Here is the outlook for the teams in the NBA Central Division.

CENTRAL DIVISION

1. CLEVELAND
Key additions: C Shaquille O’Neal (trade, Suns); SF Jamario Moon (free agent, Heat); SG Anthony Parker (free agent, Raptors).
Key subtractions: PF Ben Wallace (trade, Pistons); SG Sasha Pavlovic (trade, Timberwolves); C Joe Smith (free agent, Hawks).
Outlook: LeBron James and Co. were good enough to post the best record in the league last season, but not good enough to cash in with a trip to the Finals. With Shaq on board, it’s championship or bust for the Cavs.

2. CHICAGO
Key additions: F Taj Gibson (draft); F James Johnson (draft) PG Jannero Pargo (free agent, Russia).
Key subtractions: SG Ben Gordon (free agent, Pistons); PF Tim Thomas (trade, Mavericks).
Outlook: Few teams lose its leading scorer and see it as a blessing. Ben Gordon’s departure clears up the rotation for Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons, and Luol Deng’s return is a bonus. Oh yeah, then there’s Derrick Rose.

3. DETROIT
Key additions: SG Ben Gordon (free agent, Bulls); PF Charlie Villanueva (free agent, Bucks).
Key subtractions: C Rasheed Wallace (free agent, Celtics); G Allen Iverson (free agent, Grizzlies).
Outlook: Joe Dumars followed through on his threat to shake up the roster after the team disintegrated last season. Gordon and Villanueva step right into roles vacated by Wallace and Iverson. But are the Pistons any better?

4. INDIANA
Key additions: PF Tyler Hansbrough (draft); SG Dahntay Jones (free agent, Nuggets); Earl Watson (free agent, Thunder)
Key subtractions: SG Marquis Daniels (free agent, Celtics); PG Jarrett Jack (free agent, Raptors)
Outlook: A busy offseason for Larry Bird was highlighted by officially ridding the roster of Jamaal Tinsley. The Pacers continue to build but remain about a year away from establishing any sort of playoff foundation.

5. MILWAUKEE
Key additions: G Brandon Jennings (draft); PF Hakim Warrick (free agent, Grizzlies)
Key subtractions: PG Ramon Sessions (free agent, Timberwolves); SF Richard Jefferson (trade, Spurs); PF Charlie Villanueva (free agent, Pistons).
Outlook: Look for Michael Redd to be traded to complete the total dismantling of a drastically underachieving and injury-plagued 2008-09 bunch. The Bucks are on a non-stop trip to Secaucus, N.J., for the draft lottery.