Atlantic Notes: Celtics, Allen, Bynum, Nets

Yesterday, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony weighed in on a number of topics, including the dramatically different climate in the Atlantic Division.  Anthony duly noted that the Nets improved, the Sixers upgraded their frontcourt with the addition of Andrew Bynum, and when it comes to the Celtics, "Boston is Boston."  The one rival absent from the rundown was the Raptors, who are clearly looking to build for the future.  Here's more out of the Atlantic..

• The Celtics' loyalty and pragmatic approach has been on full display this summer, writes Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld.  Some have questioned the C's loyalty when it comes to Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus, but the club was simply outbid for Allen and Pietrus refused to sign for the veteran's minimum.  While the club's commitment to their core players is commendable, Brotherston brings up a very valid comparison between the club's current approach and their unwillingness to disband the big three of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish in 1987.
• The 76ers' addition of Bynum will completely change the way their offensive philosophy going forward, writes Anthony Macri of HoopsWorld.  Philadelphia will now adjust from being a very perimiter-heavy team to one where their best options should all be in the low post.  With Bynum commanding double teams down low, it would help the Sixers' cause if they were able to add outside shooting, Macri opines.
• Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News (via Twitter) is surprised to see that Terrence Williams can't seem to hook on with an NBA team.  Bondy adds that it's even more amazing that Nets GM Billy King was able to get a first-round pick for him from the Lakers (JaJuan Johnson) in a three-team deal that turned into the pick used to draft MarShon Brooks.  The Nets originally tabbed the super-athletic Williams with the eleventh pick in the 2009 draft.
• Earlier today, we checked in on the Knicks and the Nets, who already seem to be gearing up for a spirited East River rivalry.