3.BOSTON CELTICS
Danny Ainge was finally able to bring a superstar back to the Celtics with the signing of Al Horford. However, don’t presume this means that Ainge is done wheeling and dealing. The Celtics are still loaded with future picks–why Billy King? WHY???–young talent and one of the best head coaches in the sport of basketball, Brad Stevens. Isaiah Thomas proved that he should be mentioned among the NBA’s best point guards last season after notching an All-Star selection from the other Eastern Conference coaches. Boston is one move away from leaping the Raptors as the biggest threat to the Cavaliers in the East.
4.INDIANA PACERS
Paul George looked to be back to near superstar level after a superb performance in the 2016 Olympics where he was one of two players to finish in the top five in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks for Team USA. PG-13 will love the new toys Larry Bird brought in (highligthed by Teague, Thaddeus Young and Al Jefferson) and the hope is that new head coach Nate McMillian can get Indy back to the Eastern Conference Finals. George had an MVP-caliber start to the 2015-16 season before fading off, maybe he’s primed for the Team USA bump in 2016.
Next: A-town and Mo-town