NBA 2008-9 Predictions: Central Division

There's a new recipe in Detroit. The Pistons are now Curry flavored.

The Detroit Pistons didn't surprise many by being the second best team in the East. But 59 wins was the second highest total for the Pistons in the past 18 years. That did surprise some. 

The Bulls on the other hand, were one of the league's biggest disappointments. A new coach, the top draft pick, and a big hole to climb out of for Luol Deng and crew.

Here's how I see it....

Central Division

Detroit 55-27 (LY=59-23)

The big shake up never occurred. It might not need to. Many said they were in decline and they won 59 games last year. Just missing a superb 60-win season means that the playoffs are their down fall.

Maybe they have been getting too much respect the last few years. Still, the addition of Kwame Brown, the continued development of Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell keeps these guys in the hunt for the title.

Rip and Chauncy Billups aren’t the problem. Rasheed Wallace can’t do it alone around the hoop on either end of the court. Brown can do the things that the Pistons need done defensively. Starting PF is up for grabs, while Curry wants to use McDyess off the bench this year.

What was once considered a complete calm under pressure is now called a blasé approach to the playoffs. Head honcho Joe Dumars says, “no more calm approach”. Enter Michael Curry. Can insider Curry get it done? I think so.

Cleveland 49–33 (LY=45-37)

I wrote about their strong showing in the playoffs. Was it deceptive as some think? Hard to tell, but I think they have improved.

The long running criticism is that Danny Ferry has been unable to land a solid number two option to take some attention, pressure, and scoring load off of the league's premiere young forward Lebron James. He keeps getting role players, not difference makers, or so it is thought.

LeBron’s weak outside shooting was exposed against the Celtics, though he is an opponent’s nightmare around the hoop.

Say hello to Maurice Williams.

Mo wasn't exactly what people meant when they said 'a legit number two option', but Mo Williams technically qualifies. His 17 points per game in each of the last two years were second on the team to Michael Redd's alpha dog production. While both years' W/L records were terrible, I wouldn't lay that at Williams' feet.

Mo Williams gives this team offense it desperately needs—inside, mid range, and out. Not known as a great distributor, he is a legitimate passer with six assists per game in the last two years.

Ben Wallace, Andy Verajeo and Zydrunas Ilgauskas patrol the paint as well as most. Re-signing Delonte West helps with depth, clutch play and toughness.

Their offense can now be reworked a bit and they will be a more solid contender. With all the attention Lebron James gets, he gets "Mo help" and the rest of the team should finally be able to score more.

Questions remain about 'Cool Mo's D'. Will Mo defend? Signs point to yes.

Chicago 33-49

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