Post by KruPaxson on Mar 25, 2007 23:21:43 GMT -5
Three of the top five records in BBS, the 5 most dominating big men in the league, 4 point guards with over 9 assists per game, 2 time dunk champion, former three point champion, 2 former MVP’s, 2 former playoff MVP’s all call the central division home. The Central has always been looked at as one of the best divisions in BBS but it is constantly getting better and better. The top three teams Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and the Chicago Bulls have each made deals this season to improve their squads in their quest for a championship title. Even the Toronto Raptors and the Atlanta Hawks have made moves to try and put themselves into the same tier as the big three in the division. Let’s take a closer look into each team.
Detroit Pistons
Not that the Pistons needed to add more fire power to their starting lineup but when they saw an opportunity to improve they did. First they added the most intimidating big man in the league Alonzo Mourning. Zo has been overshadowed by his whole career playing next to David Robinson and the Dream and was forced to play the SF position which really hindered his rebounding but he went off to Dallas and then to the Cavs but has really enjoyed playing next to Shaq and has found a renewed love for the game playing in his natural position. Antonio Mcdyess felt over shadowed by the addition of Zo and that was all Aaron Reilly had to hear to ship him out for another upgrade in Chris Webber. Webber is a very exciting team player that is versatile enough to play the 3, 4, or 5. The Pistons are currently atop of the Central by 2 games over the Bulls. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pistons make another move before the deadline.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls experienced a rough off season losing Dikembe Mutombo and Shawn Bradley but vowed to the people of Chicago to carry on with their winning ways. They started off the season slow losing 6 of their first 10 games but have made a few key moves to put them into 2nd place in the division. Bulls GM felt that 3rd year pro Manu Ginobili was not ready to handle being the 3rd scoring option on the team but still a very key component of their starting lineup so they needed to upgrade their scoring at another position and Terrell Brandon’s name popped up as he was scoring 20ppg over in Dallas. After getting Brandon the Bulls were out a center but immediately went out and sought the services of Rasheed Wallace. Wallace is not a natural center but the Bulls felt they had enough athleticism and depth to run an uptempo offense. The Bulls continue to try and improve their bench by adding talent without sacrificing their future or core of players. The Bulls are trying to keep pace with the Pistons for the division lead.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are just barely behind the Pistons and Bulls in the standings but might have the best formula to winning. The Pacers had the best one two punch in KG and Grant Hill. They have the pass first PG in Andre Miller that gets all his teammates involved. The Pacers recently pulled a blockbuster deal with the NJ Nets to pair up MVP KG with MVP Tim Duncan to make the most dynamic frontcourt in BBS history. Even with the three headed monster the Pacers will most likely have to make a few more deals to acquire depth as well as a more potent SG. As of right now Bruce Bowen or Adrian Griffin should be stepping into the starting lineup because of their defensive oriented game styles.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors get slightly lost in the shuffle but are just as dangerous as the teams mentioned above. The Raptors are finally making their push to be considered an elite team in BBS. They convinced Shawn Bradley that life north of the border was a better fit for him. Adding Caron Butler will eventually allow Tracy McGrady to move to SG where he should wreak havoc against opponents. The Raptors recently added the services of swing man Keith Van Horn in case Butler couldn’t handle the work load. Rumor has it that the Raptors are looking to make more moves to beef up their front court in the next few days.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks look more confused than a virgin on prom night. At first they thought they were going to tank but after surprising success last season they went out and got Chris Webber from Detroit only to ship him back after the experiment failed. Now they are looking to make some moves to rebuild for the future but have been on fire since shipping Webber in return for Antonio Mcdyess and are on the verge of being back in the playoff hunt. The Hawks can go either way but are having a tough time deciding which way they want to go. Either way one thing is for sure they are a scary team for teams outside of the division.
Cleveland Cavilers
The Cavs are without their pick this season and are doing their best job not to produce a great lotto pick for another team.
New Orleans Hornets
It’s Lebron James or Bust. If they get Chris Bosh it won’t be so bad either for them but after that they might be hurting.
Milwaukee Bucks
If Lebron lands in Wisconsin this will really shake up the landscape of the central division.