BOSTON CELTICS

Why do the Celtics do this to themselves? They were flying high after Game 7 against Philly, then fell into a 3-0 hole with Miami, nearly made an epic comeback and had Jayson Tatum's ankle go kerplunk in Game 7. They shook up the roster, but am I the only one that thinks acquiring Kristaps is a risk?

BROOKLYN NETS

Call me crazy, but I think the Nets are in a better situation than when they had the big 3. They have Mikal Bridges and a load of draft picks. They are a playoff contender, but that's about it.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Well, it has been a long time since I have talked about something positive regarding the Knicks. The Jalen Brunson signing worked wonders, but they need to figure out how Julius Randle can produce in crutch playoff games. Other than that, they are in good shape.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

So, Joel Embiid finally received his MVP award, but it came at a cost. The Sixers, once again, bowed out of the playoffs. Also, in a shocker, things have gotten complicated and James Harden wants a trade. (Sarcastic tone) Who could have seen that coming? Hopefully, new coach Nick Nurse can right the ship.

TORONTO RAPTORS

All good things must come to an end. The Raptors have decided to start over. They still have Pascal Siakam, but they will move him. Fred VanVleet has already left for greener pastures and rebuilding is the only way Toronto can go. Wow, 2019 seems a long time ago.

CHICAGO BULLS

The Bulls decided to have one more run to the #8 seed, apparently. Re-signing Nikola Vucevic was a surprise, and they need to replace Lonzo Ball, who's once promising career is probably over. Let's see how long until DeRozan or LaVine become agitated and want out.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Year one of the Donovan Mitchell era was a success. The Cavs look like a team who is on the rise. They need a killer instinct, big time. The Knicks' series proved that. I mean, Cleveland is a playoff team, but how far can they go?

DETROIT PISTONS

The young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes and Ausur Thompson can help Detroit to a bright future. This year, they will take some steps forward. New coach Monty Williams will figure out how to use them to their potential, just right after the Brinks truck backs out of his house.

INDIANA PACERS

This team is my pick as a dark horse in the East. They locked up Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner long-term and Benedict Mathurin could become a lethal scorer for the Pacers. Rick Carlisle is inching to get his club to playoff contention. This season could be their breakout.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

In two years, the Bucks went from NBA Champion to becoming the sixth #1 seed in history to lose to an #8 seed in the first round. This cost Mike Budenholzer his job. Is Adrian Griffin really an upgrade? They did re-sign Khris Middleton, so things should go smoothly, right? What? They traded for Lillard? Ooh.

ATLANTA HAWKS

The Hawks seem to be in neutral. They let Nate McMillian go and replaced him with Psycho Q, but with very little improvement. Trading John Collins gives them cap relief. Hopefully, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray can help Atlanta make the jump past the first round.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

His Airness decided that this owning a basketball franchise thing wasn't his thing and sold it. They locked up LaMelo with an extension and have #2 pick Brandon Miller in tow. The Hornets may not win much, but they could be exciting. Hopefully, the new ownership can lead them to the playoffs.......someday.

MIAMI HEAT

The Heat are, lowkey, the best team in the East over the last four seasons: Three ECF appearances and two NBA Finals appearances. They need that one other superstar to coincide with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. They missed out on getting Damien Lillard as the rest of the NBA is crying. Pity.

ORLANDO MAGIC

I don't get this team. The Magic have a young pool of talent, and Paolo Banchero has become the face of the franchise. As much as they stock up on this young talent, wins are hard to come by. The release of Bol Bol was head scratching and adding veteran depth could help. Aye, we're going to see another lost season I assume.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

See, Wizards, that wasn't so hard. You finally traded Bradley Beal and are rebuilding like you should have been three years ago. Washington did get Jordan Poole and re-signed Kyle Kuzma, which is a start. I expect this season to be a campaign where they land a high draft pick and continue the rebuild. I've been wrong before.

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