The Atlantic Division features three of the NBA's most storied franchises which have hit rock bottom during this past year. Maybe it's because of the legends left behind by greats such as Dr. J, Bill Russell, and Patrick Ewing that the current state of these teams seems so pathetic. No curse is ever so great that it can't be lifted, though (even if the Clippers try and disprove that year after year). With that being said, here are the goals and to-do's for the teams of the Atlantic Division this offseason.

Boston Celtics: After a glorious tanking of the regular season in hopes of landing Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, Beantown is left crying with the #5 pick and a mismatched crew of youngsters lead by veteran All-Star Paul Pierce. Other than Pierce, the only player that showed signs of consistent contribution was Al Jefferson. Everyone else (and the #5 pick) is available in order to improve the team.

The point guard situation has become desperate. If he were dead, Bob Cousy would be rolling over in his grave. Sebastian Telfair has been nothing short of a failure, and Rajon Rondo's outside shooting and experience leave something to be desired. Boston would love for Mike Conley to drop to them at #5, but with the Hawks having the #3 and a similar desire for a point guard, it may not happen. There's not enough depth at point guard in the draft to waste the #5 on someone else.

At this point, with Pierce fresh off a contract extension and Jefferson starting to grow into his potential, look for the Celts to package their pick with some of their young spare parts to land immediate help via trade. They have Theo Ratliff's expiring contract to sweeten the deal. Phoenix has been mentioned as a possible trading partner, since they're looking to trip down salaries. If Boston can get a trade with them or another team that gives them a consistent contributor, expect them to pull the trigger.

New Jersey Nets: On a video game, the Nets are imposing with the trio of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson. In real life, they've proven inconsistent and unable to realize the lofty expectations that came with the union of these three All-Star caliber players. With Carter possibly opting out and leaving, the Nets may be forced to change its direction this summer.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the stars of the team, it must be pretty comforting to know that impressive rookies Marcus Williams and Josh Boone will still be around. With Nenad Krstic's health still in question and the impending free agency of surprise of the year Mikki Moore, the Nets should make sure they have another competent big man in the fold as security.

If Jersey wants to stay competetive, it's imperative that they resign Moore without paying him too much so as not to handicap themselves in the future. An shooting guard that can actually shoot consistently would be ideal, whether has Carter's backup, or his replacement. If the Nets decide to blow things up and start over, they need to do so competely, and hand the team over to their youngsters. Then they could go about building with future draft picks and via free agency.

New York Knicks: From 1985 through 1999, the Knicks had one face that defined the franchise in Patrick Ewing. Last season, the go-to guy for New York changed on almost a monthly basis. From Marbury, to Eddy Curry, to Jamal Crawford, it was hard to get a read on what direction the Knicks (Isaiah Thomas) wanted to go. They need to figure that out this summer, that way everyone is on the same page come training camp.

New York was on a pretty good tear late in the season and was threatening to make the playoffs. That feel apart after Jamal Crawford was injured. Although his shooting isn't pretty at times (40% from the field), he and Curry should be the tandem that carries the Knicks. To them and fellow youngsters David Lee, Channing Frye and Renaldo Balkman coach Thomas should look to build the team around. With only the #23 pick and a bloated salary, options are limited.

Somehow, someway, the Knicks need to aquire a pass-first point guard that can set up Crawford and Curry. With that type of a point guard and a consistent offense put in by Thomas, the Knicks might be able to return to playing in May next year. Unfortunately, Jared Jeffries may be the only piece that the Knicks are willing to give up that other teams would actually want. Unless another team wants to give Marbury or Steve Francis another chance...

Philadelphia 76rs: After Iverson was shipped to Denver and Chris Webber was waved, the 76rs played with refreshing enthusiasm. Andre Iguodala became the star and didn't do a bad job of it either. With Andre Miller running the show and Iguodala flying on the break, the 76rs need only add a few athletic pieces to a suddenly promising core.

Joe Smith can only do so much at the power forward, so the 76rs need to find a younger, more athletic replacement. Luckily, this draft is full of athletic forwards, and Philly holds both the #12 and 21st pick. Since Rodney Carney is a younger, less developed version of Iguodala, it would make sense for the Sixers to package him with one or both the picks to move up in the draft to maybe snag Brendan Wright or Al Harford. If not that, Joakim Noah or Jason Smith are less-touted options that might slip to their picks.

Drafting and/or trading for more frontcourt depth is a must for this team. Stephen Hunter simply can't get it done as the first big man off the bench for them. A backup point guard for Miller is also necessary, so he isn't run ragged before a playoff push can be made next season. With a solid group of young studs, the 76rs should now focus on strengthening the team around them.

Toronto Raptors: Coming into last season, there were a lot of unknowns with Bargnani, Parker, Calderon and Garbajosa. Sam Mitchell did an impressive job working with this team almost on the fly and helping them advance to the East semifinals. Now that Mitchell knows what he has on the team, he needs to spend the summer contriving an offense that takes advantage of his players' versatile talents. His gameplan should utilize the skills of Bosh and Bargnani particularly.

Returning to the playoffs and advancing at the expense of ex-Raptor Vince Carter had to be sweet for Canada's only NBA team. Now that Chris Bosh has established himself as a star and the Raptors know they belong in this league, it's time for them to take the next step. Andrea Bargnani was impressive in the playoffs, and the Raptors need him to continue to progress in order to become more of a force in the east.

The Raptors would like to have an athletic wingman to complement Bosh inside and take advantage of the playmaking skills of TJ Ford and Jose Calderon. Unfortunately, the Raps don't have any draft picks this summer, so their ability to improve from outside sources is minimal.