NBA Offseason Transactions - Eastern Conference Powers

This offseason has been very intriguing for me to say the least. After Cleveland's acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal, it seems that the top powers in the Eastern Conference have been stockpiling in order to keep pace with the improving Cavaliers and the champion Lakers. I will review the top teams in the Eastern Conference and how their offseason movement (or lack thereof) will affect them in the upcoming regular season and playoffs.

The Orlando Magic

Coming off an unexpected trip to the NBA Finals, the Magic had to deal with their clutch go-to guy Hedo Turkoglu becoming an unrestricted free agent. They were aware that Turk would test the free agent waters and it was a possibility that he wouldn't return. Before he departed for Toronto, they went out and made a big-time trade for perennial all-star Vince Carter and the developing Ryan Anderson. They also matched the Mavericks offer sheet for Marcin Gortat to retain Superman's backup who gave the Magic quality playoff minutes. The addition of Brandon Bass should bolster the already impressive frontcourt.

The Boston Celtics

Kevin Garnett's injury just might have cost the Celtics the chance of repeating as NBA Champs. The Celtics, however, are putting last season's woes behind them with quality offseason additions. Rasheed Wallace was the move that will likely once again make them the team to beat in the East. With 'Sheed inserted into the lineup for Kendrick Perkins, KG returning healthy and the emergence of Rajon Rondo , their starting five is arguably the best in the league. They also added a versatile wing in Marquis Daniels which should give them more depth off the bench.

The Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers' organization is desperately trying to prove that they are willing to spend the money to surround Lebron with talent and keep him in Ohio. The blockbuster deal for Shaq gives them a presence and physicality that they didn't have before. They addressed the glaring weakness of perimeter defense with the addition of athletic wings Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon who will be more adept to defending bigger guards than Delonte West.

The Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks made a move for combo guard Jamal Crawford which will undoubtedly improve their lineup. But, in comparison to what other teams in the conference have done, it is not enough to contend for conference supremacy. They will likely be a top four team in the conference though.

The Cavaliers, Celtics and Magic will likely have fifty-plus win seasons and earn the top three seeds in the conference. My prediction will be for another entertaining year of basketball and even more intriguing playoffs than last year. The loss of Turkoglu will hurt the Magic more than expected and the Cavs and Celts will battle it out to see who will represent the East in next year's finals.