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By JonathanRagus, Section NBA
The 2004-05 season is about to be under way. With that in thought, I'm here for my yearly predictions and analysis of each division. This will be a seven part series. First I will start off with the East Atlantic Division. There won't be many surprises this year out of the Atlantic but as they say, you never know.
All Knicks fans have to say is, Thank God for Isiah Thomas. When New York fired former GM Scott Layden last year they took a chance by hiring Thomas to revamp the roster and restore order in a depleted Knicks franchise. When the news came last year that Thomas acquired Stephon Marbury in a blockbuster deal there was a sigh of relief in the city. Marbury came with the hype that he'd bring the Knicks back to championship caliber. But what they forgot was a center. This year, the Knicks made another blockbuster deal for guard Jamal Crawford and rebounding forward Jerome Williams of the Chicago Bulls for unwanted player in Dikembe Mutombo, Frank Williams, Othella Harrington and Cezary Trybanski. Still without a true center, they will be sending out a rotation of Nazr Mohammed, Vin Baker and Kurt Thomas at center. Player to Watch: Guard Jamal Crawford. He will have to pick his game up a notch while trying to fight for points with ball hungry Marbury. Player(s) not to Watch: Guards Allan Houston, Shandon Anderson and Moochie Norris. Houston will be out till December with his never ending knee injuries. Anderson and Norris are just not wanted in New York. Many failed trades included these names this off season. Expect either there release or trade for a late draft pick before the All Star Break.
Philadelphia 76ers Player to Watch: Center Samuel Dalembert. What he did last year was amazing. He's only 6'11" and 250lbs but was banging around the inside grabbing boards against 300lb centers. He averaged 8.6 rebounds last year and those numbers will increase this year. Player not to Watch: Forward Glenn Robinson. The Big Dog just doesn't have it anymore. Injuries and nagging coaches is what he does best. He can still hit a big shot, but in order to hit that shot you have to be on the court and not in street clothes on the bench.
Boston Celtics Player to Watch: Center Raef LaFrentz. A healthy LaFrentz will prove why the Celtics traded Antoine Walker for him last season. Expect him to roll out more and take more 3 pointers and deep shots. Player not to Watch: Point Guard Gary Payton. If everyone thought the ego maniacal Lakers were going to cause headlines than wait till Payton and Ricky Davis get into it. Blood will be shed on that one which will result in a Payton that will throw up bad shots and not pass the ball to Paul Pierce.
Toronto Raptors Player to Watch: Forward Chris Bosh is going to have a big season. I say his numbers will definitely go up playing with Alston and Jalen Rose. Player not to Watch: There other big free agent singing in Center Loren Woods. When you need a center, Loren Woods is not the answer.
New Jersey Nets Player(s) to Watch: Forward Richard Jefferson. This is his team now and he will have to step up and start to play better defense. Forward Eric Williams will step up and have a great season. He's back home in Jersey and I know he will play his heart out for the fans. Player not to Watch: Guard Rodney Buford. They brought him in for shooting off the bench but he will miss a lot in this Nets offense. Mercer will be used a lot more than Buford when it counts.
Predictions Atlantic Division MVP - Jamal Crawford Atlantic Division LVP (Lease Valuable Player) - Gary Payton Sixth Man Award - Anfernee Hardaway Defensive Player of the Year - Mike Sweetney
Most Improved Player - Zoran Planinic Story writing contestLog in or create an account to vote for this story!
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