The Atlantic Files #198: 2021-22 Atlantic Division Preview

This week, on the Atlantic Files, we wrap up the yearly divisional preview series! On top of that, we had to talk about the further developments in the Kyrie Irving drama. Yes, we know, there's been enough of the drama already. First of all, the Brooklyn Nets General Manager has now said that Kyrie Irving can't practice nor play any games with the team until he gets vaccinated. This doesn't really seem like a political move, it more so seems like a move to unite the team. All of the other players received their vaccines and are available for every game. Why does Kyrie get special treatment and is allowed to only play half of the season? This squashes that question altogether and it should be interesting to see his next move. Then, we get into the previews. The Toronto Raptors are the first team up as they came in last in the division last season. Boasting an exciting new rookie in Scottie Barnes, the team looks to turn around their fortunes. They did fall apart after a lot of covid issues last season, but this team doesn't look primed to do too much winning in their near future. Next, is the confusing roster of the Boston Celtics. Could they be very mediocre and have to depend and pray on Jayson Tatum staying healthy? Probably. Could they also outperform a lot of expectations and be a very good team? Probably. Who really knows what this team is going to turn out to be. Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks are honestly looking quite good for this upcoming year. They smashed any sort of expectations last year and can now build on that with almost the same roster plus a couple of big additions. Kemba Walker playing near his hometown again is also just some great tv! Then you have the heavyweights of the division in the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. One of them looks like a surefire Finals lock, in Brooklyn. The other, however, is in such a state of flux that no one truly knows how it's going to turn out. If they get a good haul for Ben Simmons, all of a sudden they could be a title contender. If they don't, then they could barely make the playoffs! Hear all of our thoughts on that and more on the latest episode! Timestamps: 2:43 - Kyrie Irving not allowed to play until vaccinated 19:10 - Toronto Raptors preview 35:46 - Boston Celtics preview 47:01 - New York Knicks preview 59:04 - Brooklyn Nets preview 1:14:50 - Philadelphia 76ers preview