Eastern Conference Power Rankings: Offseason Edition

1. Heat

The Heat earned this spot with a 12-3 playoff record in the East and as the only team to take more than one game from the Lakers. Some say the Heat’s playoff run was a fluke? The bubble could have just been a taste of more to come. Jae Crowder will be missed, but Mo Harkless and Avery Bradley should help fill the void. This group is tough. Battle tested and ready, the Heat will bring you their best fight. Gotta love that Riles took care of Bam.

2. Bucks

It’s difficult to love the offseason here thanks to the Bogi catastrophe, but this roster looks probably better suited for the playoffs. Jrue Holiday is a damn good basketball player no matter how much the Bucks had to give up to get him (which was too much). Previously a strength for the Bucks, depth is now questionable at best. Bryn Forbes, DJ Augustin, Bobby Portis and Torrey Craig are not exactly the new-look Bucks we had in mind. Wondering what Giannis thinks about it, guess we’ll find out soon.

3. Celtics

Danny Ainge let Hayward go, perhaps that leaves more room for Tatum and Brown to grow. Tristan Thompson can hold his own. Maybe Aaron Nesmith will be a hit. A big concern is Kemba’s knee, a stem cell injection will keep him out until at least January. Jeff Teague, here on a minimum deal, could prove to be a very important signing. Will Brad Stevens give Carsen Edwards a look? Tatum deserved every last penny of the max.

4. Sixers

Five minutes on the job and Daryl already has Philly looking like a ready-made contender. Simmons and Embiid needed shooters and now they’ll be flanked by Seth Curry and Danny Green. The Al Horford Experiment was a disaster but thankfully for everybody it’s over. Dwight Howard in Philly… what could go wrong?

5. Nets

The biggest addition of any team this offseason is obviously KD. It pays to be a shooter in today's game and Joe Harris got paid to the sweet tune of 4 years $72 million. Uncle Jeff is the vet that Kyrie needs. Landry Shamet’s three-point shooting regressed last season, but he should still contribute. The Nets also brought back Chris Chiozza, believe in Cheese! Steve Nash and Mike D’Antoni make this way more fun.

6. Raptors

Welp, Ibaka and Gasol have moved on. But Freddy V is here to stay. Welcome to Toronto (er, Tampa), Aron Baynes! Boucher is about to become a bigger name. Nick Nurse and Kyle Lowry are always effectively scheming. Say what you will about Advanced Stats, but Ibaka and Gasol were far down the Raptors Win Shares list last season, 6th and 10th.

7. Pacers

It was a quiet offseason in Indiana, but then you remember it’s Indiana. But don't forget that Sabonis missed the bubble. Speaking of, will T.J. "Bubble" Warren continue his “Just a Man Getting His Buckets” Tour this season? Oladipo on the comeback trail, an arc that’s blossomed before.

8. Hawks

Gallo, Bogi, Rondo, Kris Dunn and Tony Snell have arrived in ATL. What exactly does that mean for the youngin's and in particular, John Collins? The Hawks are 1,000 percent gunning for the playoffs. Expectations are high when you spend a shit ton of money.

9. Hornets

At least the Hornets were in the spotlight for a little bit! The laughable talk of the town per usual. Here’s an idea: Let’s pay $120 million for a guy who is past his prime. Even better, let’s stretch our previously failed 120 million dollar man (Batum) while we’re at it. All that said: Hayward should provide needed scoring and LaMelo adds playmaking and size.

10. Wizards

Let's say it again, together this time: It pays to be a shooter in today's game! Davis Bertans, how about 5 years and $80 million! John Wall and Brad Beal, back together again. (Update: PSYCH!) Robin Lopez automatically increases the entertainment value here.

11. Bulls

Garrett Temple and Noah Vonleh... not the biggest offseason acquisitions. What up Billy D! It already feels like the Bulls will climb up this list at least some point this season. If the injury issues subside, this roster is more appealing than you would think.

12. Magic

This seems low for a team that's made the playoffs the last two years. But the Magic didn't do anything this offseason, unless you count losing DJ Augustin. The biggest reason why the Magic are likely candidates to take a step back this season? The fact that Jonathan Issac will miss the season. But at least Chuma Okeke (WHO HE!?) is ready to play after his ACL tear.

13. Pistons

The Pistons draft looked fantastic but free agency looked the polar opposite. Does Jerami Grant become a star? Can Mason Plumlee prove he’s more than a decent career backup on the wrong side of 30? At least Detroit is not afraid to get weird. There is something to be said for that.

14. Knicks

You know it's bad when Knicks fans absolutely rejoiced only at the fact that they did not do anything particular stupid this offseason. The bar is just so, so low. But progress is progress! It must be noted that spacing should still be a serious problem.

15. Cavs

Not much happening down here to get the Cavs out of the cellar, but at least Cleveland drafted for defense.

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