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Ranking the best potential defensive teams in the Eastern Conference

By Spencer R. Henderson

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls, Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) play for the ball during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Chicago Bulls.

These guys have exactly what the Orlando Magic needed, a champion at point guard in Rajon Rondo, a three-time champion in Dwyane Wade at shooting guard and a top -five small forward in Jimmy Butler.

When the Bulls failed to make the playoffs last year, it was more of a disappointment than last years’ Magic roster. The Bulls roster featured Derrick Rose, Butler and Pau Gasol but still could not make the postseason. That goes to show making the Playoffs takes more than an upgraded roster.

The Bulls headed into rebuild mode, on schedule to stay young and ended up acquiring Wade and Rondo in the offseason. The move did not say too much about the future of the Bulls but it did make them a potential playoff team with the defensive upgrade in the backcourt.

Chicago’s perimeter defense should be stout. And if they can get a version of last year’s Wade, the Bulls may surprise a lot of critics.

Most critics cannot name a better or experienced back court throughout the East, outside of Cleveland.

The Magic have similar defensive accolades on the roster.

Although the Magic do not have a perimeter player who has made a second-team All-Defensive unit like Butler did from 2012-14, Ibaka made the 2013 All-Defensive first team. Rondo made the All-Defensive second team from 2011-12.

Rondo should have his way with most of the point guards in the East allowing him to provide help defense in the post. Adding Rondo was a great defensive acquisition with so much focus on the playmaking point guard in today’s NBA.

Next: What was left behind