This upcoming year, it’s tough to imagine a division worse than the Atlantic.
It’s a free for all race on who gets the most ping pong balls for a chance at Harrison Barnes, rather than a race for playoff seeding. Rather disheartening for fans of Atlantic Division teams.
Unless, of course, you prefer to see things my way. Which is, a legit shot at a top 3-5 pick in next summer’s draft and a possible franchise player so that next season preview, we aren’t sitting here wallowing in sorrow about how this division sucks.
There is one team, however, that may make the Atlantic worth watching. That is the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. The lone bright star in sea of mediocrity.
Enough of the negativity though, let’s take a look at what we can expect from these teams.
1. Boston Celtics
Falling just short of the NBA championship last June, the Boston Celtics added some much needed depth to their team in hopes of yet another deep, Finals run. For a team that had problems with rebounding and interior play, a pair of former franchise players, Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal, look to address that issue. While both are removed from their prime, they are still big bodies who can clog up the middle and help anchor Boston’s already potent defense. The Big Shamrock, as Shaq likes to call himself now, is supposed to be motivated for ring number five. Even though he is pushing 100 years old, there’s something about a motivated Shaq that still puts terror into opposing players.
Although Boston lost Tony Allen to free agency, a familiar face was brought in to replace him. Psychologically disturbed Delonte West, who was originally drafted by the Celtics, can defend both guard positions, and isn’t the complete liability offensively that Tony Allen was. Provided that he stops riding around strapped to the teeth, and he doesn’t miss any meetings with his therapist, West should give the Celtics a steady combo guard who can run an offense and provide scoring. The added depth allows Boston to pace the Big 3 during the season for another championship run.
Prediction: 54-26
2. New York Knicks
Desperate to return to their days of glory, the New York Knicks went after every big name free agent they could. They didn’t walk away with what Miami did, but Amar’e Stoudamire isn’t a bad consolation prize. Unfortunately, Stoudemire alone isn’t enough to get the Knicks back into contention. Oh this team will contend for the playoffs alright, but they’ll compete for the right to be first round fodder for Boston, Miami, and Orlando. Perhaps the most intriguing name on the Knicks roster, is former lottery pick Anthony Randolph. Randolph has loads of talent, and is just screaming for a breakout season. Don Nelson did his best to try and destroy this kid’s confidence, but with a fresh new start in The City that Never Sleeps, he should finally realize his full potential.
Prediction: 41-41
3. New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets have long been in the shadow of their big brother to the North, the New York Knicks. Sorry Nets fans, that looks to be the case yet again this season. That’s not say there isn’t some reason for optimism amongst the Net faithful. New owner, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, doesn’t give a damn how much money he spends, provided it can build him a winning team. Although the contract given to Travis Outlaw made us scratch our heads a bit, have no fear Nets fans. Prokhorov seems truly committed to fielding a winner, once the team moves to Brooklyn of course. Rookie Derrick Favors has a wealth of talent, and should form quite a formidable front line with Brook Lopez, for years to come. To ensure that Favors has a smooth transition from college to the NBA, veteran Troy Murphy was brought in to mentor the rookie, and start until Favors is ready to grab the reins. New Head Coach Avery Johnson, is a no nonsense kind of guy who will get the most he can out of this rather young team. Unfortunately, the most he’ll get is another lottery finish.
Prediction: 24-58
4. Toronto Raptors
Lastly, we come to our brothers from the Frozen North, the Toronto Raptors. Losing Chris Bosh was quite a blow that they won’t recover from anytime soon. New “franchise” player Andrea Bargnani, already has that deer in the headlights look. This team is going through an identity crisis right now, but there is reason for some optimism. The Young Gunz trio of Demar Derozan, Sonny Weems, and Amir Johnson, have embraced their teammates, the fans, and the city, and look to provide some highlight reel plays this season. They, along with rookie Ed Davis, will provide Raptor fans with some exciting plays and hope for the future, on the journey to winning the NBA lottery next summer.
Prediction: 20-62
5. Philadelphia 76ers
With visions of Allen Iverson single handedly willing their team to the NBA Finals by the strength of his teeth, still in their heads, Philadelphia 76ers fans long for the days of old. Too bad for them, a return to glory is still far off on the horizon. They do have a young and talented backcourt that should give them something to cheer about this year. Second year guard Jrue Holiday and rookie Evan Turner make up the starting guards for years to come. As many flashes as those two show, it won’t be enough for Philly to make any noise. They’re still feeling the financial headaches from the ridiculous contracts given to Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand. Their lack of ability to score in the half court, already has new Head Coach Doug Collins ripping up his playbook and having to design something completely new. One thing you can count on from this team, is seeing how many times they test Collins’ patience.
Prediction: 18-64
Best of luck to all these teams as they could easily find themselves as the whipping post of the NBA. Not an enviable position for any Division, especially one with such an illustrious past.
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