Ed B.'s Look at the NBA's Central Division

A few days ago, I made my predictions for the NBA East’s Atlantic Division. And continuing my NBA preview, I will be taking a look at the East’s Central Division.

Chicago Bulls- I like this team. They don’t necessarily have the star power of Miami or Boston, but the Bulls have my favorite small man/ big man duo in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Last season Noah really blossomed into a very good center, after many thought he wouldn’t do much as a pro. Derrick Rose is a budding superstar, making further steps to become a top-5 PG in the league. The biggest edition to this team was Carlos Boozer, who will help crash the boards with Noah and put up some good points for the team. This team is good pick to win the division, but I don’t know how far they can make it in the playoffs against teams like Orlando, Boston, and the over-hyped Miami.

Bulls Prediction: 1^st in the Central Division.

Cleveland Cavaliers- One word: lulz. Without Lebron James, this team is nothing. Everyone knew that if Lebron didn’t return to Cleveland, this team would be making regular trips to the lottery for years to come. And they will be there this season without James. That’s my mortal lock of the season. Mo Williams and Ramon Sessions won’t be winning the cursed city any titles anytime soon. As much I’d like to believe Dan Gilbert saying Cleveland will win a title before the Heat, every logical bone in my body (and everyone else’s) says that’s the dumbest thing ever said. Ever.

Cavaliers Prediction: 5^th in the Central Division.

Detroit Pistons- After a bad season, one would think a once mighty team like the Pistons would make some sort of big move in the offseason. Who’d they get? Tracy McGrady. Is this 2002? I’m pretty sure the ever-hurt, aging T-Mac hasn’t been spectacular in 8 years or so. This team won’t be doing much with Hamilton, Prince, and Wallace, because this isn’t 2004. The Detroit Pistons this season would be phenomenal 5-6 years ago. But not now.

Pistons Prediction: 4^th I n the Central Division.

Indiana Pacers- If the Pacers were playing in any other division in the NBA, they wouldn’t have a prayer for the playoffs. However, they are playing in the NBA’s weakest division, and have a chance to make a low playoff spot. Danny Granger will be phenomenal as always, and a young duo of Roy Hibbert and new edition Darren Collison could help the Pacers make a push for the playoffs. The biggest question for this team is can they recover from the loss of Troy Murphy. If they can, this team could be a dark horse in the East.

Pacers Prediction: 3^rd in the Central Division.

Milwaukee Bucks- Rounding out the Central are the Milwaukee Bucks. Like the Pacers, they have potential to be a good young team that can make a run to the playoffs. Brandon Jennings emerged as a solid player last year after many questioned how he would do in his rookie campaign. The team also added solid forwards in Corey Magette and Drew Gooden. Two things to remember for the Bucks: if Maggette and Gooden can seamlessly blend into Scott Skiles’ scheme and Andrew Bogut can come back and have an impact, this team is easily poised for a playoff spot.

Bucks Prediction: 2^nd in the Central Division.