Detroit Pistons: Ranking the NBA’s six divisions. Is Central the best?

Detroit Pistons: Where does the Central Division stand now?

Just like the last two, you could talk me into switching these two in the rankings, as both divisions are very strong at the top and don’t really have a horrible team.

#2: Atlantic Division

• Boston Celtics
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Toronto Raptors
• Brooklyn Nets
• New York Knicks

Phew. This division is stacked, as there are two legit title contenders, and two teams in the Raptors and Nets that could get there if things bounce the right way. Even the Knicks should be improved and fighting for the play-in, so the Atlantic doesn’t have a single team that qualifies as awful.

The only thing stopping this from being the best overall division is the uncertainty around the Nets, their roster and how it will fit together. I also don’t see the Raptor as a real contender, though they should be a strong playoff team.

#1: Pacific Division

• Golden State Warriors
• Phoenix Suns
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Sacramento Kings

The Pacific gets the nod as the best division because it has three legit title contenders, including last year’s champion Golden State Warriors, the team with the best regular-season record (Suns) and one of the frontrunners to win the title next season (Clippers).

Like the Nets, the Lakers are the big wildcard here, as they too have the talent but have to prove it works together and they can all stay on the court. The Kings should be improved and finally compete for a play-in spot next season, so the Pacific doesn’t have a truly bad team either.

If I had to guess, I’d say next year’s champion will emerge from one of these two divisions. But the Central Division got a lot better, and with teams like the Detroit Pistons soon to rise from the cellar, it could easily be the best division in the NBA in a year or two.