NBA Atlantic Division Preview
Boston Celtics Go In As Clear Cut Favorites In This Division
Oct 24, 2009
The Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors will all look to take a step forward this season as they do battle in the Atlantic Division. Here is a preview:
Boston Celtics Season Preview
The Celtics are unquestionably the dominant team in this division. They are just two years removed from winning the NBA championship and they may be a better team now with the addition of Rasheed Wallace to strengthen the frontline. They are an excellent defensive team and they have a multitude of options offensively. Age is a concern, as most of their key players are north of 30, but if Kevin Garnett is recovered from his injury and they can keep Rasheed Wallace in line, they should have one more big run left in them. This team will run away with this division and are on the short list of teams that can win it all this year.
Prediction: First Place
New Jersey Nets Season Preview
This is clearly a rebuilding year for the Nets after trading Vince Carter in the off-season. The Nets, though, have two excellent building blocks in All-Star point guard Devin Harris and emerging center Brook Lopez. Couple that with the fact that they will have the most cap space in the league after this season, and their future looks bright. As for this year, they simply don't have enough around Harris and Lopez to make a playoff push.
Prediction: Fourth Place
New York Knicks Season Preview
Much like the Nets, the Knicks are also looking ahead to the free agent class of 2010. For now, they have an excellent center in David Lee, who is a double-double machine. They also have some good scorers with guys like Al Harrington and Nate Robinson. They will look to get continued improvement from their young players like Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler. Their problem is that they don't play defense and their coach has never preached defense. There figures to be a lot more boos at Madison Square Garden this year.
Prediction: Fifth Place
Philadelphia 76ers Season Preview
The 76ers have been one of the most overachieving teams in the Eastern Conference the last couple years. Unfortunately, one of the biggest reasons for that, Andre Miller, is no longer there. They will have a hard time replacing his production and leadership this year. Another problem they have is that their biggest star, Elton Brand has been very injury prone in recent years. Perhaps a bigger concern is the fact that the team actually played better without him last year as they were more of an up tempo team. The 76ers will take a step back this year and are unlikely to make the playoffs.
Prediction: Third Place
Toronto Raptors Season Preview
The Raptors are coming off a very disappointing season last year. The Chris Bosh/Jermaine O'Neal combo didn't work well early and Bosh would go on to have an injury-plagued season. If he can stay healthy this year in what is a contract year, the team should be much improved. The addition of Hedo Turkoglu will also make this team stronger. Expect the Raptors to barely sneak into the playoffs this year. The big question, though, is can they re-sign Chris Bosh after the season?
Prediction: Second Place
