The Atlanta Hawks have maintained their grip on top spot in the Southeast division this season but the Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards are all playoff contenders once again and the Orlando Magic have shown signs that they are headed in the right direction. There is no doubt that the Southeast has the potential to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NBA for years to come with some promising young talent at the heart of the discussion. Here is a look at the most promising prospects for the five NBA teams in the Southeast division right now.
Dennis Schroder, Atlanta Hawks
There was a lot of talk last season about the potential for the Hawks to move Jeff Teague and hand Schroder the starting point guard job. That hasn’t happened yet but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen soon. Schroder has been an absolute stud for the Hawks coming off the bench behind Teague and there have been times this season when Atlanta has rolled with Schroder over Teague when it matters the most in the fourth quarter. Schroder has averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds in just 20.5 minutes per game this season and his numbers will only get better as he takes on a bigger role for the Hawks in future seasons.
Justice Winslow, Miami Heat
Winslow was widely considered a steal for the Heat when he fell to them at No. 10 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. He has certainly lived up to that reputation by averaging 28.8 minutes per game for Miami this season. Winslow’s stats don’t jump out at you but he has thrived as a defensive stopper and really brought a lot of energy as a hard worker that is willing to do whatever it takes to help the Heat succeed. Winslow still needs to work on his jump shot and it would really help if he is able to develop his three-point shot as well. For now, he will continue to play important minutes for Miami as their most important prospect and a quality starter already right now.
Aaron Harrison, Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has only a single player on its roster that is at the college age so it should be no surprise that Harrison gets the nod as their top prospect. The Kentucky product has appeared in just 18 games in his rookie season and he hasn’t exactly given the Hornets any reason to give him a push at the NBA level with pedestrian numbers in the D-League. Harrison will have to improve on his 30.8-percent field goal percentage and 22-percent shooting clip from three-point range in order to earn a bigger role in Charlotte.
Kelly Oubre Jr., Washington Wizards
Washington’s rookie first round pick has averaged just 10.2 minutes per game in 56 appearances this season but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the potential to be a solid starter in the years to come. The Wizards are loaded with veteran talent that they will continue to lean on as they make a playoff push but there is no reason to doubt Oubre has a strong future. For now, he will continue to work hard and develop his craft with experience and coaching among the keys to Oubre eventually taking that next step down the line for Washington.
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Gordon put on an absolute show in the Slam Dunk contest but his numbers with the Magic are proof that he isn’t just a one-trick pony. The fourth-overall pick from the 2014 NBA Draft has averaged 8.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 23.6 minutes per game in his second season and there have been flashes of the elite potential that made him such a high pick. Orlando is still at least a year or two away from competing for a playoff spot out of the Southeast division but they have to be happy about what appears to be a bright future with Gordon leading the way as their top prospect.
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