Editor's note: This is the first in a series previewing each NBA division.Two factors figure to make the Atlantic Division stronger this season: the presence of Larry Brown, and health in New Jersey.
This division had great parity last season — only 12 wins separated the first- and last-place teams — but that wasn't necessarily a good thing. What it really indicated was a lack of quality at the top. Three teams from the Atlantic made the playoffs, but they all got knocked out in the first round.
And none of those defeats came as a surprise.
That could change this time around. Brown should make a huge difference in New York, and if the Nets stay healthy they will score bunches of points.
The NBA champion won't come from this division, but it at least figures to be more of a threat and more entertaining.
1. New Jersey Nets
2004-2005 RECORD: 42-40
DIVISION FINISH: Third, swept by Miami in first round
COACH: Lawrence Frank, third season
TOP ROOKIES: G/F Antoine Wright
KEY ADDITIONS: C Marc Jackson, G Jeff McInnis, F Scott Padgett, G/F Lamond Murray
KEY LOSSES: G Travis Best, G Ron Mercer, F Brian Scalabrine, G/F Rodney Buford
STRENGTHS: Jason Kidd is still one of the league's best point guards. Vince Carter can score on anybody. Richard Jefferson is solid defender who can run with Kidd on the offensive end.
CONCERNS: Carter is one-on-one player who must show he can run with Kidd and Jefferson. McInnis has been trouble elsewhere and will have to be happy backing up Kidd. Dominant centers are going to pose them problems. All three stars have had injury issues.
2. Boston Celtics
2004-2005 RECORD: 45-37
DIVISION FINISH: First, lost to Indiana in first round
COACH: Doc Rivers, second season
TOP ROOKIES: F Gerald Green
KEY ADDITIONS: G Dan Dickau, F Brian Scalabrine, F Qyntel Woods, C Curtis Borchardt
KEY LOSSES: G Gary Payton, F Antoine Walker
STRENGTHS: Paul Pierce is one of the most talented players in the game. PG Delonte West and PF Al Jefferson showed promise last season.
CONCERNS: They just keep getting younger in GM Danny Ainge's never-ending rebuilding process. Pierce's happiness is always an issue, and if they get off to a slow start, he'll be heard from. Frontline is not deep.
3. New York Knicks
2004-2005 RECORD: 33-49
DIVISION FINISH: Fourth
COACH: Larry Brown, first season
TOP ROOKIES: C Channing Frye, F David Lee, G Nate Robinson
KEY ADDITIONS: G/F Quentin Richardson, C Eddy Curry, F/C Antonio Davis, C Jerome James
KEY LOSSES: F Kurt Thomas, G Allan Houston, F Tim Thomas, F Jerome Williams
STRENGTHS: Probably the NBA's best coach. Brown's pattern in his many coaching stops has been to make immediate improvement, typically because of his insistence on defense.
CONCERNS: GM Isiah Thomas has an inordinate fondness for bombs-away gunners that may not mesh with Brown's devotion to teamwork and defense. Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford and Richardson have to play unselfishly.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
2004-2005 RECORD: 43-39
DIVISION FINISH: Second, lost to Detroit in first round
COACH: Maurice Cheeks, first season
TOP ROOKIES: None
KEY ADDITIONS: F/C Steven Hunter
KEY LOSSES: F/C Marc Jackson, G Aaron McKie
STRENGTHS: Allen Iverson will pour in the points. Easygoing Cheeks may get along better with Iverson than some of his coaching predecessors. Samuel Dalembert, Kyle Korver and Andre Iguodala are young players with good upsides.
CONCERNS: Chris Webber never looked comfortable in the Philly offense — which is to say, playing with Iverson. A.I. has never been able to play with another bona fide offensive threat. They did little in the offseason.
5. Toronto Raptors
2004-2005 RECORD: 33-49
DIVISION FINISH: Fifth
COACH: Sam Mitchell, second season
TOP ROOKIES: F Charlie Villanueva, F Joey Graham
KEY ADDITIONS: G Mike James, G Jose Calderon
KEY LOSSES: G Rafer Alston, F Donyell Marshall, F Lamond Murray, G Milt Palacio
STRENGTHS: Chris Bosh is rapidly developing into franchise player. They have several scorers.
CONCERNS: They're in rebuilding mode but they spent the offseason sitting on their hands. C Rafael Araujo needs to show some second-year improvement. Rebounding, defense will need shoring up. Mitchell is outspoken and impatient, which could be tough on young players.