After vaulting into playoff position with an impressive winning streak, the Cavs are 2004's Official Team Nobody Wants to Play in the First Round. Lebron James and Carlos Boozer should flourish in the heightened intensity of the playoffs, and Zydrunas Ilgauskus has been dominant in recent games. The Cavs have a good chance to advance in the playoffs this year, and will be legitimate contenders every year for at least the next decade.
Detroit Pistons
Though I'm not thrilled with Detroit's decision to rent Rasheed Wallace, it does give them the talented low-post threat that they were missing. That is, if coach Larry Brown can provide directions from the three-point line to the low-post. Shoving Wallace in at center, rather than small forward as he played in Portland, should help Sheed regain his memory. If so, Detroit is a favorite to rep the East in the Finals.
Indiana Pacers
In my eyes, the Pacers are the only East team capable of winning the NBA title. Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest, the league's best all-around forward tandem, cause matchup problems with every team they face. Oldie Reggie Miller must be looking forward to one more chance at playoff glory, especially if they play the Knicks in the first round.
New Jersey Nets
The NBA's two-time defending first loser is a strong contender for the silver again. Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin are a great duo, but the All-Star Game was a better showcase for their talents than the playoffs will be. Indiana and Detroit are both stronger teams, but the Nets' Finals experience is a significant advantage.
New Orleans Hornets
Despite their surprising fluctuations in performance, the Hornets defense and depth makes them a strong contender in the postseason. They feature a dominant guard in Baron Davis, a great second scorer in Jamal Mashburn, and a strong core of big men led by Jamaal Magloire and PJ Brown. New Orleans should advance if Magloire can take advantage of the quasi-centers most Eastern rivals will trot out in the playoffs.
New York Knicks
Isiah Thomas has made several solid trades, but his cloak-and-dagger methods, most prominently the public execution of Don Chaney and his inexplicable contempt for respected players like Clarence Weatherspoon and Dikembe Mutumbo, will not endear him to current or potential Knicks. With Vin Baker now in the mix, the Knicks are still adjusting to new teammates a month after the trade deadline. Eventually Isiah will have to stop tinkering and let his players play. They absolutely possess the talent to advance in the East if they can learn each other's names in time.
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