The NBA season is still two months away, but we’re already curious about every team.
Here are the biggest questions for each Eastern Conference team (last season’s record in parentheses):
Atlanta Hawks (36-46): How Patient Can They Be?
Atlanta has Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher, Jalen Johnson, and several solid players. But their timelines don’t match. Will Young stay patient while the team develops?
Brooklyn Nets (32-50): Does Anyone Want a Veteran?
Brooklyn might not win more than 20 games this season. They traded Mikal Bridges and are eyeing Cooper Flagg from Duke. Most of their roster is available for trade.
Boston Celtics (64-18): Will They Get in Their Own Way?
Boston should be favored to win the East again if they play like last season. The Sixers added Paul George and other pieces, but Boston remains strong.
Charlotte Hornets (21-61): Can Good Pieces Form a Good Team?
If LaMelo Ball stays healthy and Brandon Miller improves, Charlotte could surprise us. New coach Charles Lee has a big challenge ahead.
Fans hope for the best!
Chicago Bulls (39-43): Again?
Trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey was better than nothing, but Chicago’s core remains unchanged. Expect more of the same from last season.
Cleveland Cavaliers (48-34): What Are This Teamโs Aspirations?
Cleveland won a playoff series last year and could do it again. To reach Boston’s level, they need to diversify their roster but being good is okay for now.
Detroit Pistons (14-68): How Much Better Will This Look?
Detroit has been bad recently but should improve with Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Paul Reed joining the team. They won’t be as painful to watch as before.
Indiana Pacers (47-35): Is There Another Level for Hali?
Tyrese Haliburton is an All-Star point guard entering his fifth NBA season. If he can become an All-NBA player, Indiana’s future looks bright.
Miami Heat (46-36): How Far Does Culture Go?
Miami needs more depth to make another deep playoff run despite having talent in their starting lineup. Has Heat culture lost its magic?
Milwaukee Bucks (49-33): Is This Team Running Out of Time?
Besides Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee’s key players are aging. With Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince added for shooting help, this might be their last chance at a title run.
New York Knicks (50-32): Is Mikal Bridges Enough to Propel a Deep Run?
New York made a big move by acquiring Mikal Bridges who will likely pair with Jalen Brunson or play on the wing if Julius Randle becomes a sixth man.
Orlando Magic (47-35): Does One Shooter Change Everything?
Last season Orlando struggled with three-point shooting despite good defense and passing. Adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope might help fix that issue significantly.
Philadelphia 76ers (47-35): Do The Pieces Fit?
You can’t question whether Philly has the talent to make a Finals run โ it does.