Atlantic Division Preview
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by Audino237
Though I might be the only one who looks forward to the start of every NBA season (I'm quite certain that I am the only die-hard Raptor fan in, um, the United States), I wanted to make an NBA post, which I haven't done since my mock draft. The Atlantic Division of the eastern Conference figures to be tightly contested and make storylines throughout the year. The Central may have 3 of the best teams in the league (Bulls, Cavs, Pistons), from top to bottom, every Atlantic team has a chance to compete (or so they think) and has made headlines recently. Though I may be biased (ok, I am extremely biased), here are my thoughts on the teams.
New Jersey Nets- The Nets might be the only team in the division that knows what they have. Of course, they have the Not-so-Big 3 of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson. Jason Collins may be the most athletically-challenged human being that has ever lived, but he is a servicable option on a team that is salary-strapped with 3 stars. I am a big fan of foreigners and their style of play, so I am a big Nenad Krstic fan. When healthy, he gives them scoring and rebounding they haven't gotten from the post since K-Mart's early years. Bostjan Nachbar offered fantastic scoring off the bench, and also hustled. Marcus Williams' progress has been faster then expected, and Josh Boone should be a lift off the bench and offer a contrast to Collins. I expect him to be starting after the break. If the 3 starts can stay healthy, or as long as Kidd can, the Nets will be in the running for a playoff spot and possibly home court. They also have the pieces (Williams, Boone, nachbar, additional draft picks from the Martin deal) to pull off a trade for Jermaine O'Neal.
New York Knicks- What team gets more publicity, whether it be positive or negative, then the Knickerbockers? They of course pulled off a blockbuster draft day deal for Zach Randolph. He comes with baggage, something the franchise doesn't exactly need, including "The Hoops Family", his posse of hangers-on that has gotten into legal trouble. They have Eddy Curry, who was drafted 4th in the draft for a reason. Starbury has the electric talent to ignite a team and get the Garden on its feet, it is just a matter of how he wants to play. I expect him to have a good year without Stevie Franchise around. Jamal Crawford is a good combo guard, and Q Richardson plays tough defense from the 3 spot. David Lee and (a healthy) Renaldo Balkman are my kind of players, and the New York fans love their scrappiness. People forget about Randolph Morris, but he was a top 15 talent. There is no reason the Knicks should not finish the season in the playoffs, Lord knows they have the talent and the payroll. However, if they let the Isaiah mess hang over their heads, they will be awful again. I just can't bring myself to say they are stable enough to be contenders.
Boston Celtics- The C's didn't do anything in the offseason, did they? Everyone knows what Danny Ainge did, and i think desparate times call for desparate measures, and he did the right thing. He mortgaged their future 5 years down the road, but that's another discussion. They traded away Jeff Green right after choosing him, Al Jefferson who was their bright young star, and other good young players. That said, Al Jefferson may be an All-Star, but so was Mehmet Okur. He will never be Kevin Garnett. We may never see another KG. He is an absolute beast who will get people out to the games again and is the legit post presence no one in the east can match, except for Dwight Howard in Orlando. Teams will double down on KG, and he can kick it out to Pierce and newcomer Ray Allen, one of the best shooters in the league. Rajon Rondo will be fine as long as he doesn't try to step outside his role, and all Kendrick Perkins must do to fulfill expectations is not shrink. Of course, chemistry will be an issue, as all 3 are career 20 ppg scorers. Pierce is the only one who has had trouble sharing the ball in the past, but he has had to carry the load on poor teams for 4 years now. Fortunately, it appears that he recognizes his role as the team's leader and looks like he has bought into his role as co-second fiddle behind Garnett. Ainge did all he could to strengthen the bench, and he did a decent job. James Posey is a good defenders with outstanding high white socks. Tony Allen and Eddy House can flat-out score. They are thin up front with Scott Pollard and the Cal Bear Leon Powe. Expect home-court advantage after a rocky start.
Philadelphia 76ers- In the first year A.I., After Iverson, the Sixers should begin their ascent back to respectability that they held for many years with the Answer. They played as well as anyone after the deal, and should only get better. Andre Iguodala is the new face of the franchise. He has jaw-dropping athletic ability, but must work on every piece of his game to blossom into a true superstar. Samuel Dalembert is long, that's the only way to describe him. No one will come into the paint with the Haitian Sensation patrolling. Andre Miller is a steadying influence on the team. He has high assist/TO ratio, which is good considering Iguodala's issues hanging onto the ball. Reggie Evans pulls yeoman's duty at the 4 spot, and Kyle Korver can knock it down. I like their draft, adding Thaddeus Young from georgia Tech and sweet-shooting big man Jason Smith from Colorado State. I must admit, Shavlik Randolph is a big stiff who I can't find myself to root for (he's a Dukie), but he is a solid player. The Sixers are a few years from serious contention and may finish in last, but they have a bright future. They could be players in next summer's free agent market, which will be the best ever.
Toronto Raptors- Jason Kidd hailed them as the team to beat in the division. They finished 47-35 last year on their way to their first division crown. Number 1 pick Andrea Bargnani shined during the regular season, displaying a beautiful touch. He must work on his rebounding as he is the starting center, replacing Rasho Nesterovic in the playoffs. Chris Bosh is one of the best players in the NBA and is the premiere talent that could lead them to special things. GM of the year Bryan Colangelo and Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell play a Euro-type of game, pushing the ball to score quick points, and passing the ball around for open shots. Anthony Parker, a 2 time Euroleague MVP, starts at shooting guard and offers versatility. Jason Kapono was signed as a sniper from 3 point land, and he along with Bargnani and Parker gives them 3 of the better shooters from 3 point land in the league. TJ Ford is ideal for pushing the ball, and Jose Calderon is the league's best backup. Jose Garbajosa. a countrymen of Calderon's hailing from Spain, is a tough guy who can play all 3 frontcourt positions. I expect, and pray, that they win a second straight crown and get home court advantage.
My predicted order of finish:
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. New Jersey
4. New York
5. Philadelphia
Anyways, Kyoure far from the only one looking forward to every season, theres millions of us my man, im with ya and have been for over 3 decades now. The celtics are gonna be unbelievable, the raptors will be up towards the top and the nets will too, and who knows with the knicks?
Anyways, KG used to get criticized for not having more kobe in him, and being a team player even when his team stunk, but the thing is that is the RIGHT thing to do, and on his new team (which is the best he has ever been on) with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce him (kg) playing that way will be the BEST THING to do. Theyre gonna be an unbelievable team, theyre basically an elite top 3 western team placed out east in the titanic division. They will completely dominate the east, no one on that side will be even close. I hate Boston, but I am happy for KG and Ray (I've been a Blazer fan for over 3 decades, diehard nba fan, and those are 2 of the West's star players and true superstars that are loyal, unselfish, high character, veteran leaders that play THE RIGHT WAY and are TEAM PLAYERS while still dominant, KG especially is EVERYTHING.) and Im even happy for Paul Pierce (another great superstar player and seems to be great guy and loyal) as well. I'll tell you one thing, in over 30 years of diehard nba fandom i've never rooted for any team but the blazers, and I HATE boston fans, but this team is the near sole reason I purchased LeaguePass for the first time EVER this season. Theyre gonna be a great team, and could win the whole thing not just the east. 60 wins and winning the East is a given in my mind (and if you disagree with them being 50+ wins and elite you are either lying to yourself or completely out of your mind.)