Although the below the playoff line East teams are worlds apart from the West lottery squads.
On the converse, the top tier of the East are pound for pound angrier, hungrier and in the last few years, better than the best of the West.
Yesterday, I broke down the West's under the radar heroes, and naturally, today is the East's turn.
These guys may not sell too many jerseys, and their Topps rookie cards may not be too popular (or readily available), but no doubt about it, they will have more of an effect on their respective squads fortunes than you may realize.
Boston Celtics- Leon Powe
Now, everyone saw what Leon Powe is capable of in the NBA Finals.
I am not saying that Leon Powe is going to come in off the bench and score 20 points in every Celtics game this season, but I am saying that with the retirement of P.J. Brown (who has the flattest head I have ever seen) and the departure of James Posey, it seems as if Leon Powe will be the number one offensive option off the bench for Doc Rivers…and I am not confident in his abilities to do that.
New Jersey Nets- Sean Williams
One of the best young power forwards in the league. He is tough, and he wears his socks up to his mid-thigh region…what else could you ask for? Le Freak Elastique, as Coach Lawrence Frank calls him, has keen shot blocking abilities and insane hops. He may be the Nets best young forward since Kenyon Martin…wait…K-Mart was never this promising.
New York Knicks- David Lee
If you ever wondered what current Laker coach Phil Jackson was like in the 1970’s, look no further than David Lee. All he is missing is the mustache. The brillo headed, forward is about as scrappy as it gets and at times is the best player on the floor for the Knicks. With Mike D’Antoni now running the show in New York, look for Lee to really take advantage of his coaches run ‘n’ gun offensive scheme. All he needs now is that dang Phil-esque ‘stache.
Philadelphia 76ers- Louis Williams
Lou is heading for real stardom in this league. He has a unique blend of Iverson flash and Mo Cheeks IQ, which may catapult him into the 76er starting lineup this season. Williams has the ability to create his own shot and could really become the perfect compliment to Elton Brand and the two Andres. Plus, he is one of Philly’s rising radio stars to boot!
Toronto Raptors- Jamario Moon
As a 27-year old rookie last season, Moon showed that his road to the NBA, although unconventional and lengthy (he played for 877 different minor league basketball teams), has seasoned him into a true pro. With leaping ability that measures up to the likes of Orlando’s Dwight Howard and New York’s Nate Robinson, Moon’s second NBA season should do nothing more than build on his first, where he broke into the Raps starting unit and took advantage of finally making it to the Association.
Chicago Bulls- Thabo Sefolosha
The ‘Folosh, as I like to call him, broke ground two seasons ago as the NBA’s first Swiss born player and may prove to be a bigger part of the Bulls plans than anyone ever thought, especially with the uncertain contractual fate of Ben Gordon. With Larry Hughes aging rapidly and Kirk Hinrich too small to play
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