Chuck Says:

After a dismal 2006-07 season which produced just 24 wins, look for the Celtics to be a consistent and dominating team in the Eastern conference.  Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen bring a dynamic inside/outside presence which won’t allow opposing teams to focus solely on Paul Pierce. Posey and Garnett also bring defensive toughness, an area in which this team was sorely lacking. The only question mark on this team is the point guard position, but with all the veteran leadership, don’t expect Rajon Rondo’s inexperience to hold this team back.

John Says:

Ok, the 55 win thing is more than I originally predicted.  Kill me if you will, but I made that before seeing the team play.  Now that I’ve seen how well they’re already playing together, I’ve changed my mind about how November would go.  The trip to Europe was the best thing that happened to this team, because it accelerated the jelling process.  Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are superstars… but Kevin Garnett is a MEGA-STAR.  He is making everyone on the court better, and he will speed up the Rajon Rondo’s and Kendrick Perkins’ development.  We’re still thin at the backup spots, but we’re good enough that the right rotations can mask that.  No one seems to be taking about Posey anymore, but you will when you see him out there late in games to help hold leads.

Key Additions:  Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, James Posey

Key Losses:  Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes

Key Additions:  Jason Kopono

Key Losses:  Morris Peterson

Chuck Says:

The Raptors stunned just about everyone last year when they posted 47 victories and won the Atlantic Division. The acquisition of 3-pt bomber Jason Kapono should open the floor for emerging superstar Chris Bosh. There are some injury concerns; Bosh skipped out on some Team USA work this summer due to plantar fasciitis, and most recently is dealing with a sore left knee, swingman Jorge Garbajosa is still back, but still feeling the effects of a broken left leg and dislocated ankle.

John Says:

It really would have been fun to see the development of the Bosh/Al Jefferson rivalry… because I think those guys are both equally talented.  The Raps were probably going to win the Atlantic before all of Boston’s moves… now they’re going to be the best of the rest… and the only other legitimate team in this division.  Andrea Bargnani played well last year and should only improve.  But to me, the key player on this team is Anthony Parker… who has replaced Morris Peterson as the designated “Celtics Killer.”  When Parker plays well, the Raptors are tough to beat.

Key Additions:  Jamaal Magloire, Sean Williams

Key Losses:  Mikki Moore, Eddie House

Chuck Says:

At 34-years-old, Jason Kidd remains one of the league’s most versatile point guards. Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter give the Nets a formidable three-headed monster, albeit a notch below the Celtics trio. Jefferson missed 27 games last season due to injury. Carter’s $62 million extension cemented his status as one of the most overpaid, overrated players in the league. Even if Kidd can keep pace despite his age, don’t expect the Nets to play much better than .500

John Says:

I don’t expect the Nets to play ANY better than .500.  In fact, the only reason I put them at .500 is that I think New York and Philly will be absolutely horrible.  The Nets went 41-41 last year, and that was with one of the worst Boston teams ever in the division.  They’ve done virtually nothing to help themselves.  And (I can’t believe I’m about to write this)… do you really think Jamaal Magloire is going to be better than Mikki Moore was last year?  Moore put up 9.8 points and 5.1 rebounds over 26 minutes a game… for 79 games last season.  Magloire had 6.5 points and 6.1 rebounds in Portland.  Basically, when losing Mikki Moore hurts your team… you’re not a very good team.

Key Additions:  Zach Randolph

Key Losses:  Channing Frye, Steve Francis

Chuck Says:

The acquisition of Zach Randolph, along with Eddy Curry and David Lee,  gives the Knicks a solid front court. The backcourt is still a hodge-podge of shoot-first guards who don’t really play defense. Despite being found liable in a sexual harassment lawsuit which could cost owner James Dolan $11 million, Isiah Thomas remains coach and general manager.

John Says:

Chuck took it easy on the Knicks.  I will not.  Isaiah Thomas ruins everything he touches.  It’s so amazing, I’m really starting to wonder how those Piston’s teams were so good.  Chuck’s right.  Talent-wise, the Knicks have a great front court.  David Lee is a maniac out there, but Eddy Curry disappears at key stretches and I don’t think Zach Randolph will make it through the whole year without some sort of major negative story.  The only question for me is how negative that story will be.  Stephon Marbury has spent this offseason walking around like he’s smoking tainted hash.  They’ve done nothing to address the glut of combo guards.  Their front office is a total farce… and I think the sexual harassment trial has given us a glimpse into the total arrogance that is Isaiah Thomas.  I’d be shocked if this team steps up for him at all.

Key Additions:  Thaddeus Young, Reggie Evans

Key Losses:  Joe Smith

Chuck Says:

Now that Allen Iverson is gone, this is a team without a leader. Will Andre Iguodala become the “man?” Can Samuel Dalembert become a consistent, offensive threat in the post? Will rookie Thaddeus Young make an impact? Too many question marks for a team full of role players. A front-runner in the OJ Mayo sweepstakes.

John Says:

Philly is completely rebuilding, and will be one of the worst teams in the NBA.  Andre Iguodala has a chance to show that he can take the next step and be the leader on an NBA franchise.  And maybe I didn’t get the memo on Sam Dalembert, but I still think this  guy can be a good center in the NBA.  Andre Miller will be a stabilizing force on this team as it tries to figure out  who it is.  Fans in Philly either need to hope the Eagles go deep in the playoffs, or they should embrace hockey… because the only reason to come watch their team for the next couple of years is to see the stars on the visiting teams.

Before we dive into the Celtics and really break the whole team down… we’d like to take a look at what we’re facing in the division.  Let me tell you… it’s not looking good for the rest of the Atlantic.  The Raptors will be a decent squad, but the rest of the division will be chum for the big sharks that are now swimming in the Boston Garden.