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NBA Season Preview Panel: Central Division Voting

By Michael Dunlap

Sep 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0), forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyrie Irving (2) pose for a photo during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to the official HoopsHabit NBA season preview panel, where 32 of our writers got together to put their proverbial pens to paper, voting on the winners in each division, the conference winners, the NBA champs and each of the six major individual awards. We’ll be rolling out a new column each day throughout October to show the results of our voting and how we see the 2014-15 NBA season shaking out.

Today’s column focuses on the Central Division. One thing is for sure — we won’t see a repeat of last season. The Indiana Pacers won the division but lost Lance Stephenson to free agency and Paul George to injury. The Chicago Bulls are getting their former MVP in Derrick Rose back (along with one of the best passing bigs in Pau Gasol) and will definitely be in the discussion. Did you hear anything about the Cleveland Cavaliers offseason? They got some guy named LeBron James and another named Kevin Love. I hear they’re good.

The Detroit Pistons brought in Stan Van Gundy to help eliminate the shits and giggles that have plagued the franchise for the better part of the last decade, but they’ve still got not-so-great shot selection with Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith. At least Andre Drummond will be fun to watch. Lastly, the Milwaukee Bucks drafted Jabari Parker and will be a League Pass favorite, but I don’t see them winning a whole lot of games any time soon. Let’s hope Giannis Antetokounmpo blossoms sooner rather than later.

Our official winner, based on 32 votes:

24. 156. Final. 8. 24

Here’s what Cody Daniel had to say about why the Cavaliers will take the crown:

"The Cavs will finish the season atop the Central division due to a mixture of a superstar littered roster and lack out true division competition, outside of the Bulls of course. Kyrie Irving looks to have taken the next step into stardom during the Fiba World Cup and LeBron James is still the best player in the world seeking his third ring. It’s simply a mix of talent, upside and leadership that is unparalleled in the Central division."

Marcus Bass disagrees and believes the Bulls will win. Here’s why:

"The Chicago Bulls increased their depth, talent pool and versatility in one summer. If we’re talking about which NBA team improved the most collectively, it’s Chicago. Adding Pau Gasol while keeping Taj Gibson in the second unit is a huge benefit. Acquiring rookies Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott is a great look for the Bulls as well, being that both players are extremely skilled and from what most can see are NBA ready. The fact that I haven’t even mentioned a healthy Derrick Rose yet, shows how deep and talented the Bulls are, and with Aaron Brooks backing him up there will be no dip in tempo which will be a nuisance for the opposition. With the amount of attention Gasol, Rose and Noah will receive it will allow for other guys to get off. Last and most important, Chicago was top dog on defense last season, and they haven’t lost any of the role players that pushed them to elite status on d. They’ll be able to defend and score with the best in the East. They’re my pick for not only the Central division but the Eastern Conference."

Who do you think is going to win the division? Let your voice be heard!