Eastern Conference Preview: Southeast Division

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.