Monday, October 7, 2013

2013-2014 Predictions: Southeast Division

Part two of my predictions doubleheader: the Southeast Division.


Miami Heat

2012-2013 Record: 66-16

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Key Additions: Michael Beasley, Greg Oden

Prediction: 61-21

Scoop: They brought back their entire team (with the exception of Mike Miller,  and added to it. How can they not be the favorites? Yes, their bench weapons are a bit older -- Ray Allen is 38, Shane Battier is 35 and Chris "Birdman" Andersen is 35. Yes, Dwyane Wade has a balky knee, and he too will turn 32 during the season. And sure, they'll have a tougher road with an improved Brooklyn team. They still have to deal with the Knicks, Pacers and now the Bulls with a healthy Derrick Rose. But, as I have said for three years now, this is LeBron's world, and we are all living in it until he tells us otherwise.

Atlanta Hawks

2012-2013 Record: 44-38

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer

Key Additions: Paul Millsap, Elton Brand

Prediction: 44-38

Scoop: I like their additions of Brand and Millsap. Lou Williams was very good for them last season before going down with a torn ACL. With Williams back, Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Millsap, the Hawks should be right about where they were last year, which is why I predict them to have the same record this year.

Washington Wizards:

2012-2013 Record: 29-53

Head Coach: Randy Wittman

Key Additions: Otto Porter Jr.

Prediction: 35-47

Scoop: Many national media experts like this Washington team. The John Wall-Bradley Beal duo never got a real chance to show what it could do. In the few games the two played together, the Wizards went 16-9. As he showed at the end of last season, Randy Wittman is not taking any $#___ (you can figure that out for yourselves). This is a very talented yet young group of players. Let's see what they can do.

Orlando Magic:

2012-2013 Record: 20-62

Head Coach: Jacque Vaughn

Key Additions: Jason Maxiell, Victor Oladipo

Prediction: 25-57

Scoop: Of the 15 players on their roster, Orlando only has four players who are 30 or older. To say they are inexperienced is an understatement. The NBA is a veterans' league. It always has been, and always will be. They still have some leftovers from their glory days (i.e. Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu), but for the most part, this team is rebuilding. They will appear to do so around Oladipo, Arron Afflalo and Tobias Harris. Something scary to point out: Glen Davis looked upon as a veteran leader on this team. Yikes.


Charlotte Bobcats:

2012-2013 Record: 21-61

Head Coach: Steve Clifford

Key Additions: Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller

Prediction: 23-59

Scoop: At some point, don't you have to feel bad for the Bobcats? They're being led in the wrong direction by Michael Jordan -- think about that, who would ever think that anyone would ever say anything negative about him? Until they shake things up in the front office, this Bobcats team will remain in neutral.

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