The Cavs won the East after going 57 and 25 in the regular season and ultimately went on to defeat the Warriors in one of the most exciting 7-game series of basketball that we have ever seen. Lebron showed the world that he can win championships wherever he goes but having Kyrie Irving doesn’t hurt. The Cavs should have no trouble finishing the regular season on top of the conference again in 2016 as the East is stacked with mediocrity. For the same reasons, we expect the Cavs to find their way to the NBA championships for the third year in a row- most likely against the Warriors. This sports fan will be rooting for them in what will certainly be an uphill battle. LeBron and Irving will bring another ring to Cleveland despite the massive amount of talent in Golden State coupled with the signing of Kevin Durant. It will be a series to watch and we can’t wait.

2: Chicago Bulls

Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan are both coming off career best seasons in 2015 and are in their prime. They will lead the Raptors to a strong showing in the East and possibly a deep playoff run. The Raptors lost some key talent when Biyombo went to Orlando but Jonas Valancuinas is a solid center and is primed for an offensive breakout. The Raptors are a defensive powerhouse who are borderline unbeatable at home. Expect another strong season in 2016.

The Hawks have added Dwight Howard which could be a blessing or a curse depending on which Howard shows up to Atlanta. However, mixing Howard in with Paul Milsap will likely create one of the most potent big-man duos in the NBA. Howard also adds the superstar power that the Hawks have seemingly lacked the last few years- notably while still being a very efficient team. The team, however, is full of seasoned veterans who are on the downhill side of solid careers. If the Hawks are going to make a push for the championship then they’re going to have to do it soon. The problem is that there’s just too much talent elsewhere for them to be able to make that deep of a playoff push. Overall, the Hawks are a good team and you should expect a good season from them- but nothing more.

The Pacers are primed for a big season in 2016. Paul George is a force on both sides of the ball and the Pacers have surrounded him with quality talent. The addition of Jeff Teague is noteworthy and he will have an immediate impact on this offense. However, Teague is no Kyrie Irving and history has shown that it typically takes two superstars to win a championship.

The Hornets are a team with no real glaring issues but also no glaring strengths either. They are a young team that shoots the ball slightly above average, but there’s nothing remarkable about them. They not ready to be a contender in this division which is loaded elsewhere with talent.

John Wall is an incredible point guard who can pass and score. Bradley Beal is a deep threat knockdown shooter and both are surrounded by a sub-par set of big-men. Wall and Beal are a good duo but they’re not good enough to make up for the mediocrity that surrounds them. The Wizards will have an okay season and probably make the playoffs because the competition in the East has a steep drop-off after the top two or three teams. Outside of that, don’t expect much from this team.

This is a team full of budding talent and depth. Isaiah Thomas became an all-star his second year in Boston and guys like Marcus Smart and Jae Crowder are growing as well. Furthermore the addition of Al Horford is a serious upgrade for the Celtics. I expect this team to compete in the East and make the playoffs. I have them at 8th but I wouldn’t be surprised if they creep in a little bit higher.

The Heat made a surprisingly deep run in the playoffs last year after failing to make them in 2014. This year, the Heat have lost their two best players in Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng without adding much to replace them. Add the fact that Chris Bosh can hardly be relied upon to carry this team after his medical issues- furthermore it looks more and more like he may retire. Expect serious regression from the Heat this year. I have them at 9th in the East but I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish lower.

11: Detroit Pistons

This is a team full of above average big guys and starting guards who would probably be cut from other teams. This Magic team is rebuilding after losing all but 6 players on its roster this offseason. There is no reason to have anything but low expectations in Orlando as it will take nothing short of actual Magic for them to make the playoffs.

The Bucks are a team characterized by excellent athleticism and above-average size. Jabari Parker and Giannis Antekounnpo are potential all-stars and are emerging forces in the league. Otherwise, the team lacks depth and ability in its guards. Michael Carter-Williams is not who we hoped he’d be and the addition of Dellavedova was a weak, but well intentioned, move. Overall, the Bucks are a sub-par team and will likely hover in the bottom half of the East.

The Nets may be the worst team in the NBA. There isn’t a single star unless you count Jeremy Lin. There is little depth and its hard to consider them a true developing team because the young players aren’t anything to be excited about. Overall, the Nets will probably be terrible and they should be terrible. However, something tells me Philadelphia will find a way to lose more games.