NBA Central Division preview: So, Bulls or Cavaliers?
Team to beat: This is a tough one. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls probably are among the five best teams in the NBA, each with legitimate championship aspirations after major offseason additions. The Cavs' full makeover seemed to offer question marks, but first-time NBA coach David Blatt had his roster firing on all cylinders in the preseason. These are the two best teams in the Eastern Conference, and the division battle will be worth watching.
Key story line: The reloaded Cavs and Bulls make it easy to forget the team that won the division last season: the Indiana Pacers. They face serious offensive question marks with All-Star small forward Paul George out for potentially the season and shooting guard Lance Stephenson gone via free agency. But they should be able to defend, with David West and Roy Hibbert anchoring the paint, and coach Frank Vogel signed a contract extension despite criticism. Can they return to the playoffs? They need to find scorers first.
Five best players:
- Cavaliers SF LeBron James
- Bulls C Joakim Noah
- Cavaliers PF Kevin Love
- Cavaliers PG Kyrie Irving
- Bulls PG Derrick Rose
Sleeper: The Detroit Pistons gave the reins to Stan Van Gundy as president and coach this offseason, and his grinding defense and inside-out offense are ingraining themselves. Van Gundy could get this talented-but-miscast team into the playoffs this season, especially if he really has persuaded Josh Smith to stop taking three-pointers.
Breakout star: Expect Andre Drummond to be an All-Star this season. Detroit's center was an arguable snub last season, but he has Van Gundy making sure he gets more touches on offense to go with his remarkable rebounding and tough rim protection. The 21-year-old could be the best center in the NBA soon.
Best newcomer: Well, it's James. He's a four-time MVP and two-time champion who came back to his hometown team after four years with the Miami Heat. Kevin Love and Shawn Marion also will be valuable additions to the Cavs, and Pau Gasol should help the Bulls.
Prediction: Tom Thibodeau's defensive intensity will give the Bulls a slight regular-season edge to win the division, but the Cavs will end up winning the East. The Pacers and Pistons will make unsuccessful runs at the postseason. The Milwaukee Bucks will improve after being the NBA's worst team last season but will be far from fourth place.