Here's how I project the East to unfold this year:
1. Miami
2. Indy
3. Detroit
4. NJ
5. Cleveland
6. Wizards
7. Boston
8. NY
9. Philly
10. Milwaukee
11. Chicago
12. Orlando
13. Toronto
14. Atlanta
15. Charlotte
Barring any injuries I think the 1st five spots are pretty much a lock. 6 through 12 are tough to call. Wizards still pretty much have their core intact. Boston's bench keeps on getting deeper as their younger players gain more experience. If Philly loses Dalembert they'll drop, AI can't carry the team forever. Redd & Simmons with Ford & Bogut on Milwaukee will be interesting to see. Last year was a fluke for Chicago, I think they were more intimidated by Skiles than anything else. In Orlando, Hill's ankle has to hold up b/c any team with Francis as the focal point on the offense will struggle. Toronto could not have had a worse off-season. First with the pick of Villanueva, then they chose Joey Graham over Danny Granger. Atlanta, how many SF do they need. Charlotte, doesn't Sean May & Okafor play the same position?