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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, October 27, 2009

NBA: Atlantic Division capsules; Celtics favored


By Michael Wallace
McClatchy Newspapers

Here is the outlook for teams in the NBA's Atlantic Division.

ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. BOSTON

Key additions: PF Rasheed Wallace (free agent, Pistons); SG Marquis Daniels (free agent, Pacers).
Key subtractions: F Leon Powe (free agent, Cavaliers); C/F Mikki Moore (free agent, Warriors).
Outlook: Kevin Garnett is working his way back from a knee injury that derailed the Celtics� title defense last season. Two great pickups in veterans Marquis Daniels and Rasheed Wallace will keep Boston in the Finals hunt.

2. TORONTO

Key additions: F Hedo Turkoglu (free agent, Magic); PG Jarrett Jack (free agent, Pacers); PF Reggie Evans (trade, Sixers).
Key subtractions: SF Shawn Marion (free agent, Mavericks); SG Jason Kapono (trade, Sixers).
Outlook: Last season it was Jermaine O�Neal. This year it�s Hedo Turkoglu. Now, Chris Bosh finally has a compatible sidekick who should help the Raptors return to the playoffs and put last season�s disastrous meltdown behind.

3. PHILADELPHIA

Key additions: SG Jason Kapono (trade, Raptors); G Jrue Holiday (draft).
Key subtractions: PG Andre Miller (free agent, Blazers); PF Reggie Evans (trade, Raptors).
Outlook: It�s debatable whether the Sixers lost more than they gained in the offseason. Elton Brand�s return from a season-ending shoulder injury should help. But without a proven point guard, there�s no direction.

4. NEW YORK

Key additions: C Darko Milicic (trade, Grizzlies); F/C Jordan Hill (draft).
Key subtractions: F/C Chris Wilcox (free agent, Pistons); G/F Quentin Richardson (trade, Heat).
Outlook: The Knicks simply hope to be entertaining enough to justify those high-dollar ticket prices until they can make their long-anticipated pitch for LeBron James in free agency next summer. Little else matters.

5. NEW JERSEY

Key additions: PG Rafer Alston (trade, Magic); SG Courtney Lee (trade, Magic).
Key subtraction: SG Vince Carter (trade, Magic).
Outlook: When the ownership roster is more impressive than the basketball one, expect a long season. That�s the case with the Big Apple-area�s other team, which also plans to be a big player next summer. Not this season.