Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Southeast Division

Rounding out the NBA's Eastern Conference is the Southeast Division, home of the defending Eastern Conference Champs, the Orlando Magic.  Are the Magic the only good team in this conference?

Atlanta Hawks

Last Season: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Key New Additions: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith
Projected Starters: Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford

     The Hawks got a huge monkey off their backs when they got to the playoffs since the Mutombo era two seasons ago.  Since then, the Hawks, despite their ownership woes, seem to want to do better.  Re-signing their vital cogs Smith and Bibby was definitely a sign that the Hawks want to compete this year, and compete they certainly will.  With the addition of the streak shooting Crawford to an already respectable bench, look for the Hawks to be an even better scoring team.  Their biggest chance for success though will depend on their defense and Mike Woodson is all over that.  The question mark will be Josh Smith, since his dynamic defensive abilities to block, steal and rebound (when he wants to) will be the key to making the Hawks a credible defensive team.  If Smith somehow works well with Woodson (with no drama this time), then the Hawks will have a chance to actually be threats in the playoffs, rather than get swept again in the second round.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)

Charlotte Bobcats

Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Tyson Chandler, Flip Murray
Projected Starters: Raymond Felton, Raja Bell, Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler

Part owner Michael Jordan is as good a basketball executive as he was a baseball player.  His moves have left the Bobcats with an uneven line up over the years, and the trades pulled off last season and over the summer not only failed to correct that, but they also left the Bobcats older and more injury-prone.  Trading the oft-injured Emeka Okafor for an even more oft-injured Tyson Chandler is the final nail on the coffin of the Bobcats' playoff chances. This mish mash of a team may play some good games throughout the season by virtue of versatile stars Wallace and Diaw, but it really doesn't look good for the Bobcats and its coach Larry Brown.  If they do any significant strides towards the playoffs, then Brown deserves a Nobel prize because they are a lost cause.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season.

Miami Heat

Last Season: Eliminated in playoffs (1st round) by the Atlanta Hawks
Key New Additions: Quentin Richardson
Projected Starters: Daequan Cook, Dwayne Wade, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, Jermaine O"Neal

For a team trying to convince Dwayne Wade to stay with them next year, the Miami Heat sure didn't do much.  Acquiring Quentin Richardson doesn't do much to augment the Heat, as their bench continues to be very weak.  Moving Beasley to small forward will help  their starters' offensive sets, but don't be surprised if Wade contends for another scoring title, and the Heat get eliminated from the playoffs.  Filipino American coach Erik Spoelstra must find help for Wade if he wants the Heat anywhere near playoff contention.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season

Orlando Magic

Last Year: Lost in the Finals to the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Jason Williams, Brandon Bass
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Mikael Pietrus, Brandon Bass (for the 1st 10 games), Dwight Howard

     In what could only be described as an arms race, the Magic responded to the Cavs' and Celtics' improvements by acquiring talent.  Lots of it.  With ownership willing to shed dough, the Magic's revamped line up features a team two deep at every position and trouble for all opponents.  The Magic now possesses more three point shooters, a legitimate power forward (with power), and an end game scorer in Carter.  While the Cavs feel entitled enough to print their finals tickets already, the Magic seem to be the ones destined for another crack at the title.

Fearless Forecast: At least Eastern Conference Finals

Washington Wizards

Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Randy Foye, Mike Miller
Projected Starters: Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood

     The Wizards, marred by a myriad of injuries, especially on superstar Arenas, have had a miserable last season.  This year, things are looking up for Washington as Arenas is supposedly fully healthy.  To further add flame to their already potentially red-hot offensive trio of Arenas, Butler and Jamison, they have traded for sharp shooter Miller and combo guard Randy Foye.  What makes all this explosive is the hiring of new coach Flip Saunders, one of the league's most innovative offensive coaches.  That's why Wizards fans are optimistic, as this year promises a high scoring playoff year for the Wizards.  Look for the Wizards to reclaim their 5th spot in the playoff race.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in Playoffs (2nd round)