Off-season still has three months to go, but after blockbuster deals that sent Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Zach Randolph, Rashard Lewis and Jason Richardson from West to East, now is as good a time as any to reassess. "I don't think it's the junior varsity anymore," said Rod Thorn of the Eastern Conference. Where do the Nets fit in? In the most recent appraisals, the team has either stayed where it is or improved, if only because of team health.
- Offseason Moves Shift NBA's Balance of Power From West to East - Michael Lee - Washington Post
- At least a few beasts in East - Peter May - Boston Globe
- These guys are green - Mitch Lawrence - New York Daily News
- 76ers have patience - and will need it - Steven A. Smith - Philadelphia Inquirer
- And Another Thing - Steve Simmons - Toronto Sun
- Looking at a new-look East - Sekou Smith - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Will East's Latest Imports Help Narrow the Gap? - Martin Johnson - New York Sun
- The C's should win the East - Chris Broussard - ESPN
- Is Garnett deal Boston's Big Ticket? - Bijan C. Bayne - ProBasketball News
- The sky isn't falling, and the Celts still have holes - Sean Deveney - The Sporting News