These are my predictions for the 2008-2009 NBA Season for the Southeast Division. 1. Orlando Magic Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis managed to 50+ games last year and clinch the #1 spot in the Southeast division. I don't see how that will change in any way. Orlando will only get better. The addition of Mickael Pietrus was a great free agent pick up. He is a poor man's James Posey. He can play defense and hit open shots. Orlando will still be the best team in the Southeast division, and might even make a deep push far into the playoffs. Projected Starting 5: Jameer Nelson Mickael Petruis Hedo Turkoglu Rashard Lewis Dwight Howard 2. Miami Heat Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley, and Shawn Marion are an excellent trio. They can play defense, score the ball at will, and win games. Miami lacks a proven point guard, but with Mario Chalmers, playing with a chip on his shoulder, he should have a very solid rookie season. The major problem for Miami is that they lack a true center. Mark Blount, who shoots the ball very well for a big man, is not a center who can clog up the paint and play defense. This is Miami's major problem, but Miami has a very deep bench, and their projected sixth man is Udonis Haslem. Everyone has forgotten about Wade and what he did in the 2006 Finals, but the way he has been playing in the Olympics, Dwyane looks like he's ready to lead a team again. Projected Starting 5: Mario Chalmers Dwyane Wade Shawn Marion Michael Beasley Mark Blount 3. Washington Wizards Many of you may disagree of how I have the Wizards finishing #3 this year in the Southeast division. Well, yes, they have Gilbert Arenas, and, yes, they have Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamision but over the years with this core they have always had injuries and never had a great season. They have some great young players, and a solid bench. If Washington's trio of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamision are all healthy all-season long, I see them fighting with Miami for the second seed in the division. Projected Starting 5: Gilbert Arenas DeShawn Stevenson Caron Butler Antawn Jamision Brendon Haywood 4. Atlanta Hawks The Atlanta Hawks had a suprising playoff run against the Celtics but you have to remember, they made the playoffs despite winning ONLY 37 games. They haven't improved much this off-season. In fact, they lost a key player in Josh Childress, who went on to play EuroLeauge in Greece. Atlanta might of made the playoffs last year, but 37 wins will not be a record that will get into the Eastern Conference playoffs. They may slip into the playoff picture if they have no injuries. Projected Startng 5: Mike Bibby Joe Johnson Josh Smith Marvin Williams Al Horford 5. Charlotte Bobcats The Charlotte Bobcats have great young players, and a well-rounded team, but they have no experience. They may not make the playoffs this year, but they will in years to come. Their young players that they've drafted have been injury prone, such as Sean May and Adam Morrison. If this team comes together, and have no injuries throughout the season, they may be a sleeper in the East. Projected Starting 5: Raymond Felton Jason Richardson Gerald Wallace Emeka Okafor Nazr Mohammad (It may change, depending on injuries)
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