NBA Division Preview: Southeast

NBA Southeast Division Prediction

The Southeast will be a highly competitive division this year. Things seem to have leveled out a bit from last year, which should result in a much tighter division race. There are three teams that will almost certainly contend for the top seed in the division. The other two will fight for a .500 record and the 8^th seed in the playoffs.

Washington Wizards- The Wizards had a relatively quiet off-season. They seem to be content with their young core and are more focused on re-signing Bradley Beal and keeping cap space open to campaign for Kevin Durant. John Wall took a huge step last year and is in that top-5 point guard conversation. This Wizards team has a really nice starting lineup and will look for Otto Porter to step in at the 3 to fill the void left by Paul Pierce. A player to look out for is rookie swingman Kelly Oubre Jr. Oubre is a freak athlete with an absurd 7’2” wingspan. Oubre could play a significant role off the bench and could see time at power forward in smaller, more athletic line-ups. Player to watch: Bradley Beal.
Prediction: (54-28)

Atlanta Hawks- The Hawks posted the best record in the Eastern Conference last year at 60-22. They were a well-oiled machine during the regular season and while they struggled a bit in the early rounds of the post season, they managed to make it to the Conference Finals. The Hawks return most of their team from last year as they were able to re-sign Paul Millsap. However, the departure of DeMarre Carroll certainly hurts the team. He was their best individual defender and his absence leaves a massive hole at small forward. Atlanta hopes to replace Carroll and Antic with the additions of Tiago Splitter, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Justin Holiday. The health of Sefolosha and Korver will be worth watching at the start of the year for Atlanta, a team looking to take that next step and contend for a championship.
Player to watch: Jeff Teague
Prediction: (53-29)

Miami Heat- The Heat have to be considered as the most improved team in the Southeast. With the return of 10 time All-Star, Chris Bosh and the athletic Josh McRoberts, the frontcourt will be a strength for the Heat. Add one of the most efficient big men in Hassan Whiteside and you have a scary group of big men. The additions of slashing swingman Gerald Green and draft day steal Justice Winslow and you have a much improved bench. Then you have to factor in a complete season with Goran Dragic. When healthy, the Heat has one of the best starting lineups in the NBA and their bench could be pretty nasty. Atlanta and Washington can’t feel comfortable. Player to watch: Goran Dragic.
Prediction: (50-32)

Orlando Magic- This is a make-or-break year for Orlando. They have acquired all the tools during their rebuild, but it is time to see the results. Orlando was able to re-sign their main target of the offseason, Tobias Harris. Their roster is stacked with lottery picks and young talent. It is time to find out what they can do as a unit. Vucevic , Harris, and Oladipo have experienced individual success, but it has yet to translate to wins. This is going to be a fun team to watch, as they scrap for a playoff spot and a near .500 record. Player to watch: Mario Hezonja.
Prediction: (37-45)

Charlotte Hornets- A week ago the Hornets looked like a team that could compete for a playoff spot. That was before they lost Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a severe shoulder injury. MKG is the anchor of the Hornets defense. Last season MKG ranked fourth in the NBA in Defensive Real Plus/Minus (ESPN.com). Without MKG the Hornets are not built to play good defense. While Charlotte will almost certainly be a below .500 team, they will still be entertaining due to their various roster changes. In the off-season the Hornets added Jeremy Lin, Frank Kaminsky, Nicolas Batum, Tyler Hansbrough, Spencer Hawes, and Jeremey Lamb to their roster. The Hornets should play with a high pace and will hope to stay afloat until MKG returns in the spring. Player to watch: Frank Kaminsky.
Prediction: (36-46)


Grayson Gold-Garvey, follow him on Twitter @TheGraygo