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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

NBA: Atlantic Division capsules; Celtics favored


By Michael Wallace
McClatchy Newspapers

Here is the outlook for teams in the NBA's Atlantic Division.

ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. BOSTON

Key additions: PF Rasheed Wallace (free agent, Pistons); SG Marquis Daniels (free agent, Pacers).
Key subtractions: F Leon Powe (free agent, Cavaliers); C/F Mikki Moore (free agent, Warriors).
Outlook: Kevin Garnett is working his way back from a knee injury that derailed the Celtics’ title defense last season. Two great pickups in veterans Marquis Daniels and Rasheed Wallace will keep Boston in the Finals hunt.

2. TORONTO

Key additions: F Hedo Turkoglu (free agent, Magic); PG Jarrett Jack (free agent, Pacers); PF Reggie Evans (trade, Sixers).
Key subtractions: SF Shawn Marion (free agent, Mavericks); SG Jason Kapono (trade, Sixers).
Outlook: Last season it was Jermaine O’Neal. This year it’s Hedo Turkoglu. Now, Chris Bosh finally has a compatible sidekick who should help the Raptors return to the playoffs and put last season’s disastrous meltdown behind.

3. PHILADELPHIA

Key additions: SG Jason Kapono (trade, Raptors); G Jrue Holiday (draft).
Key subtractions: PG Andre Miller (free agent, Blazers); PF Reggie Evans (trade, Raptors).
Outlook: It’s debatable whether the Sixers lost more than they gained in the offseason. Elton Brand’s return from a season-ending shoulder injury should help. But without a proven point guard, there’s no direction.

4. NEW YORK

Key additions: C Darko Milicic (trade, Grizzlies); F/C Jordan Hill (draft).
Key subtractions: F/C Chris Wilcox (free agent, Pistons); G/F Quentin Richardson (trade, Heat).
Outlook: The Knicks simply hope to be entertaining enough to justify those high-dollar ticket prices until they can make their long-anticipated pitch for LeBron James in free agency next summer. Little else matters.

5. NEW JERSEY

Key additions: PG Rafer Alston (trade, Magic); SG Courtney Lee (trade, Magic).
Key subtraction: SG Vince Carter (trade, Magic).
Outlook: When the ownership roster is more impressive than the basketball one, expect a long season. That’s the case with the Big Apple-area’s other team, which also plans to be a big player next summer. Not this season.