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By Jason Palumbo

Detroit Pistons
Coach: Larry Brown (879-685 career)
Last season: 50-32 (1st in Central)
Key additions: Darko Milicic, Elden Campbell, Bob Sura, Lindsey Hunter
Key losses: Cliff Robinson, Michael Curry, Jon Barry, Danny Manning

Off-Season Summary:

Big changes in Motor City. The Pistons stunned everyone by buying out head coach Rick Carlisle after he won Coach of the Year and brought them to the conference finals in his two years at the helm. Then they immediately hired Larry Brown. They spent the number two overall draft selection on 18-year-old European sensation Darko Milicic, released long-time guard Jon Barry, and traded away ancient starting center Cliff Robinson for reserve tweener guard Bob Sura. The team also brought in Elden Cambell, Darvin Ham, Lindsey Hunter, and rookie guard Carlos Delfino to strengthen their bench.

Probable Starters:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - Richard Hamilton
SF - Tayshawn Prince
PF - Ben Wallace
C - Mehmet Okur

Key Reserves:
F/C - Elden Campbell
PG - Chucky Atkins
SF - Corliss Williamson
SG - Bob Sura
C - Zeljko Rebraca

Others: SG - Carlos Delfino; PF - Darko Milicic; F - Darvin Ham; PG - Lindsey Hunter; SG - Hubert Davis

2003-04 Projection:

New head coach Larry Brown has a difficult task in front of him. He will be expected to teach the young members of his team the NBA game, manage a floor rotation that gives the veterans and the young guns enough time to play and to develop, and win games at the same time. Doug Collins faced similar pressures in his tenure with the Wizards, as did Isiah Thomas with the Pacers, and they are both looking for employment today. Brown will have to work to give Milicic the proper amount of court time without burdening him with too much responsibility. All that being said, the season looks bright for the Pistons. They are loaded with talent and a nice mix of veterans and youngsters, and they have terrific depth at every position. Despite all their obstacles and the addition of a new coaching scheme, Detroit should be able to win the Central Division and challenge New Jersey for a spot in the Finals.

Indiana Pacers
Coach: Rick Carlisle (100-64 career)
Last season: 48-34 (2nd in Central)
Key additions: Scot Pollard, Anthony Johnson, James Jones
Key losses: Brad Miller, Ron Mercer, Erick Strickland

Off-Season Summary:

The good news is that general manager Donnie Walsh retained Jermaine O'Neal. The bad news is that he upset the star by firing his beloved coach. Larry Bird rejoined the franchise and replaced head coach Isiah Thomas with recently-available Rick Carlisle. Reggie Miller re-signed, and Brad Miller was replaced by Scot Pollard. Young point guard Jamaal Tinsley spent the summer in the gym, and veterans Anthony Johnson and Kenny Anderson were brought in as insurance.

Probable Starters:
PG - Jamaal Tinsley
SG - Ron Artest
SF - Al Harrington
PF - Jermaine O'Neal
C - Scot Pollard

Key Reserves:
SG - Reggie Miller
G/F - Jonathan Bender
PF - Austin Croshere
C - Jeff Foster
PG - Kenny Anderson

Others: PG - Anthony Johnson; C - Primoz Brezec; G - Jamison Brewer; F - Mike Smith; PG - Omar Cook

2003-04 Projection:

With the return of Larry Bird and Rick Carlisle, defense will become the team's major focal point. It is likely that long time starter Reggie Miller will be pushed into a sixth man role so that the best defensive team is allowed to start, much like in Detroit where Carlisle benched scorers Williamson and Barry in favor of defensive stoppers Atkins and Curry. Also a disciplined offense will replace the open structure of last year, and this may help to curb wild shots from Tinsley and Artest. Team chemistry may also be improved due to better discipline around Ron Artest, though resentment from O'Neal and others over the firing of coach Thomas could inject discord into the locker room. Pollard's hustle and offensive rebounding should help to offset the loss of Brad Miller. The Pacers have all the pieces to make a run at the Pistons and Nets to take the East and enter the Finals. There is no excuse for them to exit the playoffs in the first round this year.

New Orleans Hornets
Coach: Tim Floyd (49-190 career)
Last season: 47-35 (3rd in Central)
Key additions: Darrell Armstrong, David West
Key losses: Kenny Anderson, Jerome Moiso

Off-Season Summary:

The Hornets got rid of a terrific coach who carried them through injuries, empty home games, and a relocation, but their roster is largely intact. Re-signing free agent forward P.J. Brown was a big positive in the off-season, as was bringing in veteran point guard Darrell Armstrong. Hopefully head coach Tim Floyd can put his days with the abysmal post-championship Bulls behind him and step into the large shoes of Paul Silas.

Probable Starters:
PG - Baron Davis
SG - David Wesley
SF - Jamal Mashburn
PF - P.J. Brown
C - Jamal Magloire

Key Reserves:
PG - Darrell Armstrong
SG - Courtney Alexander
PF - Robert Traylor
F - George Lynch
SF - Stacy Augmon

Others: PF - David West; C - Sean Rooks; PG - Bryce Drew; PF - Kirk Haston; F - Paul Shirley

2003-04 Projection:

Like most of their division, the Hornets will have to adjust to a new head coach. Despite that handicap, New Orleans has the size, talent, depth, and experience to push their way deep into the playoffs. Over the last few seasons, the team's big wild card has been health, but if Baron Davis and Jamal Mashburn are both able to put in a full season, the Hornets could finish in the top four in the East and give themselves a good opportunity to make some noise in the post-season. The advancement of young center Jamal Magloire may be an X-factor for the team in the post and on the boards. This is Tim Floyd's chance to redeem himself in the pros.

Chicago Bulls
Coach: Bill Cartwright (47-90 career)
Last season: 30-52 (6th in Central)
Key additions: Scottie Pippen, Kirk Hinrich, Kendall Gill
Key losses: Jay Williams (injury)

Off-Season Summary:

The Bulls had a tumultuous off-season. They lost general manager Jerry Krause and replaced him with former player John Paxon, regained Scottie Pippen, lost Jay Williams for the season, and drafted point guard Kirk Hinrich. Head coach Bill Cartwright became the longest tenured coach in the Central Division. Now he has a chance to prove that he deserves his career longevity.

Probable Starters:
PG - Jamal Crawford
SG - Jalen Rose
SF - Scottie Pippen
PF - Tyson Chandler
C - Eddie Curry

Key Reserves:
PG - Kirk Hinrich
PF - Donyell Marshall
PF - Marcus Fizer
SG - Kendal Gill
SF - Eddie Robinson

Others: PF - Lonny Baxter; F/C Corie Blount; SG - Trent Hassell; SG - Roger Mason, Jr.; Jay WIlliams

2003-04 Projection:

Last season, if the Bulls could have played away from home with the same looseness and confidence that they had in the United Center, they might have made their first playoff appearance since the last time Pippen dressed for them. Maybe with another year of experience and the addition of six-time champion Scottie Pippen, this will be the year the Bulls claw their way into the number eight spot. The season rests on the young shoulders of Chandler, Curry, and Crawford. The strides those three players have taken will determine exactly how far the Bulls can go. Losing Jay Williams for the season will force Cartwright to rely on rookie Hinrich as his primary back up point guard, but the ball handling and experience of Pippen may offset any jittery play by the rookie. This season is a good opportunity for the Baby Bulls to grow up.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Coach: Paul Silas (286-323 career)
Last season: 17-65 (8th in Central)
Key additions: LeBron James, Kevin Ollie, Jason Kapono, J.R. Bremer, Ira Newble
Key losses: Jumaine Jones, Milt Palacio

Off-Season Summary:

They won the lottery. They got Lebron. Just like they planned. Then Jim Paxon went out and hired Paul Silas to mentor the teenaged phenomenon. Then he signed veteran point guards Kevin Ollie and J.R. Bremer as steadying influences. The hype is huge and there is a lot of excitement around the team for the first time in a long time.

Probable Starters:
PG - Darius Miles* (Definitely subject to change)
SG - Ricky Davis
SF - LeBron James
PF - Carlos Boozer
C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Key Reserves:
PG - Kevin Ollie
SF - Ira Newble
C - DeSagana Diop
F/C - Chris Carr
SG - Dajaun Wagner

Others: PG - J.R. Bremer; C - Bruno Sundov; C - Michael Stewart; PF - Tony Farmer; SF - Jason Kopono

2003-04 Projection:

The Cavaliers have no place to go but up. According to early reports from training camp, LeBron James and Darius Miles are working hard and working well together. Silas reportedly intends to start the season with Miles at the point. Enthusiasm may carry them through early season set-backs, but a young, talented lineup may carry them further than people expect. Carlos Boozer, Darius Miles, and Dajuan Wagner (if healthy) all stand to improve this season, and Paul Silas gets a second chance to civilize Ricky Davis. If Ilgauskas stays healthy, he may be the best center in the East. Expectations for such a young group should not be too high, but dramatic improvements may accompany a packed Gund Arena.

Toronto Raptors
Coach: Kevin O'Neil (0-0 career)
Last season: 25-58 (7th in Central)
Key additions: Jerome Moiso, Matt Bonner, Milt Palacio
Key losses: Lindsey Hunter, Voshon Lenard, Eric Montross

Off-Season Summary:

The Raptors lost the winningest/losingest coach of all time, and failed to replace him with one of the big name haed coaching free agents that were available this summer. They lost Voshon Leonard and Rafer Alston from their reserve backcourt. They also want to lose team stalwart Antonio Davis due to his age and contract and the desire to clear up playing time for teenaged rookie Chris Bosh. The team signed veterans Milt Palacio and Michael Curry in an effort to shore up their bench. The good news is the Raptors might have the old Vince Carter back. They are likely to need him.

Probable Starters:
PG - Alvin Williams
SG - Vince Carter
SF - Morris Peterson
PF - Jerome Williams
F/C - Antonio Davis

Key Reserves:
F - Chris Bosh
PG - Milt Palacio
SF - Michael Curry
F - Jerome Moiso
C - Stanley Roberts

Others: PG - Rick Brunson; F - Lamond Murray; C - Ken Johnson; SF - Chris Jefferies; C - Mengke Bateer; F - Michael Bradley

2003-04 Projection:

The Raptors are entering a rebuilding phase whether they want to or not. A healthy, motivated Vince Carter might be enough to carry this thin team to the post-season in the East, but it would require an MVP performace from himy and consistent over-achieving from the rest of the lineup to make it happen. New head coach Kevin O'Neill will have to ensure that rookie project Bosh is not overwhelmed like Kwame Brown and Tyson Chandler were in their first seasons. With Carter back in the lineup, the Raptors have the potential to be an explosive, entertaining team for their fans.

Milwaukee Bucks
Coach: Terry Porter (0-0 career)
Last season: 42-40 (4th in Central)
Key additions: T.J. Ford, Joe Smith, Anthony Peeler, Erick Strickland
Key losses: Sam Cassell, Gary Payton, Ervin Johnson

Off-Season Summary:

The Bucks decided at the last minute to not sell the team to Michael Jordan and company. They fired head coach George Karl. They lost star-player Gary Payton to free-agency after losing star shooting guard Ray Allan in a trade for Payton. Starting point guard Sam Cassell was dealt to Minnesota for Joe Smith. Milwaukee did steal point guard T.J. Ford in the draft, and they picked up former all-star Terry Porter, who has almost no experience even as an assistant, as their new head coach.

Probable Starters:
PG - T.J. Ford
SG - Desmond Mason
SF - Tim Thomas
PF - Joe Smith
C - Joel Prizbilla

Key Reserves:
SG - Michael Redd
SF - Tony Kukoc
F/C - Dan Gadzurich
PF - Brian Skinner
PG - Erick Strickland

Others: PF - Marcus Haislip; F/C - Jason Caffey; SG - Damon Jones; C - Daniel Santiago; PF - Anthony Mason

2003-04 Projection:

Milwaukee is starting over. Tim Thomas is the only returning starter from last year's squad. They have a new coach, and they will need a new philosophy. With Porter at the helm and Ford manning the point, this team should run all game long. They have wingmen with athleticism and a few dead-eye shooters to convert kick outs. The Bucks do not have a go-to guy capable of scoring in the half-court or anyone necessitating a double-team. They will also suffer on the boards and interior scoring. They should be defensively sound and have enough depth to stay in games. They have little chance of reaching the post-season this year.

Atlanta Hawks
Coach: Terry Stotts (24-31 career)
Last season: 35-47 (5th in the Central)
Key additions: Jacque Vaughn, Terrell Brandon, Boris Diaw, Travis Hansen, Lee Nailon
Key losses: Glenn Robinson, Ira Newble, Darvin Ham

Off-Season Summary:

Is anyone running this team? Summer acquisitions include former Stockton back-up Jacque Vaughn and former Mashburn back-up Lee Nailon. Summer losses include Glenn Robinson, their head coach, the old owners, and any semblance of organization. They did retain the services of free agent guard Jason Terry. At the draft they chose Boris Diaw, a big point guard to play beside Terry. Their new head coach is Terry Stotts.

Probable Starters:
PG - Jason Terry
SG - Boris Diaw
SF - Dion Glover
PF - Shareef Abdur-Rahim
C - Theo Ratliff

Key Reserves:
C - Nazr Mohammed
PG - Jacque Vaughn
SF - Lee Nailon
PG - Smush Parker
F - Chris Crawford

Others: PF - Alan Henderson; F/C - Obinna Ekezie; PG - Tierre Brown; PG - Terrell Brandon; SG - Travis Hansen

2003-04 Projection:

They have more talent than Utah does. They play in the East. For those two reasons the Hawks have a chance to finish ahead of somebody this year. Jerry Sloan may disappoint them, though. There isn't much to look forward to in Philips Arena this year. Of course, no one has seen the inside of Philips in a lot of years. This team has a new coach, a new general manager, will have new owners, and hopefully will get a new start.