At the start of a season, expectations are always positive, although sometimes the reality over time causes them to show whether they were real or exaggerated. Therefore, and before the upcoming start of the 2020-21 season, we are taking on the task of analyzing each division and creating a rankings from 1 to 5 with the teams that make them up.
The Southeast Division finds a team like the Hawks that bet everything on free agency and did well, while two others, the Hornets and Wizards, are shaking their foundations by making changes to acquire figures. Who will do better? Charlotte with Gordon Hayward or Washington with Russell Westbrook?
What seems certain is that for the raffle on who is the candidate to win the division, the Miami Heat bought all the numbers.
This is a brief review of the franchises that make up the Southeast Division.
More: Dallas Mavericks, the big favorite in the Southwest Division
The glory Michael Jordan managed to achieve as a player seems elusive to His Majesty’s team owner version. The last time his team made it to the postseason was in 2015-16 when they went 48-34. Since then he has always had a negative record, combining 134 wins against 177 losses in 4 seasons.
This doesn’t seem to be the year they will come out badly, despite having signed Gordon Hayward into free agency, a good player but who doesn’t seem to be the same since that terrible injury in his Celtics debut four seasons ago. to be. . The bet on LaMelo Ball in the draft doesn’t seem the most appropriate either, as their most consistent players last season were DeVonte Graham (18.2 points and 7.4 assists) and Terry Rozier (18.0 points and 40.7% in triples) and they play in the same position. And Cody Zeller, Bismack Biyombo and PJ Washington are no guarantees among his tall men either. It can be a season of planting and not of fruit harvesting.
Those who follow: Bismack Biyombo, Miles Bridges, Devonte ‘Graham, Caleb Martin, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Malik Monk, Terry Rozier, PJ Washington and Cody Zeller.
High: Gordon Hayward, LaMelo Ball, Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards.
Low: Nicolas Batum, Joe Chealey and Willy Hernangomez.
Ranking: Tenth in Eastern Conference (23-42) during the 2019-2020 season.
Projection: 25/28 wins.
The Orlando Magic was one of those curious instances of the last postseason, reaching the playoffs despite a record loss of 33-40. There was little he could do in the playoffs as when they finished eighth they faced the Milwaukee Bucks who knocked them out 4-1.
For 2020-21, the situation for the Magic does not look better, but practically the same as the previous one. The strong bet is the development and growth of Markelle Fultz, who recovered Jonathan Isaac from his serious injury and found someone who can make up for DJ Augustin’s absence, who left for Milwaukee.
Rookie point guard Cole Anthony’s adjustment will also need to be watched closely to see if he and Fultz can form a good perimeter duo.
Those who follow: Al-Farouq Aminu, Mohamed Bamba, Khen Birch, Michael Carter-Williams, Gary Clark, James Ennis III, Evan Fournier, Markelle Fultz, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Terrence Ross and Nikola Vucevic.
High: Cole Anthony, Dwayne Bacon, Jordan Bone, Karim Mane and Chuma Okeke.
Low: DJ Augustin, Melvin Frazier, Wesley Iwundu, Amile Jefferson, BJ Johnson, Vic Law and Josh Magette.
Ranking: Eighth in the Eastern Conference (33-40) during the 2019-2020 season. Eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Projection: 33/35 wins.
2:23
John Wall now joins the Houston Rockets team.
The reunion between Russell Westbrook and coach Scott Brooks gives the illusion that the good times they spent together in Oklahoma City Thunder will be repeated in Washington. Although the success seems to be related to the chemistry Westbrook manages to develop with Bradley Beal, who was the best player for the Wizards last season.
The team’s potential is, of course, in the intensity and play from the perimeter, although it also has tall men to help, such as David Bertans and Rui Hachimura. Plus, the trio of newcomer Robin Lopez, Moritz Wagner and Thomas Bryant can deliver quality minutes in a central position in what would be a three-headed monster.
While it is not known what their ceiling will be, the Wizards will, and many, improve from last season.
Those who follow: Bradley Beal, Davis Bertans, Thomas Bryant, Ish Smith, Isaac Bonga, Troy Brown, Garrison Mathews, Moritz Wagner, and Anzejs Pasecniks.
High: Russell Westbrook, Deni Avdija, Jerome Robinson, Robin López and Raúl Neto.
Low: Chris Chiozza, Jerian Grant, Ian Mahinmi, Jordan McRae, Isaiah Thomas, Gary Payton, Shabazz Napier, CJ Miles, and Admiral Schofield.
Ranking: Ninth in the Eastern Conference (25-47) during the 2019-2020 season.
Projection: 39-42 wins.
The Hawks will undoubtedly make a quantum leap in quality this season. His young talents like Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, John Collins and Kevin Huerter will have another year on their back and that will help.
But it is undoubtedly what they have achieved with free agency that will make them better. With the hiring of veterans like Rajon Rondo, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari and Kris Dunn to join Clint Capela, Atlanta can not only build a good starting line-up but also a deep bench. It will be a very entertaining team to watch. The late season is within reach if they set their sights on it.
Those who follow: Trae Young, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, Clint Capela, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish.
High: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo, Danilo Gallinari, Onyeka Okungwu, Kris Dunn and Tony Snell.
Low: Alex Len, Jeff Teague, Jabari Parker, Dewayne Dedmon, Allen Crabbe, Chandler Parsons, Vince Carter, and Evan Turner.
Ranking: Fourteenth in the Eastern Conference (.611) during the 2019-2020 season.
Projection: 44/47 wins.
1. Miami Heat
Led by an incredible Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat became an unexpected finalist, knocking out the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, but succumbing to the Lakers of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The commitment of the franchise led by Pat Riley was very clear: you don’t have to fix what’s not broken, although you can try to improve it. Butler’s point guard Goran Dragic, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn and Meyers Leonard returned intact.
And when Jae Crowder left, he topped it off with the signings of Avery Bradley, Maurice Harkless and the addition, via draft, of the promising Precious Achiuwa. Not only are The Heat the best in this division, but perhaps the entire Eastern Conference.
Los que siguen: Jimmy Butler, Goran Dragic, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro Andre Iguodala, Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, Chris Silva and Meyers Leonard.
High: Maurice Harkless, Avery Bradley and Precious Achiuwa.
Low: Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill.
Ranking: He finished third in the Eastern Conference (44-29) during the 2019-2020 season. NBA finalist.
Projection: 52/54 wins.