Monday Listed, Five Eastern Teams Who Will Benefit From Their Off-Season: Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, & Boston Celtics

The summer heat is gone and the autumn leaves have arrived. This means one thing: training camp is here and another NBA season is about to tip off. This year, hoop fans can look forward to some parity between conferences because the east made serious moves this off-season.

In this edition of Monday Listed, HoopsVibe the Blog looks at five Eastern Conference teams who improved this summer. This isn’t a ranking of the east’s best teams; we’re only looking at who added the most outside talent.

One quick note: Orlando was not included because they overpaid for Rashard Lewis. So consider this point and get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

#5) Milwaukee Bucks.

Notable players Added: Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

Why This Helps: Since getting drafted, Yi has taken some criticism. But the Chinese prospect and Simmons gives Milwaukee an extremely deep front-court. Look for the Bucks to get back in the playoffs.

#4) Toronto Raptors.

Notable Players Added: Carlos Delfino and Jason Kapono.

Why This Helps: Kapono is a straight gunner, a three-point specialist capable of spreading the floor for Chris Bosh. Delfino is a versatile player, who will see time at guard and small-forward. The Raptors, with thirteen legitimate NBA players, could be the league’s deepest teams.

#3) Detroit Pistons.

Notable Players Added: Arron Afflalo, Jarvis Hayes, Amir Johnson, & Rodney Stuckey.

Why This Helps: For the last couple of seasons, Detroit hasn’t had much of a bench. This is no longer the situation. The two rookies, Afflalo and Stuckey, will provide energy and size at the guard spots. Hayes should have a decent season, while Johnson, the former NBDL superstar, is poised for an NBA breakthrough.

#2) New York Knicks.

Notable Players Added: Zach Randolph.

Why This Helps: Randolph averaged 23 and 11 last year at the four-spot. Z-Bo, if focused, can add something special to the Knicks and push them back into the playoff picture. The only concern, of course, is whether Randolph can actually stay focused.

#1) Boston Celtics.

Notable Players Added: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Eddie House, and James Posey.

Why This Helps: In one summer, the Celts have gone from the lottery to prime-time. The newly acquired Allen and Garnett will combine with Paul Pierce to form one of the NBA’s fiercest trios. And there’s plenty leftover to form a decent bench. 

What Eastern Conference team improved the most this summer? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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