5 Things I Think I Know About the Atlantic Division
With the vision of the 2009-’10 NBA season becoming more and more clear each day, we’ll take a look at each division and what we think we know about each. Sure, there are a lot of things that could change before opening day, but we have a pretty good idea of how each team will look and where we think they’re headed in the upcoming year.
First up, 5 things I think I know about the Atlantic Division …
5. I think I know that the Knicks will be a better team.
Please note that I said better, not great. I actually believe they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs this season; I truly believe that. Last year, there were so many distractions that took away any legitimate shot of taking the Knicks seriously. However, with a full season under D’Antoni, the Knicks could surprise a lot of people. Again, I don’t think they’ll be fantastic, but I think they are going to compete. Danilo Gallinari is due for a great year, Al Harrington can put up points, and there is no reason to think that David Lee (assuming he’s back) and Wilson Chandler won’t significantly improve. Adding another solid point guard in Ramon Sessions to team with Chris Duhon will make the Knicks a much deeper team that should compete in a fairly weak division.
4. I think I know that 3 of the 5 teams in the division could be near the .500 mark.
Obviously, the Celtics have a chance at winning 60 games with the improvements they’ve made, but I also think that the Knicks and Raptors have a shot at winning 40+ games and making a run at the playoffs. There are so many teams in the East that are inferior or have serious question marks (Bucks, Pacers, Nets, 76ers, Wizards, Bobcats) that the Knicks, Raptors, and Celtics should be better simply by default since they’ve each addressed several weaknesses as a team. There is no question who the superior teams are in the East (Celtics, Cavs, Magic), but there have been a few teams that have made just enough improvements (Knicks, Raptors) that we should see a couple new teams come playoff time.
3. I think I know that I have no idea what to think about the 76ers or the Nets.
Really though, does anyone? I mean, look at each team’s roster and please tell me what kind of team they’ll be. The Nets only won 34 games last season and they’ve lost a player who did a significant amount of their scoring in Vince Carter. Brook Lopez will probably have another solid year, along with Devin Harris, but as for the rest of the team – your guess is as good as mine. Regarding the 76ers, however, they do have great players in Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala but consistency will ultimately be their downfall, as they’ll undoubtedly feel the loss of Andre Miller at the helm. Winning 41 games last year with better players, I’d be surprised if they won more than 32 or 33 games this season.
2. I think I know that Chris Bosh is going to have one hell of a season.
Regardless of your feelings if Toronto is a big or small market franchise, there is no denying Chris Bosh is one hell of a player. Averaging 22 and 10 shooting almost 50% from the floor last season, I’d put Bosh more in the 25 and 10 category this year, as we all know a big contract will be coming for him in 2010. To help Bosh, he now has a legit scoring threat with the addition of Hedo Turkoglu and Andrea Bargnani should be a monster next season. I’d expect Bosh to have a career-year with much more on the line not just personally, but with a city that has loved him for years.
1. I think I know that the Celtics are going to be good. Really good.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Celtics will give the Magic and Cavs a run for their money in 09/10. With a starting five of Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Rasheed Wallace, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce it’s certainly not difficult to envision the Celtics winning more than 60 games once again. Though it’s somewhat unclear what their bench will look like (with the possibility of losing Big Baby), Tony Allen, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, and Brian Scalibrine are nothing to scoff at and each one produced big time for Boston last year. Again, staying healthy will be crucial if Boston wants to upend Cleveland or Orlando.
What’s your take on the Atlantic Division?
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August 5th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Ric Hardwood says:
The Celtics addition of Marquis Daniels should help as well… Candace Parker’s husband could chip in with his 6 hard fouls…
August 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
karizmatic says:
I give you guys credit you really come up with new things to write even when there is obviously nothing to write about. The Knicks will not be appreciably better this year. Harrington can put up points and do little else. I like Chandler, Lee, and Duhon, but none of them are game changers, and in the case of Duhon or even maybe Sessions. The Knicks need a much better orchestrator of the fast break to make D’antoni’s style work and they might not even get Nate back. If I were them I’d re-sign Crypto and let him run the point and gun all year. What do they have to lose? Let’s not forget they really aren’t trying to win this year. They just want cap room to make a run at Lebron or whoever and what better to compliment that than a lottery pick? not to mention the team just has a losing culture. So much for that
Now Toronto may actually be very good I expect the addition of Turkoglu to work well with Bosh, that should be very nice, and Bargnani should improve.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Bill says:
First and last time i’m going to say this.
Rasheed isn’t going to start, he may finish games
but no one is touching kendricks spot in the starting line up
August 5th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Ben York says:
@Ric Hardwood: Great point. Marquis is just one more solid contributor for Boston.
@karizmatic: Agree, but D’Antoni doesn’t like losing. I think the Knicks will surprise people.
@Bill: I’d tend to agree with you, but will Rasheed be okay with that? Maybe he would.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
jzsmoove says:
C’mon Rators we need this. There aint nothin to get too thrilled about since Carter and Co. lost to the Sixers in the ECF. I am a realist when I say the Raptors may have a hard time getting to the ECF this year but it will be one hell of an exciting season.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Leonard Wilson says:
“Though it’s somewhat unclear what their bench will look like (with the possibility of losing Big Baby), Tony Allen, Eddie House, Kendrick Perkins, and Brian Scalibrine are nothing to scoff at and each one produced big time for Boston last year.”
–What? Tony Allen was horrible every game. Eddie House knocked down some key 3’s in the playoffs, but didn’t make that big of difference during the regular season or throughout the playoffs. Perkins was solid when he didn’t pick up a stupid technical. Brian Scalibrine showed up one or two playoff games with minimum production (better than his usual). The Celtics bench is horrible especially if they do not have Powe or Big Baby. There starting line up should be Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, and Perkins. They need to try to keep Baby or Powe. Off the bench would be House, ? @ shooting guard, Daniels, Baby/Powe, and ? @ center. Scalibrine should not play nor should Tony Allen. Those ? are why their bench is weak. The age of their starting lineup is why their success will be less than a championship next season. Those old men can’t play 48 mins a game every game all season and playoffs long. You need a strong assertive bench to balance things out.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
BxBaller says:
Nate is coming back, they’re going to sign him to a 1 year deal I believe.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Bobbo says:
Did the Knicks sign Lee or Robinson yet?
Has Gallinari played in a single contact practice since his back surgery?
Has the Sessions offer sheet been delivered yet?
The answer to all those questions is No…and yet you somehow think they will be better than the Nets who have two solid players as well as the starting backcourt of the EC champs and some developing young players, none of who have had back surgery and all of whom are under contract?
August 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Leonard Wilson says:
Correction:
The Celtics bench sucks but not so much with House, ? @ shooting guard (Tony Allen is horrible), Daniels, Wallace, and ? @ center. They could sign a decent 2 guard (Murray), and let Wallace play center if they resign Baby or Powe.
August 5th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Nixluva says:
The Knicks will most certainly be a playoff contender this year. They shouldn’t have any of the player changes that sabotaged them last year and the team will be bigger and deeper. The big change could be the addition of shotblockers, which the team hasn’t had in YEARS.
When they were healthy at the point they were very competitive. The addition of a kid like Sessions will make a big difference over the course of the season. So for me the team will be deeper, bigger and better defensively.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Ben York says:
@Bobbo – Yes, I still think the Knicks will be better than the Nets.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Da_Griff says:
Jersey are going to be awful. That is a bad bad team.
Toronto are one injury away from having a rotten year as well.
And as for the sixers… no PG will hurt them a lot. I don’t understand why they’re not after Sessions. Can you say sign and trade?
Nix will improve, but so long as Al Harrington is getting starters minutes, they’re still going to lose a lot of games. It’s all well and good to score 18 points a game, but when you’re shooting 5-16 to get there and your opposite is getting 25 all you’re doing it hurting your team.
@Bill – Agree with you. Sheed works much better as a floating 4/5 able to spell both KG and Perkins and anchor the second unit. That would be a scary fit. No letdown when the big dogs are having a spell? A frightening thought. Lets hope he can keep his ego in check.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Da_Griff says:
And didn’t robinson take up his qualifying offer?
August 5th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
TomGfromCanada says:
I don’t know about the Knicks
August 5th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Ben York says:
@TomGfromCanada – I ‘think’ I know they’ll be better. But that’s not saying much.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Mack Brownee says:
nice post BY even though I think you’re wrong about a few of your predictions; keep up the good work
August 5th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Ben York says:
@Mack Brownee – Thanks! Out of curiosity, which ones do you disagree with? I welcome feedback and different point of views.
August 5th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
iLL Mago says:
Orlando
Boston
Toronto
Cleveland
Pacers
Wizards
Atlanta
8th is up for grabs
August 5th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
marcus the great says:
Scalabrine—- nothing to scoff at?? lmao, i’m DEFINITELY scoffing! lol
August 5th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Nukky G says:
1. Celts 59-23
2. Raps 46-36
3. Knicks 38-44
4. Philly 35-47
5. Jersey 33-49
August 5th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Ben York says:
@iLL Mago, @Nukky G – question is: is a 38-44 record for the Knicks good enough for an 8th seed? I say yes (and I think it’s closer to 40-42).
August 5th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
IGP says:
I haven’t seen much of this on Dime, and I know it’s unrelated, but what do you think about JR Smith’s twitter fallout?
I’m not a big fan of twitter and admittedly think that things like twitter can be very annoying, but I really think that Smith was treated unfairly.
I guess I always come back to this point when people get all pissed about something on facebook or twitter or myspace: who gives a fuck?
August 5th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Jah says:
@ iLL Mago:
Boston Celtics
Cleveland Cavaliers
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks
Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers (…maybe the Knicks)
August 5th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
robmo35 says:
I like the thoughts in this post, but I do think the Knicks are being given too much credit. They will put up points, but they will not play defense, and that will cost them several games, add into that very little playoff experience and I think they are lottery bound.
Philly has intriguing pieces, but without a quality point guard in Eddie Jordan’s system, the team will fall apart.
Jersey has a couple of young talented players and not much else.
Toronto has assembled an interesting team that probably could make some noise especially if Bosh is playing for a contract.
If Boston can turn back the clock a couple of years and remain healthy, they may be hoisting an 18th banner.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
LakeShow84 says:
I know i want the Celtics to make it back to the Finals..
So we can plow they asses..
August 5th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
LakeShow84 says:
And NY will be fine as long as they keep Harrington on the bench in the end game..
August 5th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
sans says:
@ marcus–I feel you.
I scoff at Veal Scalabrine.
Oh, and I think I know that Hedo is gonna flop as a dinosaur…
August 5th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Dagomar says:
Why does everyone forget the Raps were absolutely decimated by injuries last year? Calderon was injured all year, and both Bosh and Bargnani spent time on the pine.
This year they should be healthy. The addition of Turk, Derozan and a host of really solid role players should help make this a much better team. If Jose and Bargnani continue their development this could be the surprise team of the league. But we’ll see.
The Celtics look scary but their starters are old as fuck. If there’s an elite team that could be demolished by injury, this is it. Still, if everyone stays healthy another 60-win season is more than realistic.
The other teams in the Atlantic don’t impress me much. Philly’s team as currently composed is a bust. They added a great shooter but lost a great PG along with some interior toughness, while Brand will need all season to come back. I can’t see them making the playoffs.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Kevin says:
@Dagomar — Not really. Calderon played 68 games (not exactly being hurt “all year”) Bargnani played 78 and Bosh played 77. They weren’t injured that much, they just weren’t good.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Heckler...formerly 'Yallallreadyknow' says:
first of all…who the hell is ben york?
thats #1. how do we know if ben york is even worth a damn?
August 5th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
the cynic says:
knicks have no shot at the playoffs. Zero
August 5th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Ben York says:
I hear he’s worth 2 damns, not quite 3.
August 5th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Heckler...formerly 'Yallallreadyknow' says:
as for the posting. weak and wrong.
knicks will still suck. they wont be good until mike d’antoni is fired. the guy is a HORRIBLE coach and any team with him as the coach aint gonna win shit!
as for the Celts, expect them to do what they did last year — get off to a great start (remember 27-2 and 19gm win streak), but then expect them to fade and fall off a bit. they might end up being a #4 seed if they aint careful.
Big year from Chris Bosh? really?….how with Hedo around to take more shots? Chris Bosh is still nice and I’d take him on my team anyday, but the Rapts still seem fragile and weak. They needed to add some players with some toughness. Bosh will have a big year rebounding, but not scoring. 25pts?….i dont think so
Philly has some talent, but they scary cause they always compete and play tough. they could be a sleeper team. expect them to make a trade during the season for a point guard — and then look out!
New Jerz…damn. they suck. i’d be suprised if they dont finish last in the division and fire the coach. anything else would be a shock to me
August 5th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Jack R says:
That’s a very optimistic outlook on the Knicks.
Unfortunately, I predict that they’ll probably be fighting with the Nets and Heat to stay out of the East basement.
If the Celtics, Cavs and Magic are the 1st-tier teams, then I would put the Raptors and Hawks as the solid 2nd-tier teams. Raptors will be fighting for the 4th-5th spot. They made solid additions, and unlike last year they’re deep enough that they can survive one major injury (hopefully that won’t happen).
Many don’t realize that from mid-December of last season to April, Andrea Bargnani averaged 19 pts and shot 45% in threes. The Raptors frontline can conceivably average 60 pts and 22 rebounds. That would then be the top frontline trio in the East.
August 5th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
dk says:
I know the Heat will add a major player next year, but being a die hard Laker and Heat fan, I feel bad for them. How can anyone expect to get past the Lake show in the next 3 years, minimum. Go Wade!
August 5th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
control says:
The Knicks are horrible, no stars, no one with an IQ over 90 (not just players, but front office as well). Also, why is Danilo Gallinari due for a break out year? I think him participating in contact practices would be a break out year for him, otherwise he sucks. They ain’t making the playoffs, they might end up with one of the worse 3 records in the league.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
iLL Mago says:
@Jah – Heat will only make playoffs if they add AI cause their current roster, with no changes, won’t cut it in 2009-10.
@Ben York – As a Raps fan I know a thing or 2 about being delusional (ie. putting them above the unchanged Cavs) but when the coach is the biggest superstar on YOUR team then you’ve got problems. Oh, and about Donnie Walsh – He better respect Isiah’s picks(Lee & Nate) if he knows what’s best for NY. Unfortunately he broke up what Isiah created in Indiana and left a mess that poor Larry Bird is still cleaning up. Ben, pull an Austin and pick a new favorite team.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Nukky G says:
@Ben
38 W’s is normally good enough in the East to at least be on the cusp of the playoffs, but I think it’s going to be tight all the way down to the wire this year. We shall see!
August 5th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Nukky G says:
@Kevin
Bargs, Bosh and Calderon didn’t necessarily miss a lot of games per se, but keep in mind they played a handful of games while those injuries lingered. Check Jose’s player headlines on his nba.com profile:
Hamstring Injury Diagnosed As Mild – Nov. 15, 2008
Leaves with Hamstring Injury – Jan. 2, 2009
Sits With Hamstring Injury – Feb. 11, 2009
J.O was also in and out of the lineup a good chunk of the time so when you have KEY guys coming in and out, it’s tough to develop any chemisty.
You are completely right when you say they sucked, but there are logical excuses for their lackluster year. It doesn’t justify why they sucked so badly, I’m just saying…
August 5th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Buffalo Brave says:
Ummm, doesn’t Utah own the Knicks 2010 1st rounder that is GUARANTEED to be a lottery pick?
LOL!!!
FAIL
August 5th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Brown says:
I can’t take anyone seriously who thinks Brian Scalibrine can contribute for any team in the NBA, especially a playoff team. If he’s one of your rotation guys, it means your team has a SERIOUS flaw.
You’ve gotta be a Knicks fan, cuz nobody has faith in the Knicks. They’re just awful.
August 5th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Dagomar says:
Kevin: they played with injuries . . . .
August 6th, 2009 at 12:48 am
Sheedfan87 says:
I agree for the most part, although I think the Sixers should win about 40 games and the Knicks will be closer to 35. I know they’ve had a year to experience D’Antoni’s system but that is still a well below average defensive club.
The Raptors could be sleepers in the east and there’s no reason a team with Bosh, Hedo, Bargnani, Calderon and Jack misses the playoffs.
I agree with the Nets assessment and see them winning between 30-35 games.
As for Boston, sure they’ll be good, but I think you’re more likely to see Perkins start and Sheed play 25-30 mins. per game off the bench.
August 6th, 2009 at 12:49 am
Young Money (R.I.P. D says:
I think Sheed will be the same Sheed of old. Feel bad for the Celtics. Dude need’s to get his act together. How old is he again? 35 if im Correct.
August 6th, 2009 at 1:57 am
nick says:
@ kevin. jose was hurt pretty much all year, he never was healthy to start the year. there was a reason he didn’t play in the gold medal game against the usa. then as nukky g stated he was injured multiple times during the reg season and never got healthy. but still with those injuries it doesn’t excuse the fact that they just plain sucked last yr.
hopefully with some key additions they will be top 5 in the east.
August 6th, 2009 at 3:51 am
spirow says:
Very good article. . . Toronto should get the credit for making moves this year . . . One thing dime fans gotta realize is that toronto had a rookie point guard last year in rocko who started more games then calderon because calderon was injured . . . With the addition of jarret jack and marko B from GSW and derozan the raps added a lot of solid pieces. . . When you watch your home team on a daily bases you know what the teams lacks and last year we lacked depth and bosh was fatigued from olympics but excuses aside i think this year toronto has the best team on paper. . . Bargnani averaged 20 points second half of the season and the credit goes to the firing of sam mitchell who didn’t really let bargs grow. . . You guys will see other players besides bosh adressing the needs of toronto. . . We have more then the bosh punch thats why we’re not worried about trading him . . . If he wants to walk away, fine. . . We love bosh whose a favourite here and we can get something for him in a sign and trade with the economy declining trust me sign and trade will work best for bosh and he’ll go where the best money is not just offered with toronto making it happen but where toronto gets some nice pices back in return. . .
August 6th, 2009 at 4:04 am
spirow says:
heres the starting line up
c Bargnani Break out year next year and serious superstar potential. . .Compare his stats to dirks year by year he came in the league. . .
pf Bosh (Superstar forsure)
sf Hedo turk I’d say borderline all-star last year never the less a guy like this can spark the offence but can’t be the focal point of it
sg Demar derozan Wont be the rookie of the year, but he’ll be up there with evans, griffen, and jennings just watch. . . Serious potential
pg Caldeon Excellent team player and an amazing shooter from mid range and 3 range. . . Holds the freethrow record.
The Bench
5 Rasho Veteran presense
4 Evans Tough and feared big man. . . Known for rebounding. . . .
3 Delfino or Atonie write. . . Delfino if he comes versetile good dribbler. . . Wright a good defender and a slasher
2 Benelleli He’ll thrive in the new city im excited about this move second scoring option on the bench after jack
1 Jaret Jack Challenged ford for a starting position and a good backup pg
August 6th, 2009 at 4:16 am
spirow says:
I think shaq depending on how he does can hurt the cavs and trust me we had moon and parker. . . I’d say parker is a good addition and role player but moon is over rated and has a low IQ the guy dosn’t use his athletecism. . . Cavs didn’t make any impactful moves accept barns and shaq and if shaq gets injured we’ll see what happens then. . . They didn’t give anything up for these players so can’t hurt the cavs. . . Celtics could possibly be the best in the east. . . We’ll have to see but any time you add a guy like shee. . . It’s a blockbuster upgrade. . .
Orlando we’ll see how the carter sauga continues. . . Carter isn’t the man that he once use to be in toronto or some years in NJ . . . Yeah sometimes he can flat out play and when we see him go on a tear we question ourselves . . . is this the most talented player in the nba whose uses half his talent. . . Who was once dubbed as half man half amazing and now is half man and very little amazing. . . I love carter. . . Grew up on him nobody has to sell me his game but one thing i can tell you. . . don’t rely on him night after night to have the ball in his hands at the end of the game and take over. . . Miami. . . Goodbye dewane wade enjoy your last year in the warm city. . . Chicago will be your knicks after this year!
August 6th, 2009 at 8:31 am
F says:
@47
Benelleli? LOL
He scored 26 yesterday against France in a Euro qualifier game, but Italy still lost. Bargnani was quite a non-factor…
August 6th, 2009 at 9:22 am
MSkittle says:
One of the worst articles you guys have ever written!!
1. Danilo Galinari is due for a big year??? Really??? This is Danilo Galinari we are talking about.
2. “Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine are nothing to scoff at.” Don’t you guys call Brian Scalabrine the worst player in the NBA?
3. You don’t klnow what to make of the Nets? They will be one of the worst teams in the league! Lucky to win 20 games.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:25 am
NC says:
Nice! My two teams are the Raptors and the Knicks (got to keep it East Coast and Cavernous in terms of cities) so I like what I’m reading.
My crazy mind thinks the Bucks are going to be exciting. Maybe not good, but exciting. I think Alexander is due.
August 6th, 2009 at 10:25 am
NC says:
Oh, and say no to Stackhouse!
August 6th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Reverend Paul Revere says:
I think Iguodala and Brand are good players, not great.
August 6th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
PistonsMissBillups says:
1)No way Sheed starts over Perk, and the Celts bench of Sheed, Daniels, House and Big Baby is very very good compared to other benches (assuming baby is back), if baby leaves the celtcs could still make a move for bruce bowen and be just as good, just a hell of a lot older
2)I think bosh is a great player, but i dont think he is the face of a franchise, he will get a max deal, but is he worth it?
3) the knicks will be lucky to win 30 games, i feel as though every nba team needs a veteran (whether is a superstar or a grant hill type guy) to lead by example, who does it for the kicks? chris duhon is becoming a great point guard, and sure al har can score at will, but every bad nba team is the same (no leader = no defense)
Keep up the great writing
August 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Dr_Claw says:
@ all who made EC Standings predictions
What happened to Chicago?
August 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am
doc says:
What the hell was the Knicks distraction last year?They just aint shit.