Southeast Division Predictions

Atlantic Divison
Central Division

Don't see a whole of changes in this division...

1. Miami Heat
What They've Done: Traded for Jason Williams, Antoine Walker, and James Posey. Lost Eddie Jones and Rasual Butler.
Questions: Will they resign Damon Jones? Are there enough basketballs?
Where They'll Rank: No matter whether this potent combination of talent gels to win the championship or if they struggle with chemistry issues, they should definitely win their division. As a long-time Portland Trailblazer fan, I can attest that mass amounts of good players do not necessarily equate into NBA rings, but nevertheless was better than not having lots of good players. One concern no one has mentioned yet is whether or not Dwayne Wade is injury prone. He's had significant injuries in both of his two years and the way he fearlessly throws himself at the basket might not mean a long and happy career.

2. Washington Wizards
What They've Done: Traded Kwame Brown for Caron Butler. Signed Antonio Daniels. Lost Larry Hughes.
Questions: How much will they miss Larry? Can Gilbert Arenas maintain his high-level of play?
Where They'll Rank: I'm keeping them at second in the division. Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels should, more or less, make up for Larry Hughes, without the later money woes his signing would have cost them. I like their offense and coach and see them returning to the playoffs.

3. Orlando Magic
What They've Done: Drafted a guy who won't come to America and signed Keyon "Drooling" Dooling.
Questions: Will Grant Hill hold up for a second consecutive year? How will Steve-o Francis do as a shooting guard?
Where They'll Rank: This team reeks of averageness and will probably spend most of the year on the playoff fringe. They had a very unimpressive off-season, completely wasting a lottery pick in a deep draft and signing the only guy in the league who dribbles more than Francis. The only way I see them passing Washington is if Dwight Howard emerges as a superstar. He had a great rookie year for a high-schooler and should be dominating someday. Hopefully for the Magic that happens next year.

4. Charlotte Bobcats
What They've Done: Drafted 2 Tar Heels. Brought back Brevin Knight and Gerald Wallace.
Questions: Should they have signed someone new in the off-season? Will Charlotte have patience with Bickerstaff's long-term plan?
Where They'll Rank: Although they were a bad team last year that did very little in the off-season, I still like them over the Hawks. They won 5 more games than them last year, have the same core team back, and tended to play teams close. Don't get me wrong, they still will be bad. And I think they are going to regret not trading their 2 picks for one Chris Paul. But they might very well win 20-25 games, a task I don't see the Hawks accomplishing.

5. Atlanta Hawks
What They've Done: Signed and traded Boris "Fo Sho" Diaw and two #1's for Joe Johnson. Drafted Marvin Williams and Salim Stoudamire.
Questions: Will Joe Johnson be worth it? How will Childress and Josh Smith do as Sophomores?
Where They'll Rank: This team does have some talent now, but I don't see it equaling many more wins yet. I would be surprised if Marvin Williams makes any substantial contributions and Josh Smith has that unbridled athleticism that'll take a few more years to rein into being a good team player. Joe Johnson will help, but I think I'm taking Steve Belkin's side on this. 90 million and two #1's for a guy who's never been an all-star? Not to mention he also used to have a rap as hard to motivate; a max contract should be just the cure!