NBA

Handicapping the East: Don’t crown LeBron’s Cavs just yet

There are more moves to be made, moves that will change landscapes like a fleet of excavators, backhoes and multi-ton graders. Or in the case of the NBA East, like a decision by one particular player to go back home to Ohio.

Though the Eastern topography can — and will — change in the upcoming days, weeks and months, a quick survey of scouts, coaches and team executives came up with some intriguing viewpoints.

Like, don’t crown the Cavaliers just yet, despite LeBron’s James’ presence. Don’t discount the Pacers. And do not forget the Bulls, especially with Pau Gasol now in the fold.

One opposing Eastern executive even liked the Raptors to come out of the East in 2014-15.

“Ask me in August or September, but I would say Toronto,” the exec said.

And one veteran Eastern scout backed him.

“I like the Raptors,” the scout said. “No one talks about them, but they have a great one-two punch [Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan], and with [Jonas] Valanciunas, they have size. He’s keeps developing, they’re legit.”

The Pacers drew the most votes — until the Gasol factor changed the landscape. Early Saturday, many said Indiana, with the proviso, usually something along the lines of “Unless Gasol officially goes to Chicago …”

Then he did.

Still, some stuck with Indiana. One head coach said “the Pacers” but threw a couple big “ifs” into the equation.

“If they land a starting point guard and re-sign Lance [Stephenson],” the coach said.

Another Eastern scout also picked the Pacers.

“I just think they have the depth and the best overall team,” the scout said. “They defend. They’re better if Lance comes back but any way, I just think they are the most complete team.”

That scout, while acknowledging — and praising and sounding awe-struck about James’ greatness — discounted the Cavaliers as the East’s best.

“What was Vegas thinking?” he said referring to odds makers installing the Cleveland as favorites. “They have the greatest player on Earth but don’t go overboard because they have the MVP of a pickup game. Kyrie Irving is very good, but he’s not Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook yet.”

Cleveland, with All-Star Game MVP Irving, got some support.

“LeBron makes that big of a difference,” one former coach said. “And this team is better than the one he took to the Finals.”

One assistant coach said flatly, “The Cavs. I’d like to go with someone else, and I won’t forget Indiana or Miami, but I just think LeBron’s going to elevate that entire team.”

Being in the East was the reason one executive on an opposing team gave the edge to Chicago. Another simply said talent.

“They got Gasol and that’s the difference,” one executive said. “Cleveland is awfully young, and I just don’t think they have enough shooters. Gasol’s offense, [Joakim] Noah’s defense, a healthy Derrick Rose, throw in a Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler? That is a good team.”

A different executive from the East picked Chicago and after that insisted it was a crapshoot.

“Take Chicago with Gasol aside then put seven, eight, nine teams in a bag and shake them up. Cleveland will be a playoff team this year so somebody falls out. Is it Charlotte? Atlanta? You don’t know.

“Miami will be in the playoffs, maybe not a No. 1 seed but Pat Riley will field a competitive team out there. I like Toronto but I don’t know if that can make that next jump. Brooklyn, it’s not given they’ll be better. They may take a step back. Jason Kidd played small, Lionel [Hollins] likes to pound it inside.

“I’d go with the Bulls. Derrick Rose will be rusty at first. The draft pick [Doug] McDermott will help. They will defend and you know Gasol will make them better.”