Boston, Philly, the Knicks. Larry legend, the doctor, Patrick Ewing. Also, I hear the US military are working on this thing where computers can talk to each other. Now let's fast forward to 2014. The Celtics don't want to win, Philly really don't want to win and the Knicks can't win. As for computers talking to each other, our lives are apparently enriched on a daily basis.

Welcome to the worst division in basketball. One so bad that Toronto are clear favourites. The Celtics and the 76ers are more interested in draft picks than on-court success. Brooklyn and the Knicks will at least be serious about winning games. They at least deserve credit for that. Something? Anything?

Boston (Last season: 25-57)

Gains: Will Bynum (Pistons), Erik Murphy (Jazz), Dwight Powell (rookie), Marcus Smart (rookie), Marcus Thornton (Nets), Evan Turner (Pacers), James Young (rookie), Tyler Zeller (Cavaliers).

Losses: Joel Anthony (Pistons), Chris Babb, Jerryd Bayless Bucks, Keith Bogans, Kris Humphries (Wizards), Chris Johnson (76ers).

A decidedly poor roster will get even worse if, as expected, point guard Rajon Rondo is traded before he can leave for free at the end of this season. The players who take the court each night give their all and play to win, but the organisation that employs them is playing the long-term game of acquiring assets and aiming to have a host of young stars developing together. That is no guarantee of success. The only thing that is guaranteed is that this year is gonna be hard work.

Prediction: A spot in the lottery. If they can ship Rondo to the right team, maybe two spots. Sad days indeed for the once-mighty Celtics.

Brooklyn (44-38)

Gains: Bojan Bogdanovic (rookie), Markel Brown (rookie), Jarrett Jack (Cavaliers), Cory Jefferson (rookie), Jerome Jordan, Sergey Karasev (Cavaliers), Willie Reed (rookie).

Losses: Andray Blatche, Jason Collins, Shaun Livingston (Warriors), Paul Pierce (Wizards), Marcus Thornton (Celtics).

Between them, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez will earn $70 million this season. Garnett is 38, Williams is rarely going at full steam and Lopez is rarely going at half steam. Johnson has still got it, but not $20m worth of got it. The Nets made the second round of the playoffs last year, but considering how much money they spent, that was a poor result. With Paul Pierce now gone, a repeat of that result is unlikely. Their greatest contribution this season will probably be the amount of luxury tax they pay.

Prediction: They will be on the edge of the play-offs. If they make it they won't cause Chicago and Cleveland any sleepless nights. For that much money that simply isn't good enough.

New York (37-45)

Gains: Quincy Acy (Kings), José Calderón (Mavericks), Samuel Dalembert (Mavericks), Cleanthony Early (rookie), Shane Larkin (Mavericks), DJ Mbenga, Travis Outlaw (Kings), Jason Smith (Pelicans), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (rookie)

Losses: Shannon Brown (Heat), Tyson Chandler (Mavericks), Raymond Felton (Mavericks), Kenyon Martin, Toure Murry (Jazz), Jeremy Tyler (Lakers).

If he could have got the same amount of money somewhere else, surely Carmelo Anthony would have left the Knicks over the US summer. But he's still there and now the Knicks are hoping Phil Jackson can turn things around. Rookie coach Derek Fisher is Jackson's man. That will buy him some time if things start slowly. One thing that is guaranteed to be slow is the Knicks on defence. Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Amare Stoudemire, to name but a few. Oh my.

Prediction: Carmelo will average better than 25 points per game but it won't be enough to reach the playoffs. At least they will rid themselves of the contracts of Stoudemire and Bargnani come June.

Philadelphia (19-63)

Gains: Joel Embiid (rookie), Jerami Grant (rookie), Chris Johnson (Celtics), Malcolm Lee, Luc Mbah a Moute (Timberwolves), K.J. McDaniels (rookie), Ronald Roberts (rookie), JaKarr Sampson (rookie), Alexey Shved (Timberwolves), Dario Saric (rookie), Jordan McRae (rookie: sent to NBL).

Losses: James Anderson, Byron Mullens, Adonis Thomas (Pacers), Jarvis Varnado, Thaddeus Young (Timberwolves).

They have a stack of talented youngsters. Now we just need to find out if that talent can be converted to the NBA. Joel Embiid (who is already battling back problems) and Nerlens Noel (who didn't play at all last season) could become a great defensive tandem. Jason Richardson is their highest paid player at just over $6 million. You can't help but feel sorry for their fans.

Prediction: More pain. It's a bad look for the league, but the 76ers don't seem to care.

Toronto (48-34)

Gains: Bruno Caboclo (rookie), Will Cherry (rookie), Jordan Hamilton (Rockets), James Johnson (Grizzlies), Lucas Nogueira (rookie), Greg Stiemsma, Louis Williams (Hawks), DeAndre Daniels (rookie: sent to NBL).

Losses: Dwight Buycks, Nando De Colo, Steve Novak (Jazz), John Salmons (Pelicans).

The pride of the division. Keeping, and paying, Kyle Lowry was a great step. It showed everyone the intent of the Ontario-based franchise. Along with DeMar DeRozan and Terrence Ross, the Raptors are well served in the point guard and wing positions. With all the games they have against Boston, Philadelphia and New York, the wins will come.

Prediction: Should win the division. That means home court in the first round of the playoffs. They'll probably fail to make that count again. Winning this division doesn't necessarily mean you're a top team.