NBA Continued....

ATLANTIC DIVISON

76ERS
A whole season without Allen Iverson...hey whats the worst that could happen? The Sixers have been flirting with contention since they lost the reign of being contenders, when they let the Lakers win 4-straight games to win the NBA Finals back in 2001. With no true star power the sixers are putting a lot of pressure on the young shoulders of guard Andre Igoudala. Point guard Andre Miller will have a whole training camp to get familiar with his teammates and them to him. He could play an intricate part to the Sixers making some noise this season.

Sixers are crowded at a couple positions and used this past NBA draft to add some size on their front line. Rookie of the year CONTENDER (R.O.Y.= Kevin Durant) Thaddeus young will join Rodney Carney and Kyle Korver at the small forward, while Samuel Dalembert anchors the middle. They acquired power forward Reggie Evans this off-season to improve rebounding and energy. Guard Willie Green A.K.A. Mr. Buckets will be the primary bench production for the Sixers .

KNICKS
Marbury wants to finish his basketball career in Italy when his contract is up, Head Coach Isiah Thomas is in question about his commitment to the team, but there is no question in his commitment to Madison Square Garden employees, and big guys Eddie Curry and Zac Randolph have to find away to coexist...because both of them can't eat the up all the buffet's on the road.

All jokes aside the knicks are one of the most talented teams in the East, believe it or not. It's mostly young talent but if Isiah can get a true rotation and pile up his bench with some guards, instead of starting 3 or 4 guards every game, they could scare some teams with their depth. Outside shooting has been a problem for the Knicks and still hasn't been addressed.

RAPTORS
Last year's sleeper in the East will try and prove to NBA critics that they are "fo-real" and make back to back playoff visits. All-Star Forward Chris Bosh has to be the "Beast" he know he can be this season. Point guard T.J. Ford has to stay consistent and play at a high level all season. He needs to make sure role players Andre Bargnani, Anthony Parker, and newly acquired sharp shooter Jason Kapono play their roles.

Bench play is crucial for the Raps. It was evident last season during their playoff series with the Nets, they were not talented at certain positions on the bench. With no true big man once again Toronto has to turn to Rasho Nesterovic to fill the paint, good luck.

Mike