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The final edition of “1 Question for Every Team” has finally arrived. The last division to discuss is the Southeast Division. This division is arguably the weakest in the NBA and has been for a few years. Nevertheless, this division’s future is bright, filled with young up-and-coming teams, intriguing rebuilds, and storylines. This division has the gritty Miami Heat, the rising Orlando Magic led by Paolo Banchero, the run-and-gun Atlanta Hawks, and rebuilding teams in the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards. The Miami Heat have been the most class of this division by securing 9 division titles, 6 NBA finals appearances, and 2 championships in the past 15 years. Could we finally see a change in the guard with the rise of Orlando Magic? Also, let’s not forget about the Trae Young dilemma and whether he will be the next star to dominate trade rumors. Could the Charlotte Hornets be a surprise team if LaMelo Ball is healthy? Let’s get right into it! Also, be on the lookout for my “Training Camp Power Ranking Editions” in the next couple of weeks.
1 Critical Question Facing Every Team Going into the 2024-2025 NBA Season: Southeast Edition
Atlanta Hawks- Are Trae Young’s Days Numbered?
With trading DeJounte Murray, the Hawks now have a team that is younger and will rely more on a more athleticism and perimeter defensive team. The pairing of Murray and Young was a bad fit from the beginning. With acquiring the number 1 pick, Atlanta will have to make a decision. Do they decide to trade Trae Young and become even younger? Or will they try to compete with Trae Young as the centerpiece? During Trae’s tenure, Atlanta has made the ECF and had three total playoff appearances. But can the Hawks become a top contender with Trae Young as a centerpiece? It appears the Hawks at best, are a play-in team in the East. Maybe, this team can gel together than expected, but this team is consistently one of the best offenses in the league that is held back by being a bottom defensive team. Depending on how this team performs, it could be interesting to see if the Hawks will be the next team to hit the reset button that will focus on building a young core around Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher and perhaps trade Trae Young. Stay tuned.
Charlotte Hornets- Can Their Core Compete When Healthy?
The last two seasons have been an absolute nightmare for the Charlotte Hornets. It has involved 48 wins in 2 years and involves new ownership, a new front office, and a new coach. Nevertheless, the Hornets have also restructured their roster, which allowed them to have one of the youngest rosters in the league and a solid core. Despite a rocky season, the Hornets spotted a silver lining in the promise of the second overall pick, Brandon Miller. The big X-factor, however, will be the health of LaMelo Ball. When healthy, LaMelo was an all-star in his second year and can score 20-25 points along with 8 assists. Also, in his first two years, the Hornets improved their win total by two wins each season and were in the play-in mix. However, in the last couple of seasons, Melo only played 58 games. When healthy, can the Hornets be back in the play-in mix? This roster has completely changed since 2022, when the Hornets had players veteran players like Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, and Mason Plumlee helping them. There is talent on this roster, but it will depend on the health of LaMelo Ball and if the young core can make strides this year if Charlotte wants to get back to the play-in.
Miami Heat- Are They Still a Formidable Contender?
This Miami Heat no matter who is on the roster or how old they are, always find a way to be competitive. However, it appears that Miami has kept losing on key role players throughout the past 2 offseasons. The latest offseason loss was Caleb Martin, who was a key player for Miami during their 2023 finals run. Nevertheless, the Heat always find a way to get their role players to improve and flourish in their system. Guys like Jamie Jaquez Jr and Nikola Jovic will benefit with more valuable minutes. However, can Miami still be a playoff contender? No doubt, the majority of the teams in the East would fear Miami in the postseason. But the question will be if they will even qualify. In the past couple of seasons, the Heat got into the postseason by needing both games. And with Jimmy Butler being 35, will it be time for the Heat culture to reboot? A lot of the other teams in the East are getting better, and there is no question Bam Adebayo is a star player. However, is the supporting cast around him strong enough to contend in the postseason? This team’s core looks like they are in a slow painful decline, but maybe Himmy Butler can say something about that.
Orlando Magic- Where Can They Get More Offensive Production Outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner?
The future is very bright in Orlando, with last season proving a solid case. Paolo Banchero proved he is a superstar talent in the league who can easily become an All-NBA player. Franz Wagner was knocking on the door of being a 20-point-per-game scorer despite being a below-average three-point shooter and proved to be a solid #2 option. The biggest signing was Kentavious Caldwell Pope, someone who can shoot the three and provide perimeter defense, along with championship experience. The Orlando Magic also were elite on defense by finishing #2 in efficiency. Despite that, can Orlando become a better offensive team? This team ranked 22nd in offense efficiency and was in the bottom third of the league in 3-point percentage. KCP should help with the three-point shooting, but Orlando still lacks players who can create their shot outside Banchero and Wagner. If they can get a consistent 3rd scoring option, maybe Orlando is in for a deep playoff run.
Washington Wizards- Can Washington Find a Cornerstone?
There is no question the Wizards are currently in the beginning stages of a rebuild and are in the phase of overpaying good players who aren’t necessarily top players with max contracts. This season will once again be about the development of their young players versus wins and losses. Maybe even Jordan Poole has a bounce-back season after a very disappointing first season. Some interesting young pieces are worth looking at for Washington. The second overall pick Alex Sarr, despite having a rocky summer league performance, is still a raw prospect with a ton of upside. There is also Bilial Coulibably, who is only 20 years old shown plenty of upside throughout the season. The question for Washington next season is, do any of these young players or their younger players have the ceiling to be a franchise cornerstone? This season should provide stronger evidence, but the Wizards will likely be in the mix for the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Perhaps, the Wizards can deal Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, Malcolm Bragdon, or Jonas Valanciunas for more draft capital. The tanking will continue here in DC!
Main Image: © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
