The competition has improved within the Atlantic Division, but no team can keep up with Boston.
Boston Celtics
Prediction: 58–24 (LY=66-16)
2007-08 shot selection
24% Three-point shots .381 (5th)
40% Midrange shots .417 (5th)
34% Inside shots .613 (10th)
I say the experience counts and the hunger is still there. After all, they have Kevin Garnett.
I’ll have an article soon with their killer stats. Just incredible. Remarkably balanced.
With no solid veterans among their offseason pick-ups, question marks abound.
People saw what these three stars did for their teammates’ games over the course of last season. After a 67-win season, no one will question their age this year, will they?
James Posey absolutely played a special role on this squad and will be missed.
But this team offered him a special situation with which to shine as well. It wasn’t the same in Miami for James as it was in Boston.
Mercurial yet expressionless—okay, "stoic"—Rajon Rondo took a big step forward. He must work on his jump shot and free throws.
Kendick’s shoulder is still healing. Backup options for the Celtics at center are Patrick O’Bryant, Garnett, and Leon Powe.
Who steps up this season? Tony Allen has the inside track to break out. Leon Powe and Glen Davis both should step forward. Rookies JR Giddens (SG) and Bill Walker (SF) have the P word emblazoned on their foreheads. It looks like Darius Miles will get his chance. (Portland says, "#$%^& Danny •¶§∞¢£ Ainge!)
Remember…the Celtics are holding three aces. These three stars bought their tickets on the Lega-C Train. They all changed their summer routines to r est and celebrate. I wouldn’t make too much of it. They will be ready to go. Just don’t expect 30-3 out of the gate.
Doc says more rest this year for Paul and Ray. So watch for guys like Tony Allen, Giddens, Miles and Walker to get a chance to develop.
Philadelphia 76ers
Prediction: 50–32 (LY=40-42)
2007-08 Shot Selection
14% Three-point shots: .317 (30th)
48% Midrange shots: .381 (24th)
37% Inside shots: .615 (9th)
As you can see, they do not shoot well. An almost non-existent arc attack, and not that good even at midrange, they are the Philly Rim Rockers. Dunkmasters extraordinaire, they were second only to Denver.
I underrated them last season—by a lot. I won’t do that again.
All around good guy Elton Brand looks like a good fit for this team. As a top offensive rebounder, he joins a top offensive rebounding team. Their starting five of Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert are solid.
Louis Williams, Reggie Evans, Donyell Marshall, Theo Ratliff, and Marreese Speights off the bench are pretty good too.
Will Donyell Marshall and Kareem Rush help Louis Williams and Andre Iguodala keep defenses honest? Yes, they will help a bit. Boston has some new competition in the East.
Toronto Raptors
Prediction: 45-37 (LY=41-41)
2 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Robert Seagal 9 months ago
I think you're being a little harsh on New Jersey. Also, I think the Raptors will finish ahead of Philli. That's just opinion and I suppose it could be called biased, but after seeing Bosh/O'Neal/Bargnani/Calderon and the other guys gelling, and the fact that I haven't even mentioned Parker/Kapono, who are two of the best shooters in the NBA, we're talking about something very very special if O'Neal is healthy.
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Thomas Halzack 9 months ago
Robert - good comments and...you could be right on both counts.
A lot of people have Toronto ahead of Philly, and I'm at the lower end of predictions for New Jersey.
Toronto does some things very right as a team. It is possible they could be a 50 game winner. New Jersey could get more out of Lopez, Yi, Boone, and Williams that I expect this season, as well.
But....there is no viable back-up for O'Neal, and how committed is he himself to banging in the middle? He has made it known in recent years that he prefers to play away from the basket more as he gets older. He hasn't played a full season in a while, as well. Bosh and he will do big damage if healthy all season. Rebounding isn't a strong point and Calderone's back-ups are a big drop off, unless Ukic gets up to speed quickly. Jose has a heavy load to carry. We will have to see.
New Jersey....Hmmm.......I just can't get excited about this roster until I see something good come from the bigs. Harris is not talented enough to be a game changer and Vince Carter could grow impatient with teaching the youth. If VC mails it in every game, this team will struggle mightily, I believe.
Again, we will see.
Thanks for your thoughts.
T
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