By Paul Levine and Chris Bernucca Oct 24, 2009, 4:54 GMT
Los Angeles - Eastern Conference team capsules:
Atlanta Hawks Last season: 47-35, lost to Cleveland in conference semifinals Coach: Mike Woodson (6th season)
Additions: G Jamal Crawford (trade with Golden State), F Joe Smith (free agent), C Jason Collins (free agent), G Jeff Teague (draft)
Subtractions: F Solomon Jones, G Flip Murray, G Acie Law, G Speedy Claxton
Projected starters: F Marvin Williams, F Josh Smith, C Al Horford, G Joe Johnson, G Mike Bibby
Outlook: The Hawks added firepower in Crawford and needed frontcourt bench depth in Smith and Collins to an already strong roster. They should ring up 50-plus wins but will have difficulty cracking the top three in the East. Chemistry and cohesion will be the keys to an extended playoff run.
Boston Celtics Last season: 62-20, lost to Orlando in conference semifinals Coach: Doc Rivers (6th season with Boston)
Additions: F Rasheed Wallace (free agent), G-F Marquis Daniels (free agent), F Shelden Williams (free agent), G Lester Hudson (draft)
Subtractions: F Leon Powe, C Mikki Moore, G Stephon Marbury
Projected starters: F Paul Pierce, F Kevin Garnett, C Kendrick Perkins, G Ray Allen, G Rajon Rondo
Outlook: The Celtics have deepened their bench, which was a factor in their playoff exit last season. Rivers will have to balance pursuit of home-court advantage with resting the four 30-somethings among his top six players. Rondo has to be a distributor first if Boston wants to reclaim the title.
Charlotte Bobcats Last season: 35-47, did not make playoffs Coach: Larry Brown (2nd season with Charlotte)
Additions: C Tyson Chandler (trade with New Orleans), G Flip Murray (free agent), G Gerald Henderson (draft), F Derrick Brown (draft)
Subtractions: F Sean May, C Emeka Okafor
Projected starters: F Gerald Wallace, F Boris Diaw, C Tyson Chandler, G Raja Bell, G Raymond Felton
Outlook: Chandler makes them more imposing on defence, but the Bobcats need a certifiable star to crash the playoff party. They made three in-season trades last season and have the pieces to swing a deal for a stud that will lift them out of mediocrity.
Chicago Bulls Last season: 41-41, lost to Boston in first round Coach: Vinny Del Negro (2nd season)
Additions: G Jannero Pargo (free agent), F James Johnson (draft), F Taj Gibson (draft)
Subtractions: G Ben Gordon, F Tim Thomas
Projected starters: F Luol Deng, F Tyrus Thomas, C Joakim Noah, G Derrick Rose, G John Salmons
Outlook: Things began to click late last season and will get even better with a training camp together. Rose's budding superstardom, Deng's return to health and a young, hungry nucleus could vault the Bulls to 50 wins. more
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