If the Magic come together behind Howard’s rebounding and Lewis’ scoring, another playoff appearance should be a given. Until Orlando finds a true point guard or a playmaking wing, though, it will be difficult for the Magic to get much further than that.
4) Washington Wizards
The Wizards have three bona fide offensive scorers in Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler.
Butler’s quick hands and anticipation also make him a great steals generator.
Antonio Daniels can defend, run an offense, and hit jumpers, while DeShawn Stevenson’s defensive game is far more refined than his offense.
Other than that, there isn’t much to the Wizards.
With Etan Thomas out, Washington will have to rely on rebounding and muscle from the vastly underwhelming Brendan Haywood or the guard-like Andre Blatche.
Don’t count on much defensive execution or rebounding from either player—which means trouble, because the defensive ineptitude of Arenas and Jamison will have opponents assaulting the Wizards rim at will.
While Arenas can shoot the Wizards into every game, Washington’s poor team defense and lack of muscle up front will leave them mediocre at best. With so many lower-tiered teams in the East improving, the Wizards will find themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in.
5) Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks have taken baby steps the last few years, but they're not quite ready for the final leap.
Joe Johnson is a big-time scorer. Beyond him, there are a multitude of problems with this team.
For all of Josh Smith’s defensive and acrobatic talents, he’s still a bricklaying jump shooter with a reckless style and a huge ego.
Josh Childress is also an athletic specimen, but he still hasn’t found a niche in the NBA.
Anthony Johnson is starting to break down. Speedy Claxton is a penetrator who can‘t shoot a lick. Tyronn Lue is a shooter who can't run an offense. And Acie Law is a rookie.
Salim Stoudamire is a streaky shooter who doesn’t contribute anything else.
Marvin Williams can’t shoot or drive like a wing and is too timid and soft to be a power forward. Zaza Pachulia is a crafty center who isn’t a starter on a good team. Al Horford has the frame and the strength to be a punishing post scorer, but he too is only a rookie.
If Smith matures, Williams and Childress find roles, and Law and Horford contribute right away, the Hawks will have enough to come within shouting distance of the playoffs.
Best bet is that it takes two seasons for Atlanta to give up on Williams, get one more bona fide draft pick, and mature to the point that making the playoffs becomes an expectation instead of a dream.
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