NBA: Ranking the teams in the Atlantic Division for 2017-18

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The NBA’s Atlantic Division is one of the most diverse in the league. They have two of the top teams in the conference combined with two bottom-feeders and a complete wildcard.

The Atlantic Division promises to be one of the NBA’s most fascinating throughout the 2016-17 season. Each team has its own unique storyline and reasons for fan engagement.

Some squads are fighting for supremacy in the Eastern Conference, while others are attempting to work their way out of the basement. Another is simply trying to keep its head above water. I’ll let you decide which team fits in which category.

All in all, the Atlantic had one of the biggest talent implants of any division in the league.

The Brooklyn Nets acquired upgrades at their point guard position and along their bench. The Philadelphia 76ers will hopefully have a full year of health from Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. And the Boston Celtics acquired All-Stars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward.

You can hardly consider the New York Knicks‘ reacquisition of Tim Hardaway Jr a major talent upgrade. Nonetheless, they remain an intriguing team.

The Toronto Raptors barely made a ripple in the offseason news wire. However, they have to like their chances of once again landing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

With the book yet to be written on the 2016-17 NBA season and plenty of storylines remaining to unfold, here’s how the five teams rank to begin the year.