2007-08 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

1) Boston Celtics

With Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joining Paul Pierce, the Celtics have one of the most explosive lineups in the Eastern Conference—explosive enough that a trip to the Finals is within the realm of possibility.

As it stands, it doesn't look like chemistry will be a problem. That’s because Garnett and Allen have always been high-quality, low-maintenance, unselfish people.

In fact, Garnett’s most glaring weakness is his unselfishness and inability to take over important moments of important games. Teamed with Pierce and Allen, he'll have no problems giving up the spotlight down the stretch.

This isn't to say that the Celtics don’t have question marks, though.

Can Pierce, Allen, and Garnett stay injury free? Can Garnett produce in the clutch? Will Pierce be comfortable playing alongside a legit superstar for the first time? Will KG? Will the team be effective defensively?

The most important questions involve the center and point guard positions.

First, will Kendrick Perkins and his notable flaws hold the Celtics back? Can he become a more active defensive rebounder, and a more disciplined defender?

If Perkins can’t improve, the Celtics will be left with Scot Pollard or Garnett guarding an opponent’s best big man.

Pollard is an active defender but picks up fouls almost as much as he picks up hair-do’s. Garnett is a decent (but wildly overrated) defender who's better at blocking shots than guarding his man—and can get overpowered by the stronger bigs in the league.

At the point, the talented but inexperienced Rajon Rondo will be asked to set the offense. Garnett's court vision and patience should help the youngster immensely.

But will Rondo be turnover prone? And when he's left open by double-teams, will be able to hit jumpers?

If Eddie House is able to hit his shots, his presence will give Boston some versatility at the point—but House is nowhere near the defender Rondo is.

Rounding out the bench, James Posey is an aggressive defender with a nice jumper. But Posey is chronically out-of-shape, and looked washed-up during last season’s playoff run with the Heat.

Tony Allen has tremendous athleticism but little idea what to do with it. If Brian Scalabrine is hitting his jumpers, he can emerge as a useful backup. Leon Powe has a bright future but won't contribute much to the present.

The Celtics are probably one more year of experience for Rondo, one more effective defensive center, and one or two more versatile bench players away from being a true championship threat.

But if Rondo improves his shooting touch, Posey improves his work ethic, and Perkins improves period, the Celtics may extend their season into June.

If they can’t advance  past the first round, expect Doc Rivers to take the fall.

 

2) New Jersey Nets

Once again, the

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?