NBA Preview 2006-07: Southeast Division

Overview
The 2005-06 season ended perfectly for the Heat as the NBA's newest superstar, Dwyane Wade, lifted the club from the brink of an NBA Finals collapse and possible sweep in Game 3 and then carried the team to four consecutive victories and an NBA title. The off-season was kind to the Heat as well: with legendary coach Pat Riley agreeing to return to the bench in their quest to repeat as NBA champions and valuable reserve C Alonzo Mourning pushing off retirement for at least one more season, the Heat appear primed to make another run at the title.

Notable Losses
None

Notable Additions
Re-signing veterans Mourning and Gary Payton were the only moves of note, as the club did not add any firepower to their roster.

Bottom Line
With virtually the same team in place and their top competitor in the east (Detroit) appearing to take a step backwards, there is no reason not to believe that the Heat are poised for a return trip to the NBA Finals.

Orlando Magic (36-45)
2005-06: 3rd Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 2nd Place

Overview
The Magic injected some optimism into their fans by winning 16 of their final 22 games to close out the 2005-06 season. That, coupled with the strong play of late-season additions PG Carlos Arroyo and F/C Darko Milicic in the 2006 World Championships has to have many fans believing the Magic can return to the post-season in 2006-07. Orlando also features one of the league's brightest young stars in Dwight Howard, who averaged just under 16 points and 13 boards per game last season. The frontcourt pairing of Howard and Milicic along with emerging point guard Jameer Nelson could be the cornerstones of the Magic franchise for years to come.

Notable Losses
Starting shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson (11 PPG) left Orlando for the nation's capital during the off-season and the club might miss his toughness and perimeter defense in 2006-07.

Notable Additions
The club drafted shooter extraordinaire J.J. Redick out of Duke on draft night and his ability to step in and contribute right away could determine if this club gets into the playoffs this season. If Howard and Milicic can command double teams in the post, Redick should be able to make teams pay from the outside.

Bottom Line
The future looks bright for the Magic, provided they can work out an extension with Milicic, as the team appears to be financial shape to be a major player in free agency after the season, with the Nets' Vince Carter reportedly high on their wish list. They may make the playoffs this season, but the best is still a season or two away for this up and coming club.

Washington Wizards (42-40)
2005-06: 2nd Place (Lost in First Round to Cleveland)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 3rd Place

Overview
The lasting image of the off-season for Wizards fans had to be that of LeBron James freezing Gilbert Arenas at the foul line as the Cavs eliminated Washington in six games. That kind of loss can have a long-term effect on a club and a player; just ask Nick Anderson. While predicting an Anderson-esque fall for Arenas seems unlikely, it is entirely possible that the Wizards could take a step back in 2006-07. They lost their best defensive player (Jared Jeffries) and couldn't put together a deal to add former Bucks center Jamaal Magloire. The team might overcome the adversity they suffered at the end of last season, but don't be surprised if Washington is on the outside looking in when the playoffs start next April.

Notable Losses
The Wizards elected not to match the Knicks' offer sheet for Jeffries, who drew the unenviable assignment of guarding James for much of the Cleveland series. His numbers were unimpressive, but his physical skills will be missed.

Notable Additions
Washington signed DeShawn Stevenson from Orlando and he should take Jeffries' spot in the starting lineup. Stevenson is a solid player and will certainly be an upgrade over Jeffries on the offensive end. The addition of Darius Songalia from the Bulls didn't garner much attention, but the 6-foot-8 power forward was a nice addition to a less-than-imposing frontcourt.

Bottom Line
The Wizards will go as far as Arenas and Antwan Jamison can carry them, which is why is it so vital for there to be no ill effects from last season's collapse against Cleveland. One thing to watch with Jamison in a contract year is if Washington struggles early, will they look to deal the former All-Star and retool?

Charlotte Bobcats (26-56)
2005-06: T-4th Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 4th Place

Overview
The Bobcats have quietly stockpiled some talent and although a push for the playoffs in 2006-07 seems unrealistic, there is reason for optimism going forward. The team has one of the NBA's most underrated players in Gerald Wallace, who fills up a box score better than anyone in the league other than perhaps Utah Jazz F Andrei Kirilenko. They'll also have a healthy Emeka Okafor to pair with Primoz Brezec in the frontcourt while Raymond Felton will look to improve on what was a quietly impressive rookie campaign. Add to that lineup first-round draft pick Adam Morrison and this team could surprise some people in 2006-07.

Notable Losses
Swingman Jumaine Jones signed with Phoenix and the athleticism and solid shooting he provided last season will be missed.

Notable Additions
The only real acquisition of note is Morrison, whose signature jump shot (and mustache) had him drawing comparisons to Larry Bird during his collegiate career at Gonzaga. While those comparisons are unfair to Morrison, there is no doubt that expectations are high for this talented rookie.

Bottom Line
Charlotte should be a better team this season, provided Okafor can remain healthy, as Felton and Brezec both have some seasoning and Wallace is entering a contract year. Another fourth place finish is still likely in the cards, but at least this season they won't have to share the distinction with the Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks (26-56)
2005-06: T-4th Place (Did Not Make Playoffs)
Projected 2006-07 Finish: 5th Place

Overview
The woebegone Hawks haven't posted a winning record since the strike-shortened 1998-99 campaign when their team featured players like Mookie Blaylock and Steve Smith, and that seems unlikely to change after the club dealt away one of their top players in G/F Al Harrington. The club did add another lottery selection (Sheldon Williams) to their ever-growing collection, along with a pair of steady veterans (Speedy Claxton and Lorenzen Wright), but another 50-plus-loss season appears to be on the horizon for Atlanta entering the 2006-07 season.

Notable Losses
A sign-and-trade agreement with the Pacers sent Harrington back to Indiana in exchange for a first-round draft choice, which means either Joe Johnson or Josh Smith should slide into Harrington's old spot at small forward.

Notable Additions
The well-traveled (and perpetually underrated) Claxton joins his fifth team in six seasons and will be looking to solidify the point guard position for Atlanta. Meanwhile, Wright and Williams will be paired with Zaza Pachilia, who was a real find for the club last season, to help improve the Hawks frontcourt play.

Bottom Line
The Hawks seem to have made modest strides in some areas, but overall their roster simply doesn't have the talent to challenge for a playoff spot this season and in all likelihood they are headed for another last-place finish.