Nothin' But Nets
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NBA: Preseason Ranking for the Eastern Conference

By Tj Porreca

Mar 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

2.  Boston Celtics

How do you make a team with several young pieces even better?

Add a proven veteran who can take the team to the next level.

That’s what Al Horford will be expected to do after declining to return to Atlanta. Horford chose the Boston Celtics’ four-year, $113 million max offer, and now joins a team filled with young talent and a great young coach.

Boston already boasted the likes of Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, and others. Then, with the No. 3 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Boston selected Cal’s Jaylen Brown. This pick caught some people off guard, but Boston is very high on Brown, and he could be their next great young player.

Horford brings a veteran presence that Boston needed. Now, they’ll aim to catapult themselves into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.

To the discontent of the Nets and their fans, things are looking good for the Boston Celtics. Boston has used their abundance of draft picks to create a solid young core, and used their cap space to reel in a proven veteran.

Can Boston have a season similar to Toronto’s last year?

That’s what they’re aiming for in Bean Town.

Next: No. 1