Dallas Mavericks: Predicting the Eastern Conference standings

The Bottom Feeders

These are the teams that won’t be ready for the playoffs this year or in the upcoming years without a drastic change.

15. Charlotte Hornets

A lot of people have the New York Knicks at the bottom spot, but the Charlotte Hornets were 9th in the East last year and managed to lose their two best players in free agency, replacing them with an unproven Terry Rozier and then a handful of rookies. Rozier’s best season of his career so far was averaging 11.3 points per game in the regular season and then 16.5 in the playoffs.

Losing Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb in free agency is going to prove to be the downfall for Michael Jordan‘s squad which will begin its rebuild around Miles Bridges, P.J. Washington and a high pick in next year’s draft class.

If the Hornets make it to 20 wins this season, I will be surprised.

14. New York Knicks

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Despite some upset fans claiming that they are better off without Kristaps Porzingis, it won’t show in the standings this year. The New York Knicks may not have had the summer they dreamed of, but as far as consolation prizes go, this one wasn’t too bad. They managed to sign some players that will bring fans to the stadium while also keeping flexibility for the future.

The Knicks will have to continue playing the long game, something the fans are undoubtedly frustrated with, but will be excited once they see the results. Expect another lottery year this year and enjoy watching R.J. Barrett get the green light all year long.

The Knicks will probably finish right around the 20-win mark.

13. Cleveland Cavaliers

Even though the Cleveland Cavaliers had a really nice draft in my opinion, they are still multiple years from any real contention. The drafting of Darius Garland the year after they got a nice pickup in Collin Sexton was confusing, but aside from that I think the team made some really nice moves and will hopefully get Kevin Love back for more games this year.

The one player I am excited to watch going forward is Dylan Windler. I think the Cavs got a steal with him and he could be a very nice piece for the team going forward. Another lottery year will do the team well as they try to start their path back from the LeBron James departure, part two.

The Cavs could be in the 22-25 win range this year and if some of the pieces come together, even more could be possible.

Next: One Year Away