ESPN poll shows the first echelon of the Cavaliers Knicks next season! Hawks mode followed! Other third

At the start of this year's playoffs, the Boston Celtics were a general favorite to return to the NBA Finals. Then, at the start of Game 7 of the Finals, the Indiana Pacers not only had a chance to win their first title, but they were already considered a league favorite next season after a thrilling game in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Achilles tears suffered by two Olympic gold medalists - Celtics forward Jason Tatum and Pacers guard Terrys Halliburton - have already put the East in total chaos. Or, as one assistant coach said, “This is the worst time ever – again.”

Due to the many uncertainties in the meeting, we conducted an instant poll of eight scouts and executives to see what the situation is.

Next season poll: Who will break out of the East!

Team 1 Second Third Fourth Cavaliers 7 1 0 0

Knicks 1 5 1 1

Hawks 0 1 2 3

Magic 0 1 3 1

76ers 0 0 1 2

Bucks 0 0 1 0

Pistons 0 0 0 1

Obviously, the East is considered to have three levels:

Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks at the top;

Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic are behind

and then other chaotic teams in the league.

Philadelphia gets three votes to remind us that if the Sixers can get their team on the field, they may be the highest ceiling in the Eastern Conference team. However, the chances of reaching the cap are reduced due to Joel Embiid and Paul George's injury history and the overall disaster Philadelphia experienced in the 2024-25 season. Boston, Indiana and Miami Heat have made a total of seven appearances in the last eight league finals, but have not won the top four votes.

"When you've been in this league for a while, you learn one thing, that is how fragile everything is, even those teams with the best players, seemingly invincible," said an Eastern General Manager.