1 advantage Raptors have over every Atlantic Division team
By Mike Luciano
Nets: Star Power
The Nets made the best of a rotten hand at the trade deadline, as they acquired an entire NBA rotation with years of solid draft capital after moving off Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Mikal Bridges is at the epicenter of Brooklyn’s new-look rotation.
The Nets are going all-in on Bridges and Cam Johnson, who signed a $94 million contract this offseason, as their top 1-2 punch. Even though Bridges is one of the more underrated players in the league, Brooklyn’s current core is missing someone who can take games over at an All-NBA level.
The Toronto Raptors have more stars than the Nets.
Ben Simmons could be that guy if he didn’t have some sort of mental block that prevents him from even considering shooting the ball further than 10 feet away from the basket. Bridges will have to shoulder an unreal burden if Brooklyn wants to contend this season.
While the Raptors did lose VanVleet, Siakam is a better player than anyone on the Nets roster. With Barnes, OG Anunoby, and Gary Trent Jr. all ready to come in waves after Siakam’s initial salvo, Toronto should be more confident facing the Nets this season.