2022 NBA Central Division peview
As the NBA season gets underway, let’s look at the teams in the Central Division, and see the situations these teams are in:
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls head into the upcoming season with question marks. Point guard Lonzo Ball’s absence negatively affected Chicago last season, as the team limped into the postseason, going 19-25 after their impressive 27-11 start to the season. Guard Alex Caruso and forward Patrick Williams staying healthy is key too, as stars Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan need a supporting cast.
The Bulls didn’t do much to improve this offseason, so the road back into April won’t be as easy, though we don’t know how this team is for a full season with their depth being decimated last season. They were at one point the No. 1 seed in the East.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland heads into the new season with heightened expectations as this up-and-coming team added guard Donovan Mitchell to its impressive nucleus of young talent that includes All-Stars in guard Darius Garland and center Jarrett Allen, along with forward Evan Mobley having a great rookie season.
The question is how to improve their offense, which finished 20th in offensive rating last season. The hope is Mitchell’s playstyle meshes with Garland and improves the offense. Eitherway, the defense, which finished 5th in defensive rating last year, should still be the Cavalier’s calling card, though if the offense can improve, this team can go places.
Detroit Pistons
It sounds crazy to believe, but the Pistons head into this year with excitement they haven’t had in a longtime. The Pistons drafted guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duran this year to add to a group led by guard Cade Cunnigham and forward Saddiq Bey.
Watching Cunningham and Ivey together this year should be fun, along with the return of their ‘90s teal uniforms too. The expectation is to take a step forward this year, though we’ll see if the changes they’ve made lead to that. Is play-in possible? If their young talent progresses, then this team has what it takes, though many teams in the East are more talented on paper then them.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers enter a new territory for themselves: rebuilding. The team shipped off their key players at last season’s deadline to kickstart a new era for Indiana. Getting guard Tyrese Haliburton has been a plus, though the Pacers could deal the likes of guard Buddy Hield and center Myles Turner to get more assets.
A backcourt led by Haliburton and rookie Bennedict Mathurin should be fun to watch though, even if this group struggles to win games. Is head coach Rick Carlise the guy for the rebuild? Time will tell.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks return most of the core that got them their 2021 championship. Though the team around superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting older, this team is experienced, and if healthy, are one of the championship favorites.
We could be talking about back-to-back champions if Khris Middleton were healthy in the playoffs. Besides that, Milwaukee needs guard Jrue Holiday to keep up his stellar defense, especially if center Brook Lopez can’t stay healthy. This team has what it takes, but if they do it remains to be seen.
Adam Funk is a second-year in the Division of Undergraduate Studies. To contact him, email aqf5569@psu.edu.
