LeBron James decided to take his talents back to the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer and that move alone had a major impact on the NBA’s Southeast Division with the Miami Heat taking a step back and the Atlanta Hawks taking a step forward. Atlanta posted the best record in the entire Eastern Conference while Miami missed the playoffs entirely with the Washington Wizards – the only team from the Southeast – to join the Hawks in the postseason.
More change this past summer could lead to more shifting in the Southeast Division even though Atlanta is still the favorite at the top. Here is a look at what to expect in the NBA’s Southeast Division this season:
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks led the Eastern Conference with 60 wins last season and while they fell short against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, there really isn’t much reason to expect a major drop off in their regular season performance in 2015-16.
Atlanta didn’t have enough money to bring back DeMarre Carroll but they return one of the best big man tandems in the league with Al Horford and Paul Millsap as well as fellow All-Stars Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver. They have surrounded them with a strong supporting cast that includes Thabo Sefelosha, who will need to step up and replace the departed Carroll, Dennis Schroder, Kent Bazemore and Tiago Splitter.
Miami Heat
Losing LeBron was bound to have a big effect on the Heat but the fact that they also had to deal with a potentially life-threatening condition that ended Chris Bosh’s season was a final blow that ensured they would not be a playoff team.
Bosh is healthy again and back in top shape along with veteran Dwyane Wade. Miami managed to lock up Goran Dragic to a long-term deal while also signing Amar’e Stoudamire and Gerald Green as free agents this offseason. The fact that rookie Justise Winslow fell to them in the first round o the NBA Draft was another absolute steal for the Heat as well and with a reloaded roster including a start five that features Dragic, Wade, Luol Deng, Bosh and Hassan Whiteside, they should be bounce for a return to the playoffs as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference as long as they stay healthy.
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Washington Wizards
Washington returns one of the best backcourts in the Eastern Conference with John Wall and Bradley Beal as well as a decent frontcourt with Marcin Gortat and Nene. While that’s a good foundation to work with, they need more if they’re going to get beyond the second round of the playoffs. They will rely on Otto Porter Jr. and Jared Dudley to replace the production they lost when Paul Pierce left to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason and that appears to be hit or miss. Dudley should be able to help them stretch the floor with the three-ball. While they will have a tough time holding off Miami in the division, they should be able to get back to the postseason.
Charlotte Hornets
Al Jefferson arrived at camp 20 pounds lighter and the Hornets brought in veteran Nicolas Batum along with rookie first-round pick Frank Kaminsky. Those are all good things but is it enough for Charlotte to make a significant jump up the standings? Kemba Walker has emerged as solid starting point guard and the Hornets are hoping that Michael Kidd-Gilchrist can emerge as a legitimate starter on the wing. While there are plenty of reasons for optimism, it looks like this young Charlotte team is still at least one year away from contending for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando Magic
Orlando is another young team that added to its talent base with the additions of rookies Mario Hezonja and Tyler Harvey. While Hezonja projects to have a bright future, the Magic will have an uphill climb just trying to move out of the Southeast Division basement.
Aaron Gordon is a powerful big man that continues to get better and there are some quality pieces in place with Nikola Vucevic, Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, but there is a new head coach in place (Scott Skiles) and the Magic will need some time for their young prospects to become reliable.
