2009 was supposed to be a year where the defending champion Celtics would face stiffer competition from their divisonal opponents. The 76ers added all-star forward Elton Brand, and the Toronto Raptors were coming off a successful season where they made the playoffs.
This was not the case though. Elton Brand was hurt for a large portion of the season, but his teammates played very capably in his absence. The 76ers made the playoffs, extending the eventual eastern conference champion Magic to six games.
Toronto suffered the injury bug too, as all-star forward Chris Bosh missed time to injury, and Jermaine O’Neal, who was acquired via trade from Indiana, did not provide the production Toronto had hoped for. O’Neal was traded to Miami for another all-star forward, Shawn Marion. If Toronto is able to keep healthy, they will make the playoffs.
The New Jersey Nets made headlines this off season when they traded with Orlando, and major players involved were Vince Carter to Orlando, and Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee to New Jersey (other players were included as well). This was a questionable trade for both teams, but for New Jersey, acquiring two quality guards is odd considering they already have all-star point guard Devin Harris.
In New York, the major news has been what will happen in the 2010 off season, and not what already happened in 2009. The Lebron James to New York talk dominated the summer. Meanwhile the Knicks were happy with their lottery pick, forward Jordan Hill. It will be a long season in New York, but David Lee and Nate Robinson were re-signed, keeping the core intact.
The Boston Celtics, now with a healthy Kevin Garnett, are poised to win more than just the Atlantic division. They believe they will win the NBA title, and I think they will. Summer additions of forward Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels give the Celtics tremendous depth. Adding to their depth was the re-signing of forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis. The only thing that will hurt the Celtics is injuries. If they are healthy throughout the year, they will not be stopped.
Nicholas Goss