunes after their horrid 12-win season last year. They overpaid for Travis Outlaw and signed Jordan Farmar, who will be looking for minutes that just aren’t there behind Devin Harris. If Harris and Brook Lopez can continue to develop, the Nets should be better than last year, but are still a couple years away from playoff contention.

14. Detroit Pistons: The Pistons didn’t do much to improve on their 27-win team from last year. With Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton, and Ben Wallace in the starting lineup, the Pistons look very similar to their championship team. Too bad everyone is 6 years older and they’re missing a point guard and a reliable scorer. The Ben Gordon signing will haunt them for years.

15. Toronto Raptors: The Raptors swapped Hedo Turkoglu, somewhat of a disappointment last year, for Leandro Barbosa. A good deal for the Raptors, but without Chris Bosh, who’s going to put the ball in the basket?