No, by your logic, the Knicks and Nets aren't as good as the Celts...I have ceded to that as you argued your point very well...so using the facts you presented, the Nets being the team to beat in NYC isn't saying much.
But the competition around them has also gotten significantly better...Heat upgraded with Allen, and even though you don't believe the Nets will compete in the East, they upgraded. And once the Bulls get Rose back, they'll be formidable.
The way I see the hierarchy from last year's NBA was this:
First Tier
Bulls (pre-Rose injury) Heat Celtics
Second tier
Hawks Magic Pacers
Everyone else.
This year I see it as follows:
First Tier
Heat Bulls (depending on Rose)
Second Tier
Nets Knicks Pacers
Everyone else. I just don't see the Celtics as progressing at the rate of their competitors.
Maybe not as far as seeding, but I wasnt talking about having the same seed, just they were comparable in having aging vets...and the Yanks might still get bounced in the first round
No. Celtics are old. They are the Yankees of the NBA as far as aging veterans. I see a 6th seed and a first round exit (maybe second round) for them...but not a deep run.
I think they are still the team to beat in the East not from Miami.
It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out though.
The way I see the hierarchy from last year's NBA was this:
First Tier
Bulls (pre-Rose injury)
Heat
Celtics
Second tier
Hawks
Magic
Pacers
Everyone else.
This year I see it as follows:
First Tier
Heat
Bulls (depending on Rose)
Second Tier
Nets
Knicks
Pacers
Everyone else. I just don't see the Celtics as progressing at the rate of their competitors.