Ranking the top five teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference

The NBA is enjoying a sustained period of parity. Multiple teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are capable of winning the NBA Championship each season. However, the Boston Celtics have emerged as the pacesetters after dominating the regular season and playoffs in 2023-24.

Since the free-agency period opened on Sunday, there has been a flurry of activity as multiple teams try to bridge the gap between themselves and Boston. The Eastern Conference landscape has begun to take shape, with some teams making considerable strides in their development.

Now let's take a step back and reevaluate the top five teams in the East.

1.  Boston Celtics

The Celtics lost 18 games in the regular season and three in the playoffs. They dominated on both sides of the ball, ending the season with the top-ranked offense and second-best defense in the NBA. Brad Stevens has constructed arguably the deepest team in the league. Joe Mazzulla has six players in his rotation who could make a case for an All-Star selection. Jayson Tatum is arguably a top-five player in the NBA.

Boston has spent the opening days of free agency retaining the core of its championship-winning team. Only Oshae Brissett has chosen to explore his options. As such, Boston will enter next season as championship favorites and the team to beat in the East.

2. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have re-signed OG Anunoby. They have acquired Mikal Bridges via trade. Suddenly, Tom Thibodeau's team is deep, talented and defensively focused. Losing Isiah Hartenstein will hurt the Knicks' frontcourt depth, though.

Nevertheless, the Knicks have high-level talent at every position. They play a specific brand of basketball that has proven successful for them. Jalen Brunson continues to improve and will be the team's offensive leader. If New York can stay healthy and Julius Randle brings his A-game, the Knicks will be the biggest threat to Boston in the East.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

Daryl Morey created a new Big Three for the Sixers when Paul George agreed to join the team on Monday. Philadelphia now has Joel Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey leading the way for the franchise. They have moved off of Tobias Harris, who endured a bumpy tenure with the franchise.

There will undoubtedly be injury concerns surrounding the Sixers roster. Both Embiid and George have questionable injury histories. However, if they can stay healthy, Philadelphia will have one of the best starting fives in the NBA and will undoubtedly be a force throughout the season and into the playoffs.

4. Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee sits fourth due to the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. However, its lack of movement in free agency should concern the team's fanbase. Milwaukee's roster is aging, and it didn't look up to standard at points last season. Doc Rivers will have his work cut out if he is expected to turn the current roster into a championship-caliber team.

Still, Antetokounmpo and Lillard are an elite duo. They've got this offseason to iron out the kinks in their partnership and figure out how to thrive together on the court. But Milwaukee must consider changing direction if the fit is still clunky two or three months into the season.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland has secured Donovan Mitchell's long-term future . On Tuesday, he agreed to a three-year $150 million contract extension. Cleveland made the Eastern Conference semifinals last season before Mitchell sat in the series' final two games, and the team was eliminated by Boston. Now that the Cavs have their star guard secured for the long haul, the front office will undoubtedly begin strengthening the rest of the roster.

Nevertheless, there are questions surrounding Darius Garland's future with the franchise. Cleveland must move swiftly to get its roster in order. If that means making a trade, then so be it. Still, the Cavaliers can make some noise next season with Mitchell on the floor.