Ed. Note: A Tribe Called Quest's Phife will be writing a regular, monthly column throughout the NBA season where he'll combine player and coach interviews with discussions with other rappers and analysis of the season's progress. This first installment season Phife predict how the Eastern Conference will shake out. Stay tuned later today for his breakdown of the Western Conference.

Greetings from the World's Greatest 5-footer. I come to you excited and humbled by introducing what I call THE TIP-OFF. My NBA 2013-14 Off-Season Report Card and Predictions.

Some may agree, some may not, I could be on point, or I could be way off (I DOUBT IT). But no matter the outcome of your favorite squad, I'm wishing all my NBA fans, enthusiasts, historians, coaches, trainers, season ticket holders, owners and couch potatoes a wonderful NBA season.

This season looks as if it can possibly be one of the best; just look at what took place at the 2013 NBA draft this past June. No one expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to shake things up by selecting UNLV's Anthony Bennett with the 1st pick, and with that The Draft became a night to remember!

So fasten ya seat belts folks—it's gonna be a wild ride! Stay tuned all season long as I interview your favorite ballers, rhyme slingers etc...and keep an eye out for my new single, "Dear Dilla," coming soon from the LP MUTTYmorPHosis!

Now lets start things off in the Eastern Conference! —Phife

Atlantic Division | Central Division | Southeast Division

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics
The NBA Grind hasn't always been kind to coaches coming in from the college game, unless your name is Larry Brown (1988 NCAA champion Kansas Jayhawks, 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons). The last time Boston tried such a feat was when they hired HALL OF FAME Coach Rick Pitino, who might as well have been the Mayor of Lexington, KY after leading the Wildcats to the NCAA championship in 1996 and finishing with 219 wins.

With that being said, coming to the NBA's most storied franchise ended up being a huge mistake—DIDN'T WORK!!!!!! Fast forward 13 year later, and Danny Ainge rolls the dice and hires former Butler coach Brad Stevens. It'll take a while for the Celtic fans to warm up to this new regime.

Red Auerbach will not be lighting up a cigar any time soon, but look on the bright side: Brad knows his X's and O's and it won't hurt having one of the best point men in the league with Rajon Rondo, forward Jeff Green and the defense of two-guard Avery Bradley nothing to sneeze at.

I love the drafting of Gonzaga standout Kelly Olynyk: offensively his ceiling is high, but Boston's Leprechaun will have a huge fight on his hands in order to lead the C's to the playoffs. Celts will waver between 8th & 10th place in the Conference all season, and 4th or 5th in the Atlantic.
Off-season grade: C-


Brooklyn Nets
I'm not a huge fan of the whole, "Rent 2 Future Hall of Famers For a Season to See What Happens" thing. However, this is a business, and GM Billy King is nobody's rookie when it comes to putting a team together. Add that to the deep pockets of Owner Mikhail Prokhorov and at least on paper, the Nets mean BUSINESS!!!

First Jason Kidd gets hired as head coach, then the blockbuster trade for Jason Terry, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, then the drafting of Duke standout Mason Plumlee! All of that sounds good, but the most underrated transaction of all has to be reeling in forwards Andrei Kirilenko and former Toronto Raptor Alan Anderson. This gives this team a lot of depth, but it won't be enough to dethrone the Miami Heat or Chicago Bulls. The Nets will finish 1st in the Atlantic, and either 3rd or 4th in East.
Off-season grade: B+


New York Knicks
Okay, this is personal for obvious reasons, but understand, before I'm a fan I'm a realist and the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is that Knick Front Office/Ownership, year after year, makes no sense!

Ever since Patrick Ewing was traded to Seattle, New York has not been the same until last season! I can't understand why Carmelo Anthony gets so many darts thrown his way when he and Coach Woodson basically saved the franchise!

Amaré is still hurt and hasn't played well since Carmelo's arrival. J.R. Smith had his best season in the league up until throwing that elbow in the playoffs, Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby barely saw playing time and Raymond Felton and Iman Shumpert were injured as well for a substantial amount of time. Now this season, I look at the Knicks' roster and I'm torn!

Good news: I Love Metta World Peace and what he brings defensively. Bad news: I'm not feeling Andrea Bargnani since he hasn't done a thing in this league since his rookie season. It's bad when your family and friends in Toronto are laughing at you and wishing you good luck with that guy!

One thing I know is that all Knicks fans will have to watch every game with fingers and toes crossed. The Knicks can cause problems barring injury. New York will finish a close second in the Atlantic, and 5th in the Eastern Conference.
Off-season Grade: C-


Philadelphia 76ers
Not sure what's going on in Philly, but ever since that Andrew Bynum debacle things have bottomed out in the City of Brotherly Love.

With Jrue Holiday traded to New Orleans, rookie Micheal Carter-Williams will have to quickly become the coach on the floor and leader of the team. Shooting guard Evan Turner has to average more than just 13.3 points per game—that's just not going to cut it now that Holiday is in The Big Easy.

Nerlens Noel will miss his debut season, and how much does Jason Richardson have left in the tank? Thaddeus Young is a stud if he gets the ball, but as for Royce White... Aww nevamind!!!! It'll be a loooooooooong season in Philly, period!!!!! Philly will finish last in the Atlantic and possibly the East.
Off-season Grade: F


Toronto Raptors (Starting From The Bottom)
Not sure what to expect from this team, but I will warn most teams, don't sleep! It all starts with the Raptors' front office. Former Denver Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri is no stranger to starting from the bottom; just take a look at where the Nuggets came from and where they are possibly headed. It didn't work out for Bryan Colangelo, so now Ujiri must clean up the mess.

First order of operations would be finding a point guard: Kyle Lowry and newly-acquired D.J. Augustine are serviceable, but for how long? Rudy Gay, DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross have bright futures ahead of them, as does big man Jonas Valanciunas, but until they get that superstar point guard, Coach Dwane Casey will only get them so far. The Raptors will finish 3rd in the Atlantic, and miss the playoffs.
Off-season grade: C-

Central Division | Home | Southeast Division

Central Division

Chicago Bulls
Here we have one of the three teams that have a chance to take down LeBron and the Miami Heat. I didn't like Coach Thibodeau getting rid of Nate Robinson when at times during the regular season and postseason, all 5' 8," 180 pounds of that young man held this team together when Carlos Boozer couldn't throw water in the ocean or when Joakim Noah was hurt or in foul trouble. And what about that 1st round series against Brooklyn when Luol Deng couldn't suit up?

Word has it that Nate was seen as a liability on the defensive side of the ball, and let's face it, most (if not all) basketball purists know Coach Tibbs to be a defensive guru. NO D? YOU DON'T PLAY FOR TIBBS!

Thank God for the return of hometown hero Derrick Rose, but the key to the Bulls success depends on what the 3 Duke Blue Devils bring to the table: Boozer (rebounding/scoring), Deng (scoring/defense) and the newly acquired Mike Dunleavy, Jr.,  who should be able to knock down three's and spread the floor. The Bulls will finish 2nd in the Central, and 3rd or 4th in the East.
Off-season Grade: B-


Cleveland Cavaliers
How lucky can one franchise be?

No franchise has been this lucky since the days of Pat Williams during his tenure with the Orlando Magic (1st overall picks in 1992 and 1993). Everyone thought it was all bad when King James up and moved his talents to South Beach and then threw egg in Dan Gilbert's face by appearing in The NBA Finals 3 seasons in a row, winning the last two.

Didn't Mr.Gilbert claim that Cleveland would win a title before LeBron? LOL!

Still, with all those bumps in the road, the Cavs are blessed. The 1st and 4th overall picks in 2011 (Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson), the 4th pick in 2012 (Dion Waiters) and the 1st overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, UNLV forward Anthony Bennett, which no one saw coming.

Combine all of that along with the Return of coach Mike Brown, veteran guard Jarrett Jack, the always-improving Anderson Varejao and the Cavs can finally participate in the post season. Former All Star center Andrew Bynum means a lot when healthy; if so, this may leave Tyler Zeller as the odd man out. We'll see. The Cavs will finish 3rd in the Central, and 6th in the East.
Off-season grade: C


Detroit Pistons
Joe Dumars and Isaiah Thomas were absolutely one of my favorite backcourts as a teenager. Fast forward to the early 2000s, and I'd be a liar if I didn't admit to feeling the same way about the backcourt of Rip Hamilton & Chauncey Billups, who led the Pistons to their 1st title in 14 years in 2004.

After the 1999 season, Dumars retired as a player and became the President of Basketball Operations, putting a team together that appeared in the Eastern Conference finals every season from 2003-2008.

Those days are long gone.

Seemed like since the championship win in 2004—including the Finals appearance in 2005, the emergence of former Cavalier LeBron James, and the disappointing coaching performance of Flip Saunders—that everything went bad for the Pistons of Auburn Hills. The biggest mistake Dumars made was trading former NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups to his hometown of Denver for a guy named "Bubba Chuck," a.k.a. Allen Iverson.

Fast forward to this season, and guess who's back in town? Mr. Big Shot Billups himself, combined with former Hawk Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, 2nd year big man Andre Drummond and point man Brandon Jennings (coming from Milwaukee in the Brandon Knight trade). The Pistons should be fun to watch under the tutelage of Maurice Cheeks. However, they will finish 4th in the Central, barely sneaking into the post season!
Off-season grade: C+


Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have just as good a chance as the Nets and Bulls to meet the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. I predict a close battle with the Chicago Bulls all season long.

The matchups between the two rivals are why we love this game. Take Indy newcomers Luis Scola, Chris Copeland and C.J. Watson, and that gives the Pacers much better depth than last season along with Lance Stephenson who can start at the two spot if Coach Vogel wants to start Paul George at the three.

Either way, the return of Danny Granger (if healthy) can cause chaos and mayhem for any opponent. The difference between the Pacers and Bulls winning the Central division is West vs Boozer, and the Indy bench vs. the Bulls bench. As of right now, I'm putting $$$ on the Pacers. They'll finish 1st in Central, and 2nd in the East.
Off-season Grade: B+


Milwaukee Bucks
It'll be a long season in Milwaukee as long as their opponents don't take them for granted. This is the type of team that has nothing to lose.

I like the backcourt of Brandon Knight and O.J. Mayo. John Henson and centerpiece Larry Sanders anchor the frontcourt along with Ersan Ilyasova, who I think can be one of the best power forwards shooting-wise. Add veteran forward Caron Butler, who was traded from the Clippers to Phoenix, then Phoenix to his home state of Wisconsin, and the Bucks have a chance to compete. However, it's the bench that I'm not sure has the right horses or enough depth in order to be taken seriously as far as making the playoffs.

ZaZa Pachulia? Nah, I can't!

Keep your eye on 6'4 rookie Nate Wolters, the young man can play. But the Bucks will finish 5th in the Central.
Off season grade: D+

Atlantic Division | Home | Southeast Division

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks
Here, I expect Paul Millsap to be the All-Star-caliber forward I thought I'd see in Salt Lake City. With Millsap at the 4 spot, it enables Al Horford to remain at the center position, despite only standing at 6'9, maybe 6'10! The two hundred and fifty pounds will be what opposing centers will have to worry about.

It seems like the Hawks' frontcourt will be playing small ball, but beware of that steady jump shot from 6'7 veteran/Ashton Kutcher lookalike Kyle Korver, which can cause matchup problems at the small forward and/or shooting guard spots. It'll be interesting to see who solidifies the two-guard spot between John Jenkins and Lou Williams.

Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing the potential of rookie guard Dennis Schroeder. Atlanta will finish 2nd in the Southwest, and possibly can sneak into the playoffs!
Off-season Grade: C-


Charlotte Bobcats
Truth be told,I thought Kansas guard Ben McLemore would end up being drafted by Charlotte. I didn't quite understand them picking Indiana's Cody Zeller, but I'm starting to like Zeller as a power forward at the NBA level, especially after the Bobcats signed veteran big man Al Jefferson.

That move right there alone, points the Cats/Hornets in the right direction.

Not sure if I like Gerald Henderson at the two guard, but hey, he did have a career high by scoring over 15 points per game last season. There's hope, but barely. Charlotte will finish 4th in Southwest.
Off-season Grade: B-


Miami Heat
Who can stop the reigning champs from making a fourth straight appearance in the NBA Finals, and from going for a 3-peat? The Nets? Bulls? Pacers?

No one if Dwyane Wade can stay healthy.

This team lacked in the rebounding department, but whose team defense remains more clutch than the boys from South Beach?

Add in the maturation and dominance of  King James, the clutch gene of Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen) and the discipline of everyone else, and I can't see Miami being stopped in the East.

1st in the Southwest, 1st in the East!
Off-season Grade: C


Orlando Magic
I still think the pinstripes are a huge setback for the Magic. I hate the uniforms!

The bright spots I see here are the defense of Arron Afflalo, the potential of Tobias Harris, consistent double-doubles from Nikola Vučević, and yes, the all-out play of rookie Victor Oladipo.

Simply put, the Magic should just look forward to the Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes. It's rebuilding time in Disney World!

I think they'll finish 5th in the Southeast, and will be headed straight for the draft lottery!
Off-season Grade: D


Washington Wizards
John Wall can't do it alone, Bradley Beal needs to have a breakout season and I'm not sure what to expect from rookie Otto Porter, who seemed to struggle during Summer League. It seemed like the return of John Wall saved the job of head coach Randy Wittman.

Originally I had the Wizards finishing 3rd in the Southeast and missing the playoffs, but just recently the Wizards bettered themselves by trading center Emeka Okafor to Phoenix for Marcin Gortat. In return, the Suns also sent guard Kendall Marshall, veteran Shannon Brown and Malcolm Lee to Washington, who may all get waived before the season starts.

With all these moves being made right before the season starts, Washington had better get off to a fast start or Wittman may be out of work by the All-Star break.

The Wizards have a chance to battle Atlanta in the Southeast for 2nd place, sneak in through the back door of the playoffs or just miss the post season by finishing as the 9th seed in the East. I think it will be the last one.
Off-season Grade: D

Atlantic Division | Home | Central Division

Eastern Conference Playoff Tree
1. Miami Heat
2. Indiana Pacers
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Brooklyn Nets
5. NY Knicks
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Atlanta Hawks
8. Detroit Pistons

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