What to expect from the Knicks in the Atlantic Division NBA

We are deep diving into the Atlantic Division NBA to see where the Knicks rank. Rumors and speculation continue to surround the Division that could have a major impact on the final standings. Superstars are looking for a way out, while others look to make moves in hopes of making a jump to the next level. The NBA Atlantic Division is drama filled!

We are looking ahead. Assessing league rumors and the impact these deals will have on winning. It feels like every trade discussion this offseason includes at least one member of the Atlantic Division. Some moves coming out of necessity, while others are opportunistic to push closer to a championship.

5. New York Knicks

The Knicks will be greatly improved this upcoming season. Jalen Brunson signing a 4yr, $104 million deal gives the Knicks the point guard they have been searching for. Over the last two seasons, the Knicks have struggled with offensive consistency, but have overcome this deficiency with an above average defense.

Brunson will play a major role in improving the fluency of this Knicks offense. He will be integral in orchestrating offense sets and keeping the ball moving at times when baskets are hard to come by.

Brunson’s addition is underrated for the Knicks. However, even with Brunson in New York, he alone is not enough for the Knicks to make a leap. With the deal for Donovan Mitchell falling through, we can’t expect much from the Knicks next season.

The Knicks will still be young. They will continue with the plan. There is a lot to like about the Knicks young core in RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley. Whilst it is not a team that is likely to win many games next year in the NBA Atlantic Division, it is a team that plays hard. The fans in New York love homegrown talent that want to be there.

4. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have been one of the quieter team in the Atlantic Division this offseason. Pascal Siakim trade rumors have whispered, but for the most part, the Raptors have stuck with what they have. The team of the north can be forgotten, but they have a solid starting lineup.

• Fred Van Vleet – PG
• Gary Trent Jr – SG
• OG Anuoby – SF
• Scottie Barnes – PF
• Pascal Siakim – C

A physical and skilled starting five. The Raptors will not be a team that is easy to break. They have been known to fight back through adversity and compete. Even the best teams in the league will not have an easy night against these guys. It is an experienced team, that has built a strong culture behind the coaching of Nick Nurse.

If anything it shows the strength of the NBA Atlantic Division, and growth of the Eastern Conference. The Toronto Raptors remain a potential playoff team, but do not have the star power to lift themselves above the elite in this division.

Related: Understanding Restricted vs Unrestricted NBA Free Agency

3. Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are involved in a colossal number of roster altering moves. It has been a remarkable fall from grace. After pulling themselves out of the dirt following their 2013 trade with the Celtics to acquire Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets had almost seemed destined to be back right where they started.

The 2021-22 season for the Nets was a debacle. Although, as a Knicks fan, I didn’t hate to see it. Irving barely stepped foot on the court, only rearing his head to cause drama for his teammates. James Harden had enough and wanted out, and was ultimately traded to the 76ers in a trade for Ben Simmons. Another non contributor to the team. Durant was the only man willing to battle.

This was not enough for success. The Nets were swept by the NBA Finals appearing Boston Celtics in the first round. This first round loss set off a chain reaction of events. Irving wanted out before realizing his services were no longer valued by the league. With his tail between his legs, Irving went on to sign again with the Nets, but after causing countless issues, Irvings antics and the instability forced things to go south with Kevin Durant. So much so Durant decided he also wanted a trade.

There is much drama involved in the Nets situation right now. It seemed as though neither Durant nor Irving would join the team for training camp. Time heals old wounds in the NBA, and these trades are no longer on the table. Durant and Irving are in fact staying with the Nets. A healthy and motivated Ben Simmons, alongside the elite talent of Durant and Irving makes the Nets a formidable unit. Many of the defensive struggles they experienced last season should be improved with Ben on the floor.

The obvious elephant in the room is the team chemistry. Drama and subordination are the two things that could unravel this team, ultimately preventing them from being a championship contender.

As a result, a team that should be a lock for the number 1 spot in the NBA Atlantic Division, is in the 3rd. Too much ego, not enough culture. The Brooklyn bridge has fallen and it cannot be repaired. Chemistry and team morale are still extremely important in the NBA, however this level of talent will still be competing in the playoffs.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have suffered too many playoff heartaches in recent times. They are well coached, but have yet to get over the hump. You can’t deny the level of talent that exists on this team. Even a subpar James Harden is an upgrade to a mentally broken Ben Simmons. Harden is an elite playmaker and does not get enough credit for being available. Being available is half the battle.

Joel Embiid is almost always in the conversation for MVP. This will not change next season. Now with a motivated Harden, an even more confident Tyrese Maxey, alongside the stable heads of Tobias Harris and P.J Tucker, they will be a formidable roster.

It will be a fight for that 1 seed in the East and could very well take it. The 76ers have something to prove. They will be motivated to let the league know they are still here. The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics will meet them at the peak of the East. It will be a fun battle to watch in Eastern Conference and NBA Atlantic Division.

1. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have earned the top spot in the Atlantic Division. After a trip to the NBA Finals, they finally got over the Eastern Conference Finals milestone. A moment that had eluded them.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown arrived. Most of the attention has been focused on the ascension of Tatum, but Brown is no chump. He clearly outplayed his teammate during the finals and he should continue to take further steps forward. Marcus Smart will now have a major burden lifted from his shoulders with the addition of Malcom Brogdon. While Smart stepped up tremendously during the Celtics run to the finals, at times he struggled to manage the tempo of the game. In these moments the Warriors were able to take over games.

The Celtics have strong depth. Robert Williams III has become so sought after, he has been labelled a no go in trade talks for Kevin Durant. This level of conviction speaks volumes of the expectations the Celtics organization has for this kid.

As good as the Celtics are, it is only themselves that could derail their quest for a championship. Trade talks can cause players to harbor resentment towards their team. It remains to be seen if this will become an issue in the Celtics camp, but Brown has a right to be upset. Outside of this, the Celtics should remain a legitimate championship contender.