Hoopsworld Picks The Atlantic

[wayray@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Magic over NJ...hmmmmm

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_5508.shtml

HOW I SEE IT IT  THE EAST? 
With the NBA Pre-Season set to get underway on October the 5th, here is a Preview/Recap of the off-season and where each team in the East falls in my book:

THE ATLANTIC
Orlando [46-36]:The Magic made a radical change in their philosophy, they were no longer adding veterans to bolster an older team, instead this summer they cut almost all of the weight they could cut, and re-stocked with some younger, more energetic and physical players. This falls right into the style of basketball Doc Rivers and company want to play, and compliments the kinds of athletes the Magic have in town. The addition of Juwan Howard brings another legitimate low post scorer and rebounder, the signing of Donnell Harvey and Shammond Williams give the Magic some cheap role players with NBA experience, and this gives them breathing room on their impressive rookie class in Keith Bogans and Zaza Pachulia, and will allow Reece Gaines to mature at his own pace. Returning Drew Gooden and Gordan Giricek, the Magic have some options across the floor and having a happy, healthy Tracy McGrady is the Magic's key- if Tracy can stay healthy and avoid back problems, the Magic have one of the more impressive rosters in the East. 

New Jersey [44-38]: Keeping Jason Kidd was the start of a good offseason, unfortunately their big improvement is the addition of Alonzo Mourning, and despite exuberance from the media and staff around the team, Zo has not played enough minutes since diagnosis of his kidney disorder to believe he'll be a major factor in improving the teams overall record. The loss of key assistant Eddie Jordan may impact how the offense responds, as Jordan was credited as being the Nets offense coach. The Nets return almost everyone, plus Mourning, there is still pending discussions about a trade involving Dikembe Mutombo, if the Nets can make that happen, they have enough talent now to compete for the top spot again, its just a question of what can they get for Deke? 

Boston [42-40]: Boston is much the same, they added a few nice options in the draft and free agency, which hopefully will address their point guard needs and add some offense to the mix. The C's have some questions that need to be answered Is Antoine Walker still the best option to be jacking up shots? Can Vin Baker contribute anything? Are the young guys namely Kedrick Brown and Kendrick Perkins ready for prime time? Marcus Banks is the real deal, and the C's have the ability to run with anyone, winning games early may be what holds them back initially. They are still a solid team and should look to be a more energetic. 

Philadelphia [41-41]: I love the addition of Glenn Robinson It was smart of the 76ers to extend both Allen Iverson and Eric Snow. At the end of the day is adding Big Dog and a rookie coach going to improve the 76ers? The 76ers have returned the bulk of their team, made a few nice moves in the off-season, and landed some improved options, but there are questions that only a few real games will answer. Does Iverson continue to mature without Larry Brown? Can Big Dog be an option again, will Marc Jackson return to the form that got him a career, or is his wasted cap space? What role does the over-paid Kenny Thomas play with the Sixers and how quick will it all come together? With Iverson, you'll win 10 games on his heart alone, add some soft teams into the schedule this club is easily a .500 ball club, much more than that depends on how the other questions get answered. 

Washington [33-49]: I like the additions this offseason, Eddie Jordan is a solid coach, Ernie Grunfeld is a great GM, but at the end of the day they spent a ton of money on Gilbert Arenas and they added more youth to an already youthful roster. Washington could be a playoff club if a number of things fall into place. Kwame Brown has to have a great year, Jerry Stackhouse has to hang high 20's each night, and last year's rookies have to show something, namely Jared Jeffries. Gilbert Arenas has to earn that money changing games. Jarvis Hayes, as a rookie could change some games too, depending on how they play him. The Wizards are still re-building, and while they have some nice players, they may not have enough to win a ton of games as they develop the younger guys on the roster. 

Miami [33-49]: Adding Lamar Odom and drafting Dwyane Wade were massive improvements for Miami. Both have to prove they can learn and play a Riley style of basketball before, I'll believe they improved enough to wins substantially more games. Miami has more weapons, and they clearly have some athletes that can play. If Eddie Jones is healthy, Brian Grant is aggressive; Odom stays healthy and learns the playbook, and D-Wade shows what he showed in summer league, Miami is a playoff club, but all of those things are not a given and game time will tell. I expect Miami will blow my number out of the water. 

New York [26-56]: Going backwards. The Knicks must be angling for a top draft pick I like Keith Van Horn, and he is a true small forward. He's truly overpaid and inconsistent. Latrell Sprewell was a heart and hustle kind of guy that inspired players around him Who are the emotional leaders? Rev. Charlie Ward? The Knicks are banking on a healthy return of Antonio McDyess, if the Diceman cometh, the Knicks could improve as they have a more traditional roster. They have made some moves for the future in Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampe, neither should be a huge factor this year but if the Knicks tank the season as their roster indicates they might, adding a high draft pick next year might be how the Knicks get out from under their horrid record over the past few seasons.