1. Milwaukee Bucks

Being beaten by the eventual NBA champions shouldn’t deter them from making another run this year.

2. Indiana Pacers

They have an interesting core to build from and if Victor Oladipo is healthy they could surprise some in the playoffs.

3. Detroit Pistons

Their strength is in the front-court, but is Derrick Rose the answer for the backcourt?

4. Chicago Bulls

They’ve built a nice roster, but they need to find an identity if they want to be serious contenders.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

John Beilein left the comforts of Michigan to see how he can use his talents to rebuild the Cavaliers.

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Key Position: Guards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: C Robin Lopez (Chicago), G Wesley Matthews (Indiana), G Kyle Korver (Utah)

Starting Lineup: G George Hill, G Eric Bledsoe, F Khris Middleton, F Giannis Antetokounmpo, C Brook Lopez

Head Coach: Nate McMillan

Key Position: Guards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: F T.J. Warren (Phoenix), G T.J. McConnell (Philadelphia), G Jeremy Lamb (Charlotte), G Justin Holiday (Memphis), G Malcolm Brogdon (Milwaukee)

Starting Lineup: G Malcolm Brogdon, G Victor Oladipo, F T.J. Warren, F Domantas Sabonis, C Myles Turner

Head Coach: Dwane Casey

Key Position: Forwards

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: F Markieff Morris (Oklahoma City), G Derrick Rose (Minnesota), G Tony Snell (Milwaukee)

Starting Lineup: G Derrick Rose, G Reggie Jackson, F Tony Snell, F Blake Griffin, C Andre Drummond

Head Coach: Jim Boylen

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: G Coby White

Key Acquisitions: F Thaddeus Young (Indiana), G Tomas Satoransky (Washington)

Starting Lineup: G Tomas Satoransky, G Zach LaVine, F Otto Porter Jr., F Lauri Markkanen, C Wendell Carter Jr.

Head Coach: John Beilein (University of Michigan)

Key Position: Everything

Key Rookies: G Darius Garland

Key Acquisitions: None

Starting Lineup: G Collin Sexton, G Brandon Knight, F Cedi Osman, F Kevin Love, C Tristan Thompson