Stock up, Stock Down: Eastern Conference
Stock Up
Boston Celtics
Additions– Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Guerschon Yabusele, Ante Zizic, Demetrius Jackson, Ben Bentil, Abdel Nader
Subtractions– Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger
The departure of Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger will open up playing time for the talented youngsters on their team. Signing Al Horford instantly makes the Celtics a lot better on both ends of the floor.
Indiana Pacers
Additions– Al Jefferson, Jeff Teague, Jeremy Evans, Thaddeus Young, George Niang
Subtractions– Ian Mahinmi, George Hill
The additions made will certainly help the offense as Larry Bird and the Pacers’ front office want to run more. But losing George Hill and Ian Mahinmi can hurt them defensively. New coach Nate McMillan will have to figure out this new roster in hopes of improving their record.
Chicago Bulls
Additions-Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant, Spencer Dinwiddie, Denzel Valentine, Paul Zipser
Subtractions– Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Mike Dunleavy, Justin Holiday, Cameron Bairstow
The Bulls have moved on from the Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah era in an attempt to build around Jimmy Butler. The signing of Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade signal they do not want to rebuild, but retool for the immediate future and hope to make another move near the trade deadline if all goes well.
Orlando Magic
Additions– D.J. Augustin, Bismack Biyombo, Jeff Green, Jodie Meeks, Serge Ibaka, C.J. Wilcox, Stephen Zimmerman
Subtractions– Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, Brandon Jennings, Jason Smith, Andrew Nicholson, Dewayne Dedmon, Shabazz Napier, Devyn Marble
The Magic added tons of depth to their roster. Some might say creating log jams at almost every position. New coach Frank Vogel will look to speed up the tempo on offense and also preach defense, which was greatly improved in the offseason.
New York Knicks
Additions– Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings, Guillermo Hernangomez, Mindaugas Kuzminskas
Subtractions– Derrick Williams, Arron Afflalo, Jose Calderon, Jerian Grant, Robin Lopez
The Knicks made some noise by acquiring Derrick Rose and signing Joakim Noah. Tack on the addition of Brandon Jennings, Courtney Lee and new coach Jeff Hornacek, the Knicks look much improved from last year as they look to make the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks
Additions– Mirza Teletovic, Matthew Dellavedova, Thon Maker, Malcolm Brogdon
Subtractions-Jerryd Bayless, Greivis Vasquez, O.J. Mayo, Damien Inglis, Johnny O’Bryant
After some experimentation with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the point guard spot, the Bucks may look to play one of the longest lineups in the league. They added shooters which they desperately needed, but no big impact players. The jury is still out on whether this long lineup will find success and if Greg Monroe fits, but if it all works out Milwaukee could find themselves fighting for a playoff spot.
Next: Stock Down