NBA preview: Eastern Conference power rankings

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2015-16: 57-25, 1st (.695 pct.)

You get what you pay for, and with a $133 million payroll, the Cavs have bought a lot, including the game's greatest player and rising star Kyrie Irving. New coach Tyronn Lue convinced the Cavs to defend – see Kevin Love's crucial NBA Finals' Game 7 stand — and share the ball .

2. Toronto Raptors

2015-16: 56-26, 2nd (.683)

3. Washington Wizards

2015-16: 41-41, 10th (.500)

Coach Scott Brooks proved in Oklahoma City that he can massage egos and manage two young stars. He's been hired by the Wizards to do it again with the gifted but unrealized John Wall-Bradley Beal backcourt. There's lots of young talent here.

4. Boston Celtics

2015-16: 48-34, 5th (.585)

GM Danny Ainge hasn't yet made the blockbuster trade he seeks, but Al Horford's free-agent signing speeds a solid rebuilding process due in good part to Brad Stevens' astute coaching. Still, the Celtics have no superstar in a conference where the top competition might have two of them.

5. Detroit Pistons

2015-16: 44-38, 8th (.537)

6. Indiana Pacers

2015-16: 45-37, 7th (.549)

The Pacers are a sexy pick because they've added Jeff Teague, Al Jefferson and Thaddeus Young to a core that features the great Paul George. But they'll miss the grit George Hill and Ian Mahinmi provided; they'll need Myles Turner to shine on that end.

7. Atlanta Hawks

2015-16: 48-34, 4th (.585)

Horford and Teague are gone and the Hawks brought injury-prone Dwight Howard back home and re-signed underrated Kent Bazemore to a huge contract. Point-guard Dennis Schroder has the keys, and underrated Paul Millsap remains.

8. Charlotte Hornets

2015-16: 48-34, 6th (.585)

9. New York Knicks

2015-16: 32-50, 13th (.390)

In theory, the Knicks are bound to make a leap after last year's lousy season. The additions of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee and new coach Jeff Hornacek alongside Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis should make them an Eastern presence.

10. Orlando Magic

2015-16: 35-47, 11th (.427)

A team that will struggle to score has invested in its frontcourt and defense, starting with Biyombo's signing and hiring of former Indiana coach Frank Vogel. Newly acquired Serge Ibaka will help.

11. Chicago Bulls

2015-16: 42-40, 9th (.512)

12. Miami Heat

2015-16: 48-34, 3rd (.585)

Hello, Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, now that Chris Bosh's career apparently is over and Wade has returned home to Chicago. Erik Spoelstra is an excellent defensive coach, but not even he's good enough for a team that lacks scoring and depth.

13. Milwaukee Bucks

2015-16: 33-49 (12th, .402)

Freakish Greek Giannis Anetokuonmpo is headed toward All-Star status, but his Bucks won't come along with him for the ride, not with valuable Khris Middleton out until probably March because of hamstring surgery.

14. Philadelphia 76ers

2015-16: 10-72, 15th (.122)

15. Brooklyn Nets

2015-16: 21-61, 14th (.256)