Hello Celebritys

The NBA regular season is rapidly approaching and it is time to start breaking everything down. Today, I start you off with the Eastern Conference.

I’m not a big fan of the East. I have never really cared for their teams once Michael Jordan left the Bulls, and I don’t think the competition level from top to bottom compares to the West. None the less, we just can’t ignore them.

Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks won a post season series last year for the first time since 1999 and are bringing back their same starting lineup that won 47 games last season. The Hawks added Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith to a team that already has high expectations for this season.

Boston Celtics: Boston is coming off a Conference Semi-Finals loss to the Magic last season and are now two years removed from their 2008 NBA Championship. The Celtics added Marquis Daniels and Rasheed Wallace to an already aging team. I think Boston will finish in the top four of the east, but I think K.G. is over the hill and others in the East have improved around them.

Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats were last in the league in scoring last season and has yet to make the postseason. Charlotte adds Tyson Chandler and Flip Murray but lost Emeka Okafor. They do have nice pieces in Raymond Felton, Raja Bell, and Gerald Wallace, but I am still not high on this team.

Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are coming off one of the best first sound series in NBA history last year as they fell to the Celtics in a series which included seven overtimes. Derrick Rose is coming off a solid rookie year and fans can expect to see ever more this season. I’m just not sure if they have enough around him especially since they lost Ben Gordon and Tim Thomas. Chicago has added depth which should help tremendously.

Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs had one of the biggest offseason signings literally and figuratively as they pick up Shaquille O’Neil to add alongside LeBron James. Cleveland also brought in Jamario Moon who has had a decent preseason. Cleveland will be pushing hard for the title this year, especially to try and keep “King James” in town.

Detroit Pistons: I am a fan of what Detroit did in the offseason. They bring in new guys Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, and Chris Wilcox and bring back a familiar face in Ben Wallace. The Pistons have a nasty lineup of Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Charlie V, but I don’t like Kwame Brown starting at center. I expect Detroit to be a lot better this season.

Indiana Pacers: What do you say about the Pacers? They have made an effort to get better by bringing in Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, and Earl Watson, but is that enough? They should improve from their 36 wins from last season.

Miami Heat: The Heat is coming off a 43 win season where they lost to Atlanta in the first round. Any team with D. Wade is going to be decent, but a lot of Miami’s success will depend on how young guys Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers perform.

Milwaukee Bucks: Man, the Bucks lost a lot of player from last year’s team. Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva, Ramon Sessions, and Malik Allen are all gone, but Milwaukee did add Brandon Jennings and Jodie Meeks through the draft and Hakim Warrick through trade. There are a lot of question marks with this team in my opinion.

New Jersey Nets: New Jersey had a busy offseason. They traded Vince Carter to Orlando, the team was sold to a Russian owner, and there are plans to break ground on a new stadium. The Nets added Courtney Lee, Tony Battie and Rafer Alston to a team that won 34 games last season. There will be a lot of depth in the back court, but their forward and center play will be the biggest issue. Can Brook Lopez and Yi Jianlian continue to improve? We all know Devin Harris will put up points and be injured at least once.

New York Knicks: It’s the Knicks, what more can you say? They are just holding out, hoping they can secure one of the big free agent superstars like LeBron James in this offseason. Let’s just say New York is all about saving money at this point and we will leave it at that.

Orlando Magic: This is my favorite team out of the East this season. I LOVE that they added Vince Carter and I totally expect Vinsanity to be back this season. He is back in his home state and will be fully reenergized. Orlando also added Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes, and “White Chocolate” Jason Williams, plus a healthy Jameer Nelson. The Magic did lose Hedo Turkoglu, but I think this team will have enough to be a force in the East.

Philadelphia 76ers: Philly lost guard Andre Millier in the offseason but Elton Brand is healthy and from what I have seen in the preseason, he has looked good. The Sixers also welcome new Head Coach Eddie Jordan who will keep things up tempo.

Toronto Raptors: Only 3 players on this team remain from last year’s opening day roster as the Raptors have had a lot of turnover in the last year. Some of Toronto’s new additions include Hedo Turkoglu, Marco Belinelli, Jarrett Jack, and Antoine Wright. If the Raptors are able to get everything together, they could make a push for the postseason.

Washington Wizards: I am a HUGE fan of the Wizards players individually, but I just don’t know if they can get it together as a team. If Gilbert Arenas and other stay healthy, I feel this team could be good, but health is always such a tossup. Washington added Randy Foye and Mike Miller along with new Head Coach Flip Saunders.

Eastern Conference Playoffs

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Orlando Magic

3. Boston Celtics

4. Detroit Pistons

5. Atlanta Hawks

6. Miami Heat

7. Chicago Bulls

8. Washington Wizards

I will have my Western Conference Preview up here tomorrow. Plus, keep checking back as I will have tons of NBA stuff to talk about.