2011-12 Preview: Atlantic Division

The Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference is steadily improving and the Boston Celtics are no longer the only dominant team. Although the Celtics have won the last four division championships, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are making a push for the top.

The Celtics are an aging team and with the youth surge besieging the division, expect the Atlantic’s throne to change cities.

Boston finished atop the division last season, followed by the Knicks and Sixers at two and three, respectively. As for the New Jersey Nets (finished 4th last season) Toronto Raptors (5th), you can count on them to once again disappoint fans with a sub-par campaign.

5. Toronto Raptors- 2010-11 (22-60), 2011-12 prediction (17-49)

The Toronto Raptors did win the Atlantic Division back in  2006-07, but their team has not been able to reach the same position since. Once Chris Bosh left the city to join his friends in Miami, the Raptors instantly became irrelevant in the NBA. The Raptors have no star players, and the lone NBA team in Canada does not create buzz when they come below the border.

———————————————–
Join our $500 Fantasy Basketball Tournament – It’s FREE
———————————————–

The Raptors do have valuable young players on their roster like Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan and Amir Johnson, but their defensive is absolutely atrocious. They do have flexibility in terms of cap space, but Toronto is not a destination city for NBA players.

The only way for the Raptors to improve is if they bring in more talented players to their roster. They do have Reggie Evans to spark the younger players, but his contributions to the team on the court is not enough to match his attitude off it. The Raptors may not be making the playoffs this year, but at least fans in Toronto will be able to see a professional basketball team.

Next Page: New Jersey Nets

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Alex Caruso Likely To Re-Join South Bay As Days No Longer Remain On Two-Way Contract

Alex Caruso made both of his shot attempts, finishing with four points, one rebound, one steal and three blocked…

Lakers’ Frank Vogel: Jason Kidd ‘Will Be Missed’ After Being Hired By Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will have a new lead assistant for the 2021-22 season after Jason Kidd was hired…

Todd Gurley On Taking Kobe’s Place In L.A: ‘That Would Never Happen’

With Kobe Bryant now officially retired and out of the Los Angeles spotlight, there is now a major hole in L.A. sports…

Lakers News: Mitch Kupchak Recalls Chris Paul Trade As ‘A Bad Day’

Many look at the vetoed Chris Paul trade as the turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers franchise. Adding Chris Paul…