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1990 SSBL Atlantic Division Preview
Topic Started: Jul 11 2009, 11:38 PM (175 Views)
Maverick41
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1990 SSBL Atlantic Division Preview

With the 1990 season just around the corner, this article serves as a preview to each division. It will give an insight to every team, such as, key players, improvements, key additions, etc. The East still looks like it holds the upper hand, but the West did improve as well. It's going to be tough for the Bullets to repeat, inless they can make some trades. The division highlighted in this article is the Atlantic Divsion of the Eastern Conference.

Color key for improvements:
Red is always a loss in rating
Green = +1
Blue = +2
Purple = +3

Boston Celtics
Last season's record: 51-31
Overall, the Celtics had a really solid 1989 season. The best way to describe it, a rollercoaster ride. They started off really hot, then all of a sudden went cold for weeks. It was a bit of a head-scratcher, but the Celtics GM traded for a more seasoned FC Kevin McHale and made an important DC change. After that, everything went really well for the Celtics. However, in the Playoffs, they lost to the 1989 Champs Washington Bullets in 5 games. It's no doubt that their heart and soul is Bird, but they brought in a solid piece in GF Bernard King. He should really help their scoring. The Celtics need another really solid big man to accompany McHale, especially since McHale dipped in TC.
Key Additions:
GF Bernard King
SF Roy Hinson
GF Kenny Walker
Key Improvements:
Sarunas Marciulionis SG 26 6'5'' 215 B C+ C B+ C C
Roy Hinson SF 29 6'9'' 220 B C- D- A- C D
Kenny Walker SF 26 6'8'' 220 B C- C- B+ C+ B

Miami Heat
Last season's record: 43-39
The Heat had a decent season, almost making the Playoffs in the tough Eastern Conference. The Heat made some key moves around the trade deadline last season, and look to roll with that revamped lineup for an entire season. Their main scorers are going to be Perkins, Robinson, and Person. The Heat still need a better SG, but should make the Playoffs this season.
Key Additions:
None
Key Improvements:
Sam Perkins PF 29 6'9'' 255 B C C A- B- C
Chuck Person SF 26 6'8'' 225 B- A- C+ B- C C
Reggie Williams SG 26 6'7'' 195 B- C C A- C- C

New Jersey Nets
Last season's record: 48-34
The Nets had a good season, considering how tough the East is. They now feature a team that is heading towards a mini re-building mode. Cummings, if he's not traded, should be the Nets leading scorer. Look out for SG Nick Anderson who could have a break-though season. This team has some good pieces to build on, but having a bad TC like Morris and Wilkins did hurts.
Key Additions:
PF Loy Vaught
Key Improvements:
Mike Gminski C 31 6'11'' 260 B C C- A B C
Loy Vaught PF 22 6'9'' 230 B- C- C- B- B A
Nick Anderson SG 22 6'6'' 205 B+ C C A- C A
Greg Grant PG 24 5'7'' 140 C C B+ B+ D B

New York Knicks
Last season's record: 57-25
THe Knicks finished with the best record in the league last season. I wouldn't be surprised if they will repeat the same regular season, but better luck in the Playoffs. They didn't need to make a big trade because their main guys improved in TC. They should camp one of their players though. This team is going to have one of the best defenses in the league. Their offense improved as well.
Key Additions:
Derek Strong SF 22 6'8'' 220 B- C C B B- B
Key Improvements:
Rik Smits C 24 7'4'' 265 B+ C C A C+ C
Steve Kerr PG 25 6'3'' 180 C A C+ B D+ C
Jay Humphries PG 28 6'3'' 185 B- B- B A- C- C

Orlando Magic
Last season's record: 53-29
The Magic were predicted to win the Ship last season, but it didn't work out that way. They followed a strong regular season with a 2nd rd sweep by the Hawks. Drexler and Co. are hungry for a Ship and everyone around the league knows it. The Magic had a good TC, so they will build on that and see how things go. Drexler should again be their leading scorer.
Key Additions:
None
Key Improvements:
Alvin Robertson SG 28 6'4'' 190 B C B A C C
Isiah Thomas PG 29 6'1'' 185 B- B- A A- D+ B

Philadelphia 76ers
Last season's record: 33-49
The Sixers had a long but decent season. Led by their star PF Charles Barkley, the Sixers will try and build on their offseason is hopes of having better fortunes. TC was pretty kind and helped develop PG Sherman Douglas into a legit PG. Their GM will hope him, Barkley, and newly drafted SF Lionel Simmons will make for a better 1990 season. However, is that still too much to rely on, especially in the tough Eastern Conference?
Key Additions:
SF Lionel Simmons
Key Improvements:
J.R. Reid C 22 6'9'' 265 C+ C- C- B+ B- C
Lionel Simmons SF 22 6'7'' 210 B+ C- C B+ C+ C
Sherman Douglas PG 24 6'1'' 180 B C A A C- B

Washington Bullets
Last season's record: 51-31
After the Bullets traded away McHale, I didn't think they would be the same team. However, in comes a young C named John Williams. Him, MJ, and PG Sleepy Floyd helped carry this team ultimately to the promised land. Can they get there again this season? Possibly, but will need Lady Luck again if they are to have more 7 game series. MJ improved, but Sleepy and Williams declined. MJ is the best player in the league, but I just don't see them repeating again regardless of MJ.
Key Additions:
C Scott Williams
Key Improvements:
Michael Jordan SG 27 6'6'' 195 A B+ A- A+ C C
Craig Ehlo SG 29 6'7'' 205 C A- B- A- C D

The Best Team in the Atlantic Division: New York Knicks
This was again not as easy choice with the Celtics, Magic, and up-and-coming Heat around. The Knicks had really good improvements in TC and can still camp some of their players. Celtics have really great depth, but still lack that other big man to accompany McHale. Magic need to forget about the sweep they experienced, and the Heat need a SG.

Posted ImageWith a stellar TC, Smits looks to help lead the Knicks to the promised land
Edited by Maverick41, Jul 12 2009, 03:07 AM.
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agh, I wish you would have waited to do this. I just got Hinson, and Walker, so NY best watch out. :P
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Maverick41
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Luca
Jul 11 2009, 11:40 PM
agh, I wish you would have waited to do this. I just got Hinson, and Walker, so NY best watch out. :P
Edited lol
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nice... I still want to see Larry Bird elbow dropping Rik Smits in that pic. ^_^
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IVIusashi
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Hey look, I got an upgrade at SG!!

hehe
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