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NBA Team Needs: Atlantic Division

Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty

CENTRAL I SOUTHEAST I PACIFIC I NORTHWEST I SOUTHWEST

After years as the NBA's afterthought division, the Atlantic appears to be on the rise following strong seasons by the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

The Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers remain light years away from being championship contenders, but could all battle for a playoff spot in 2016-17 should they make the proper moves this offseason.

While some have bigger holes than others, every team in the division has an obvious weakness, and could greatly improve their squad going forward by addressing the issue this summer.

Boston Celtics

Biggest Need: Power forward

With their backcourt already set for years to come, Celtics management would be wise to move their efforts towards strengthening their frontcourt this summer - particularly at the power forward position.

President of basketball operations Danny Ainge reportedly discussed a trade involving Kevin Love prior to this year's trade deadline - a deal both sides may choose to reopen should the Cleveland Cavaliers power forward struggle in this year's Finals.

Brooklyn Nets

Biggest Need: Shooting Guard/Small forward

Joe Johnson's buyout in February left Brooklyn with a gaping hole to fill on the wing for the upcoming season. Sean Kilpatrick showed promise down the stretch, but he's also a 26-year-old who's spent the majority of his career in the D-League.

Brooklyn is without a first-rounder in this year's draft, so general manager Sean Marks may be forced to overpay in free agency to find a suitable upgrade.

New York Knicks

Biggest Need: Point guard

Back-to-back underwhelming seasons from Jose Calderon have Knicks fans begging management for a replacement at point guard this summer.

This year's free-agent class is nothing special, and the Knicks have limited assets available to them in a potential trade, so finding a suitable upgrade may be easier said than done.

Philadelphia 76ers

Biggest Need: Point guard

Michael Carter-Williams put up flashy numbers during his time in Philadelphia, but the 76ers haven't had a true starting point guard since Jrue Holiday was shipped to New Orleans in 2013.

Fortunately for Sixers fans, GM Bryan Colangelo appears focused on addressing the issue this offseason, as he's reportedly already discussed a deal involving Hawks starter Jeff Teague.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors may have just enjoyed their greatest season in franchise history, but it would be a shock if they didn't look to upgrade their starting frountcourt this offseason.

Masai Ujiri has already publicly stated his intent to address the power-forward position, making it high unlikely that Luis Scola enters 2016-17 as the team's starter.

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