NBA Southeast Division preview: Who can topple Heat?
Team to beat: Of the Southeast's four playoff-caliber teams, the Heat get the edge because they have won the division title four times in a row. Losing LeBron James obviously is a huge blow, but the Heat did well to replace him with Luol Deng and added a few nice supporting pieces, particularly Josh McRoberts and Danny Granger. The pressure is on Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to come through.
Key story line: The Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks are primed to make runs at the Heat for that title. Can these teams mature fast enough? The Wizards added Paul Pierce for leadership, and the Hornets brought in Lance Stephenson to give them more top-tier talent. Both of those teams might be better on paper than the Heat.
Five best players:
- Heat PF-C Chris Bosh
- Wizards PG John Wall
- Heat SG Dwyane Wade
- Hornets C Al Jefferson
- Hawks PF Paul Millsap
Sleeper: The Hawks made splashes in the offseason for the wrong reasons, with a racism controversy causing owner Bruce Levenson to agree to sell his team shares and general manager Danny Ferry to take a leave of absence. But the on-court product might be ready to take the next step. Al Horford is back, and he and Millsap are an elite pair of big men. Penetrating point guard Jeff Teague has shooters around him. A division title is possible.
Breakout star: Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal says he and Wall are the best backcourt duo in the NBA. Wall made his All-Star breakout last year, and Beal could be next. He needs to improve his shot selection and be more aggressive, and Pierce could help him take those steps.
Best newcomer: Deng is a first-class workhorse who excels on both ends, though a midseason trade from the Chicago Bulls made last season rough. He has enormous shoes to fill with the Heat but is versatile and tough enough to handle the pressure.
Prediction: The Wizards' mix of experience and talent means their first division title since 1979. The Heat, Hornets and Hawks all make the playoffs, though, and the race is close until the end. The Orlando Magic continue their rebuilding efforts with the expected bumps that come with likely starting two rookies.