Just a season ago, the NBA's two conferences looked completely lopsided.
The Western Conference had SGA, Wemby, Luka, Jokic, LeBron, Ant, KD and more. How would the East ever compete?
Against all odds, it was a team in the seemingly-inferior Eastern Conference that won it all. The New York Knicks set the trend, and now, their entire conference has gotten much better. At this point, it may even be more talented than the West.
Great. Just as the Atlanta Hawks are beginning their long-awaited ascent, everyone around them, especially those closest to them, have the same goal in mind. It was never going to be an easy climb, but it's now going to be more difficult than ever.
The East keeps improving, even this late into the offseason
Surely, after LeBron James and (likely) Kawhi Leonard decided to switch conferences late in their respective careers, there wouldn't be a whole lot more shake-up. Right?
While certainly not a player on the same caliber as the aforementioned two, Peyton Watson - the 23-year-old forward who recently had a semi-breakout season with the Denver Nuggets - is heading to the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday evening, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Some were rightfully wondering if the Hawks - as currently constructed - would be able to leap the Cavaliers in the standings after a more active offseason.
Of course, they absolutely still could, but with Watson filling a huge positional need, it doesn't look nearly as promising as before.
There are now several giants in the Eastern Conference, while the West appears to be going to one of just two teams: the Thunder or Spurs.
With the Knicks, Celtics, 76ers, Cavaliers, Pacers, Raptors and Hawks all having a legitimate shot to represent the conference in the 2027 NBA Finals, this upcoming season could be nothing short of a dogfight.
Each Hawks and Cavs matchup will be cinema
Two complete lineups; two similar goals.
In four meetings between the two squads last season, each group won two. An even split. That could very likely be the case once more this upcoming year, as on paper, each have gotten better.
Both teams had their weaknesses exposed in the postseason by the same ball club - one who eventually went on to win it all.
It's not just the Hawks and Cavs, either. Every time a competitive Eastern Conference team runs into another, a top-tier matchup is inevitable.
This is going to be a tough conference to win.
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