By Brett Goldman
It's almost that time again! Tomorrow night, we'll watch the NBA's best in the 3 point contest, skills challenge, and all-star game. We will also watch NBA players in the dunk contest, though I would not call the lineup for that event the "NBA's best". Anyways, this is the Central Division edition of a series I've been doing about one question every NBA team is asking at the all star break.
Detroit Pistons: When's the draft lottery?
The Pistons are in the middle of one of the longest rebuilds in the NBA. It was just 2 years ago when they made the playoffs before getting dusted by the Bucks. But it's been over a decade since Detroit basketball has had a real championship contender. The Blake Griffin experiment failed, as he was bought out by the team. Andre Drummond was traded for basically nothing. It's a sad time to be a Detroit basketball fan (or a Detroit sports fan in general), and the future is not looking to great either. Pistons fans must pray to the basketball gods that they can land the number one pick in this year's lottery. The #FadeForCade force is strong with this team. In the meantime, enjoy this photoshopped image of Cade Cunningham in a Pistons uniform.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Are we good or not?
The Cavs were one of the hottest teams in the league. Led by "Sexland", the 1-2 combo of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, they started out 8-7 after beating the Brooklyn Nets twice in a row. They had one of the best defenses in the league at the time as well. With the acquisition of Jarrett Allen, things were looking like Cleveland might not suck! That didn't last long. Shortly after that, they went on a 10 game losing streak and are now have of the league's worst defenses. A lot of that probably has to do with Larry Nance Jr being injured, as he was one of their best defenders. On the bright side, they have won 4 of their last 5 games. Now that Andre Drummond is being told to sit out games for whatever reason, it is clear that this team is not serious about winning now. While they have the talent to make a push for the play-in in the weak Eastern Conference, this team is destined for the lottery once again.
Indiana Pacers: How are we below .500?
I was shocked when I saw the Pacers were 16-19. I thought they were playing much better than this. Domantas Sabonis is an all-star, Malcolm Brogdon is a very good point guard, and Myles Turner is an elite shot blocker. Their problem has been injuries. They traded away Victor Oladipo, a good starter, for Caris LeVert, who is yet to play due to a mass found in his kidney. TJ "MJ" Warren, one of the darlings of the bubble, is dealing with a foot injury and has barely played this season. Jeremy Lamb also missed part of the season with injury. Even Myles Turner dealt with (and may still be dealing with) a hand injury. If this team can get somewhat healthy, the Pacers will make things difficult on whoever they face in the first round.
Chicago Bulls: How good is our core?
The Chicago Bulls don't completely suck this year. Shocking, I know. They're 16-18 and are 9th in the East. Led by first time all-star Zach LaVine, the young Bulls are playing well. They've won 6 of their last 9 and have a nice young core. The question is, who is going to be in that young core going forward? The Bulls have to make a decision on Lauri Markkanen, a talented forward who is often injured. Do they pay him or let him walk? My guess is that he won't be playing for Chicago next season due to the rise of rookie Patrick Williams. Coby White and Wendell Carter Jr are improving, but not to the level some thought they would. They are both very young and have plenty of time, and the new coaching staff led by Billy Donovan should definitely help their development more than Jim Boylen. Expect the Bulls to hang around the 10 seed area and maybe be in the play-in tournament. They have the talent, it's about the experience for now.
Milwaukee Bucks: Can we do it in the playoffs?
As always, the Bucks are near the top of the Eastern Conference. Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up MVP-type numbers, but he's not getting nearly the buzz he has gotten in previous years. Why? Because everyone is tired of him and his team not stepping up in the playoffs. We know this team can win a lot of regular season games. Can they win in the playoffs is the question. Newly acquired guard Jrue Holiday should certainly help in that regard. Ultimately, nobody will bat an eye at anything the Bucks do until they show us something in the playoffs. If they don't make it far enough, it doesn't look like Coach Mike Budenholzer will be there much longer.
That's it for my Central Division Questions. Be sure to stay on the lookout for more articles to come, and have a good time watching the best the NBA has to offer in the Slam Dunk Contest tomorrow!
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