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Players to watch: Michael Beasley, Mikael Pietrus, Marvin Williams, Andray Blatche, Sean May, Adam Morrison, Ray Felton, and Shaun Livingston.
* Orlando Magic (52-30) - Remember back when the Magic had a dominant big man (Shaq), a dime-dropping point (Penny), and a couple three point snipers (Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott)? Well, the Magic are back to that blueprint. While Jameer Nelson isn't Penny, he gets the job done dishing the ball to long range bombers, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. When Nelson isn't kicking the ball out to them, he is giving the defense a steady diet of lob passes to Superman, Dwight Howard. I think Howard is ready to put this team on his back and put them into the conversation of elite Eastern teams. This won't be their year, but expect it to happen soon. Prediction: 2nd round of the playoffs.
* Atlanta Hawks (44-38) - Gone is Josh Childress to Europe. Coming in is...Maurice Evans?! Still, with a starting lineup of Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Al Horford I like their chances in this weak division. Prediction: 1st round exit.
* Miami Heat (38-44) - This team isn't ready to jump back into the playoffs just yet, but they took some steps in the right direction. Drafting the Beast was huge, but I think the signings of Yakhouba Diawara and Shaun Livingston are the big keys for this team. If Livingston can get 100% healthy and be the player he was supposed to be, then this team will go far. Prediction: Pat Riley will get jealous of any success and take over the coaching role again.
* Washingon Wizards (36-46) - Agent Zero is out until at least December and Brendan Haywood is out for pretty much the whole season. This means that Jamison and Butler will have to shoulder the load this season and with Roger Mason gone to San Antonio, the three point threat off the bench is gone. Youngsters Dominic McGuire, Andray Blatche, Nick Young, and JaVale McGee will have to step up early and often for this team to succeed. Prediction: Wes Unseld suits up by year's end and takes it back to the days of the Bullets.
* Charlotte Bobcats (26-56) - With all the talent this team has, it will never win until Michael Jordan is out of the front office. As great of a player as he was, he is just the opposite at being in charge of making decisions on how to run a team. If Sean May can play a whole season without injury and Adam Morrison can live up to the potential of being a top pick, then this team can surprise the whole league. Prediction: Larry Brown quits....again.
