As you all know, the Brooklyn Nets made a huge splash this off-season with a number of huge acquisitions. Starting with the Kevin Garrett, Paul Pierce, & Jason Terry acquisitions. They also signed Andrei Kirilenko to a a contract that is worth $6.9 million less than he was making last season.
They also were able to sign Alan Anderson, which now gives them plenty of depth at the forward position. Now compare them with the rest of the East. First of course you have the defending champ, Miami Heat. The Nets were 0-3 against Miami last season. All double-digit losses. Miami is definitely better than Brooklyn. Do I think the Nets will give the Heat a good challenge? Yes, I do. Ultimately I think the Nets have a great shot at knocking off Miami.
Then you look at Indiana. Brooklyn went 3-0 against the Pacers in the regular season last year. Indiana is known for it's good defense, led by shot blocker Roy Hibbert. Not a very talented offensive group but their defense makes up for that in a huge way. I believe Brooklyn is a better team though, but it's close.
Now you have to look at Chicago. If Derrick Rose finds a way to stay healthy, they're definitely going to be a tough team to beat. They're a very complete team. With Noah holding the middle for them, Deng can create his own shot, & of course you have one of the best players in the NBA (when healthy) Derrick Rose. Chicago could be very tough. Brooklyn had trouble with them last season going 1-3 against them in the regular season. But, I do think the Nets have the better all-around team.
Now we go to the Knicks. "Yes, the Knicks are actually in the "conversation." Nets & Knicks split their season series last year. With all but 1 game decided by single digits. When you look at the Knicks the first player you'll always point out is of course, Carmelo Anthony. Who by the way, could've easily been a Net. Anyways, without Melo the Knicks aren't a great threat in the East. With him, they're somewhat of a threat. They did great against Miami in the regular season last year going 3-1. They have a good defensive presence down low in Tyson Chandler. Have a pretty good scorer off the bench in JR Smith. They added Andrea Bargnani, but he's had his injury history over the years. In the end, I think Brooklyn is well past the Knicks. Depending on how JR & Melo perform. This is how I have the East panning out this upcoming season;
1. Miami
2. Brooklyn
3. Indiana
4. Chicago
5. New York
6. Cleveland
7. Detroit
8. Atlanta
In the end, I do in fact think the Nets will meet the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. From there it's just going to be who wants it more. How bad do KG & Pierce want another ring? How bad does LeBron want number 3? We'll just have to wait and find out!
