2008-2009 NBA Atlantic Division Preview

2008 Atlantic Division season preview from MadduxSports.com. In addition to the free previews Maddux also provides FREE NBA DAILY PICKS.

The NBA Champs from last season, the Boston Celtics, look good again. The Atlantic Division is still the weakest in the Eastern Conference with only two or three teams possessing the right stuff to make it into the post-season. Here’s what the Atlantic Division looks like in 2008- 2009.

The Boston Celtics are favored to repeat as division champs. The team’s big three of Rae Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are simply a potent triumvirate. Point guard Rajon Rondo proved to be solid last season. Although some excellent bench guys are gone, the Celtics still have one of the best groups of replacements in the league. Doc Rivers is a steady and fundamentally sound coach.

The Philadelphia 76ers could be a contender this season. Shooting guard Andre Iguodala is a point maker while inside Elton Brand offers rebounding and a fine shooting hand. Iguodala also has quick and sure hands, making him a fine ball stealer. Point guard Andre Miller, a nine-year vet, holds the backcourt together. The bench is decent.

In transition, the New Jersey Nets will have a tough time making a playoff appearance. If the do get into the post-season, it will most likely be in the final spot. Coach Lawrence Frank, now in his sixth season, has his work cut out for him. Shooting guard Vince Carter is the hallmark player on this team, but the aging Carter will have to stay healthy.

New York Knicks new head coach Mike D’Antoni, inherits a team that has been troubled for years. Larry Brown couldn’t make it happen in New York and Isiah Thomas was also totally ineffective in manning the helm. Power forward Al Harrington is a solid shooter and a good rebounder. In the backcourt, Chris Duhon is a fine assist man and decent defender. The bench is weak and there’s not enough talent in the starting five to make a difference.

Power forward Chris Bosh, now in his fifth NBA year, is the best player on the Toronto Raptors. On “D,” Anthony Parker, the club’s shooting guard, offers decent play. But first-year head coach Jay Triano will be hard-pressed to get this team to 20 wins.

2008 NBA Atlantic Division Predictions

Projected Order of Finish: Click on team name for individual in-depth team outlook.

1) Boston Celtics
2) Philadelphia 76ers
3) New Jersey Nets
4) New York Knicks
5) Toronto Raptors