2014 NBA Off Season Recap: Central Division

This is my six part series, going division by division recapping the off season. Other than a few lingering restricted free agents, most of the dust has settled and rosters are mostly set.

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The Southwest is the best division in basketball, and it got even better this off season. I want to pick the Pelicans to make the playoffs, but it would be very tough to beat out any of the other four teams in this division. There is so much experience with Memphis and the three Texas teams. It should be a battle all season long.

As always, Click here to view the latest depth charts and transactions.

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1. Chicago Bulls

Projected Rotation

C - Joakim Noah
PF - Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson, Cameron Bairstow
SF - Mike Dunleavy Jr., Nikola Mirotic, Doug McDermott
SG - Jimmy Butler, Tony Snell
PG - Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Aaron Brooks


The health of Derrick Rose will be key, but on paper, this looks like a championship contending roster. Pau Gasol and Carlos Boozer essentially swapped teams, and it is an upgrade for the Bulls. Gasol is a great passing big man and can still put up enough points to be the second scoring option on a team that had trouble putting the ball in the basket at times. Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic are two youngsters that will join the rotation. McDermott was drafted strictly for his outside shot, and Mirotic brings an intriguing overall game. The Bulls and Tom Thibodeau bring rookies along slowly, but other than McDermott, the Bulls did little to bring shooting to this roster. Rumors have the Bulls interested in Kevin Love, but they would have to give up most of their depth to add him.

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2. Cleveland Cavaliers


Projected Rotation

C - Anderson Varejao, Brendan Haywood, Erik Murphy
PF - Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett, Dwight Powell, Malcolm Thomas
SF - LeBron James, Mike Miller, James Jones
SG - Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggins, Joe Harris
PG - Kyrie Irving, Matthew Dellavedova, John Lucas III


Hey, did you hear LeBron James returned to Cleveland? There is no other sport in the world with the drama and storylines the NBA can provide. The Cavs have gone from lottery mainstays to championship contenders as soon as James signed his contract. It will be very interesting to see how the young guys gel with James. This team now has four number one overall picks on it's roster, and three of the last four. I would hate to see Cleveland gut it's young core to trade for Kevin Love. This team is younger, but more talented, than any of the old Cleveland teams LeBron had to drag through the playoffs. Andrew Wiggins has the ability to be the Scottie Pippen to James Michael Jordan. Continued development by Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Tristan Thompson and Anthony Bennett will be key. James tag alongs Mike Miller and James Jones were the only real free agent signings, but Ray Allen may still be on the way. The Cavaliers will be a 50 win team by default, but how far they advance in the playoffs depends on the development of James supporting cast.

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3. Indiana Pacers


Projected Rotation

C - Roy Hibbert, Ian Mahinmi
PF - David West, Luis Scola, Lavoy Allen, Chris Copeland
SF - Paul George, Solomon Hill, Damjan Rudez
SG - Rodney Stuckey, CJ Miles
PG - George Hill, CJ Watson, Donald Sloan

The Pacers were exposed badly during the playoffs, and with the Bulls and Cavaliers improving tremendously, could have trouble making the playoffs this season. Most of the starting lineup returns intact, but the fumbling of the Lance Stephenson situation could have consequences. Rodney Stucky and CJ Miles were brought in to fill his minutes. Stuckey has good scoring talent, and entering a winning environment could help him fulfill his potential. The only other addition was the bench fodder Croatian forward Damjan Rudez.

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4. Detroit Pistons


Projected Rotation

C - Andre Drummond, Aaron Gray
PF - Josh Smith, Jonas Jerebko, Tony Mitchell
SF - Caron Butler, Kyle Singler, Cartier Martin, Luigi Datome
SG - Jodie Meeks, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Spencer Dinwiddie
PG - Brandon Jennings, DJ Augustin, Will Bynum

Greg Monroe is still in restricted free agent limbo, but this roster looks set otherwise. Stan Van Gundy was brought in and will hope to recreate his success in Orlando, surrounding a raw but potentially game changing big man with shooters and scorers. Jodie Meeks and Caron Butler were signed to (rediculious) contracts. Both are capable shooters and that is what they will most likely be asked to do. Same with backup guard DJ Augustin. There have been rumors of a Josh Smith trade, as he was a complete failure at small forward last year. If Monroe moves on elsewhere, he will be a better fit at the four. The Pistons look better on paper, but I still doubt they have what it takes to make the playoffs in an improving Eastern Conference.

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5. Milwaukee Bucks


Projected Rotation

C - Larry Sanders, Zaza Pachulia, Miroslav Raduljica
PF - Jabari Parker, Ersan Ilyasova, John Henson, Johnny O'Bryant
SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damien Inglis, Chris Wright
SG - Khris Middleton, OJ Mayo, Carlos Delfino
PG - Brandon Knight, Kendall Marshall, Nate Wolters

The Bucks have made headlines for the bizarre Jason Kidd situation, but other than the Jabari Parker draft pick, haven't done much to improve the roster. Which might be a good idea, as this team needs a couple more high draft picks to replenish talent. Parker will instantly become the face of the franchise and it's number one scoring option. Other than a couple second round draft picks, Kendall Marshall was the only other addition. He was claimed off waivers from the Lakers and should find a decent amount of minutes with Brandon Knight kicking to shooting guard for stretches. OJ Mayo, Larry Sanders and Ersan Ilyasova could be moved at any time. This team will still be very bad, but with Parker, they at least have hope.

Jonathan Carrano

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