Who is the favorite in the East now? Chicago: PG: Derrick Rose SG: Jimmy Butler SF: Doug McDermott PF: Pau Gasol C: Joakim Noah Bench: Gibson, Mirotic, Snell, Dunleavy, Hinrich, etc. Chicago is a very well balanced team. Derrick Roses health will determine how far this team goes in the playoffs. Chicago also has a big x-factor in Doug McDermott. What if he turns out to be a 18-20ppg guy? Theyve gotta be the favorite if that happens. However, I dont see Dougie being THAT productive as a rookie. Cleveland: PG: Kyrie Irving SG: Dion Waiters (even tho I think they should have him as the 6 man) SF: Lebron James PF: Kevin Love C: Anderson Varejao Bench: Miller, Jones, Thompson, Marion (assuming he signs there), Dellavedova, Haywood, etc. Cleveland needs a backup PG. Matthew Dellavedova is not the answer. They also need a rim protector. LBJ has never gotten to play with an elite rim protector like KD has. It would help them a ton. Kevin Love is a great fit with Lebron. Hell basically be a super-Bosh on the Cavs. A much better rebounder and 3pt shooter. While hes not a great Defender, Bosh wasnt an elite defender either. Bosh was a solid defender, but not game-changing by any means. Id love to see Cleveland start Lebron and Marion (again, assuming he signs there) on the wings and let Dion run the second unit. Marion would be able to guard the other teams best player and let LBJ focus much more on scoring. Well see how David Blatt sorts that situation out. Conclusion: Cleveland is the favorite going into the season, IMO. I dont think this Chicago team has enough firepower on offense to beat Cleveland, who has just enough good defensive players to get by. Itll be a hell of a playoff series, though. I cant wait. What do you think? - sportsguyrich
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:48:28 +0000