Roundup
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors
LeBron James powers hot 76ers start: Atlantic Division roundup
LeBron James explains his 76ers choice as Philly stays perfect, the Knicks tweak their roster again, and the Celtics live with the Jaylen Brown aftermath.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
No games on the schedule for the Atlantic Division yesterday, but plenty of storylines. The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors sit atop the group at 2-0, followed by the Boston Celtics at 1-1, while the Brooklyn Nets are 0-1 and the New York Knicks are still winless at 0-2.
LeBron’s choice pays early dividends in Philadelphia
Hoops Rumors relays that LeBron James said the Cleveland Cavaliers were “in consideration” during his free agency before he ultimately chose to join the 76ers. His departure from Los Angeles and move to Philadelphia had been viewed as a surprise route for the later stage of his career, but the Sixers have responded with a 2-0 start at the top of the Atlantic.
Three days into the season, CBS Sports lists Tyrese Maxey among the league’s early "sure things" to drive the 76ers’ success. According to Hoops Rumors, Philadelphia also opened the season as one of 17 teams carrying just 14 standard contracts, leaving one roster spot open as flexibility around James and Maxey.
Knicks shuffle depth with Knecht, stir off-court buzz
Still searching for their first win at 0-2, the Knicks made another roster move on the margins. CBS Sports reports that former Lakers first-round pick Dalton Knecht, who was waived last week, is signing with New York. Hoops Rumors adds that it will be a two-way deal and that the Knicks will waive Kevin McCullar Jr. to create the opening.
Off the court, CBS Sports reports that the Knicks recently ran a phishing test that involved a fake email about championship rings sent to employees, while coaches received empty ring boxes during the opening-night ceremony, adding an unusual wrinkle to an already eventful week at Madison Square Garden.
According to Hoops Rumors, New York will see a familiar face immediately: former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who left in free agency over the summer, is now with Boston and will face his old team when the Celtics host the Knicks tonight.
Celtics’ Brown–Tatum story lingers, Raptors and Nets stay quiet
In Boston, attention remains focused on the stars even on an off day. Hoops Rumors notes a new video series featuring Jayson Tatum, in which the forward describes how he found out in person—from an ESPN reporter—about the trade involving Jaylen Brown. CBS Sports points out that Brown publicly pushed back on Tatum’s recollection by commenting on an Instagram clip from the documentary, keeping their post-trade narrative in the spotlight while the Celtics sit at 1-1.
Hoops Rumors also lists the Toronto Raptors, like Philadelphia, among the teams that began the season with an open standard-roster spot, a sign of deliberate flexibility for the 2-0 club. As for the Brooklyn Nets (0-1), there were no notable headlines over the last 24 hours as they look ahead to chances to climb back toward .500.