NBA 2008-9 Preview: Atlantic Division

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)

2007-08 Team Shot Selection
21% Three-point shots: .392 (2nd)
47% Midrange shots: .417 (4th-tie)
30% Inside shots: .601 (13th)

The Raptors shoot lights out from the arc, and almost always off a pass.  94 percent of their shots are assisted—first in the league—but not as often as you might think (20th in pct. of total attempts). What is up with that, Coach Mitchell? They pass well (fifth in assists), and don’t turn the ball over (second).

Rebounding needs to improve. The reigns of the team have been handed to Jose Calderon, who recently played in the Euro tournament.  Between the playoffs last season, the Olympics, and now the Euros, will he get tired?

They finished poorly after a strong start to last season. The post game and rebounding (21st in differential) needs help. If Jermaine O'Neal stays healthy, he will help Bosh quite a bit, though he must be convinced to play underneath to help this team the most.

Will Andrea Bargnani ever realize how tall he is, and start to rebound and play closer to the hoop? In leui of that, could he use Hedo Turkoglu as a role model? Will Nathan Jawai help?

Will Sam Mitchell keep his promise to stop swearing this season? My guess is, not with Bargnani around. Euro point guard Roko Leni Ukic arrives stateside—oops—I mean in North America this season, too.

New York Knicks

Prediction: 29-53 (LY=23-59)

2007-08 Team Shot Selection:
21% Three-point shots .337 (26th)
39% Midrange .378 (25th)
38% Inside shots .558 (26th)

Where do we start here? Let’s see.

The new coach (D’Antoni) doesn’t expect his players to play defense. That has to help. The New Jersey Nets are worse. That helps, too.

There is a new starting PG (Duhon) but little else has changed. They hope that Stephon Marbury looks good so they can unload him. Look for trades this season as D’Antoni and Walsh try to rebuild this poorly-assembled team. It is more than a one-year project, lads and lasses.

Watching halfcourt players Eddie Curry and Zach Randolph run should be interesting.

New Jersey Nets

Prediction: 23-59 (LY=34-48)

2007-08 Team Shot Selection:
22% Three-point shots .348 (24th)
40% Midrange shots .395 (15th)
36% Inside shots .553 (28th)

Vince Carter might sleepwalk through this rebuilding season, as the Nets await the big free agency summer two years from now.

Their bigs, Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Josh Boone, and Sean Williams, have some promise, but need teaching and game experience. Sean can be a defensive force. Boone showed improvement, but can’t hit a foul shot. Sean's an uber shot blocker.

Newly acquired Yi Jianlian is still in the 'potential' category. Similiar to Andre Bargnani, he must adjust to the NBA game and it's physicalness. Joining the crowd around the basket takes a certain mindset. A step forward would be in order as he will get to play in front of far more of his countrymen and within the New York City Asian cultural sphere.

Eduardo Najera, Keyon Dooling, and Trenton Hassell make up a core group of hustling defenders, but can’t all be on the floor at the same time, because none of them can shoot. Skill-wise, Devin Harris is who he is - a quick uptempo slashing guard with an unremarkable outside shot.

Should be a long year of teaching for Lawrence Frank. Will he be a good teacher?

(Stats courtesy of 82games.com)