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Die hard Magic fan coming in PEACE. I live in SFL so I watch a ton of Heat games and obviously all of my friends are huge Heat fans. Also, want to note that I am 35 and probably about 28 of those years the Heat have been better. I am actually quite jealous of the success. Hoping the Magic are onto something here and we can get a nice run. I wanted to see your guys thoughts on the division. Obviously, a lot can change if you guys get KD. IMO I think it puts you right up there with us. I know its short term but still. How do you rank the division? Any thoughts on Hawks, Hornets, Wiz? I think we are clearly 1/2 even if you do not get KD.

Hawks - in this weird middle of the pack situation. Trae is great but no Defense. Hit on Jalen Johnson pick, maybe Risacher as well. Dyson was a great trade. Have some nice role players. Good coach. I kind of like them but I know they aren't a legit contender and may even opt to trade Trae and start over with JJ and ZR. Probably what I would do. Can they be better than Miami if they don't land KD? I don't think so but they aren't far off. I think they are far from Orlando now.

Hornets - Finally being run correctly by the new management and coach. I actually like their roster and what they are building but similar situation with Lamelo. Always hurt too. Love Brandon Miller. Play-in best case scenario? Clear #4 in the division to me as of now. They would need Salaun to take a HUGE leap to try and leap Atlanta or Miami. Don't see it.

Wizards - A mess. They have so much going on and started to play a little better towards the end last year. I wouldn't be shocked if they take a small leap and finish ahead of CHA. Bub and Bilal seem legit to me. Poole is ok. Some other decent role players but they keep getting screwed in the lottery and desperately need a #1 and #2 guy.

As of today:
Orlando
Miami
ATL
CHA
WAS

But if Miami gets KD I would not be shocked if they are a legit contender in the East.

Hawks were 17-14 when Jalen Johnson (missed half the season) went down the 1st time and had the 2nd youngest starting lineup in league. Way too young to be stuck + have cap space and makes no sense to start over trading a 26 yr old all star without control of their next 2 picks.

I don't have much to say about the division other than it's pretty much trash. Orlando appears to be the only team with a future and I'm not sure how much we can expect from them. Maybe a 4th seed next season? Maybe not. Everyone else is failing to tread water or outright tanking.

The Heat is bouncing from one poor decision to the next. 37 year old KD can't save us. He can and will cripple our salary cap for the next 3 years though. We've hit the end of our run. There will be no further success until Arison sells, Riley retires, and we can build a new hopefully competent front office.