NBA’s biggest surprise yet: The Atlantic division

The NBA is unpredictable but some things do not change. For example the Western Conference is much more competitive than the Eastern every year. Just take a look at the standing after three weeks.

The West has 10 teams with winning records and 3 teams with a record above .400 meanwhile in the East only 4 teams have winning records and three teams have a record above .400. See the difference?

It’s definitely too early to notice but it is worth pointing out. The team with the last playoff spot in the West has a record of 7-4 while the 8^th seed in the East have a record of 4-7.

Getting to the point and something related to the title, the biggest surprise this season has to be the Atlantic Division. Among other news this has been a quiet disappointment. For the first time in years this division does not have one team with a winning record in the first three weeks of an NBA season.

Here’s a little detail on each team: -

Philadelphia 76ers: -

Michael Carter Williams show so far this season has been very encouraging to watch

Despite having a losing record of 5-7, they can be proud of what they have achieved yet. They are atop the Division and are at 6^th seed in the Conference on the basis of their record. The performance of rookie Michael Carter Williams has also been a huge positive to the team’s campaign so far. However it hasn’t been one player but a team effort that has gotten where they stand currently on the table.

They made a mark early opening the season going undefeated through the first week including with wins over defending champions Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. Among other huge wins was one at home against the Houston Rockets in overtime but we should see their dream start coming to an end having won just 2 of the next 9 games after a 3-0 start.

They have definitely tanked at tanking so far.

Toronto Raptors: -

Toronto Raptors would look to these three superstars to deliver

Although they are on track and at par with the expectations fans had from them, no franchise would be pleased with a record of 4-7. They were heading into the season looking to be a fringe playoff contending team.

Usual suspects Rudy Gay and Demar Derozan have hogged the spotlight with their heroics and stunts. With the acquiring of Tyler Hansbrough in the offseason from the Indiana Pacers, the Raptors look set to be a team who could enter the post-season as the 7^th or 8^th seed.

Not much is being talked about this team. The team faces no pressure of expectations and is playing but they are quietly going about their business of addressing problems among which is the lack of passing by stars Gay and Derozan.

Boston Celtics: -

In the absence of Rajon Rondo, Jeff Green has carried the team offensively.

It’s a pleasant surprise for everybody in Boston to see their Celtics with a record of 4-8. After their trade with Brooklyn Nets on draft night, it became evident to most fans that this wasn’t going to be a great year to look forward.

However after losing the first four games of the season, the team won their next four games which included a 111-110 win over the Miami Heat on the back of Jeff Green’s buzzer beater with only 0.6 seconds left on the clock.

This team will reach its true potential only once their All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo makes a return to their floor. On their day they can a snatch a victory from any team so till he makes a return, the team can be considered one of the most unpredictable in the league.

New York Knicks : -

Carmelo Anthony’s improved performance and effort has proved ineffective as the team continues to suffer

Last season’s 2^nd seed the New York Knicks are struggling tied 12^th in the East. Struggling is an understatement for a team who have the reigning scoring champion in Carmelo Anthony and last season’s Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith at their disposal.

Except Anthony’s effort on both ends of the floor, there is absolutely nothing positive in their performance so far. There has been a consistent lack of effort on defense and Tyson Chandler s injury has left them to play defense with no shot blocker.

With Mike Woodson using four different starting line-ups in 9 games the team is yet to find a chemistry and rhythm to their game especially on the offensive end. Too often the team is relying on Anthony isolations which leads to a stagnating offense and Anthony taking too many shots.

Brooklyn Nets: -

The age of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett is a huge factor on how long the Brooklyn Nets will be legitimate contenders

Their current situation looks very familiar to the one the Los Angeles Lakers last season. Would the rest of the season also turn out in similar fashion?

The fate of their season lies with them. It’s still early in the season and they have time on their hand to get their act together before it’s too late. They have a bench capable of giving other team starters a run for their money.

Other than a win over the Miami Heat in their first game at home, their campaign so far has been disastrous. Their performance has gotten worse rather than better despite acquiring a number of superstars and veterans this off season.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are in the twilight of their career and would most probably retire at the end of this season if the results are not too encouraging. So this star studded team has a expiry date stamped on it and it better pick its game together in an effort to start climbing the table.