1. Brooklyn Nets
An influx of new faces means a ‘must win’ season is ahead.
2. New York Knicks
Carmelo’s impending free agency aside, the Knicks are contenders.
3. Boston Celtics
With the old guard gone it’s time to build a new legacy.
4. Toronto Raptors
They have some nice pieces to build upon in a stacked division.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
They have clearly established a rebuilding model for the next 2 seasons.
Head Coach: Jason Kidd
Key Position: Point Guard – He wasn’t playing at his usual level and if the Nets are going to contend for a title this year they will need the elite Deron Williams to return. Brining in Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce will help a lot, but this team is built around their point guard and he must play at a high level.
Key Acquisitions: F Kevin Garnett, F Andrei Kirilenko, F Paul Pierce, G Jason Terry
Key to Win the Finals: Wake point guard Deron Williams up.
Head Coach: Mike Woodson
Key Position: Shooting Guard – How much do the New York Knicks trust J.R. Smith? We’ll find out this season as he was given an extension, but not one that he was looking for. He is still on a relatively short leash, but the Knicks know that they will need his help to contend in a hotly contested Eastern Conference.
Key Acquisitions: F Andrea Bargnani, G Beno Udrih, F Metta World Peace
Key to Win the Finals: Help Carmelo Anthony.
Head Coach: Brad Stevens
Key Position: All – They’ll be looking to build through the draft in the next two years and with the recovery to Rajon Rondo’s knee going at a cautious pace the Celtics will be having a tryout stage this season. New coach Brad Stevens can relate to this roster, but he will need the star in Rondo get on board as well.
Key Acquisitions: G MarShon Brooks, F Gerald Wallace
Key to Win the Finals: Have a healthy Rajon Rondo.
Head Coach: Dwane Casey
Key Position: Small Forward – It was a puzzling trade last season with Memphis to get Rudy Gay, but it makes sense now with the departure of Andrea Bargnani. He was never going to live up to his billing as the number one overall pick and Gay is seen as a top tier forward who can excel as the ‘man’ so to speak for a franchise.
Key Acquisitions: G D.J. Augustin, F Tyler Hansbrough, F Steve Novak
Key to Win the Finals: Stay healthy.
Head Coach: Brett Brown
Key Position: Point Guard – All eyes would be on Nerlens Noel had the Sixers not announce that they would be keeping him out of this upcoming season while recovering from his knee surgery. Now the focus turns to Michael Carter-Williams who is replacing a talented point guard in Jrue Holiday who was traded away for Noel on draft day. How Carter-Williams adjusts to the NBA will be interesting to watch.
Key Acquisitions: C Nerlens Noel (Rookie), G Michael Carter-Williams (Rookie)
Key to Win the Finals: Not happening this year.
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