NBA Summer Forecast: 2014-15 Eastern Conference Standings

      With LeBron James returning home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the balance of power has shifted dramatically in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs, who missed the playoffs in each of the four years James spent in Miami, will be the favorites to seize the East in the regular season--especially after acquiring Kevin Love in a blockbuster trade.
         The 25-year-old widely regarded as the NBA's top 'stretch four', Love is coming off a career-year, in which he averaged 26.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Adding Love to a team already with Kyrie Irving and the best player in the NBA in James, the Cavs undoubtedly boast the most talented star trio in the league.

        Could a Central Division foe--specifically the Chicago Bulls--prevent the Cavs from landing the top spot in the conference? Will the Bulls' signing of Pau Gasol be enough to snatch the top-seed? 

        Don't forget about the Washington Wizards, who are now the favorites to win the Southeast--a division the Heat dominated the past four seasons. The Wizards signed future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, who delivered in the clutch for the Brooklyn Nets in their first-round playoff series victory over the Toronto Raptors. The Wizards also bolstered their bench by adding DeJuan Blair and Kris Humphries via free agency. 

          You can't sleep on the Raptors, either, after the club retained all of its core players from last year's Atlantic Division-champion roster. 

            So, how will the East stack up 1-15 in the upcoming year? I forecast the 2014-2015 standings below. 

1.     Cleveland Cavaliers

Key additions: LeBron James, Kevin Love (Via 3-Way Trade with Timberwolves & 76ers), Mike Miller, Joe Harris (R), James Jones, Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion

Subtractions: Spencer Hawes (Clippers), Luol Deng (Heat), C.J. Miles (Pacers), Jarrett Jack & Tyler Zeller (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Nets), Anthony Bennett (Via 3-Way Trade with Timberwolves & 76ers) 

2.     Chicago Bulls 

 Key additions: Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott (R), Nikola Mirotic (R-Spain), Aaron Brooks, E'Twaun Moore

Subtractions: Carlos Boozer (Via Amnesty clause--signed with Lakers), D.J. Augustin (Pistons), Jimmer Fredette (Pelicans)

3.     Washington Wizards 

 Key additions: Paul Pierce, Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair

Subtractions: Trevor Ariza (Rockets), Trevor Booker (Jazz)

4.     Toronto Raptors 

 Key additions: James Johnson, Bruno Caboclo (R), Lou Williams (Via Trade with Hawks)

Subtractions: John Salmons (Via Trade with Hawks), Steve Novak (Via Trade with Jazz)

5.     Miami Heat

 Key additions: Luol Deng, Danny Granger, Josh McRoberts, Shabazz Napier (R)

Subtractions: LeBron James (Cavaliers), James Jones (Cavaliers), Ray Allen

6.     Charlotte Hornets 

 Key additions: Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams, P.J. Hairston (R), Brian Roberts

Subtractions: Josh McRoberts (Heat), Anthony Tolliver (Suns), Luke Ridnour (Magic), Brendan Haywood (Cavs)

7.     New York Knicks

 Key Additions: Jose Calderon, Shane Larkin & Samuel Dalembert (Via Trade with Mavs), Travis Outlaw & Quincy Acy (Via Trade with Kings), Jason Smith

Subtractions: Tyson Chandler & Raymond Felton (Via Trade with Mavs), Jeremy Tyler & Wayne Ellington (Via Trade with Kings)

8.     Atlanta Hawks 

 Key additions: Thabo Sefolosha, Kent Bazemore, Adreian Payne (R)

Subtractions: Lou Williams (Via Trade with Raptors), Cartier Martin (Pistons), Gustavo Ayon, Elton Brand

9.   Brooklyn Nets

 Key additions: Jarrett Jack (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Cavs)

 Subtractions: Paul Pierce (Wizards), Shaun Livingston (Warriors), Andray Blatche, Marcus Thornton (Via 3-Way Trade with Celtics & Cavs) 

10.     Indiana Pacers

Key additions: C.J. Miles, Damjan Rudez (R- Europe), Rodney Stuckey

Subtractions: Lance Stephenson (Hornets), Evan Turner (Celtics)

*Paul George likely out for season after breaking leg during USA Basketball Showcase

11.   Detroit Pistons

 Key additions: Jodie Meeks, Cartier Martin, D.J. Augustin, Caron Butler

 Subtractions: Chauncey Billups, Rodney Stuckey (Pacers)

12.   Boston Celtics

 Key additions: Marcus Smart (R), James Young (R), Evan Turner, Marcus Thornton & Tyler Zeller (Via 3-Way Trade with Nets and Cavs)

 Subtractions: Kris Humphries (Wizards), Jerryd Bayless (Bucks)

13.   Milwaukee Bucks 

 Key additions: Jabari Parker (R), Jerryd Bayless, Kendall Marshall

 Subtractions: Jeff Adrien (Rockets), Ramon Sessions

14.   Orlando Magic

 Key additions: Aaron Gordon (R), Elfrid Payton (R), Luke Ridnour, Ben Gordon, Channing Frye, Evan Fournier (Via Trade with Nuggets)

Subtractions: Jameer Nelson (Mavs), Aaron Afflalo (Via Trade with Nuggets), E'Twaun Moore (Bulls)

15.   Philadelphia 76ers

 Key additions: Joel Embiid (R), Dario Saric (R), Luc Richard Mbah a Moute & Alexey Shved (Via 3-Way Trade with Cavs and Timberwolves)

 Subtractions: Thaddeus Young (Via 3-Way Trade with Cavs and Timberwolves)