The Southeast

[HMFFL]

What changes can we expect from our division this offseason and how do you think we benefit?

Orlando doesn't have to worry about any key free agents running away. They'll still need to make some adjustments to make the team stronger if they want to win a title.

Washington has to worry about Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas. Even with the two they need to build a team that can get past the first round.

Charlotte has Larry Brown which could possibly mean some players can expect to be moved. Emeka Okafor needs an extension but he turned down 13 million last year. Charlotte still doesn't have to worry about any key free agents running away except for Okafor and he can be matched.

With only 15 wins Miami could possibly land the first overall pick. Shawn Marion can opt out of his contract, most likely won't walk away from 17 million, so the chances of him being moved are rather high. Dwyane Wade is lacking the depth he once had and Marion questioned the teams heart when he joined the team.

[_BBIB_]

MIami is the biggest team to worry about in the off-season considering what they could add in the draft.

I just hope they don't get Beasley.

It would be cool for the NBA but it would be terrible for the Hawks

[JoshB914]

We are going to have a tough division next year.

Orlando is Orlando and will only get better, Miami should be right back in contention with a healthy Wade and Marion, Charlotte will have Larry Brown running things, and Washington will be dangerous if they sign their guys this summer.

[Retrovision]

Orlando is an overachieving team,
Washington has to many if's and will be that .500 team
Charlotte wont be any good
Miami will jump back into the playoff picture, depending on their draft pick (Pat Riley will jump back into the picture to) <<- Bandwagon
Atlanta will be a 45 win team, a good team at home but still will have issues playing uptempo on the road.

[td00]

I think Miami ends up being improved despite Marion, Wade and not much else. Besides, how low can you go when you only win 15?

Charlotte will look different next year. They will inherit a couple more veterans and look like what Lenny Wilkens used to do and have guys around who Larry Brown will have trust in. There are too many youngsters in Charlotte for Brown to be comfortable.

Washington is a team that I don't see improving much. They have capped out their talent with Butler, Jamison and Arenas. A very good 3-some, but not enough as they are missing a point guard.

Truthfully speaking, if the Hawks keep the current roster intact, I wouldn't look for more than maybe 4-6 wins and end up being a .500 team. If we don't get off to a good start, there will be a lot of questions because there are no more excuses for the experience this team picked up this year with a playoff appearance.

The team on the rise IMO is Orlando. SVG is very good with players and will only improve that roster. He knows how to instill confidence and that bench will improve. Having Dwight Howard does resolve a lot of issues too.

[Retrovision]

I think that the Magic cant be successful ( as in a serious contender)without a good point guard, Nelson just isnt a pure passer which is what they badly need.

[HMFFL]

Miami will attempt to acquire Elton Brand. I also see them making some upgrades that will move the team towards the right direction, but a 15 win team won't jump into the playoffs, unless they acquire another star or role players that fully understand the system. Some heart would also help.

[conleyorbust]

Miami depends entirely on Wade. If he is at full strength for a year, they will be very dangerous, if he is at less than that, they will suck regardless of Marion and Beasley.

Orlando will have Dwight, Hedo, and Rashard which will be enough for 50-55 wins.

Washington is the real wild card because they could have a completely different team if Gil is traded and Antawn goes elsewhere. If they commit to the same core I don't see 50 wins happening ever.

Charlotte will suck unless LB can swap out Felton and get a power forward with some high percentage offense. They might suck even if they do that.