2006-2007 NBA Eastern Conference Predictions

An Early Look at the Big Picture

The days of the Leastern Conference are now long gone, but the league still isn’t quite up to par when compared to the West.
However, talented, up-and-coming young teams like Orlando, Charlotte, and Cleveland combined with standbys with staying power like Miami, Detroit, and New Jersey give the conference a bright future.
Here is my prediction for how the Eastern Conference will stack up by the end of the 2006-2007 NBA season:

Atlantic Division-

1. New Jersey-

The Nets are treading water on their ultimate quest to take home an NBA Championship, but they remain a strong team built to run and score a lot of points. Marcus Williams should be a fine understudy for Jason Kidd and his UConn teammate Josh Boone has some potential at the PF slot.

2. Boston Celtics-

Danny Ainge has acquired a lot of young talent but most of it still hasn’t panned out. Paul Pierce is a true superstar but he hates losing and it has affected his attitude. They’re here pretty much by default in a bad division. Sebastian Telfair might benefit from playing with Pierce and cash in on some of his immense potential.

3. Philadelphia 76ers-

Allen Iverson will win them a couple dozen games on his own, but he’s getting up there in age and deserves a better supporting cast. Rodney Carney is an interesting draft pick who should help but there’s not enough offense or speed on defense here.

4. Toronto Raptors-

The Raptors finally cut bait with some of their deadweight players like Rafael Araujo and Matt Bonner and added speedy point guard T.J. Ford. They’re headed in the right direction but don’t have much depth right now. Chris Bosh is a superstar in the making but number-one overall pick Andrea Bargnani isn’t ready to contribute much yet.