NBA Basketball: Eastern Conference's Central Division Season Preview

What Happened Over the Offseason and Central Division Teams Made the Best Improvements for the 2006-2007 Season?

For most of the teams in the NBA's Central Division in the Eastern Conference, their offseasons this summer were very successful. Let's take a look at what teams succeeded in becoming better in preparation of the 2006-2007 season.

5. Detroit Pistons
A few years ago the Pistons had won the championship with some great teamwork. Now, they lost their defensive specialist Ben Wallace. To make things worse, the only player they were able to get to try and replace him was Nazr Mohammed, who was previously with the San Antonio Spurs. After signing Mohammed, the Pistons found out that Bonzi Wells was available for cheap. Of course by that time, Detroit didn't have enough money to get him because they spent it all on Mohammed. It was a very tough offseason for the Pistons and losing their best defensive player will likely hurt them a lot next year.

4. Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee had a very positive summer as they were able to trade Joe Smith for Ruben Patterson. They also gained Charlie Villanueva, which gives Andrew Bogut more play time at the center position. The Bucks lost Jamaal Magloire, but they traded him for two solid role players in Brian Skinner and Steve Blake. With some solid trades this offseason, the Bucks have only gotten better. They're probably still not ready for the East's best, but with some more time they might just get there.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers
Almost any fan of basketball was watching to see what star LeBron James would do this summer regarding his contract. He decided to stay with the Cavaliers and signed a three year contract extension. That's some of the best news you could get coming out of the NBA's offseason, as James was being watched by practically every other team in the league. The Cavs also signed free agents David Wesley and Scot Pollard. The future of the rest of the Cavaliers remains uncertain, however, as Cleveland spent almost all of their money to keep James with them.