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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 26, 2009

NBA: Southeast Division capsules; Orlando favored


By Michael Wallace
McClatchy Newspapers

Here is the outlook for teams in the NBA Southeast Division.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1. ORLANDO
Key additions: SG Vince Carter (trade, Nets); PF Brandon Bass (free agent, Mavericks).
Key subtractions: SF Hedo Turkoglu (free agent, Raptors) PG Rafer Alston (trade, Nets); SG Courtney Lee (trade, Nets).
Outlook: The Magic lost three starters from last season’s team that advanced to the NBA Finals, but did a superb job of reloading without much of a drop-off. They’ve moved from the hunters to being the hunted in the East.

2. ATLANTA

Key additions: G Jamal Crawford (trade, Warriors); C Joe Smith (free agent, Cavaliers).
Key subtractions: G Acie Law (trade, Warriors); G Flip Murray (free agent, Bobcats).
Outlook: The Hawks took another step in their development by advancing to the second round of the playoffs. They brought the core and made solid veteran upgrades to bolster depth for another postseason run.

3. WASHINGTON

Key additions: SF Mike Miller (trade, Timberwolves); SG Randy Foye (trade, Timberwolves); Fabricio Oberto (free agent, Spurs).
Key subtractions: F Darius Songaila (trade, Hornets); Etan Thomas (trade, Thunder)
Outlook: Gilbert Arenas’ healthy return and 63 losses of motivation should provide the spark to launch the NBA’s biggest turnaround this season. The Wizards have the depth and talent to be the East’s dark horse.

4. MIAMI

Key additions: G/F Quentin Richardson (trade, Timberwolves); PG Carlos Arroyo (free agent, Israel).
Key subtractions: SF Jamario Moon (free agent, Cavaliers); G Luther Head (free agent, Pacers)
Outlook: Miami goes as far as D. Wade carries it. The hope is Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers and Daequan Cook take the next step in development and Jermaine O’Neal doesn’t limp through another season.

5. CHARLOTTE

Key additions: C Tyson Chandler (trade, Hornets); PG Flip Murray (free agent, Hawks); SG Gerald Henderson (draft).
Key Subtractions: C Emeka Okafor (trade, Hornets) PF Sean May (free agent, Kings)
Outlook: The Bobcats have dumped three high lottery picks — Sean May, Emeka Okafor and Adam Morrison — in the past year. Coach Larry B hopes a more veteran savvy team can finally sneak into the playoffs.