NBA.com ranks East after busy offseason; Knicks, Sixers, Cavs lead the way

The Eastern Conference may be deeper than it has been in years.

That’s the opinion of NBA.com’s John Schuhmann, who released his updated Eastern Conference offseason power rankings after a summer that featured LeBron James joining the 76ers, Giannis Antetokounmpo heading to the Heat and plenty of movement throughout the conference.

Here’s how Schuhmann sees the East entering August:

1. Knicks
The defending NBA champions remain the team to beat after adding Andre Drummond to an already proven core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. The biggest question is whether New York can come close to matching last season’s historically dominant playoff run.

2. 76ers
Adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown vaulted Philadelphia near the top of the conference. Schuhmann believes the talent is obvious, but wonders if the offense will feature enough ball movement and whether Joel Embiid can anchor the defense.

3. Cavaliers
Cleveland slipped one spot despite bringing back much of last year’s Eastern Conference finalist roster. Schuhmann points to continuity as a possible strength, while suggesting the Cavs must avoid the slow starts that plagued them throughout last season and the playoffs. Mario Hezonja is listed as the club’s key addition, with James Harden remaining the notable unsigned free agent.

4. Raptors
Toronto’s projected trade for Kawhi Leonard has the Raptors climbing near the top of the East, assuming the deal eventually becomes official. Health and rebounding remain the biggest concerns.

5. Pistons
Detroit won 60 games a year ago and added John Collins and Isaiah Joe. The biggest question, according to Schuhmann, is whether Cade Cunningham receives enough help offensively.

6. Celtics
Boston lost Jaylen Brown but added Paul George and Mitchell Robinson. The Celtics remain talented, though Schuhmann wonders if Derrick White can bounce back offensively.

7. Pacers
After a gap year, Indiana expects Tyrese Haliburton back healthy. Schuhmann believes adding Ivica Zubac could stabilize a defense that has struggled for several seasons.

8. Heat
Giannis Antetokounmpo transforms Miami’s frontcourt alongside Bam Adebayo, though Schuhmann questions whether the Heat have enough depth and shooting in the backcourt.

9. Hawks
Atlanta remains intriguing after adding Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and rookie Kingston Flemings. Much of the ceiling still depends on the continued development of Jalen Johnson.

10. Magic
Orlando is largely running it back under new coach Sean Sweeney. Improving the defense and finally solving the team’s long-standing shooting issues remain priorities.

11. Hornets
Charlotte underwent major changes after moving LaMelo Ball but still projects as competitive thanks to additions such as Naz Reid, Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale.

12. Wizards
The additions of Anthony Davis, Trae Young and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa make Washington one of the conference’s biggest wild cards.

13. Bulls
Chicago enters a new era under coach Tiago Splitter after adding Nic Claxton and Norman Powell. Depth remains the biggest concern.

14. Nets
Brooklyn added Julius Randle, Mo Wagner and rookie Mikel Brown Jr., but the focus remains on long-term development more than immediate wins.

15. Bucks
Milwaukee begins life after Giannis Antetokounmpo at the bottom of the conference rankings. While the roster features several promising young players, Schuhmann expects growing pains as the franchise begins its rebuild.