The NBA season is now two weeks in and there are so many story lines throughout the league. Here are my early season impressions of the central division.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Bucks Are Winning Now but Will They Win Later?
The Milwaukee Bucks have been a contender over the last few years. They were able to win the championship in 2021 but fell short of making it to the finals over the last two years. After falling short the franchise decided to make a big change. They traded away Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen and several picks to get longtime Portland Trailblazer Damian Lillard.
Their identity changed with the move. They went from being a great defensive team with an average offense. To a great offensive team with a bad defense. The Bucks are currently ranked eighth in points scored per game and 25th in points given up per game. This is a big change for them and its going to take time to get used to. They are still 5-2 but their defense has to be better for them to be a true championship contender.
Indiana Setting The Pace
The Indiana Pacers are currently 5-3. They are playing well behind their offense. Indiana is scoring 126 points per game which is the best in the NBA. A big reason they are able to score so many points is the fast pace at which they play. The Pacers are second in pace in the league. They are also very balanced on offense with seven players who average at least 10 points per game. The Pacers were one of my surprise picks to make the playoffs in the eastern conference. This team is too deep with talent to not be good, if healthy.
The Disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently 3-5. This is a shock to me as I thought they could be the third best team in the eastern conference. Last season they were the fourth seed in the eastern conference playoffs but lost in the first round to the New York Knicks. They had success in the regular season behind the play of their defense. They only allowed 106.9 points per game which was the best in the NBA.
The defense has not been close to the same level this season. So far this year they are allowing 112.1 points per game which is 14th in the NBA. They were not a good offensive team last year and the additions of Max Strus and Georges Niang has not helped. Both Strus and Niang were brought in to provide spacing but they both shooting below 33% from three point range. So, if they don’t find that special defensive ingredient they had last season along with improved shooting. It may be a long year for the Cavaliers.
New Year Same Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are on their way to having another disappointing season. They are currently 3-6. My bold prediction coming into this season is that both DeMar DeRozen and Zach Lavine will be traded before the season ends. At this rate it will happen sooner than later.
Young Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a young team in a rebuilding year. They are 2-7 which is to expected. This year is about the development of their young players, especially Cade Cunningham. Can Cunningham be the player you build a franchise around? Hopefully this season answers that question for them.
