With the advent of the new NBA season on the way, the Boston Celtics are set to begin their title defense against the Knicks on the 22nd. With essentially the same roster, are there any challengers who can realistically stand up to the strength of the C’s rotation. Some East contenders went out and made huge moves for new top-end talent while others are running it back while hoping for development from younger guys. Here’s how I think the East will play out in 2024-25:

Eastern Conference Standings:

1. Boston Celtics – Realistically, there isn’t a team out east that can match Boston’s quality from top to bottom of the rotation. Unlike most other Eastern Conference contenders, there are really no questions about the team’s ability to gel or get it done when it gets tough. By retaining their arguably five all-star caliber players and continuing under now-champion coach in Joe Mazzulla, it’s tough to argue that the C’s won’t do enough to retain the East’s top seed

2. New York Knicks – The new look (semi-) Nova Knicks made a statement by acquiring KAT and Mikal Bridges. Led by newly All-NBA named Jalen Brunson, the Knicks now have a starting five capable of competing with any team in the association. For Dolan and NYC fans, they must be looking at these 5 to stay healthy because the bench leaves much to be desired. It remains to be seen how well the rotation will mesh, but the talent alone is enough for me to predict them in the 2 spot.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – As you may come to notice, I am not a huge fan of Paul George’s ability to compete as a secondary option in this league. However, the prospect of him playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey forms a trio that will win a lot of games. Now the preseason injury PG just sustained will have a significant impact on the outcome of their seeding. At this point though, you’d have to think that the goal of the 76ers and their (mentally weak) “superstar” Embiid should be title or bust.

4. Milwaukee Bucks – If there’s one player that can make these predictions look completely foolish in time, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is coming off of arguably his best offensive season and remains a premier defender. The rest of the Bucks team and their Coach seem to be working against their superstar’s best efforts. Giannis and Dame are a scary duo when healthy, but if the rest of the Bucks aren’t able to hold up their end of the bargain, then it could be another wasted season of their superstars’ youth.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers – “Run that back” – Mike Gansey (probably); By re-signing Spida and Jarrett Allen, the Cavs are essentially stamping their belief that their current roster is good enough to compete for a championship. I personally think they lack the top end talent to do so. While Mitchell is an All-NBA caliber player, he doesn’t have the same ceiling as an all-around player that other top contenders possess. For that, they will likely be sentenced to a very similar early-ish playoff exit in 2024-25.

6. Indiana Pacers– Trying to build off an Eastern Conference Finals last year, the Pacers are out to prove that their deep run was not a fluke. The best way I can describe the Pacers in my eyes is that they have the most slightly above average team in the league. Tyrese Haliburton’s role on Team USA was the best example of this anomaly, riding the bench yet being comfortably capable of competing with the best players in the world. They will be hoping for development from guys like Benedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard to repeat their success from last year.

7. Orlando Magic – Signing KCP was the highlight of the Magic’s offseason as they head into year 3 of the Paolo Banchero era. Their status as a playoff team last season came as a surprise to some, but there is quality at every position in this Magic lineup. Like the two teams above them, I just do not believe they have the top end talent to compete for a championship. Though a huge step forward could be made if Banchero continues his progression into a top 25 player in the league.

8. Miami Heat – Is Jimmy locked in? That’s a major question of this Miami Heat team. They struggled with injuries last year after making the finals two years ago. This may be a bit conservative with the amount of talent they have, but this team continues to strike me as the type to not really care about the regular season as long as they make the playoffs. Time will tell if guys like Jimmy, Bam, and Tyler Herro can scrape together enough wins to avoid the play-in but here they land for now.

9. Atlanta Hawks – In my mind, the Hawks are at a crossroads. They still possess Trae Young, one of the best offensive players in the league, but also landed the number one overall pick in Zachary Risacher. They’re likely due to take a step back after trading Dejounte Murray, but the offensive talent of Young with vets like Bogdanovic, Capela, Johnson, and Nance will win them more games than a tanking team would like. In my eyes, the Hawks are in need of a rebuild and getting out on Trae, or they need to ship their young assets out for a Bonafide 1A star capable of pushing them over the hump. My ranking of 9th reflects this crossroads as they sit right in the middle of the pack.

10. Toronto Raptors – Making it in as the final play-in team, the Raptors desperately need Scottie Barnes to continue on the star trajectory he is on. This past year was no doubt a step forwards, but not as significant as a step as the Raptors need to continue building around him as a primary star. He has some support from solid players like RJ Barrett, Bruce Brown, and Gradey Dick, but the success of this team relies on his development. I have faith in his ability, even if he acts a little weird sometimes, so I’ve got the Raptors sneaking into the play-in.

11. Chicago Bulls – Aight. That’s probably the best way I can describe the 2024-2025 Bulls. The big move of the offseason was their acquisition of Giddey for Caruso. Me personally, I am not making that trade just based on where those guys are at in their careers, but I’m sure there was diligence put into that decision. They still have Lavine, White, Vucevic, and a returning Lonzo. But let’s be honest with ourselves, do any of those guys make you think deep playoff run? I’m intrigued to see how Buzelis will fit into the system but don’t think this team will play any factor when it comes down to it.

12. Detroit Pistons – Of the non-playoff teams in the East, the Pistons probably have the best top end talent in Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. There’s also some promise from guys like Duren, Thompson, Holland, and Beasley. The problem in my eyes is that none of those next four guys are consistently producing at a level to have any confidence in their game-in-game-out winning. There seems to be a shroud of inadequacy around Detroit basketball this past half-decade, but I think this could be a year of slight improvement albeit not enough to play meaningful basketball next spring.

13. Charlotte Hornets – Let’s face it: Lamelo Ball has too much aura to be getting injured this much. If I had any confidence in Lamelo to stay healthy, the Hornets may be in play-in contention. But there is just too much history that points to his consistent unavailability. I am high on Miller and Mark Williams, but there’s too many guys on this team I look at and think, “Ooooh, we’re really gonna play him xx minutes a night”. Maybe it’s just the context of this team because some of those guys will probably get traded and play key roles on far better teams. Something about the Hornets just stinks and I don’t think this is the year they finally hose themselves off.

14. Brooklyn Nets – Slightly better than the Wizards, I’ve got the Nets. The trade for Bridges was a resignation of what the general public has known since KD, Harden, and Irving were all shipped out: a rebuild is coming. They’ve done well to get back most of their pick ownership from previously shipping them out. As for this year, they have two LSU legends in Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas, but that’s about all you can say for this team (and I’m not sure that’s even saying anything). As a Ben Simmons believer, I am personally hoping for his redemption arc but am keeping my expectations on the floor.

15. Washington Wizards – At least Ovi is chasing Gretzky’s goal record! The Wizards have all-time bad potential. Up and down the roster there are guys who would fit in as solid number 3/4 options on good teams, but there’s no one you look at and think of as a guy that can take a bad team to a playoff. There will be a few one-off games that Poole or Kuzma put up crazy shot attempts and score gaudy figures, but there is no sustainable or consistent recipe for success on this team for the 2024-2025 season. The main goal of this year should be to put Alex Sarr or Bub Carrington in positions to grow for more competitive seasons.