NBA: 2 sentence summaries for each East team’s season thus far
By Weston Titus
Central Division
Chicago Bulls (19-24, 11th in East)
Chicago has had a rollercoaster of a season, but morale still seems to be at a low as they claw after the last play-in spot, and trade rumors continue to swirl. Just two years removed from buying into this roster, they could be forced to give up on it again if affairs don’t improve, or be stuck in NBA purgatory.
Cleveland Cavaliers (27-16, 4th in East)
Cleveland is feeling great about their win-now move, and their new star Donovan Mitchell has led them to a top-four spot in the East. Questions still remain about their small forward position, and the looming trade deadline could find answers.
Detroit Pistons (12-34, 14th in East)
While they didn’t expect to compete, losing 2021 first-overall pick Cade Cunningham hurt any chances of winning meaningful basketball games. However, their fantastic 2022 draft that netted them Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, along with their leading draft lottery odds in 2023, should have Pistons’ fans excited for the future
Indiana Pacers (23-20, 7th in East)
Star third-year guard Tyrese Haliburton, the jewel of their Sabonis trade just 11 months ago, has led Indiana far beyond expectations as they continue to sustain success. While they might have expected to have a shot at the top prospects of the 2023 draft, fans ought to be excited about the team’s future as their young roster should continue to improve and grow together as they win.
Milwaukee Bucks (27-15, 3rd in East)
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. have cooled off from a red-hot start as they struggle to find health and consistency. While many problems should be mediated by a consistent presence of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holliday, questions still surround their bottom-10 3-point shooting and bench depth.