The poll results for Eastern Conference champion closed out like this: Other 48%, Celtics 25%, Cavs 15%, Magic 8%, and Pistons 5%.  Hmm, looks like we’ve got either a bunch of pranksters or homers in this one as its hard to believe almost 50% of the fans would pick a team other than the Celts, Cavs, Magic, or Pistons next season!  Maybe we’re just underestimating the Knicks, though, who knows?

Anyways, what about the supposed top 4 teams.  Well, here’s how I’d seed them:

1. Boston Celtics – The Celts are a bit older, don’t have as much motivation, and lost a key player in James Posey, but they’ve still got the Big Three and will obviously be a force to be reckoned with.  They’ve got to be considered the favorites to get back to the Finals, but if I could take the entire field vs. the Celtics, I would.
2. Orlando Magic – Orlando had the 3rd best record in the East last season and Dwight Howard is still getting better (scary!).  Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis also give them a lot of versatility.  This team is primed to be in the hunt and don’t be surprised to see them make 1 more move during the season to make that championship push.
3. Detroit Pistons – The Pistons are probably getting tired of falling short, but I expect that to continue next season.  The same cast of characters is back which is still a good thing, but it might be time to shake things up a bit.  I wouldn’t count out a team with Chauncey Billups, though.  Detroit’s plan should be to aim for homecourt in the playoffs and then maybe things will break their way.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers – Now, this is an interesting team.  The big question is whether or not Mo Williams is the sidekick Lebron needs.  Larry Hughes was supposed to be that guy a few years ago and obviously that never panned out.  Another thing working in the Cavs favor is the desperation of their management to keep Lebron James happy with his free agency coming up in 2010.  Big Z doesn’t have too many years left so a big move this season might be necessary to keep Lebron happy, and it might help them win the East.

It would certainly be a surprise to see another team win the East, but there are some longshots.  The 76ers, after acquiring Elton Brand, are on the radar, but you still don’t get the feeling they are Finals ready.  Then, you’ve also got the Wizards who have one of the best Big 3s in the league, but once again injuries are threatening their chances.  Even Toronto with a frontline of Chris Bosh and hopefully (for them) a healthy Jermaine O’Neal could be a contender.

Who do you think will win the East?

Boston Celtics

Jeff Clark: CelticsBlog.com

Jim Weeks: Green Bandwagon

FLCeltsFan: LOY’s Place

John Karalis: Red’s Army

Dustin Chapman: Celtics 24/7

New Jersey Nets

Dennis Velasco: About Basketball

New York Knicks

Joey: Straight Bangin’

Seth Rosenthal: Posting and Toasting

Philadelphia 76ers

Dannie & Pete: Recliner GM

Jon Burkett: Passion and Pride

Toronto Raptors

Franchise: RaptorsHQ.com

Ryan McNeill: Hoops Addict

Cuzzy: Cuzoogle

Also see links to all the previews at CelticsBlog.com

This championship was a 21st century championship like no other, though (if KG’s “Anything is Possible” take on Adidas slogan didn’t tip you off). Nearly the entire team was put together in one season. There was, first, the Ray Allen deal which was reasonable. Then, the KG deal, which…well, let’s just remember it was Danny Ainge dealing with Kevin McHale. Yes, the Wolves did get some potential and 1st round picks, but they couldn’t find any other team to get a slightly better deal from? Hmm. Then, there were some smart free agent pickups like James Posey. And, Sam Cassell, successfully pulled off the tried and true veteran maneuver of riding coattails. So, Boston made just enough smart moves to put together a team that even Doc Rivers couldn’t screw up.

Danny Ainge is validated as a GM? Kevin Garnett doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder? The NBA just won’t be the same anymore.

• Rajon Rondo – He’s the best out of the three at running the offense, but everybody knows he can’t\won’t shoot. It reminds me of Avery Johnson when he was on the Spurs. Eventually Avery hit a few jumpers and the Spurs were able to win the ’99 Championship. If Rondo can knock down a few shots, the Celts would be on their way, but the smart money says he isn’t going to bother shooting them. The real problem is that the Lakers are putting Kobe on Rondo and just letting Kobe roam on D. Not everyone thinks Kobe is a great defender, but I think most would agree he is great when he has the opportunity to roam. I don’t think the Celts can afford to play Rondo in crunch time.

• Eddie House – House is clearly the best shooter out of the three, but his ballhandling is shaky, very shaky. For good reason, Doc Rivers is uncomfortable having House on the floor as a point. However, Ray Allen is a decent ballhandler and it would make sense to go with a backcourt of House and Allen on occasion. This is a pretty good option when the Lakers start exploiting Rando’s lack of shooting.

• Sam Cassell – Unfortunately for the Celts, Sam is not the man he used to be. It’s a wonder he gets any minutes at all. I’d keep him on the bench.

Conclusion – There’s no good solution here, but I would give House more minutes late in the game and let Allen do some of the ballhandling. Every possession gets so important late in the game and having to play 4 on 5 only amplifies the pressure on The Big 3. House would make their lives a whole lot easier.

What would you do?