Atlanta Hawks
Major Subtractions: Jamal Crawford
The Hawks decided to keep the nucleus of their team, gaining McGrady while losing 6th man Crawford, in the hopes that yet another year of playing together will finally be "it" for this team that has played together for years. The Hawks, however, are still a team that struggles mightily against good defensive teams. Unless Josh Smith decides to completely reach his potential and Joe Johnson defies father time, the Hawks may be doomed to yet another loss in the playoffs.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)
Charlotte Bobcats
Major Subtractions: Stephen Jackson
The Bobcats are getting young pieces into the team and they have rid themselves of the inconsistent Jackson, but they are still a long ways away. They may sneak in a playoff appearance, but both Biyombo and Walker need a lot of work, Boris Diaw and Maggete need to get into shape and play like their old selves for all of this to happen. D.J. Augustin needs to grow up fast too.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed or eliminated in the regular season)
Miami Heat
Major Subtractions: Mike Bibby
This is THE year for the Heat. Coach Spoelstra has adjusted the offense, making it more free-flowing to match the preferences of Dwyane Wade and Lebron James and they've added versatility by adding Battier into the line up. Excuses can no longer be accepted by Team President Pat Riley and the Heat must win it all now. The team, though, still struggles dealing with zone defense and loses it's consistency when teams consciously slow the tempo down. Perhaps formalizing Wade as the team's primary scorer and James and Chris Bosh as supporting players will help smoothen the team's half court game and they need to move the ball around better if the want to battle the zone.
Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs
Orlando Magic
Major Subtractions: Brandon Bass
Who would've thought that the Florida team filled with drama wouldn't be the Miami Heat? The saga of whether or not Dwight Howard will be traded continues to loom as the Lakers, Nets and even the Bulls are still interested in making deals for the Magic's all star center. The team, if intact, can still do well and if Hedo Turkoglu can re capture some of his old game back and Ryan Anderson can be the new Rashard Lewis, the Magic may find themselves deep in the playoffs and they could be the ones asking the Nets to deal Deron Williams to them.
Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs
Washington Wizards
Major Subtractions: None
When a team such as the Wizards lose so much in the previous season, one would think they would blow up the team and rebuild, but they didn't. Basically having the same team with a very young rookie in Vesely, the Wizards will struggle this year. They have talented and young players, but save for John Wall, and maybe to a certain extent, Javale McGee, the Wizards should look to make moves personnel wise. Otherwise, it will be another early exit this season.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
photos courtesy of yahoo.com and getty images
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