Deron Williams validated the Brooklyn Nets’ determination to be contenders with his decision to re-sign. But that’s just the start. With Joe Johnson acquired in a trade, Gerald Wallace re-signed and Mirza Teletovic on the way, the Eastern Conference pecking order next year — aside from Miami being the favorite — is certain to change.
Johnson never made Atlanta into a championship team, but his departure could drop the Hawks out of the postseason. Orlando is an unknown as long as Dwight Howard’s future remains unresolved, and the collateral damage is likely to be significant. If Roy Hibbert leaves Indiana, the Pacers’ precious chemistry could be at risk.
But all the shifting in the East still doesn’t open the door too wide. Boston isn’t ready to drop back into the lottery, and neither is New York despite losing Landry Fields and finding itself in a fight for Jeremy Lin. Chicago and Philadelphia aren’t going anywhere.
So while the Nets have spent their way back into relevance, an end to Washington’s four-year playoff drought seems far from assured.
– Craig Stouffer
