As many might think, our division, the Atlantic Division is the weakest division in the league. Now even though we may be in the weakest division, teams such as the Boston, Knicks and even Raptors aren?t necessarily consider weak opponents. When I take a look at the roster of all three teams (Boston, Tornoto, and New York) they?re not that bad of a team. I once thought that we would be going in a head-to-head competition with Knicks for the AD crown, but just looking at what Isiah Thomas has been doing lately, I?m not too sure of it. Similar, to the move that he did involving Keith Van Horn and Tim Thomas, he looked at talent over chemistry. Now judging by his recent moves, and the urge to sign Keon Clark because he?s ?Keon Clark?, Thomas is putting himself in that hole once again. If you look at the 76ers and Knicks on paper, the Knicks have a better roster imo, but I just don?t see the chemistry working out between the Knicks players. Thomas is just stacking up players and talent, and not going after complementary players or role players. Virtually, every player on that team with the exception of Jerome Williams aren?t the type of players who will do those little things like dive for loose balls and hustle on every play. But with that being the case, I still think the Knicks will give a fight for the AD crown, but not give us much of a competition as I thought they would. I see them and then us leading the AD division going back and forth and what not, but I believe around or after AS break we will just run away with it and give the Knicks a slight chance of getting the AD crown. Now, I know many might disagree with me on this, (regarding the Knicks) but I just don't think they will do as good as many expected. The Boston Celtics on the other hand, may be on the surprise teams this season. They got some decent draft picks; they have Paul Pierce, Ricky Davis a new coach and possibly a healthy Reaf Lafrentz. With those key ingredients, I think this may be the team that will give us some problems. Not too many, sport analyst would rank them high in the Off-Season rankings, but they?ve done some low-profile moves, that will earn them some success next season. So, if anything, I believe this team will be the true competition for us in the AD division. I?m pretty optimistic about this, and I do believe we will get the AD crown. So, while majority of us 76ers fans believe that we?re the best in the AD and will win the AD division, what team(s) are going to give us a run for our money? What is your take on this? <u>Atlantic Division</u> Philadelhpia 76ers Boston Celtics/New York Knicks New York Knicks/Boston Celtics Toronto Raptors New Jersey Nets
The Atlantic Division is the weakest in the NBA,but in the end the Sixers are the best team in the AD imo. The Celtics have an ok team,but they are missing more pieces to their team then us.For instance the Celtics dont have a PG that can run their team,Marcus Banks cant do it, and GP will not play for them. The Knicks probally will be are biggest threat,but they could have problems with egos and team chemistry,also if Starbury went down with an injury this team would be done,some may say the same about the Sixers but remember they almost made the playoffs without AI last season. The Raptors could be a suprise to some people,they seem to have a solid(or better)player at every postion,their biggest problem is center,these days you cant really acomplish much in this leauge without a solic C and thats why I dont think they will win the AD. The Sixers out of all the teams in the AD have the most depth,the best C,and overall just better players,then the other teams. In the game of basketball anything can happen,so who knows who will come on top off the AD,a trade injury ect can go down that can change the whole outlook. <u>Atlantic Divison </u> Sixers Raptors/Celtics/Knicks Knicks Nets
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">For instance the Celtics dont have a PG that can run their team,Marcus Banks cant do it, and GP will not play for them.</div> Why do people continue to make assumptions, without waiting for GP to make his decision? GP was pissed that the Lakers traded him, after giving him assurances that he was part of the teams future. He didn't have to re up with them and wouldn't have if he knew that the only reason they wanted him was to trade him. His other issues had to do with the fact that Boston is on the far side of the country, away from his family, not because he didn't like the Celtics. GP and Pierce are freinds, keep that in mind. Even if he doesn't come to Boston, he's still property of the Boston Celtics and will make nice trade bait to any team that doesn't employ the triangle. In the PG situation, you're also forgetting about West and potentially Welsh, who can both run the point. And as far as dismissing Banks, while I'll admit he's had his struggles, it's far too early to give up on him, particularly given his outstanding ability to play defense.
What you say is true but Payton has already stated that he will quit before playing with Boston,I do agree with you though,its possible to trade him for another PG,but who knows what teams GP would accept a trade to.
Those were comments made well over a month ago, when the situation first happened. Danny Ainge has since contact GP and told him to take his time and think the matter through and that the Celtics would respect whatever decision he made. GP hasn't made any indication as to whether he'll report to camp or not, and rumors are that he's going to and that he's over his initial anger at the Lakers for the underhanded move by Kupchek. Regardless, GP's playing future is squarely in the hands of the Boston Celtics. If he wants to retire, then that's his business, but this isn't a Roger Clemens situation. He can't annouce his retirement and then play for another team this season. The Celtics will own his rights for the remainder of the season. If he sits out the season in protest, then he might as well retire, because it's highly likely that no contender will touch him after that. His best option is to report and play out the season. At least he'll have the option of being traded before the deadline, assuming he's still unhappy at that point.
Well back on topic I think the Sixers should have contended for the best team in the Atlantic LAST YEAR! They had so many injury's...In a way the injury's that the Sixers had last year were good, they found out that Green, Korver, and Dalembert are all capible of starting...But if you look at who was hury, (IVERSON, Jackson [brings depth to center spot], GRob, Willie Green [short time but still], and finally D.C) If the Sixers stay heathly I see them in winning the Atlantic, but they will stuggle to get past the first round of the playoffs, they will probably have to play a team like the Cavs who can give them problems... <u>Atlantic</u> 1. Philly 2. New York 3. Boston 4. Raptors 5. Nets (with Kidd out till december)
Gary Payton is now supposedly going to report to training camp,he probally thought it over and if he doesnt like Boston I think his contract is only for one season so he will hae his options next off season. This is a problem for the otheR teams in the AD,Payton gives the Celtics a good veteran PG and the Celtics have a solid team,if they play like a team they will deffiantly be compeating with the Sixers for the Atlantic Division crown.
You know the AD is so weak that every team thinks they can win it. And they are probably right. The sad thing is that whoever finishes 2nd in the AD will probably end up ranking 6-8 in the Eastern conference. I'm a raptors fan, and I think the Celtics, 76ers, Raptors, and Knicks will all fight for the title. I'm giving the edge to the Knicks, but the team will have to coach themselves because Lenny doesn't believe coaching requires work. Also, the will be all offense and very little D.
