LeBron Jame's decision to come back home has made the Cleveland Cavaliers relevant again. How much of an impact will The King have with the young Cavaliers remains to be seen but many are expecting great things from the team now that James is part of the roster. In fact, the big boys from Las Vegas are putting Cleveland as the favorites to win the 2015 NBA.
Laker's legend Earvin Magic Johnson, however, would beg to disagree. He Believes that the Chicago Bulls are the best team in the East. Here is what he said in his tweeter account.
With all the moves being made in NBA Free Agency the Top 4 teams in the East are: 1. Bulls 2. Cavs 3. Pacers 4. Wizards.
The Chicago Bulls were reported to be one of the top candidates in Landing LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony this offseason. In the end neither of the two best small forwards, not only in the free agency market but in the entire NBA today, ended with the Bulls. Melo resigned with the New York Knicks with his brand new 5 year max-contract and LeBron opted to cam back home to Cleveland.
The Bulls, however, managed to land a big name in the free agency in Pau Gasol. Gasol is arguably the most skilled big man in the league today and his offensive versatility makes him a huge boost to the Bulls roster who are tough defensively but somewhat mediocre offensively. Magic also believes that Gasol's signing makes the Bulls the top team to beat in the East.
NBA Fans: With the Bulls picking up Pau Gasol & a healthy Derrick Rose they will be much better offensively this season.
Pau Gasol will make the Bulls players better with his scoring and passing ability.
There is no question that Pau Gasol is a perfect fit in the Chicago Bulls. He can stretch the floor with his smooth perimeter shooting, can post-up and score with his back facing the rim, can rebound, and can pass the ball accurately through traffic. Gasol also has high basketball I.Q, is a good locker room presence, and is a champion. Add all these qualities together and you have the perfect Power Forward that you can pair with Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose.
And how will Gasol mesh with Rose? Well, he was able to mesh perfectly with Kobe Bryant and won two championships with him so chemistry should not be an issue with Gasol who knows how to keep his ego in check for the betterment of the team. The big Spaniard might actually end up being Rose most lethal pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop teammate.
The only weakness in Gasol's game is his lack of defense. He is not actually awful in defense but in the NBA where players are so athletic Gasol isn't just quick, strong, and spry enough to stop the likes of Blake Griffin. Heck, Griffin dunked on him twice, putting Gasol in the NBA's highlight reel. But what Gasol lacks in defense the Bulls can more than make up with the like's of tough defensive minded players like Joakim Noah, Jimmy Buttler and Taj Gibson.
Gasol certainly makes the Bulls better but to the point where they are the team to beat in the east, remains to be season as we inch closer to the 2015-2016 NBA season.
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