Cleveland is looking damn good, and they go to another level in the playoffs because of LeBron James. They were the closest team to beating the Celtics last year, and were in the finals the year before, don't forget that.
Cleveland, Detroit, or Boston. To me the champ is coming out of the East. It'll be one of these three teams.
If I had to pick a West team it would be LA, NOH or Utah. Portland will be the class of the West in a year or two though, they're just too young to make a run this year imo.
cleveland is intriguing for two reasons:
first and foremost, this is the most dominant they have looked for an extended stretch in franchise history. obviously a lot of their history has been dogshit. but this is the first time where they look like a dominant TEAM, as opposed to 'well, lebron might be able to carry them .....'
second, they are itching to bring that the marquee player on board to get them over the hump. the name vince carter keeps floating around (... although the nets are surprisingly competitive early on this year)
on a side note, the impact williams had made on the team is remarkable.
boston is still the favorite and deservedly so. but the central is so weak that the cavs could keep this torrid pace up all season and challenge for home court, which is bigger in bball than any other sport.
first and foremost, this is the most dominant they have looked for an extended stretch in franchise history. obviously a lot of their history has been dogshit. but this is the first time where they look like a dominant TEAM, as opposed to 'well, lebron might be able to carry them .....'
second, they are itching to bring that the marquee player on board to get them over the hump. the name vince carter keeps floating around (... although the nets are surprisingly competitive early on this year)
on a side note, the impact williams had made on the team is remarkable.
boston is still the favorite and deservedly so. but the central is so weak that the cavs could keep this torrid pace up all season and challenge for home court, which is bigger in bball than any other sport.
