The top of the east as 2012 FAs unfold

[CFAN38]

Using the expected FA moves, I would say the top 5 teams in the east are (in no order)

Nets
Knicks
Miami
Boston
Bulls (depends on Rose health)

top 7 matchups

Nets

C Lopez        < KG (but not by alot)
Pf ? Humphries = Bass
SF Wallace     < Pierce
SG Johnson     > AB
PG Williams    = Rondo
6th Brooks     < Terry
7th ?          < Green

Knicks

C Chandler     = KG
PF Amare       > Bass
SF Melo        > Pierce
SG Smith       = AB
Pg Kidd        < Rondo
6th Linn       = Terry
7th Camby      < Green

Miami

C  Anthony     < KG
PF Bosh        > Bass
SF Lebron      > Pierce
SG Wade        > AB
Pg Chalmers    < Rondo
6th Ray        = Terry
7th Lewis      < Green

Looking at the teams this way really highlights how important Terry and Green are going to be this season. There added depth will be what (hopefully) keeps boston as a top 3 team in the east.

[Yogi]

Miami is the best team in the east.  Take the reigning champions and add a Hall of Famer and probably the greatest pure shooter ever and Rashard Lewis, a multiple time all-star in the past.
The Celtics are the next best team.  They are close.  The Celtics will compete for the best record in the league next year.  They will be in contention for one of the top seeds. 
Indiana will be the third best team in the East.
Knicks will be better next year.  They improved a little.  Probably the fourth best team in the east.
Brooklyn will make the playoffs.  If things fall their way, they might make it to the second of the playoffs (This is assuming they do not trade for Howard).  Chicago will have a better record next year than Brooklyn. 

[Birdman]

Depending on New York health, they might be #1..i know they're old, but with Camby and Kidd there and JR there a full season, team is scary so dont laugh

[BballTim]

Miami is the best team in the east.  Take the reigning champions and add a Hall of Famer and probably the greatest pure shooter ever and Rashard Lewis, a multiple time all-star in the past.

  The fact that Ray and Rashard used to be good/great players doesn't mean a lot going into 2013.

[mqtcelticsfan]

Depending on New York health, they might be #1..i know they're old, but with Camby and Kidd there and JR there a full season, team is scary so dont laugh

Oh, I'm laughing at the idea that Jason Kidd and Marcus Camby make the Knicks a legitimate contender.

[Fafnir]

Depending on New York health, they might be #1..i know they're old, but with Camby and Kidd there and JR there a full season, team is scary so dont laugh

Oh, I'm laughing at the idea that Jason Kidd and Marcus Camby make the Knicks a legitimate contender.

Unless Amar'e can become an effective offensive option at the PF slot its not going to happen. I don't have a lot of hope for them being a contender.

[tonyto3690]

The Knicks are not better than the Celtics.  They are not even a top 5 team.  I'd take both the Sixers and Hawks ahead of them.

[masteremile123]

If nets don't get Howard its Celtics vs Heat . If they get him add theme to the mix ...

[Yogi]

The Knicks are not better than the Celtics.  They are not even a top 5 team.  I'd take both the Sixers and Hawks ahead of them.

Both these teams got significantly worse.  Philly lost Brand and Williams.  Atlanta basically lost Joe Johnson for nothing.  The Knicks are probably the 4th best team in the east after Miami, Boston, Indiana.  Chicago might be better too but only if they keep Gibson and Asik. 

[TripleOT]

Assuming Rose comes back, Chicago is again a top team, Asik or not. 

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Depending on New York health, they might be #1..i know they're old, but with Camby and Kidd there and JR there a full season, team is scary so dont laugh

yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Two big pickups could make them a contender without a doubt. To go along with Carmelo And Amare and Chandler. JMO.

[Lightskinsmurf]

Miami is the best team in the east.  Take the reigning champions and add a Hall of Famer and probably the greatest pure shooter ever and Rashard Lewis, a multiple time all-star in the past.
The Celtics are the next best team.  They are close.  The Celtics will compete for the best record in the league next year.  They will be in contention for one of the top seeds. 
Indiana will be the third best team in the East.
Knicks will be better next year.  They improved a little.  Probably the fourth best team in the east.
Brooklyn will make the playoffs.  If things fall their way, they might make it to the second of the playoffs (This is assuming they do not trade for Howard).  Chicago will have a better record next year than Brooklyn. 

Ill believe it when i see it. Celtics haven't been a threat for the number one seed since like 2008. They don't take the regular season serious enough to get it.

[Mr October]

If the Celtics are healthy, Green is the x-factor that can take them over the top. If he finds a groove, he'll be an excellent weapon on both ends.

A top 8 of: KG, RR, PP, AB, BB, JG, JT, JS has me really excited. That is a stronger 8 than the team that lost in game 7 in Miami. This is a Celtics team that can definitely get another 50 wins.

Now the C's need a taller 2, another 5 and injury insurance. If they get this added depth I expect the C's to be right there for the #2 seed and 55 wins or so.

Other teams:

Miami is good for 60+
Chicago (even missing Rose or with an injured Rose): 55
IND (if they match Hibbert): 52
NYK: 50
ATL: 50
PHI: 45
Nets (assuming no Howard): 45

[ausbacker]

Miami is the best team in the east.  Take the reigning champions and add a Hall of Famer and probably the greatest pure shooter ever and Rashard Lewis, a multiple time all-star in the past.

  The fact that Ray and Rashard used to be good/great players doesn't mean a lot going into 2013.

I'm unsure why Lewis is being sprouted as a great signing. Nice bench option but it's been some time since he was better than mediocre.

[slamtheking]

Miami is the best team in the east.  Take the reigning champions and add a Hall of Famer and probably the greatest pure shooter ever and Rashard Lewis, a multiple time all-star in the past.

  The fact that Ray and Rashard used to be good/great players doesn't mean a lot going into 2013.

I'm unsure why Lewis is being sprouted as a great signing. Nice bench option but it's been some time since he was better than mediocre.

throw in the fact Ray will be coming off surgery and it's a big leap of faith he'll be effective next season.

C's got better with who they've signed.  The one issue remaining is bringing in a center so that Melo isn't the only one on the roster.