Central Division Preview

The Central Division of the NSL has remained one of the most competitive divisions in the league. Boasting last years Championship team the Milwaukee Bucks, 2 time NSL Finalist the Detroit Pistons, 1 time NSL finalist the Chicago Bulls, the Cleveland Cavaliers who have made 4 playoff appearances including a semi-finals appearance and 1 time semi-finalist the up and coming Indiana Pacers.

 

Team to beat:

Last years Champions lead by last seasons MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexanders Milwaukee Bucks. It’s hard to go past the defending champs and reigning MVP. The Bucks are under new management this season though with Ethan coming across from the Wolves and previous championship winning GM Dazman heading to the West. There have been some real changes to this roster compared to the one who won the league, but you have to give PG13 and SGA the benefit of the doubt they can do it again.

 

The teams:

 

Milwaukee Bucks 64-18 (23/24)

As already mentioned, the Milwaukee Bucks are the reigning Champions and still lead by the reigning MVP Shai, I think they’re in a tougher spot this year than last year as SGA doesn’t seem to be as far above the rest of the stars as he was in 2ks previous iteration. With a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Andrew Wiggins, Buddy Hield, Paul George, Evan Mobley, Daniel Gafford and some end of bench rotation type guys they seemed to have moved away from that elite defensive mould in hopes of gaining more from their offense.

Star Player: Shai Gilgous-Alexander

 

 

Cleveland Cavaliers 46-36 (23/24)

In typical Shams fashion the roster has been completely turned over and through a big FA Day win have created a fresh new look, they’re bigger, meaner, more defensive and look to be a team that is built to attack the basket and frustrate other teams with their length on defense. With a core of DeAaron Fox, Scottie Barnes, Bennedict Mathurin, Anfernee Simons, Andre Drummond, Onyeka Okongwu and DeAndre Hunter. They’re one of the deepest teams in the league.

Star Player: DeAaron Fox

 

Detroit Pistons 19-63 (23/24)

Detroit always one of the perennial NSL teams had what you could call an off year last season taking a break from the grind. This year they look to flip the switch again after making a big all-in move trading for Jalen Brunson. Detroit looks to have built a PNR team once again and have the length to be league average on D. They boast lengthy skilled wings and hold a defensive monster at the PF spot in Ausur Thompson. Detroits core of Jalen Brunson, Ausur Thompson, Brandon Miller, Caris LeVert, Dennis Schroder, Tre Jones and Ivica Zubac.

Star Player: Jalen Brunson

 

Chicago Bulls: 28-54 (23/24)

Chicago were once one of the most feared teams in the East, since took on a re-tool around younger stars one of which spent all last season injured effecting the teams record. This year have made a calculated move to bring in a win now piece in Pascal Siakam. Chicago is built to be a team that offers a lot of versatility and playmaking, they can beat you in the post or from deep. Chicago’s core, LaMelo Ball, Jalen Suggs, GG Jackson, Pascal Siakam, Nicolas Claxton, recent 1^st round pick Matas Buzelis and Colin Sexton. They’re not the deepest team but when healthy their overall starting talent are a top Eastern conference team.

Star Player: LaMelo Ball

 

 

 

 

  

Indiana Pacers: 45-37 (23/24)

Indiana have been starved of success in their NSL history, having only made the playoffs once. This all changed last season, well it was supposed to with Indiana landing the winning lottery ball and selecting Victor Wembanyama. Unfortunately hit a wall to finish the season dropping from certain playoff appearance to the play in. Their GM has committed a complete roster overhaul to bring in a more defensive edge to compliment their foundational piece. Indianas core, Victor Wembanyama, Mikal Bridges, Harrison Barnes, Norman Powell, Al Horford, Brook Lopez, Terry Rozier, recent #2 pick Zacharie Risacher. Any team holding the card of a Victor Wembanyama is guaranteed some level of success and expect the Pacers to be holding a playoff spot end of year.

Star Player: Victor Wembanyama

 

Best player at each position:

 

Point Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he’s a nightmare matchup for any guard or wing it doesn’t matter who you call to cover him he’s going to get his points no matter what. Add to that he’s an elite level 2k defender so can cover the oppositions best player or handle the point of attack.

Shooting Guard: Jalen Suggs, much like the best PG of this division Suggs is big, can score at 3 levels and has elite defense. Not as great of a scorer as some at this position in the Central Division but his 2-way play tops any other team.

Small Forward: Paul George, was once a team’s 1^st option kind of guy but recently has become a highly efficient 2^nd or 3^rd option that can cover the oppositions best player at a really high level and score at all 3 levels.

Power Forward: Pascal Siakam, hasn’t always been the best 2k player compared to his ability in the NBA being an All-NBA forward. However, this season with the modern engine he looks to be more like himself a versatile wing that can score on all 3 levels, rebound, playmake, defend the post.

Centre: Victor Wembanyama couldn’t have been anyone else the 7’3 elite shot blocking, 3 level scoring wing in a big mans body. Will likely rule this position in the Central for his entire NSL career.

 

Season Predictions: It’s hard to come up with a win/loss total for this division but I do think they are all going to be in the playoff / play in picture.

Milwaukee Bucks 55+ wins

Cleveland Cavaliers 50+ wins

Indiana Pacers 45+ wins

Chicago Bulls 45+ wins

Detroit Pistons 45+ wins