NBA 2008-2009 Atlantic Division Preview

The Atlantic Division—like the rest of the NBA—will take the Boston Celtics as its figurehead going into the start of the upcoming 2008-2009 NBA season.

With the defending champions, and two potential second-round teams, the Atlantic Division may be the best division in the Eastern Conference.

1) Boston Celtics

Even though the Celtics are the defending champions, and even though the trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen is rivaled only by a certain triad in San Antonio, there are still question marks in Boston.

Last season, the Celtics rocketed off to a 29-3 start, as Garnett, Allen, and Pierce were enthralled to be playing with such talented teammates. Garnett and Pierce were especially ecstatic, as KG had been liberated from the perpetually mediocre Timberwolves, and Pierce had suffered through a handful of seasons with teammates barely old enough to drink liquor.

With their basketball spirits fully revitalized, it’s no wonder that the Celtics hit the ground running and never looked back.

But after a long season, a short summer, and a lot of celebrations, will Boston start the season with the same fervent excitement that propelled them last year? And if they do have an ordinary start, how will they rebound? While the Celtics should peak come the second half of the season, don’t expect the same kind of record-setting pace Boston set last season.

Also, Pierce, Allen, and Garnett are all on the plus side of 30, making them vulnerable to chronic injuries and a decline in athleticism. A serious injury to either of the three—especially Pierce—would effectively end Boston’s title defense.

While Leon Powe and Glen Davis can replace P.J. Brown’s loss, the combination of Darius Miles, Bill Walker, and Tony Allen won’t be able to duplicate James Posey’s hostile defense, competitive spirit, and clutch three-point shooting under pressure. Posey was just as important to Boston’s championship last season as any member of the Big Three.

Still, the Celtics’ commitment to defense, their sheer physicality, the brilliance of their All-Stars, the emergence of Rajon Rondo as a playmaker, and the experience gained by last season’s title run all give the Celtics a head up on any competitor.

Barring a major injury, a shocking devolution to selfish ball, or the Big Three losing the battle with Father Time, the Celtics are the best team in basketball, and a safe bet to return to the Finals and win another championship.

2) Philadelphia 76ers

The dark horse in the conference with Elton Brand aboard, the Sixers have a legitimate chance of making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Instead of having to rely on Andre Iguodala in early offense, or Andre Miller to create magic out of nothing, the Sixers can now dump the ball in to Brand when their running game stalls, and watch as defenses are forced to break down and double team. In fact, Brand intrinsically makes every other player on the roster better.

With the pressure of carrying the offense now off, Iguodala can revert to being a powerful baseline second option and an athletic and physical defensive stud.

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