NBA BUZZ Bobby Motus The deep East

CEBU, Philippines — Traditionally, it is the Western Conference teams that dominate their Eastern counterparts, but recent developments have changed the scenario that it is no longer a weak conference. Yes, the WC is still formidable but of late, they’re top-heavy, six teams at most with play-off lineup talent. The balance of power had shifted.

The East is stacked with at least 10 teams, injury to key players forbid, ready for the post season with their current roster. Defending champions New York Knicks returns with every major contributor sans Mitchell Robinson. Philadelphia is NYK’s biggest threat and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse has perhaps the league’s most potent starting five. Cohesion and health issues will be Philly’s main concern.

Jalen Duren finally settled his issue with Detroit by agreeing to a 5-year, $200m extension, saying he “wants to be a Detroit Piston for life.” With Duren back, Detroit maintains their big 3 with Cade Cunnigham and Ausar Thompson, both also locked long term. John Collins provides added frontline punch.

Boston will have a healthy Jayson Tatum back but personally, having with them an injury magnet Paul George could be a minus. A plus is that Coach Joe Mazzula has that habit of getting the most from unexpected contributors. Cleveland hopes James Harden and Donovan Mitchell develop cohesion and bring them back to the EC Finals. Peyton Watson adds another defensive presence with two of the league’s elite defenders, Jarret Allen and Evan Mobley.    

The EC’s next five teams can’t be taken for granted.   Atlanta added Lou Dort and together with Dyson Daniels will make games miserable for opponents with their toughness.  Miami has Giannis Antetokounmpo and Toronto had closed the deal with Kawhi Leonard and both teams aim to figure prominently in the post season.   

Indiana should make a splash with the return of Tyrese Haliburton and the addition of Ivica Zubac and Kelly Oubre, Jr. Don’t count out Orlando with their three main guys Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. They have defensive guard Jalen Suggs and the much-improved Anthony Black. Nikola Vucevic is on his second tour of duty with the Magic and he’ll be a productive back-up to starting center Wendell Carter, Jr.

A surprise Play-in tournament entry could be Washington with the veteran duo of Anthony Davis and Trae Young mentoring 2026 top pick AJ Dybantsa.   By adding DeAndre Ayton, they improved their frontline of Alex Sarr, Kyshawn Georg, Bilal Coulibaly and rookie center Felix Okpara. 

There is optimism from New York’s other team. With a new motto “Shock the World”, Brooklyn aim to improve from their 20 wins last season with the acquisition of Julius Randle and draft pick Mikel Brown, Jr.