NBA Preview 2006-07: Atlantic Division

New Jersey Nets (49-33)
2005-06 Finish: 1st Place (Lost in Eastern Conference Semi-Finals to Miami)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 1st Place

Overview
A solid team, the Nets benefit greatly by playing in what is unquestionably the weakest division in the NBA. New Jersey outlasted a game Indiana Pacers club in the first round last season before being overmatched by eventual champion Miami in the conference semi-finals and this season's incarnation of the Nets returns nearly unchanged from that club. The Nets do feature a dangerous triumvirate of Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, but they lack any consistent inside presence. Nenad Kristic picked up his game last season, but he is not a true banger and Jason Collins is limited at best so until they can find a reliable physical presence in the post they are doomed to no better than a second-round playoff exit.

Notable Losses
None.

Notable Additions
The Nets re-signed Cliff Robinson and brought dangerous three-point specialist Eddie House into the fold from Phoenix, but he is the definition of a one-dimensional player. The club also added UConn alumni Marcus Williams and Josh Boone, but neither figures to contribute much this season.

Bottom Line
As long as Kidd, Carter and Jefferson continue to perform at a high level the Nets should run away with the Atlantic in 2006-07 and they are dangerous enough to beat any team in the league on any given night, but they aren't built to grind out a seven-game series against some of the East's bigger teams so look for another early-round exit from the Nets.

Toronto Raptors (27-55)
2005-06: 4th Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 2nd Place

Overview
Following a miserable 2005-06 season the Raptors turned over the reins of the franchise to former Phoenix Suns GM Bryan Colangelo, who immediately remade the team in the Suns image. Colangelo was a busy man during the off-season, bringing in nine new players as he looks to inject a considerably faster pace north of the border. He biggest move was the trade of Charlie Villanueva to Milwaukee for hyper-quick T.J. Ford, who will be looking to reprise Steve Nash's role in the Raptors' offense. Unfortunately for Raptor fans, Ford lacks Nash's range and touch, but his speed is a match-up problem against almost anyone he'll face. F/C Chris Bosh is a star on the rise and the team is rebuilding around him.

Notable Losses
An All-Rookie Team member last season, Villanueva might be sorely missed in a league that values size so greatly. The club also lost point guard Mike James so two of their top four scorers won't return in 2006-07.

Notable Additions
In many ways Ford is the key to the rebuilding effort as he was exposed defensively in the playoffs and is just season removed from spinal surgery. If he can stay healthy and improve his shooting touch he could develop into an All-Star caliber point guard. The club also picked up Rasho Nesterovic from the Spurs to man the middle and used the top overall pick on F Andrea Bargnani.

Bottom Line
There are a lot of questions with this team, but they have the talent in such a downtrodden division to make a push for second place. Of course, second place in this division still doesn't equate to a spot in the post-season, so it'll be wait 'til next year for the Raptors.

Philadelphia 76ers (38-44)
2005-06: 2nd Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 3rd Place

Overview
It was a rumor-filled off-season for the 76ers after they failed to make the playoffs in 2005-06 as the club actively shopped superstar Allen Iverson before electing to keep him in the City of Brotherly Love. Now at 31 years old, Iverson is still capable of lifting the club, but the abuse he has taken is beginning to pile up. His pairing with former All-Star power forward Chris Webber has not been nearly as productive as the club had hoped when they made the deal. Both men get their numbers, but it's not resulting in a lot of wins for the Sixers. The continued development of Andre Iguodala will help the team, but if they struggle the Iverson trade watch will almost certainly flare up again.

Notable Losses
G/F John Salmons, one of just three players on the club to play in all 82 games last season, departed for greener pastures as he signed with the Sacramento Kings in free agency. His loss further depletes an already suspect bench.

Notable Additions
None.

Bottom Line
The championship window for Iverson in Philadelphia may be closed for good and even the most ardent Sixers' fan can't expect more than a low playoff seed under the most ideal of circumstances. I doubt they even do that well, maybe 30-33 wins and another trip to the lottery.

New York Knicks (23-59)
2005-06: 5th Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 5th Place

Overview
It took just one season for Larry Brown to get ousted as head coach and much maligned GM Isiah Thomas to be inserted into the spot. It seems a foregone conclusion that Thomas' future with the Knicks hinges on his ability to guide this team into the post-season... well don't bet on it. This team is still deficient in many areas and has the makeup of a fantasy team rather than an actual NBA franchise. Nonetheless, there is a fair amount of individual talent on the roster and if everything goes right they could make a push for the playoffs, but that is big "if."

Key Losses
Promising big man Jackie Butler was snatched off the roster by San Antonio, but he did not play a prominent role for the club last season.

Key Additions
With a bloated payroll the Knicks added only a pair of draft choices and athletic swingman Jared Jeffries from the Wizards. Jeffries has never shown much offensively, but he's a solid defender and could help the club in that regard.

Bottom Line
On a team littered with high-priced and underperforming players it is hard to imagine that the Knicks will maintain any semblance of locker room harmony unless they start the season strong. Expect the Knicks to miss the playoffs again and for Thomas to have a hard time landing a management role at McDonalds after this season.

Boston Celtics (33-49)
2005-06: 3rd Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 5th Place

Overview
The Celtics boast a bona fide superstar in F Paul Pierce, but beyond him the roster is primarily filled with promising young talent, though they tried to mix up the club with last season's deal to Minnesota that netted Wally Szczerbiak. Heading up the youth movement are point guard Delonte West and forward Al Jefferson, though both players and more would have to elevate their games for Boston to seriously compete for a post-season berth. The team also made some noise in their ultimately fruitless pursuit of Allen Iverson, but they did land Sebastian Telfair in a swap with Portland.

Notable Losses
Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau were dealt to Portland, though only Lafrentz contributed anything to the club in 2005-06.

Notable Additions
Telfair and veteran Theo Ratliff were the haul in the Blazers deal and both should see regular minutes in Boston's rotation. The club also drafted Rajon Rondo, who they hope will bring defensive intensity off the bench, but it remains to be seen where he'll find minutes with West and Telfair both in the mix.

Bottom Line
It's shaping up to be another frustrating year in Beantown and if none of the young talent steps up, don't be surprised if the rumblings of a Paul Pierce trade don't start gathering momentum quickly.