How the Atlantic Will Be Won
The NBA’s Atlantic Division just experienced a small earthquake. And that earthquake’s name is Serge Ibaka. Following a trade from the Magic to the Raptors, Ibaka has many pundits thinking the Raptors might contend for second in the Eastern Conference, and even have the matchups necessary to go the distance against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Meanwhile the media has been reporting rumors of a possible Celtics-Bulls or Celtics-Blazers trade for Jimmy Butler or Paul George (or for Boston fans’ wet dreams, both of them. Lord knows that would set the Celts on course for a title contention. But as it stands they’re neck and neck with a Raptors team intent on pushing higher in the standings.
Right now the Raptors are 4.5 games behind the Celtics. They’re 32-24. Boston is 36-19, only three games back from the Cavs, who suffered a major setback with Kevin Love’s six-week injury this past week. The Ibaka trade and the Butler/George rumors signal that both the Celtics and the Raptors are intent on bolstering themselves for late season surges.
Interesting thing is, despite being 4.5 games back the Raptors are scoring more points per game than the Celtics while holding opponents to less. Shooting guard DeMar DeRozan is having the best season of his career by far. He’s currently averaging 27.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. That’s 4.2 points more than his average last year.
PG Kyle Lowry is also playing at his best through twelve seasons in the NBA. He’s averaging 22.8 points, 4.7 boards, and 6.9 assists a night; that includes an average of 3.3 out of 7.9 made three pointers. The addition of Ibaka marks a major move for the Raptors.
Heretofore, Terrence Ross played 22.4 minutes a night, a solid sixth man. Ibaka was getting 30.5 minutes a night in Orlando, averaging 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds a night. With Patrick Patterson, Lucas Nogueira, and Pascal Siakam getting 27.3, 21.7, and 16.8 minutes a night respectively, Ibaka will surely come in as a starter.
This trade adds a much needed force in the paint for the Raptors who have suffered in the past due to holes in that area of their roster. Ibaka might just cure some of the depth issues this team has faced. The question is, will it be enough to overtake the Celtics in the Atlantic Division? Right now, Toronto is 4-11 since January 18th. They’re facing a major mid-season slide, meanwhile the Wizards and the Celtics are 9-1 in their last ten (looking like playoff form); and the Hawks are 6-4.
The way the Celtics are playing it’s easy to see them staving off the aforementioned teams. Especially if, before the deadline passes, they can acquire a big name player to strengthen their core. As of now, they’ve got Isaiah Thomas playing lights out with a per-game average of 29.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. Including Thomas, the Celtics have twelve players playing more than ten minutes a game. If the Butler trade rumors are true, the Celtics would be looking at securing their position in the Eastern conference. They’re just going to have to give up a lot in the process.
But that’s another story. Only time will tell whether it comes to fruition. In the mean time, the Celtics are playing as well as anyone in the league. Thomas has been a rockstar. Avery Bradley has been playing consistently well in the action he’s seen. And Al Horford and Jae Crowder have been consistent, too. Part of Boston’s success must be owed to the nine man rotation head coach Brad Stevens has put into place. With less players getting time, the ones on-court are finding their rhythm with each other. And it shows. As of now, Boston is sixth in the league in offensive efficiency. Their star guard is creating openings for other players on the roster as teams seek to shut him down. And they’re healthy.
Things are looking up for Boston. But the Raptors aren’t far behind them. In my opinion, the Atlantic is still very much up for grabs. As we saw with the Miami Heat’s 13-game win streak, anything can change in a flash in the NBA.
Tonight the Raptors host the Hornets and their newest acquisition may be available. And the Celtics host Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.
