We have been hearing a lot of talks lately regarding the Magic making the playoffs next season with the recent moves to the roster. There have been lots of articles analyzing and breaking down the new look Magic. If we are to talk Playoffs though, we should also look at the rest of the teams particularly the East.

Now that the young core of players are another year older, the team has also added legitimate rim protectors they have been in need of since Dwight Howard left. The bench is also filled with veterans that can contribute immediately to the team. Add Frank Vogel as head coach and things look pretty good.

We have also however seen some big changes in the Eastern Conference. It should be safe to say that the Cavs and the Raptors will remain the top two teams while Boston and Indiana could round up the top 4 spots. The 5th-8th spots are where it would get interesting. Miami is now without Dwayne Wade. Atlanta now has Howard but no longer has Al Horford and Jeff Teague. Charlotte and Detroit re-signed their biggest free agents and are still expected to improve. Then you have Chicago and New York who are now stacked with big names although yes, are at a decline. Milwaukee and Washington have kept their core pretty much intact and were neck and neck with the Magic last season.

The Magic young core would need to make giant strides next season as the Eastern Conference has just become more competitive for those remaining playoff spots.

Can't wait for the start of the season!

Thoughts?