More preseason speculation is on the way here. This time it's a more in depth look at each division. For part one we are going to look at the Atlantic Division. Last year the Atlantic Division was the only division in the entire league to only have one playoff team. Not only was there only one playoff team, but the third best record in the division was New York, who had a grand total of 29 wins. During the 2005/2006 season the worst team in the league was the Portland Trailblazers with 30 wins. The bottom two teams in the division had fewer wins than the second place team in the division, and that second place team, again, did not make the playoffs.
Jason recently posted his power rankings for next season, and it's probably apropriate that the same is done by myself. Although mine are going to be pretty similar, there will be some differences as well. You will see the team and then an explanation of why they belong where they are in my opinion. Now, let's get going!
Explanations will be released over the next couple of days. But for now, here is how I would rank the current state of NBA teams. Remember that these rankings are always in flux based on free agent signings, trades and unforeseen circumstances. However, as of this moment in time, this is the state of the NBA.
The second round of the NBA Draft has never been known as a place where superstars come from, but occasionally one slips in. What it does to on a regular basis is provide a good role player or a player who goes to play in Europe for a couple of years before coming to the NBA and being a higher level role player. This is going to look over every rookie this season who was a second round pick, as far as ones who really look like they can make a difference for their team. These could be second round picks from the 2010 NBA Draft, the 2008 NBA Draft, or any other draft, as long as they are a rookie this season and were drafted in the second round.
