Boldness

First we'll start off with a list of teams not making playoffs in the NBA's Eastern Conference for the 2012-2013 season (in this very bold writer's opinion):

- Charlotte Bobcats
- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Detroit Pistons
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Orlando Magic
- Toronto Raptors*

Except for the inclusion of the Atlanta Hawks into this list I don't see how anyone can object to its current make up. The Orlando Magic are in shambles and their only shot at making the playoffs, a man by the name of Dwight Howard, doesn't even want to be there. Charlotte and Cleveland continue being the 2 worst teams in the NBA; Cleveland lost their best player, Antawn Jamison, to the Lakers; the Bobcats' roster looks like something put together amidst a mutinous uprising. The Wizards, Raptors (more on these guys later), and Pistons may be teams to look forward to in the near future. They have young cores, a bunch of talent, and a couple of upcoming first round draft picks. Not hurrying to win now is the key to their successes.

And now I present to you my 2012-2013 Eastern Conference playoffs teams. This list is so bold it includes seed placement:

1. Miami Heat
2. Boston Celtics
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Brooklyn Nets
5. New York Knicks
6. Indiana Pacers
7. Milwaukee Bucks
8. Philadelphia 76ers

As much as it stings to say this, the Miami Heat got better during the off season. Moving on: Bostonians rejoice, the Celtics got younger with an average age of 27. The Bulls have lost some depth and Derrick Rose for 8-12 months thus their drop from 1st to 3rd place. Chicago should be fine as they have shown that they can win without Rose (except in the playoffs) relying on physicality and experience. Brooklyn, which was New Jersey (what?), has a pretty impressive starting 5. In my opinion it's enough to fish them out of their previous position at the bottom of the barrel and catapult them into the playoffs. My beloved, revamped yet again, New York Knicks land in 5th place thanks to depth and experience (age). Indiana falls to 6th place from their 3rd place seeding in 2012 because they showed the whole world that playing physical basketball doesn't yield the results it once did (thanks, refs). If Ersan Ilyasova, Monta Ellis, and Brandon Jennings get on the same page the Bucks won't be turned away at the front door like they were last season. The 76ers lost Lou Williams and Elton Brand this off season and they resigned Spencer Hawes who can't seem to stay healthy; this almost made me want to place them on the list of teams not making playoffs this season. That, and the fact that they caused the Celtics multiple aneurysms during last seasons playoffs coming close to reaching the Eastern Conference Finals (Rajon Rondo hit multiple 3 pointers!), combined to convince me in placing them on my makers list, albeit in 8th place.

*I like the Toronto Raptors team taking to the court for the 2012-2013 season. I would not be surprised if they snatched an 8th or even a 7th seed. This team is young with no big city, big budget pressure and should play an exciting brand of basketball as many young teams do. They should be battling for a playoff spot at the very least.

P.S. When it comes to these things I have a terrible track record, so don't take this to Vegas you gambling fool.

-Alex