NBA Power Rankings: The Atlantic Division

May 10, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) advances the ball during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game three of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 104-90. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brooklyn 

Record (last season): 44-38

Key Addition(s): Marquis Teague, Jarrett Jack 

Key Loss: Paul Pierce, Shaun Livingston  

If the Nets can somehow manufacture a healthy season from Deron Williams, and avoid the type of horrific start that they had last season, they’ll have the potential to put together a much better campaign than last season — one that saw the Nets advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Though, a healthy season from Williams may be too much to ask for. The additions of Teague and Jack will help, but I’m not sure if the Nets can compensate for the loss of Paul Pierce and the resurgent Shaun Livingston.