2014-2015 NBA Preview: Central Division

     As the 2014-2015 NBA season approaches I'll be going through each divisions preview and projections. 

Chicago Bulls
Record Last Season: 48-34 (2nd in Central)
Key Additions: Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic, Doug McDermott (drafted), Aaron Brooks
Key Departures: Carlos Boozer (Lakers), D.J. Augustin (Bulls), Jimmer Fredette (Pelicans)
Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)
PG: Derrick Rose... 15.9 PPG, 4.3 APG, 3.2 RPG
SG: Jimmy Butler... 13.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 4.9 RPG
SF: Mike Dunleavy... 11.3 PPG, 2.3 APG, 4.2 RPG
PF: Pau Gasol... 17.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 1.5 BLKPG
C: Joakim Noah... 12.6 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 1.5 BLKPG
Notable Bench Players: Kirk Hinrich, Taj Gibson, Aaron Brooks, Doug McDermott 
Keep an eye on: Jimmy Butler (SG)
In only his third season last year Butler stepped up averaging 13.1 PPG while Derrick Rose was absent.
Preview: The Bulls haven't looked this good since the lockout season in 2011-12. They were the one seed that year until Derrick Rose tragically went down with a knee injury. They haven't been the same since. This year Pau Gasol was brought in from the Lakers to reinforce the frontcourt next to Joakim Noah. The Bulls have a pretty well-rounded bench to compete and go far in the postseason as well. There's high expectations in Chicago now and a brewing rivalry between the Cavaliers.
Projection: Lose in Conference Finals (2nd in Central)

Cleveland Cavaliers
Record Last Season: 33-49 (3rd in Central)
Key Additions: LeBron James, Kevin Love, David Blatt, Mike Miller, James Jones, Shawn Marion
Key Losses: Mike Brown, Luol Deng (Heat), C.J. Miles (Pacers), Spencer Hawes (Clippers), Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves), Anthony Bennett (Timberwolves)
Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)
PG: Kyrie Irving... 20.8 PPG, 6.1 APG, 3.6 RPG
SG: Dion Waiters... 15.9 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.8 RPG
SF: LeBron James... 27.1 PPG, 6.4 APG, 6.9 RPG
PF: Kevin Love... 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 0.5 BLKPG
C: Anderson Varejao... 8.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 0.6 BLKPG
Notable Bench Players: Matthew Dellavedova, Tristan Thompson, Mike Miller, Shawn Marion
Keep an eye on: Dion Waiters (SG)
In two years Waiters averaged 14+ points per game. It'll be interesting to see if he gets the ball that much now with James and Love on his team.
Preview: Dan Gilbert wins owner of the year after successfully luring the King back to his castle and trading for double-double machine Kevin Love. In about one month he rescued Cleveland basketball from obscurity. The Cavaliers are instant title contenders, especially in a poor Eastern Conference. LeBron James' big three arguably upgraded with Kevin Love being a notch above Chris Bosh and Kyrie Irving having more upside than injury-stricken Dwyane Wade. Flashback, LeBron James carried Cleveland to the Finals with Eric Snow and Larry Hughes, I think he can do it again with this team.
Projection: Win NBA Finals (1st in Central)

Detroit Pistons
Record Last Season: 29-53 (4th in Central)
Key Additions: Jodie Meeks, Stan Van Gundy, D.J. Augustin, Caron Butler, Joel Anthony, Cartier Martin
Key Departures: Will Bynum (Celtics),  Rodney Stuckey (Pacers), Charlie Villanueva (Mavericks)
Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)
PG: Brandon Jennings... 15.5 PPG, 7.6 APG, 3.1 RPG
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope... 5.9 PPG, 0.7 APG, 2.0 RPG
SF: Josh Smith... 16.4 PPG, 3.3 APG, 6.8 RPG
PF: Greg Monroe... 15.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 0.6 BLKPG
C: Andre Drummond... 13.5 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 1.6 BLKPG
Notable Bench Players: D.J. Augustin, *Jodie Meeks (Out), Kyle Singler, Caron Butler
Keep an eye on: Andre Drummond (C)
Drummond is emerging as one of the top centers in the league and could very much be an all-star this year.
Preview: Bringing in Stan Van Gundy as head coach/president was the best move Detroit made this offseason. Van Gundy brought the 2009 Magic to the NBA Finals with Dwight Howard and really no supporting cast. He also transformed Jameer Nelson into a legit point guard. We'll see if he can turn Brandon Jennings and his unnecessary shots into an Orlando Magic Jameer Nelson type. Josh Smith is playing out of position and needs to be traded immediately to make space for twin towers Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
Projection: Lose in First Round (3rd in Central)

Indiana Pacers
Record Last Season: 56-26 (1st in Central)
Key Additions: Rodney Stuckey, Damjan Rudez, C.J. Miles
Key Departures: Lance Stephenson (Hornets), Evan Turner (Celtics), Rasual Butler
Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)
PG: George Hill... 10.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.7 RPG
SG: Rodney Stuckey... 13.9 PPG, 2.1 APG, 2.3 RPG
SF: Chris Copeland... 3.7 PPG, 0.4 APG, 0.8 RPG
PF: David West... 14.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.9 BLKPG
C: Roy Hibbert... 10.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.2 BLKPG
Notable Bench Players: Luis Scola, C.J. Miles, Donald Sloan, C.J. Watson
Keep an eye on: Rodney Stuckey (G)
With Lance Stephenson and Paul George both gone this season look for Stuckey to have an opportunity to take over and prove himself.
Preview: The Pacers went from falling short of an NBA Finals appearance back-to-back years to a possible lottery team. Paul George was looking like an emerging star in the league until he tragically hurt his foot in a FIBA exhibition game this summer. Lance Stephenson walked away to head to Charlotte, which will hurt the Indiana blue-collar demeanor. What if the Pacers tanked this season and added a lottery pick with a returning Paul George next year? It's a thought.
Projection: Miss Playoffs (5th in Central)

Milwaukee Bucks
Record Last Season: 15-67 (5th in Central)
Key Additions: Jerryd Bayless, Kendall Marshall, Jason Kidd, Jabari Parker (drafted), Jared Dudley
Key Departures: Larry Drew (Cavaliers), Ramon Sessions (Kings), Carlos Delfino
Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)
PG: Brandon Knight... 17.9 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.5 RPG
SG: Giannis Anteokounmpo... 6.8 PPG, 1.9 APG, 4.4 RPG
SF: Jabari Parker... Did Not Play
PF: Khris Middleton... 12.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.2 BLKPG
C: John Henson... 11.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.7 BLKPG
Notable Bench Players: O.J. Mayo, Jared Dudley, Jerryd Bayless, Kendall Marshall
Keep an eye on: Giannis Anteokounmpo (G)
The Greek Freak!
Preview: Jason Kidd is the new coach in Milwaukee after a sticky situation in Brooklyn. He proved he can coach last year getting the Nets to the second round of the playoffs. As bad as this team looks, they might be the funnest. From future Rookie of the Year Jabari Parker to the Greek Freak Giannis this team is loaded with raw talent.
Projection: Miss Playoffs (4th in Central)

2014-2015 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

     As the 2014-2015 NBA season approaches I'll be going through each divisions preview and projections. 

Boston Celtics 

Record Last Season: 25-57 (4th in Atlantic)

Key Additions: Marcus Smart (drafted), James Young (drafted), Marcus Thornton, Evan Turner, Will Bynum

Key Departures: Jerryd Bayless (Bucks), Joel Anthony (Pistons), Kris Humphries (Wizards)

Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)

PG: Avery Bradley... 14.9 PPG, 1.4 APG, 3.8 RPG

SG: Evan Turner... 14.0 PPG, 3.2 APG, 5.0 RPG

SF: Jeff Green... 16.9 PPG, 1.7 APG, 4.6 RPG

PF: Jared Sullinger... 13.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 0.7 BLKPG

C: Kelly Olynyk... 8.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.4 BLKPG

Notable Bench Players: Marcus Smart, Brandon Bass, Marcus Thornton, *Rajon Rondo (OUT)

Keep an eye on: Jared Sullinger (PF/C)

The former Buckeye Jared Sullinger nearly averaged a double-double in only his second season last year. 

Preview: The Celtics look to have another season of rebuilding under coach Brad Stevens. They loaded up on guards this offseason which means one thing, when will Rondo be traded? He suffered a broken hand this offseason, however he might be ready for opening day. Boston selected the fierce Marcus Smart out of Oklahoma State who looks to eventually replace Rondo in the future. They also got Kentucky high-flyer James Young later in the first round as a steal. This year's Celtics are loaded with role players but no stars which will be a problem. Expect the Celtics to make some noise at the top of the Atlantic in the beginning of the year, then to fade away. All Celtics fans can hope for are more ping pong balls. 

Projection: Miss playoffs (4th in Atlantic) 

Brooklyn Nets

Record Last Season: 44-38 (2nd in Atlantic)

Key Additions: Jarrett Jack, Bojan Bogdanovic, Sergey Karasev, Lionel Hollins

Key Departures: Paul Pierce (Wizards), Shaun Livingston (Warriors), Andray Blatche (Free Agent), Marcus Thornton (Celtics), Jason Kidd (Bucks)

Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)

PG: Deron Williams... 14.3 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.6 RPG

SG: Joe Johnson... 15.8 PPG, 2.7 APG, 3.4 RPG

SF: Bojan Bogdanovic... Did Not Play in NBA

PF: Kevin Garnett... 6.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 0.7 BLKPG

C: Brook Lopez... 20.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 BLKPG

Notable Bench Players: Mirza Teletovic, Mason Plumlee, Jarrett Jack, Alan Anderson

Keep an eye on: Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)

Only a handful of people have heard of the Croatian Bogdanovic. He caught my eye and impressed in the FIBA World Cup. We'll see if he can transition his European style of play to the NBA. 

Preview: There was a tremendous amount of hype built around Brooklyn heading into last year after adding Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Kidd to coach. They started off playing uncanny together, but later went on to make the playoffs and knock out Toronto in the first round of the playoffs. Paul Pierce, Shaun Livingston, and Jason Kidd all left for other teams. New coach Lionel Hollins brought the Grizzlies from a bottom tier team to just missing the NBA Finals in 2013, which is an improvement. Brook Lopez was absent with an injury nearly the whole year and will be back despite fighting another foot injury again. If the Nets want to be legit contenders and compete they'll need Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez to live up to their big paychecks. 

Projection: Lose in first round of playoffs (2nd in Atlantic) 

New York Knicks

Record Last Season: 37-45 (3rd in Atlantic)

Key Additions: Jason Smith, Cleanthony Early (drafted), Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Derek Fisher, Phil Jackson

Key Departures: Mike Woodson, Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton

Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)

PG: Jose Calderon... 11.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.4 RPG

SG: Tim Hardaway Jr... 10.2 PPG, 0.8 APG, 1.5 RPG

SF: Carmelo Anthony... 27.4 PPG, 3.1 APG, 8.1 RPG

PF: Amar'e Stoudemire... 11.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 0.6 BLKPG

C: Jason Smith... 9.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 0.9 BLKPG

Notable Bench Players: Andrea Bargnani, Samuel Dalembert, J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert

Keep an eye on: Jason Smith (C)

The seven footer Jason Smith was acquired from New Orleans and quietly might be the best acquisition this summer for the Knicks. With the triangle offense in effect and the center position being the weakest position, Smith will get way more touches than you'd expect. 

Preview: This is what Knicks fans need after last season. Yup, take last season, crumble it up, and toss it out the window. The Zen Master, Phil Jackson was brought in to exercise all demons in New York and introduce the triangle offense. Derek Fisher was hired as head coach for his predecessor, Mike Woodson. Jackson immediately started gutting the team by trading Felton and Chandler to Dallas for Calderon and Dalembert. However, the team still has some weeds left like ball hog J.R. Smith, banged up Amar'e and clumsy Andrea Bargnani. Expect Carmelo Anthony to score less and role players like Tim Hardaway Jr. to score more due to the ball movement in the triangle offense. The Knicks will win this division strictly because Phil Jackson (and the other teams are not very good). 

Projection: Lose in second round of playoffs (1st in Atlantic) 

Philadelphia 76ers

Record Last Season: 19-63 (5th in Atlantic)

Key Additions: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Alexey Shved, Joel Embiid (drafted), K.J. McDaniels (drafted)

Key Departures: Byron Mullens (CBA), Thaddeus Young (Timberwolves)

Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)

PG: Michael Carter-Williams... 16.7 PPG, 6.3 APG, 6.2 RPG

SG: Tony Wroten... 13.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.2 RPG

SF: Hollis Thompson... 6.0 PPG, 0.9 APG, 3.2 RPG

PF: Nerlens Noel... Did Not Play

C: Henry Sims... 7.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 0.4 BLKPG

Notable Bench Players: Elliot Williams, K.J. McDaniels, Jason Richardson, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute

Keep an eye on: Nerlens Noel (PF)

The 2013 first rounder sat out all of last season due to a knee injury. In the Summer League he showed how lanky and versatile he can be with blocked shots and dunks. 

Preview: If you're into D-Leaguers then this is your team. The 76ers are loaded with unseasoned players just filling the void. Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel might spark some attention, other than that this team won't be playing on TNT a lot this season. General Manager Sam Hinkie has his eye on the first overall pick in next year's draft, which means loss after loss after loss. Tanking! 

Projection: Miss playoffs (5th in Atlantic)

Toronto Raptors

Record Last Season: 44-38 (1st in Atlantic) 

Key Additions: James Johnson, Louis Williams, Jordan Hamilton

Key Departures: Steve Novak

Projected Starters: (2013-14 season stats)

PG: Kyle Lowry... 17.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.7 RPG

SG: DeMar DeRozan... 22.7 PPG, 4.0 APG, 4.3 RPG

SF: Terrence Ross... 10.9 PPG, 1.0 APG, 3.1 RPG

PF: Amir Johnson... 10.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.1 BLKPG

C: Jonas Valanciunas... 11.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG 0.9 BLKPG

Notable Bench Players: Louis Williams, Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, James Johnson

Keep an eye on: Jonas Valanciunas (C)

The Lithuanian center surprised many people last season in his second year averaging nearly a double-double. Lets see if he can repeat another solid season and be a legit center in the NBA. 

Preview: The Raptors pulled off a franchise-saving trade last December when they traded away Rudy Gay to Sacramento. Since the Gay trade the Raptors finished 41-21 and won the Atlantic division. They ended up losing in the first round to the Nets in a valiant fight. The question is can the Raptors repeat with practically the same squad? I envision Toronto as a playoff contender again but not nearly as dominant as last season. 

Projection: Miss playoffs (3rd in Atlantic)