NBA Power Rankings: Breaking down the divisions

5. Central Division

In the course of one summer, the Central Division went from being potentially one of the best divisions in the NBA to one of the most disappointing. If all goes according to plan, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls should be competing for the top two spots in the entire Eastern Conference, but two teams a division does not make.

With LeBron James heading home to Cleveland, the Cavs quickly reloaded with star talent, but even a nucleus of King James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving might not be enough to win a title in their first season together. The Chicago Bulls had a tremendous offseason adding Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic, but they’re still entirely dependent on Derrick Rose’s shaky knees.

In other words, this was the year for the Indiana Pacers to break real ground in the East; all they needed to do was just keep their core intact. But with Lance Stephenson abandoning ship for the Charlotte Hornets and Paul George’s leg playing the part of wishbone, the Pacers may not even be a playoff team anymore. If Roy Hibbert is unable to step up and be a leader — which all signs point to him NOT being mentally strong enough to do so — Indiana might be better off tanking.

As for the worst teams in the division (on paper), the Detroit Pistons should be at least a little better this year with more capable shooters and role players, not to mention an excellent head coach in Stan Van Gundy. Unfortunately, that frontcourt logjam of Josh Smith, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond is still an issue that even SVG might be unable to solve. The Milwaukee Bucks are still going to be terrible, but at least Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo will keep things somewhat entertaining.