Atlanta Hawks: Eastern Conference Power Rankings, Nov. 26
By John Buhler
9. team. 18. . . Previous: . Boston Celtics
I feel like the Boston Celtics were last week’s flavor of the week team. The basketball world for obvious reasons love their HC Brad Stevens. Boston has a ton of interesting pieces and potential trade assets. Most of the players play hard for Stevens.
The problem with Boston is while they have an incredibly high floor, they also have a finite ceiling with the current roster. If they want to do better than the 7th seed in the East in 2015-16, they’ll need to make a move using some of their assets before the deadline. One guy they shouldn’t move is rookie SG R.J. Hunter. His outside stroke is something this team hasn’t had since Ray Allen left The Garden.
team. 64. . . Previous: . Detroit Pistons. 8
Andre Drummond is gradually becoming a superstar in the NBA. He’s doing incredible things in his fourth season in the NBA, averaging 18.1 points per game and an unbelievable 17.6 rebounds per game. If only he could shoot free throws (.440), then HC Stan Van Gundy could have his next Dwight Howard.
I expect the Pistons to contend for a playoff spot for the entire season. Because of Drummond, Van Gundy, and the returns of both Brandon Jennings and Jodie Meeks, I think Detroit gets the eighth-seed. However, if they want to take the basketball world by storm, they’ll have to improve their bench in the meantime.
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Previous: . Charlotte Hornets. 7. team. 170. .
HC Steve Clifford is planning on signing a multi-year extension to stay in the Queen City. After a decade plus, the Bobcats/Hornets have finally found a coach they can rally behind. The buzz is back and the Hive is rocking, as the Hornets are alive and well in the playoff mix.
Clifford will ensure that has team has a great defensive identity by mid-season, even if it isn’t now (16th in team defensive rating, 103.5). Should this offensive skyrocketing continue (4th in the NBA, 107.1), Charlotte may not have to rely solely on solid defense to get back in the playoffs after a year’s absence.
Next: Tier II: Eastern Conference Finals Ceiling