Southeast Division: Heat poised to extend control
In terms of star appeal and overall strength, this might be the division du jour in the Eastern Conference, although if suspense is your thing, you best look elsewhere for that.
That's because the Southeast once again appears to belong in the palms (hands and tree) of the Miami Heat, the reigning champs who clearly are on the way up. In the meantime, the two competitors for divisional bragging rights are dealing with issues that may cause grief in the near future. Yes, in short time, maybe even later this season, both Orlando and Atlanta could be sporting a different look if certain players are traded and/or unable to be re-signed as free agents. Dwight Howard, with a pending free agency next summer, is on the front burner for the Magic, a franchise that hopes he won't pull a Shaquille O'Neal and demand out (Shaq landed with the Lakers, and the rest was history). Meanwhile, the Hawks are still coping with the frustrating inability to move beyond the conference semifinals, a threshold that has dogged the franchise since it moved from St. Louis. Which was, like, a long time ago. Do they pull a blockbuster deal and roll the dice? They might.
At the bottom of the Southeast is where you'll likely find the Wizards and especially the Bobcats, both struggling with growing pains. The Wizards are your classic team with a bunch of talented young players who haven't a clue; once they figure it out, watch out. And that's actually a problem the Bobcats would love to have, because unlike Washington, there's no John Wall on the roster, no sure-fire franchise rock to build around in Charlotte. Which means, once again, each member of the Bobcats will struggle to get a few thousand followers on Twitter. All except Michael, of course.
And so the division is Miami's to lose, and if the Heat make it a no-contest, then that's too bad. Because this division initially had the makings of a fierce rivalry between the Florida teams. Orlando and Miami both reached the NBA Finals in recent years, and both made several major moves over that time to make multiple runs at league championships. And now it's all about what Orlando does, or doesn't do, with the thorny issue of Howard's free agency. Miami may not realize LeBron James' promise of several NBA titles, but if Howard leaves Orlando and a void in the Southeast, then a strong of divisional championships are certainly possible for Miami
2010-11 record: 58-24
Finish: First in Southeast Division
Playoffs: Defeated Philadelphia in Eastern Conference first round (4-1), defeated Boston in Eastern Conference semifinals (4-1), defeated Chicago in Eastern Conference finals (4-1), lost to Dallas in NBA Finals (4-2)
Strengths: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were pretty much as hyped in Year One, especially as the season progressed. Three Olympians and All-Stars, in their prime, were too much to handle for most of the NBA. They came a few games short of winning the championship, quite a feat considering their limited time together and the so-so supporting cast.
Challenges: With three players weighing down the salary cap, can Miami ever afford to bring the right piece(s) to vault the Big Three over the top? You figure the supporting cast will always feature an inexpensive new face or two, because time is ticking, especially if Miami plans to fulfill LeBron's prophesy: "Not one, not two, not three ... " etc.
Outlook: Once again, Miami will be in the championship mix, although probably with a lot less resentment thrown in its face. LeBron and Wade are motivated and eager to show that their sloppy finish was a fluke, and they're much more comfortable around each other. For entertainment value, this team can't be beat. Maybe this is the year when they can't be beat on the court, either.
This could make a difference: Quite honest, last season was a wash for Mike Miller, who pulled up lame with a bum wrist in the preseason and never properly healed. Because cap limitations will prevent Miami from vastly improving the big-man dilemma, a healthy Miller could be the difference when the calendar flips to June.
2010-11 record: 52-30
Finish: Second in Southeast Division
Playoffs: Defeated by Atlanta in Eastern Conference first round (4-2)
Strengths: Dwight Howard is the game's premier 7-footer and arguably one of the NBA's Top 4-5 players regardless of position, a game-changer in the prime of his career. As long as he's healthy, Orlando is a top-tier team, even with the somewhat questionable talent surrounding him. He's also in his walk year, which makes him extra dangerous and motivated.
Challenges: Once again, Orlando is trying to find all the right pieces to complement Howard before (a) he bolts as a free agent or (b) he starts to slow down or break down. But there's no evidence that the current supporting cast can help. Too many key players (Gilbert Arenas, Hedo Turkoglu, Quentin Richardson and now Jameer Nelson?) are either past their prime or already peaked.
Outlook: As a title contender, this team's in trouble. Howard can only take the Magic so far; who's riding shotgun? When the outside shots are falling, Orlando will beat most teams, but inconsistency will cause their doom.
This could make a difference: Should Howard announce he'd rather sign elsewhere next summer, the Magic might reach a point where the unthinkable happens and they trade him by the deadline. It's better to get something for him now, rather than watch him walk and get nothing (see O'Neal, Shaq).
Go Lakers 
