Setting a Course in the Atlantic

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Courtesy of NETSDaily:

Toronto won the Atlantic Division last spring, but then lost to New Jersey in the playoffs. Boston made the biggest summertime headlines by putting together a new Big Three. So who should be the favorite this season? The Nets say the defending champs. The Raptors say it has to be the team that advanced the farthest in the playoffs. The pundits say it&rsquo;s the Celtics. 82 games will tell the tale, but for now it&rsquo;s anyone&rsquo;s guess.

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Nothing but Nets - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger</p>

Jason Kidd says Raps:

Jason Kidd's media day observations were typical: "Boston definitely got better, but Toronto is the team to beat," the Nets captain said. "They won the Atlantic last year and if they're healthy going into the playoffs, they probably would have felt a little bit different about that series and thought they had a chance to beat us. New York has gotten better, Philly played extremely well after the (Allen Iverson) trade. There's not going to be any nights off in the Atlantic."

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RJ says Raps:

"Toronto is the reigning division champion," Richard Jefferson said. "They did their work over an 82-game season, and until someone else can hold up a division crown they're the team to beat. Regardless of how many trades, or who got healthy, they're the team that did it over 82 games. Toronto holds that banner and until someone is able to hold another one or the division is set this year, they're the team to beat."

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Colangelo says Nets:

"The Nets knocked us off in the first round last year, so I would say they're the team to beat right now in terms of roster, depth, and experience," Colangelo said, when asked to evaluate the Atlantic Division recently. "Realistically, Boston is an unknown, and it will take time for them. So in terms of the division, I think we're all looking at Jersey right now."</p>

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"Assuming good health, Jersey was clearly the team to beat last year," he continued. "They had a rough go with injuries, and it was a long wait for them. By the time the playoffs came, they proved how good they were. And now they have (Nenad) Krstic back. You have to look at them and say in this division, they're still the team to beat. Obviously the big unknown is what Boston has done and how impactful those moves will be, but Jersey has the experience, and they've done it before."

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And I say Raps are the team to beat.</p>

 

[jarkid]

New Jersey is still the best in the Atlantic (when healthy)</p>

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[Real]

Raptors made small roster moves like adding Carlos Delfino to a roster that will automatically improve year by year. Plus they're getting Bargnani, who could have a big second year, and Garbajosa back healthy. 50+ wins isn't impossible, but at the same time, one has to wonder how they're going to react to being the hunted instead of being the hunter.</p>

 

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Raptors made small roster moves like adding Carlos Delfino to a roster that will automatically improve year by year. Plus they're getting Bargnani, who could have a big second year, and Garbajosa back healthy. 50+ wins isn't impossible, but at the same time, one has to wonder how they're going to react to being the hunted instead of being the hunter.</p>

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They gained Baston, too.</p>

They also lost MoPete...they'll miss that solid wing defender.</p>

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[lukewarmplay]

Nice, Peg-you're doing a great job.</p>

 

[Universe]

Raptors also got Kapono. I kinda hope Boston does not connect and it's just us and the Raptors fighting. Even Knicks and Philly have a chance.</p>

 

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lukewarmplay)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Nice, Peg-you're doing a great job.</p>

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Thanks, luke. I'm havin a hell of a time reading all these articles.</p>