This is the last in a six part series previewing all 30 NBA teams. For previous versions, click below.
Central, Atlantic, Northwest, Pacific, Southwest
Miami Heat
What's New: Second round pick Norris Cole absolutely torched the Horzon league opponents. A 6'2" point guard, Cole will likely see some playing time this season, as fellow 1's Mario Chalmers and Mike Bibby are free agents (Chalmers being a restricted F.A.). Despite playing for a mid-major, Cole has a very well-rounded game, and should get plenty of open looks as teams focus on containing Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. According to various reports, free agent SF Shane Battier is going to sign with Miami, and will provide them with a lock-down defender that can hit the open three pointer. C Eddy Curry (who's also reportedly going to sign in Miami) is a big body in the post that has a soft touch near the rim.
Biggest Concern: The team still lacks talent on the interior, as big men Juwan Howard, Jamaal Magloire and Erick Dampier are all free agents. Even if Dampier re-ups with Miami, the team will need a second big man to do the dirty work, as Joel Anthony is physical, but struggles to deal with some of the better centers in the NBA due to his relative lack of height (6'9").
Outlook: Miami will be a popular destination for veterans looking to play for a championship-caliber team, but will probably have to settle for at best the Mini Mid-Level Exception (a maximum of 3 years, $15 million), as the Heat are over the salary cap. If Mario Chalmers re-signs (which I believe he will), the team should get solid production out of the point guard spot, and surround Bosh, Wade and James with capable shooters to punish opponents for using double teams. Like them or not, the Heat are the frontrunners for an NBA title this season.
Orlando Magic
What's New: First round pick PF Justin Harper is an above average athlete who will likely play as a stretch '4' alongside Dwight Howard, as he was lights out from three for Richmond last season (.448). Harper will be joined by fellow rookie DeAndre Liggins, who at 6'7 will be a solid perimeter defender for this team, as he has a great wingspan (6'11") and uses his athleticism well, as he'll be able to defend against ones, twos and threes.
Biggest Concern: By now its become pretty clear that the Magic are not going to have All-NBA center Dwight Howard beyond this season. The question now becomes, do they try one last time to reload and win, hoping that will be enough to convince him to stay in Orlando? Do they trade him, and hope the players they get in return will help them jump start their rebuilding effort? Its an unenviable position to be in GM Otis Smith's shoes, as no matter what decision he makes, it will be unpopular.
Outlook: The Magic will likely trade Dwight Howard, and should be able to get a package that, like a deal for Chris Paul, would likely be at least as good as New York's offer to Denver to receive 'Melo, as both center and point guard are premier positions in this league more-so than a wing scorer. Should Howard stay, the Magic should be a top four seed in the East. If he's traded, expect a return to the NBA Draft Lottery.
Atlanta Hawks
What's New: C Keith Benson is probably at least a year away from being a rotation player for new head coach Larry Drew, as he's listed at 217 pounds despite being listed at 6'11". Benson is a good athlete with a solid mid-range jump shot, but will need to add bulk to be able to defend against NBA-caliber big men. PF Magnum Rolle was with the Pacers in training camp last year, but was cut prior to the season when Indiana couldn't make room on their roster for him. Rolle was the #3 overall pick in the D-League draft, but suffered a knee injury after just two games. Rolle will likely be an end of the bench player this season, but is a solidly built player who would probably be more productive (at least statistically) than C Jason Collins.
Biggest Concern: Frontcourt depth is one area Atlanta is currently lacking, as big men Collins, Josh Powell, Hilton Armstrong and Etan Thomas are all free agents. With Jamal Crawford also being a free agent, the bench would lack scoring punch, should Crawford decide to sign elsewhere.
Outlook: Former #2 overall pick Marvin Williams will need to step up and be a consistent performer, as he occasionally disappears for stretches in games. Williams has very good physical attributes, but has yet to have his production match his skill set. Joe Johnson will need to continue to make plays for this team, and Al Horford and Josh Smith are both talented players that will be in the running for All-Star nods. First year coach Larry Drew should be able to lead this team to the playoffs, but that's likely as far as this team can go as currently assembled.
Charlotte Bobcats
What's New: The Bobcats acquired two solid players in the draft, as NCAA Tourney MVP Kemba walker joins fast-rising defensive whiz Bismack Biyombo on the roster. Walker was a dynamic playmaker in college, but will likely have a bit of a learning curve in the NBA as he transitions to point guard. Kemba has some Allen Iverson to his game, and was second in Division I scoring (just behind Kings G Jimmer Fredette). Biyombo still has some contract issues with his Spanish team that could prevent him from coming over this season, but will likely be worked out. Biyombo is very raw offensively and doesn't have ideal height for an NBA center (6'9"), but has a ridiculous 7'7" wingspan and great defensive instincts. Biyombo wowed scouts at the Nike Hoops Summit, recording a triple double (12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 blocks). Biyombo should fill a Ben Wallace-type role with the Bobcats.
Biggest Concern: The team has young talent at every position, but lacks a true scoring threat in the post, as Tyrus Thomas and Boris Diaw tend to float around the perimeter. Biyombo is nowhere near ready to contribute as a scoring option for the Bobcats, so either Diaw or Thomas needs to show a willingness to bang in the post.
Outlook: If Walker and Biyombo can have decent rookie seasons, and the Bobcats can find a consistent post scorer, then there's at least a decent chance that the Bobcats will make the postseason. Paul Silas is a hard-nosed coach, but will have to be patient with this young team, as growing pains will take place.
Washington Wizards
What's New: The Wizards picked up three players that should be able to contribute right away. Jan Vesely is an explosive big man who plays with great energy on both ends of the floor. At 6'11", 240 pounds, Vesely has enough bulk to hold his own with most NBA power forwards, but it wouldn't hurt him to add a little more bulk. F Chris Singleton out of Florida State has a very advanced defensive game, and at 6'9" is also a good athlete that thrives in transition. G Shelvin Mack is a potent scorer who led the Butler basketball team to its second straight NCAA title game. Mack should have an opportunity as the third guard on this team, playing behind John Wall and Jordan Crawford.
Biggest Concern: There's arguably as much young talent on the Wizards as any other team in the league. Flip Saunders is a player's coach, but will need to use more of a heavy hand on Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee, as both have immense talent but give inconsistent effort. The team would like to re-sign SG Nick Young, who has turned into a potent scorer, but would likely let him walk if he receives a somewhat sizeable contract from another team.
Outlook: In what is likely the final season of rebuilding in Washington, the Wizards have players that are able to score at all five positions, as well as good depth. The only reason I think they'll miss the playoffs is due to a lack of continuity on this talented, but very young roster.
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