Atlantic Division 2014-2015 Predictions

The Preseason has been going on in the NBA.  While it's okay. I'm more excited and thrilled about the upcoming 2014-2015 NBA season.  Today I am released my Atlantic Division Predictions.  Here are the things I'm going to do, 1)  I'm going to give my list of who I believe is going to finish where in the division and 2)  After I give my list, I'm going to explain why I feel that team is going to finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th (last).  So here are my predictions.

Atlantic Division Predictions

1. Toronto Raptors
2. Brooklyn Nets
3. New York Knicks
4. Boston Celtics
5. Philadelphia 76ers

1) Toronto-  I see this year as the Raptors winning the Atlantic Division.  They brought back point guard Kyle Lowry (who was robbed in all-star voting last year), and Kentucky drafted power forward Patrick Patterson.  This team has a solid ten man rotation.  I can't wait to see how well Jonas Valanciunas will play this year.  If DeMar DeRozan plays like he did last year, there is no reason why the Raptors can't win the division. The Raptors added Lou Williams in the off-season which will be interesting to see.  Backup point guard Greivis Vasquez is on the team still.  I think Raptors fan should stay tuned for an exciting NBA season.

2) Brooklyn-  I was between putting this team or the Knicks here.   I think the veteran leadership on this team and Joe Johnson clutch shooting will help this team finish 2nd.  I want to see Deron Williams go back and play like he did in Utah.  It use to be between him and Chris Paul who was the best point guard.  I was disappointed they didn't bring back Andray Blatche who I felt was great for the Nets.  Why no other NBA team picked him up is beyond me.  I know that Paul Pierce has gone to Washington.  I do feel that with the Eastern Conference not as strong as the Western, and I feel the Atlantic Division is not as strong as the Central,  I can see Brooklyn finishing 2nd or maybe even the Knicks.

3) New York-  I'm not sure how New York will do this year. I was tempted to put Brooklyn here finishing 3rd, but I don't know how well Samuel Dalembert and Jose Calderon will be for the Knicks.  Amare who when healthy is great, but he's too injury prone.  If Amare could remain healthy for 75 percent of the season,  I can see New York finishing 2nd.  Jose Calderon will be interesting for this squad.  Calderon can score, but also can be a good play maker for Carmelo Anthony.  I feel that while Melo will have to carry the team on his back most of the season,  he will have some help in 2015.  How well the triangle offense will be for the Knicks is going to be interesting to see, plus first year coach Derek Fisher.  The Knicks could sneak into the playoffs this year though.  So I think this year will be better for the Knicks compared to last year.  Second year player Tim Hardaway Jr, I can't wait to watch again. Besides Carmelo I enjoy Hardaway Jr, who is my second favorite player on the Knicks.  So hang in there Knicks fans, 2015 is coming.  I think Phil Jackson has something up his sleeve.

4) Boston-  During the off-season the Celtics got Marcus Thornton who is an upgrade to their bench.  Thornton can score.   I have no idea about how Marcus Smart will be. I think James Young could be exciting.  Don't get me started on Evan Turner.  Jared Sullinger has been a surprise player to me. I thought he'd be a bust.  Will Rajon Rondo be traded or will he stay?  So many questions in Boston.  I think they will be a lottery team again, maybe even top 5 worst NBA team this season.

5) Philadelphia-  I didn't really want to put 76ers here last. I do think though it will be this year and maybe next.  I like that Nerlens Noel is going to be playing.  When Joel Embiid and Nerlens Noel starting playing, it's going to be a great day in the paint for the Sixers.   I can't wait for the season to begin. I want to see if Michael Carter Williams can be impressive in his sophomore season as his rookie season in the NBA.  I'm not sure how depth charts will play out, but I want to see KJ McDaniels staring at the shooting guard for the Sixers.  I'm glad the Sixers drafted KJ, but was surprised at the teams that passed on him.  McDaniels will play with a chip on his shoulder making GM who passed on him swallow crow.  The one downfall I see of this team is Tony Wroten.  I hope next year the Sixers draft a solid shooting guard in the 2015 NBA Draft.  While ESPN and many others will hate on the Sixers,  I give them credit for the rebuilding phrase.  When you have a mediocre to crappy building you have to knock it down, or take some of the pieces out and put in new ones, that is what Philly is doing.   So Sixers fans please let this team stink for a year or two, because I believe in 2016, other teams will be fearing the city of brotherly love.

So what are your Atlantic Division 2014-2015 season  predictions? What do you agree with? What do you disagree with?  Who will finish first?, last?  Send me your comments and thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land.