So Far, The East Has Gotten Weaker, Isn't That A Good Thing For The Us??

[Witch-King]

With two of the best players in our conference leaving for the West it seems that the Celtics should be formidable next season regardless of whether we make a blockbuster move or two in free agency. We had the top seed this past season and the Cavs may not try that hard and instead try to save their horses for the playoffs, which may mean we could clinch the top seed next season, especially since our guys now have a lot of playoff wins under their belt and are thus more experienced. The big question is if we'll be good enough to beat Cleveland in the postseason, and to a lesser extent, how good teams like the Wizards and Raptors will be next season. If we don't sign Gordon Hayward next season would be anything but a bust, though he might certainly help our chances against the Cavs. Your thoughts??

[Witch-King]

Also, if the East if weaker than the West next season what will All-Star rosters look like??

[YoungOne87]

But it looks like more teams will compete with brooklyn for worst record...

[obnoxiousmime]

It doesn't matter much if the top teams stay the same or get better. It might inflate the record of the better East teams, but that doesn't really help you except if you're trying to get home court advantage against a Western team in the Finals.

In terms of draft picks, BKN having to face more crappy teams in the East might inflate their record which is bad. Indiana, Chicago, and Atlanta now look to be formerly OK teams who will be pretty bad next year. Toronto and Detroit it's uncertain.

On the plus side, the Lakers should pile up a few more losses due to Western teams improving or staying competitive. The only teams that you could say are going to definitely be bad are Sacramento and Phoenix. You could say Dallas might crash the party but they've never been a team to totally tank, and Carlisle is too competent a coach.

[mr. dee]

It doesn't matter much if the top teams stay the same or get better. It might inflate the record of the better East teams, but that doesn't really help you except if you're trying to get home court advantage against a Western team in the Finals.

In terms of draft picks, BKN having to face more crappy teams in the East might inflate their record which is bad. Indiana, Chicago, and Atlanta now look to be formerly OK teams who will be pretty bad next year. Toronto and Detroit it's uncertain.

On the plus side, the Lakers should pile up a few more losses due to Western teams improving or staying competitive. The only teams that you could say are going to definitely be bad are Sacramento and Phoenix. You could say Dallas might crash the party but they've never been a team to totally tank, and Carlisle is too competent a coach.

It could really help pad regular season wins. Western teams had to grind against each other while the top teams in the east will happily feast on scrub teams on their conference for majority of their schedule.

[LilRip]

It's good for us in terms of keeping our guys a little fresher, but that wasn't a huge problem to begin with. CBS did a great job managing minutes last year.

Besides, we were already the second best team in the east last year (Wiz being 2A). The east getting weaker is sort of immaterial because we still don't have enough to get past CLE.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Not a good thing for our Brooklyn pick. Don't want them sneaking in. Also, chances for better record, means not having worst records in the NBA, so not good lottery chances.

[Surferdad]

The Boston Celtics do not raise EC Championship banners at TD Garden.

[obnoxiousmime]

It doesn't matter much if the top teams stay the same or get better. It might inflate the record of the better East teams, but that doesn't really help you except if you're trying to get home court advantage against a Western team in the Finals.

In terms of draft picks, BKN having to face more crappy teams in the East might inflate their record which is bad. Indiana, Chicago, and Atlanta now look to be formerly OK teams who will be pretty bad next year. Toronto and Detroit it's uncertain.

On the plus side, the Lakers should pile up a few more losses due to Western teams improving or staying competitive. The only teams that you could say are going to definitely be bad are Sacramento and Phoenix. You could say Dallas might crash the party but they've never been a team to totally tank, and Carlisle is too competent a coach.

It could really help pad regular season wins. Western teams had to grind against each other while the top teams in the east will happily feast on scrub teams on their conference for majority of their schedule.

Isn't that what I said? I said "It might inflate the record of the better East teams." That doesn't help us against Eastern teams because every one in the East is benefiting equally. It only helps us against Western teams, and that only matters if you're trying to get home court advantage in the Finals.

Sure, you could make arguments that we might be able to rest more, but in theory all other good Eastern teams could as well. You could even say that it helps Cleveland more because as an older team they require more rest.

[ThaPreacher]

Boston/Cleveland
Washington
Toronto
Milwaukee
Indiana
Miami
Charlotte

This is what I see. Hawks and Bulls being replaced by the Heat and Hornets.

[saltlover]

Not a good thing for our Brooklyn pick. Don't want them sneaking in. Also, chances for better record, means not having worst records in the NBA, so not good lottery chances.

The Nets are not sneaking in.  They're just looking to buy bad contracts.

[action781]

Boston/Cleveland
Washington
Toronto
Milwaukee
Indiana
Miami
Charlotte

This is what I see. Hawks and Bulls being replaced by the Heat and Hornets.

Are you aware that Indiana is losing Paul George and Jeff Teague?

[tazzmaniac]

Not a good thing for our Brooklyn pick. Don't want them sneaking in. Also, chances for better record, means not having worst records in the NBA, so not good lottery chances.

The Nets are not sneaking in.  They're just looking to buy bad contracts.

The Nets may settle for taking on bad contracts but only if they strike out in free agency.  They'll probably make an offer for Porter. Can't see them getting close to the playoffs but doubt they'll be worst in the league or probably even the East. 

[chiken Green]

The east did not get weaker...  Butler and PG barely made the playoffs last year..  They Barely broke 500...

The Bucks and the Wiz will be better..  PHi Last year when Embid was playing was not a push over team, I expect them to make at least a 10th Seed

Miami Will be better..  I am not sure about the Rap's but I cant see them becoming the lakers or the Suns all of a sudden.

Yes the West got stronger sure, those guys went to better teams, but their teams in the East were disappointments at best.

[BostonClamCrowdah]

Uh no?

Did Cleveland get weaker?

Washington?

No? Ok then go home