In fact, this might very well end up being the worst division in the NBA. Orlando has always been the team that challenges the Heat year in and year out. But now that they are virtually starting from square one, along with the Bobcats, don’t be surprised if the Heat wrap up a playoff spot at an absurd time of the season.
We always expect Atlanta to make waves because of their athleticism and outside shooting. The loss of Joe Johnson this off-season will definitely hurt, but new GM Danny Ferry and the Hawks have quietly made some impressive moves that will make fans forget about Johnson and his contract.
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The team to look out for in this division is the Washington Wizards. No, really. With their point guard of the future, John Wall, leading the way, the Wizards have constructed a good-looking roster that will add buzz to a city already excited about their sports teams. Expect to see the Wizards at the end of the season fighting for the eight seed.
Division Standings Predictions:
1. Miami Heat (59-23)
2. Atlanta Hawks (47-35)
3. Washington Wizards (40-42)
4. Orlando Magic (34-48)
5. Charlotte Bobcats (16-66)
Next Page: Miami Heat
LeBron James and the Miami Heat finally climbed to the top of the mountain and officially ended all speculation that this team couldn’t win a championship. And they did so in convincing fashion, defeating a fast and talented Oklahoma City Thunder team. So, the question is, what will they do for an encore?
It’s clear this team is not satisfied with just one championship. They made that known during their premature introduction party. Now, this is the Heat’s first legitimate opportunity for them to show that they are not all talk. The first step has been completed. Let’s see how the team reacts.
This off-season has been all business, with Pat Riley making some key acquisitions on the perimeter. The Heat know who they are and they are playing to their strengths, stocking up on shooters who can spot up all game long. Namely, Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis who, despite their age, can still light it up.
We’re really going to learn a lot about this team this season. Will they come out lethargic and unprepared, much like the Dallas Mavericks a year ago? Or will they keep that hunger and drive that propelled them to a championship? No matter what happens, all eyes will be on LeBron James and how he handles himself as a defending NBA champion.
Key Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and Mario Chalmers
Key Additions: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis
Key Departures: None
Next Page: Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks and new GM Danny Ferry did a great job this off-season rebuilding the roster and developing a new culture. It all started with letting Joe Johnson go to Brooklyn. Sure, he is a perennial All-Star but his ridiculous 6-year, $119 million contract just didn’t seem worth it in the end.
Ferry made up for this loss by picking up a few above average players in Lou Williams, Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow. All are huge perimeter threats who can thrive off the penetration of newly acquired point guard, Devin Harris.
With a healthy Al Horford playing physical in the box and Josh Smith’s freakish athleticism, it’ll be fun to see how the revamped Hawks do this season.
Key Players: Josh Smith, Al Horford
Key Additions: Louis Williams, Kyle Korver, Anthony Morrow, Devin Harris
Key Departures: Joe Johnson
Next Page: Washington Wizards
Still in the rebuilding stage, this looks like it’ll be a season of strides from the Washington Wizards. John Wall is still developing as a scoring point guard and Jordan Crawford has made a name for himself in D.C. The Wizards also scored big in the draft, picking up Bradley Beal from Florida.
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The success of this team, however, is dependent on the development of John Wall. Will he start making that ascent to “elite point guard” status or is a sophomore slump looming? With shooters like Beal and Crawford, along with former Laker Trevor Ariza, I think there is enough talent around Wall to keep him from regressing.
Looking at the Wizards defensively, they have some bodies down low with Nene and Kevin Seraphin who can make scoring at the basket a challenge. And you can’t overlook the acquisition of Emeka Okafor who, when healthy, can dominate the paint.
Key Players: John Wall, Jordan Crawford, Nene
Key Additions: Emeka Okafor, Bradley Beal
Key Departures: None
Next Page: Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic -37-29 (2011-12)
The Dwightmare finally ended this off-season as the Magic shipped Dwight Howard to the Lakers for, well nothing. At least, they got nothing and that’s the way the Magic wanted it as they concede to just rebuild the franchise from the ground up.
Their biggest off-season acquisition was getting Arron Afflalo from the Nuggets. Afflalo can benefit from Jameer Nelson’s ability to get to the basket and possibly end up being this team’s leading scorer as they struggle to put points on the board. Moe Harkless was a solid pickup in the draft and the team sees a lot of potential in the 19-year old.
There’s no question about it, things are going to be different without Superman down low. And even without Stan Van Gundy calling the shots, the game plan will probably stay the same, with Turkoglu, Richardson and Harrington jacking up 3s all game. But when your only legit big man is a Baby (no insult intended) who enjoys the midrange game, this team will regress considerably this season.
Key Players: Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis, Hedo Turkoglu
Key Additions: Arron Afflalo
Key Departures: Dwight Howard, Steve Van Gundy
Next Page: Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte Bobcats (2012 record: 7-59)
Coming off the worst season in NBA history, the Charlotte Bobcats are poised to move things in the right direction. Despite not getting the number one overall pick in Anthony Davis, they settled for another Kentucky standout, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The 6’7”, 232-pound beast is a great finisher at the rim and should add a little attitude to a team who is desperate for points.
There were no big splashes in free agency this off-season for the Bobcats, but they did find a point guard in former Laker Ramon Sessions after letting go of D.J. Augustin. Sessions has said he couldn’t handle the pressure of being the Lakers’ point guard so Charlotte should be a much more comfortable fit for him.
With this team already hitting rock bottom last season, the only direction to go in Charlotte is up. Mike Dunlap is getting his first shot as an NBA coach and a bunch of new faces fill up the roster. Really, starting anew is the best thing this franchise can do.
Key Players: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Ben Gordon, Ramon Sessions
Key Additions: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon, Brendan Haywood
Key Departures: Corey Maggette, D.J. Augustin