Coaching wise, we don't know if Pat Riley will return next season—but if Miami were to draft Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose then it would probably be hard for him not to return.
Milwaukee Bucks (26-56)
Unrestricted Free Agents: Awvee Storey
Restricted Free Agents: Royal Ivey, Michael Ruffin, Jake Voskuhl
2009 Playoffs Chances: Not Good
What's Next?
The Bucks didn't hesitate to make their first move when they fired Larry Krystkowiak as their head coach on Thursday.
Just like Chicago, Milwaukee is also eyeing Rick Carlisle as their next head coach.
Milwaukee's defense gave up 103 PPG, so that's one issue they must improve on next season.
Their young rookie Yi Jianlian had a solid season, but his production began to slack near the end of the season.
Good news is Milwaukee will end up with another top 10 pick, and hopefully that can be a positive for the Bucks next season.
New Jersey Nets (34-48)
Restricted Free Agents: Nenad Kristic
Unrestricted Free Agents: Darrell, Armstrong, Stromile Swift, DeSagana Diop, Bostjan Nachbar
2009 Playoff Chances: Good
What's Next?
As you know New Jersey shipped Jason Kidd to Dallas, and Devin Harris is now their point guard of the future.
One thing New Jersey has been missing since the departure of Kenyon Martin is a real low-post presence and rebounder, so that's one area they definitely need to improve on before next season.
They also need to re-sign Nenad Kristic, despite him not having a good season this year.
Head coach Lawrence Frank seems to be coming back for another season—but if New Jersey has another lackluster season he could be in the hot seat this time next year.
New Jersey's playoff chances are good in the Eastern Conference, but they must play better than did this season.
New York Knicks (23-59)
Restricted Free Agents: Randolph Morris
Unrestricted Free Agents: Fred Jones, Stephon Marbury
2009 Playoffs Chances: Yeah Right
What's Next?
New York has so many problems it's hard to know where to start from.
The Knicks already made the move we all saw coming, when they fired Isiah Thomas as their head coach Friday.
But new GM Donnie Walsh has said Thomas will still have a job within the organization.
There was no type of leadership in the locker room for the Knicks, and unless that changes the Knicks will be in for another long season.
They also need to re-sign Stephon Marbury—who was all but happy this season in New York.
It's also a possibility that Zach Randolph will be traded from the team during the offseason.
Coaching wise, who knows who will be the Knicks next head coach.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Golden State Warriors (48-34)
Restricted Free Agents: Kelenna Azubuike, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrens, C.J. Watson
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