Charlotte Hornets: Eastern Conference power rankings post-free agency

Detroit, Orlando, and Cleveland round out the bottom of the east as they look for their top draft pick to carry them going forward.

The Cleveland Cavaliers keep their place from the end-of-season standings. The Cavaliers have a mixture of veteran talent and youth that would make you think they are building something special. Bringing in Evan Mobley is a big win for the organization but signing Jarrett Allen, who’s a very good player, at the same position to a long-term contract is a head-scratcher. Cleveland also traded for Ricky Rubio when they already have Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in the backcourt. The Cavaliers also still have Kevin Love and Larry Nance Jr. on the roster. Cleveland surely isn’t lacking depth in the front and backcourt but the makeup of the roster is questionable.

The abilities of No. 1 overall draft pick Cade Cunningham will be tested quickly as the Detroit Pistons don’t have a very talented roster surrounding him. However, the Pistons do have Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey who should be able to play good support roles alongside Cunningham. Outside of those three, the roster is filled with bad players and young players who it’s still too early in their careers to tell if they can be contributors or not. This Pistons team is a few years away from being ready to compete but Cunningham should be able to fast-track the process.

The Orlando Magic success hinges on their three young guards, Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, and rookie Jalen Suggs. Suggs in particular will be handed the keys to the franchise in hopes that he can be the point guard of the future. Fultz a former number one pick started to have a resurgence in Orlando but hasn’t been able to stay healthy while Anthony performed well last season as a rookie. The Magic have another rookie in Franz Wagner who could be a nice role player alongside Suggs for the future. Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, Wendell Carter Jr., and Mo Bamba are other names to note on the roster. This is an interesting Magic team but expect them to be sellers as the trade deadline approaches this season.