It figures that Boston, with its top three players all in their 30s, would have wanted to get younger with its big free agent signing.

Instead, they added 35-year-old forward Rasheed Wallace — who is even older than Ray Allen (34), Kevin Garnett (33) and Paul Pierce (32).

But the signing of Wallace shows that general manager Danny Ainge is focused on the now, rather than the future, of the Celtics. This team may have one more championship run in it yet.

Boston is clearly the class of the Atlantic Division. If Garnett's knee has fully healed from last year's injury first suffered against the Jazz, the Celtics will be right there with the Magic and Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference.

If Garnett misses a big chunk of time again, the Celtics will still be able to win this division, but a second NBA title in three years won't happen.

Here is a team-by-team look at the Atlantic Division in predicted order of finish:

BOSTON CELTICS

Last season: 62-20, lost to Orlando in the second round of the playoffs

Top player: F Kevin Garnett (15.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Supporting cast: F Paul Pierce (20.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.6 apg), G Ray Allen (18.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.8 apg), G Rajon Rondo (11.9 ppg, 8.2 apg, 5.2 rpg), C Kendrick Perkins (8.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg)

Bottom line: Rasheed Wallace won't help the Celtics in any youth movement, but he should help the team on the court. The veteran averaged 12 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year for the Pistons and he says he'll be content coming off the bench to help the Celtics in a championship run. Doc Rivers' club isn't just the "Big 3" anymore. Rondo has become one of the top young point guards in the league and Perkins is a solid center. Boston, if Garnett can stay healthy, is once again an NBA title contender.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Last season: 41-41, lost to Orlando in the first round of the playoffs

Top player: F Elton Brand (13.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg)

Supporting cast: G Andre Iguodala (18.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg), F Thaddeus Young (15.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg), G Louis Williams (12.8 ppg, 3.0 apg).