Why Rank the Bulls at #6?

1. Overall weakness in the Eastern Conference: Only four teams were over .500 last year and the fourth was only 42-40. Fifth ranked New Orleans moved to the Western Conference and expansion Charolett entered the East.
2. Lack of a standout draft pick to move a team upwards: Noone in the 2004 draft will carry their team to a new level like Shaq O'Neal or Dave Robinson did in their rookie year. yes, there will be some rookie surprises but no one will carry their team to the "next level."
3. Off season trades didn't significantly improve any teams with the exception of Miami. Miami was the only team to get significantly better with a trade.
4. Several teams took a step back: Cleveland lost PF C.Boozer without compensation. NJ Nets lost PF K.Martin without compensation. Toronto's Vince Carter is unhappy & wants out and so does NJ's J.Kidd.
   
5. Many teams are hard figure out:
   
1. Philadelphia loses PG Snow and so they move A.Iverson to PG - will A.I. wear out over the season playing PG?
   
2. Washington may have to many shooters and too few defenders: A.Jamison can score but never was a good defender - same for Hughes, Arenas whoa re also former GSWarriors.
   
3. Boston - W.T.F. is Ainge doing with Boston?
   
4. NY is expecting too much out of J.Crawford - He, Marbury and Houston all in the same backcourt and all like to shoot the ball. Expect pouting in NY.
   
5. Milwaukee was unexpectedly competitive last year - can they continue to play great team basketball?
   

Of these teams, Boston and Milwaukee have the best potential to stay as good as they were or get better. Pierce for Boston has Payton to help with scoring and Milwaukee resigned Kukoc and there is no reason Milwaukee's team chemistry should change this year.

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