BAMAPHIN 22
FinHeaven Elite
The biggest roster change in the Eastern Conference in the offseason didn't involve Miami, but the Heat may have benefited from the move more than anyone.
Ben Wallace's departure from Detroit to Chicago severely weakened the Pistons, widening the gap between the East's top two clubs last season. Add the fact that Pat Riley will return to the sidelines in Miami, and it is clear that the Heat are the favorites to come out of the East and return to the NBA Finals in June.
Detroit's loss is Chicago's gain, of course, and for the first time since Michael Jordan retired, the Bulls are legitimate title contenders. Remember, Chicago played Miami extremely well in the playoffs last spring, and now the Bulls will be even better defensively. But there is plenty of work to be done incorporating Wallace into the lineup, particularly on offense.
Meanwhile, both Detroit and Chicago will have plenty of competition in their own division from LeBron James and the Cavaliers, not to mention the talented Pacers and the improving Bucks and Raptors. The Central just might be the toughest division in the NBA.
But the rest of the East looks awfully weak, and that should mean clear sailing for the Heat. Miami begins the season in the same position as it finished nearly four months ago – on top of the Eastern Conference.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-eastrankings092606&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Ben Wallace's departure from Detroit to Chicago severely weakened the Pistons, widening the gap between the East's top two clubs last season. Add the fact that Pat Riley will return to the sidelines in Miami, and it is clear that the Heat are the favorites to come out of the East and return to the NBA Finals in June.
Detroit's loss is Chicago's gain, of course, and for the first time since Michael Jordan retired, the Bulls are legitimate title contenders. Remember, Chicago played Miami extremely well in the playoffs last spring, and now the Bulls will be even better defensively. But there is plenty of work to be done incorporating Wallace into the lineup, particularly on offense.
Meanwhile, both Detroit and Chicago will have plenty of competition in their own division from LeBron James and the Cavaliers, not to mention the talented Pacers and the improving Bucks and Raptors. The Central just might be the toughest division in the NBA.
But the rest of the East looks awfully weak, and that should mean clear sailing for the Heat. Miami begins the season in the same position as it finished nearly four months ago – on top of the Eastern Conference.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-eastrankings092606&prov=yhoo&type=lgns