NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Eastern Conference

NBA Preseason rankings: Many teams in the Eastern Conference will look different for the 2016-17 season. Some key players changed area codes during the offseason, which could affect the landscape of the standings.

The NBA saw multiple roster shake ups during the 2016 offseason. As is the case every year, major free agents were available. And, as is becoming increasingly normal, many of those players relocated.

As it pertains to the Eastern Conference, the standings should be a reflection of some of the teams who did well during the offseason, and others who still have a ways to go. The middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference is full of intrigue. How will it all shake out? Well, that’s why they play the games. But nevertheless, it’s fun to look ahead and analyze how the standings might transpire.

LeBron James has held a firm grasp on the conference for the past several years, but that doesn’t mean other teams in the East aren’t worth watching. Especially with some All Star veterans changing teams, many teams are completely bullish on their outlook for 2016-17, and rightfully so. This time of the offseason is the time for optimism. Every team is undefeated, excited about their roster moves and perhaps a coaching change as well.

Of course, as the season gets underway, the calendar will turn and the contenders will distance themselves from the pretenders.

Without further ado, here is one writer’s opinion of how things sit in the Eastern Conference prior to tipoff of the 2016-17 NBA season.

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