Draft Fallout: Atlantic Division
Atlantic Division:
While the Northwest division had the best drafts, it was the Atlantic division that made the most noise. The division welcomes a headcase, a veteran, a veteran headcase, and three prospects that left a fan base shaking their heads. At the end of the day, though, I'm not sure if the balance of power really shifted all that much.
1. New Jersey Nets: The healthy Nets are a better team than the Raptors so I'm going to keep him as the cream of the Atlantic crop. Also, they didn't trade Richard Jefferson for Zach Randolph (a deal that now looks like a complete BS rumor seeing what Portland ended up dealing Zach for). I thought Zach would have been a terrible fit for the Nets. They did, however, draft Sean Williams who, by all accounts, sounded like he was more of a headcase than a pothead. If Williams can clean his act up, he'll be a very nice defensive presence and should fit in as the trailer behind Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson.
2. Toronto Raptors: Didn't have a pick but I still think they are the #2 team in the division.
3. New York Knicks: Zach Randolph is a talented player but I don't see him fitting in at all. He basically duplicates what Eddy Curry does with rebounding thrown in. His presence also could mean fewer minutes for David Lee, who is a better fit alongside Curry and is probably a better player overall. This deal could work if Randolph would accept the 6th man role but who knows if that will happen. It's also unclear whether his attitude will be a distraction. The Knicks needed to add a consistent perimeter shooter and defense but ended up with neither. Draft pick Wilson Chandler has potential but is a project and won't help this year. In the end, I think this deal made for more headcase than headway and, as of now, I don't see the Knicks making the playoffs.
4. Boston Celtics: The Ray Allen trade definitely has some red flag but overall I am content with the deal. Gabe Pruitt and Glen "Big Baby" Davis are nice additions but the Celtics still have to a lot left to prove. If Al Jefferson continues on the pace from last year, the current C's team could battle for the second spot in the division but the team needs to solidify the point guard spot and improve defensively if they want to really make a run at the playoffs. Like the Randolph trade, the Allen trade added talent but didn't answer any questions. Danny Ainge's job is far from over as the Celtics still need to make a couple of moves to make this a truly successful offseason.
5. Philadelphia 76ers: Billy King wasn't willing to deal any players so he wasn't able to deal any picks. The Sixers might have taken a step back in the standings because they didn't match the Ray Allen and Zach Randolph deals but that might be to their benefit in the long run. I love the Thaddeus Young pick and think, while he won't help out a ton this year, he will be a very good player in Philly. While Young develops, Derrick Byars should be able to step right in and start alongside Andre Iguodala. Byars could be an Aaron McKie type who will defend, do the little things, and be able to score when you need him to. Jason Smith is a nice complement to 'Dre, Iggy, and Sam Dalembert. He's a high post big man who can knock down a jumper and will excel running the break with Miller. He probably isn't the answer at the starting four spot but should be a solid role player. I wouldn't rule out the Sixers being a surprise success but right now I think they are (and are better off) being the low man on the totem pole. While Billy King wasn't able to add a marquee veteran to his lineup, his team now has the potential to be a very good, and very entertainging, squad.
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In the end, the Nets are the winners in the short term because they added what could be the missing piece to their puzzle. The Knicks and Celtics made moves to improve but still need more help if they are to contend. In three years though, the draft that might matter the most if the Sixers as they added young talent that could become an impressive core by decade's end.
