Chicago will love Joakim Noah. He’ll be a modern day Brad Sellers. Or something.

So how’s this for an idea: two summer installments of the NBA playoff picture, one post-draft, and one post-free agency. Seems fun and easy and it may spur discussion on a Friday when it seems like everyone is beach-bound. We’ll tackle the East today, and head West Monday.

EAST
Definitely in the playoff mix:
Chicago Bulls – Eventually, someone, somehow will produce points in the paint
New Jersey Nets – Even without VC, we keep them here and yes, it’s mostly because of Sean Williams
LeBron Cavaliers – LeBron goes down and they’re a 20-win team
Detroit Pistons – Billups stays and they stay; Billups leaves and they’re on the playoff bubble
Miami Heat – Wade will need help sooner than later … and Daequan Cook is not the answer
Toronto Raptors – Eastern Conference champs has a nice ring to it …
Washington Wizards – Phoenix East? Minus a warm body inside, of course

Should contend for a playoff spot:
New York Knicks – assuming Zach Randolph’s babysitter does his job
Orlando Magic – Really need a free agent splash, because the draft was blah
Boston Old Men – The window will be ajar for two more years with Allen gunnin’

30-35 wins and a cloud of dust:
Atlanta Hawks – Give the young kids a year or two
Milwaukee Bucks – It’s not about Yi, it’s about Mo Williams … and even then, they’re only contenders
Charlotte Bobcats – J-Rich gives them offense, but Morrison is who worries us
Indiana Pacers – Regardless of what deals are made, these guys stink
Philadelphia 76ers – Totally would have been a contender if not for a putrid, horrible, draft