NBA Preseason Power Rankings 2013: Eastern Conference
By Corey Young
Apr 6, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) looks on during a free throw in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 107-101. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
4. Chicago Bulls
Defense wins championship but you still need timly scoring and who knows how well Derrick Rose will come back? I still think that with Noah’s defensive ability in the four spot is all but a lock. To take the next step though they need more than Rose scoring but you know not worry about the defense.
5. New York Knicks
The signing of Metta World Peace and acquiring of Andrea Bargnani give the Knicks toughness with timely shooting. The lane will be clear for Carmelo Anthony with Bargnani in the lineup. Stoudemire when healthy can be good but he Melo don’t play together well.
6. Detroit Pistons
This maybe a shocker to some but I see that they made great strides in the off-season. Josh Smith was the second best free agent on the market and signing him for less than a max deal was a brilliant move by the Pistons. The drafting of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the signing of European sharp shooter Luigi Datome means Detroit has handled one of the it’s biggest concerns, outside shooting. With the Turnt Up Twins getting better offensively while training with USA basketball and new assistant coach Rasheed Wallace. It was said the Piston’s the back court lacked a true point guard. Joe dumars addressed that by signing former Piston Chauncey Billips and bringing back Wil Bynum. They also added Milwaukee Guard Brandon Phillips in trade the sent Brandon Knight out of Mo-town. With a glut of guards in the back-court the Pistons hsould be able to keep fresh legs on the court for the entire season.