CHICAGO BULLS: B+
I was really hoping that Zach LaVine found his way to LAL. That didn't happen, but the good thing about Chicago's situation is that now, at least they're a one-alpha team.
LaVine may not be a franchise player in the truest sense of the word, in terms of being able to consistently will a team to victory. But, he isn't a scrub either. And the pairing of him and DeRozan was always a questionable strategy, given that the Bulls didn't necessarily surround them with complementary role players, or at least those who were able to stay healthy.
I also like the acquisition of Josh Giddey, because he can fill the role that Lonzo Ball was supposed to. He may not as good of a defender as Lonzo, but he is a better all-around offensive player.
Also, the way the Bulls' roster is currently made up is such that they can tank without looking like they're intentionally doing so. You know what I'm saying? Like they have a respectable roster, but perhaps one not good enough to make the playoffs.
That said, Chicago actually has one of the better braintrusts as far as garbage teams go. I think what this roster, as is, may need to get to the next level, if they haven't gotten one already, is a speedy, athletic big who focuses primarily on defense and rebounding, not built like Drummond but one you can rationalize starting alongside Vucevic, since he apparently isn't going anywhere anytime soon either.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: A-
The Cavs are literally running it back with their same roster from last season and may be the only team in the league doing so. That type of commitment demands some level of applause in this day and age. That's more or less how champions were built back in the days.
That said, I agree with pundits who argue or notice that there's compatibility issues between Garland and Mitchell. Donovan is a 2 who plays more like a 1 and furthermore is ball dominant. In other words, if he decides to chuck, there's really no need to force him not to. Forcing Mitchell, against his will, to share the ball with the other Gs and wings may do this roster more harm than good.
One solution is perhaps to bring Darius off the bench and rather start a G alongside Mitchell who's more defense oriented. But then, the issue will become if Garland is as effective as a sixth man than he is as a starter.
Either way, at this moment there really isn't much reason to believe that Cleveland is on the verge of winning a championship. But the ex-factor, once again, is Evan Mobley. He's the type of player who, if Joel Embiid is unable to find his form, no other team in the East possesses.
DETROIT PISTONS: C-
The Pistons seem to have finally forsaken their youth movement by acquiring a handful of vets, most notably Tobias Harris, over the offseason. I've been arguing for years that more veterans need to go to young teams like this. However, I was thinking more along the lines of those who can make more of a difference, not only in terms of winning but also like ticket sales. Meanwhile, Detroit's youth-laden roster from last season was more exciting, on paper, than their current one (even though they kept most of those young guys).
A little progress is better than no progress. But the question is, has progress actually been made?
The problem with considering Cade Cunningham a franchise player is first of all, the Pistons are now paying him so much money that if they did decide to part ways, he'd be hard to trade. You know, first it's like what team actually needs his skillset, and then it's like, what would they be willing to give up in return? I know I may be projecting too far into the future, but that's the kind of issues Detroit, unless it overachieves, is likely to face.
Obviously no perennial all-star, i.e. the type of player they likely need to actually move the needle, is eager to join the Pistons. So all things considered, it'd probably be better off if they didn't have any max player and engaged in a full rebuild sooner than later. Or put another way, if Cade isn't a franchise player (which, imo, he has never proven to be, despite the stats), then they're going to look real stupid the longer they hold onto him.
INDIANA PACERS: B
I criticized the Pacers a lot during the playoffs and don't want to go there again. If certain other teams in the East are healthy, I doubt that Indiana will make the conference finals again. But that said, logic will dictate that after the success of last season, the right thing would be to run it back, with an upgrade or two.
That upgrade is expected to come in the form of James Wiseman, which isn't a completely bad gamble, since Myles Turner's style of play can be frustrating at times. Wiseman was drafted onto the Warriors, a team which, as perennial contenders (up until recently), wasn't necessarily the best environment for young, developing, insecure players. Since then, he's played for the Pistons and never quite panned out to be the phenom some were predicting when he was in high school.
But maybe, things will be different in Indiana. Unlike Detroit, this is a team that actually wins games. And unlike Golden State, even though the Pacers are theoretically contenders, there shouldn't be a whole of pressure or expectations unrealistically placed on Wiseman's shoulders, you know, to instantly prove a champion. It's like either he finally represents in a definitive way, or he doesn't.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS: B-
I enjoy reminding the world that I was the first pundit to suggest the pairing of Giannis + Dame. The problem is that, due to injuries, we never got to see their full (postseason) potential. I think it's safe to say that if nothing else, if Giannis was healthy then the Bucks would have gotten past the first round of the playoffs.
I'm sorta a pessimist when it comes to injuries. Sometimes, players get hurt really bad and make what seem like miraculous comebacks. Other times, you're expecting them to return to form, and they never do. Or let me say that my strategy is that, once a star player proves injury-prone, to always have a viable backup plan, just in case.
The Bucks, though they've made some quality additions, do not appear as if they have done so, nor do they necessarily look better than they did last season. Besides Dame and Giannis, this squad is banking on a handful of aged starters, one of whom has an even worse injury history. So I don't feel inspired, and obviously neither does any other pundit, since I have yet to see anyone mention Milwaukee as contenders this upcoming season.
But of course, in theory Giannis + Dame can be the best big/small combination in the league. Maybe what the Bucks should think about doing is going all out and perhaps assembling what looks more like a win-now roster around them. They're in a tough spot in terms of facing decisions because when you look at their top-six players, they're definitely contenders if healthy (and maybe a bit younger).
CONCLUSION
The Cavs should be the best team in the Central Division and, if they're able to be more innovative, perhaps even contenders. They're the only team in the East who, as of now, has a starting five that consists of twin towers, not to mention a perennial allstar 2guard.
But of course, you can't sleep on the Pacers after the showing they had last season. They now should be fully accustomed to the presence of Pascal Siakim. But after how they performed last playoffs, injuries and all, I'm not convinced. But, the same thing can be said for the Cavs.
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