2007 - 2008 NBA Previews: Central Division

Now that we've already covered the Atlantic and Southeast Divisions, it's time to finish out the Eastern Conference Previews:

The Central Division

Is Scott Skiles still the guy?

Scroll back 4 years ago when the Chicago Bulls had talent, but they couldn’t win. GM John Paxon made the decision to bring Scott Skiles on board to instill discipline upon his young ball players. At the time, it was the perfect choice. The effort of the team changed and with that the Bulls went back to their winning ways.

Here’s the problem: The Chicago Bulls are no longer the Baby Bulls and Coach Skiles’ authoritarian, in your face style, might not be what the Bulls need to get through the Eastern Conference. He had a run-in last season with Ben Wallace over wearing a head band and a feud with Ben Gordon on his decision to have Gordon come off the bench. Let’s see how things play out…


Contract Situations

The Chicago Bulls have some decisions to make regarding their roster. Ben Gordon and Loul Deng are both seeking long term extensions and it appears that they are way off with management at the negotiating table. One thing the Bulls want to avoid is Gordon and Deng pressing, thinking it’s an audition for other teams.

Another thing worth keeping on eye on: If the Lakers stumble out of the gates, the name Kobe Byrant will be mentioned continuously in Chicago. The Bulls have some pieces to make the Lakers a very compelling offer, and although it won’t be of equal value, it might force the Lakers’ hand.


Overall

Everyone on the Chicago Bulls has a clearly defined role and that’s the way they play. The young kids are going to need to provide Chicago with a consistent spark off the bench, to spell the starters. If the Bulls get hot at the right time, they have enough talent to make it to the Eastern Conference finals, but no further.




How big are LBJ’s shoulders?

At only 23, LeBron James managed to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals by himself. It truly was remarkable. In order for the Cavs to get over that hump, someone else is going to have to be brought in to help LBJ.

General Manager, Danny Ferry already stuck out on his first attempt to land LeBron a quality #2 option, when he dished out big bucks for Larry Hughes. Hughes is most effective with the ball in his hands, which is one thing that’s not happening in Cleveland. What the Cavs need is someone that can stretch the defense, defend, and compliment their superstar.


Players Not Reporting to Camp

Following a trip to the NBA Finals, you want to see players report to training camp on time, in shape, and motivated to improve upon last season’s result. That’s not the case in Cleveland. Power forward, Anderson Varejao and shooting guard, Aleksandar Pavlovic have failed to report to training camp, as they seek long term, big money contract extensions. Both players are rumored to be working out in Europe, without plans to return if a deal is not in place.

In this case, I don’t fault GM Danny Ferry for not dolling out the type of dollars that both players are demanding. They are both role players and should be paid role player money. Varejao, asking for $10 million per season, is nuts.


Overall

If you are a fan of the NBA, you want to see the Cavs do well. LeBron is the biggest star playing right now and he’s a treat to watch. Unfortunately, the Cavs did nothing to get better in the off-season. Having LeBron alone will allow the Cavs to be competitive, but his patience is going to be tested this season. Expect a trip back to the playoffs, but don’t expect last year’s results.

Defining the word “Team”

It’s very rare to win in the NBA without a dominate superstar but the Detroit Pistons are the exception. Built with a team of savvy veterans where everyone on the roster knows their role and plays unselfishly, has kept the Pistons among the NBA's elite teams over the past 5 seasons. In addition to finding cohesiveness among the first 5, the Pistons get quality contributions off the bench and that is why they are serious contenders year after year.

Replacing Ben Wallace

When Ben Wallace departed prior to last season, the Pistons lost some of their identity. Big Ben is a physical, no nonsense specimen that controls the paint defensively. Despite having zero offensive skills, Wallace was as important to the Pistons as anyone else on the roster. Opposing players knew that even if they beat their man off the dribble, Ben Wallace would be waiting for them at the rim to contest their shot.

The Pistons struggled last season to replace Wallace and failed to address that need in the off-season. Instead, they are depending on youngsters like Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson to step up, as well as veteran Nazr Mohammed.

Overall

It’s safe to say that the Pistons will once again win 50+ games and be a threat in the postseason. When you have a team that plays hard defensively and consistently shows up to compete each night, the results will come. As dependable as the Pistons are, I still think they will come up short of their goal and fail to win the Eastern Conference.

Is it time to rebuild?

With so much negative publicity facing the Indiana Pacers the past few seasons, management had enough. Ron Artest, Steven Jackson, and Al Harrington were all sent packing and with that the Pacers title hopes were gone as well. Choosing not to completely rebuild, the Pacers have settled for just downgrading. Being stuck in the middle, the Pacers have to decide if its time to completely overhaul the roster, or bring in more talent to give it another shot.

What to do with Jermaine O’Neal?

I’m going to answer my previous question for them and say it’s time to start over. Once you make the decision to have a garage sale and unload the “bad seeds” for half off, you have to complete the job. At 29 years old, Jermaine O’Neal is not going to be happy playing in a losing environment without a supporting cast. JO has a ton of trade value and could bring back quality young players and draft picks in return. While they are at it, I think Jamaal Tinsley has worn out his welcome in Indiana as well.


Overall

The Indiana Pacers are not making the playoffs this season. However, with a group of veteran players that have trade value around the league, the rebuilding process could move swiftly. Hopefully, President Larry Bird will have more success with who he gets in return for Jermaine O’Neal than he had with Artest, Jackson, and Harrington.

The Centerpiece

I have a question for Bucks management:

With Michael Redd as your franchise player, do you really believe you can win the championship? If they answered ‘yes’, well then that explains why they’ve been so bad, for so long.

Let me explain… Michael Redd is a phenomenal ball player. He is one of the purest shooters in the league, with unlimited range. He has a quick release and the capability to go off at any time. The problem is Michael Redd is not good enough to be the cornerstone of a successful franchise. He would be best suited in a “Pippen” type role that allows him to be the compliment to a superstar. This is not a knock on Redd, rather a knock on the way management perceives their all-star.

Management Decisions

In addition to the decision to give Michael Redd a $90 million dollar extension, the Bucks have repeatedly made questionable off-season moves. Locking Bobby Simmons up for $9 million + per season, paying Dan Gadzuric, matching the offer sheet on Charlie Bell, trading TJ Ford, and the list goes on. There is no wonder the Milwaukee Bucks are a franchise stuck in mediocrity.

The one bright spot could end up being the decision to draft Yi Jianlian. Jianlian is 7’0, with phenomenal athletic ability and a solid shooting stroke. He has all the tools to be successful at the NBA level. For the Bucks sake, let’s hope he is actually 20, as he claims to be.

Overall

It’s the same story, year after year. The Bucks will win some games, but there is no way you can consider them serious title contenders.

What the Bucks need is a makeover? Top to bottom, it’s time to clean house. Management, players etc…

Perhaps it will come next season but for this upcoming year, its right back to betting on some ping-pong balls.