This is part of my series of articles previewing all 30 NBA teams.
Top record in the NBA? Check. First round and second round victories? Check. Eastern Conference Championship... errr, not quite. They come back this season with some big changes.
By big changes, I mean the loss of Ben Wallace in the middle. People are quick to point out that he was beginning to be a malcontent for them, but he was still the heart in the middle. Can they remain on top? I don't think so. Sure, Nazr Mohammed can give you offensive production, but it's not enough to counter-balance Wallace's effect on defense.
They'll drop. They won't drop below the playoff line, but to me they are the third best team in their division. The playoffs will be there for them, but the days of their deep playoff runs are long gone in my opinion.
Original Story:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article....
Top record in the NBA? Check. First round and second round victories? Check. Eastern Conference Championship... errr, not quite. They come back this season with some big changes.
By big changes, I mean the loss of Ben Wallace in the middle. People are quick to point out that he was beginning to be a malcontent for them, but he was still the heart in the middle. Can they remain on top? I don't think so. Sure, Nazr Mohammed can give you offensive production, but it's not enough to counter-balance Wallace's effect on defense.
They'll drop. They won't drop below the playoff line, but to me they are the third best team in their division. The playoffs will be there for them, but the days of their deep playoff runs are long gone in my opinion.
Original Story:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article....
