2007 NBA Southeast Summer Preview
Heat, Hawks in Search for Point Guards; Grant Hill a Free Agent
NBA teams will scurry to refurbish and improve their rosters this summer, in hopes of improving next season.
A year ago they were the NBA's best team, earning the coveted set of rings that so many teams pine for. One year later, they're swept in a first round matchup against a team that had not won a first round playoff series since they had a guy named Michael Jordan. Such a fall will likely mean some noteworthy roster moves this off season. The Heat need to get younger, or risk dealing with incessant injuries to old, hobbling players like they endured this last season. Moreover, their young star, Dwayne Wade, is not expected to be ready for the start of next season because of surgery. Clearly, the Heat should consider making some moves.
Miami has made it clear they won't trade Shaquille O'Neal. The average age of the Heats' roster this season was about 27-28 years old, which means most of its players won't be tradeable anyway. That being said, their best bet might be to wait until some of these players retire. They will be targeting a point guard this summer, as Jason Williams hasn't been that consistent and Gary Payton might be calling it quits. They'll try to hold onto Jason Kapono, who showed lots of promise late in the season.
However, the Heat isn't the only team in the Southeast division in need of roster adjustments. This off season should make for exciting and intriguing news headlines as teams negotiate and maneuver their lineups via trades, the 2007 NBA Draft and free agency.
The Washington Wizards hit some harsh luck as stars Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler went down. There's not much a team can do about ill-timed injuries. However, with Brendan Haywood requesting a trade, the Wizards should look for a defensive-minded big man to help them in the middle this summer. Etan Thomas is solid, but frequently finds himself in foul trouble.
The Orlando Magic face some difficult questions. Grant Hill is a free agent and is contemplating leaving Orlando for the Detroit Pistons or Phoenix Suns. Whatever happens with Hill, the Magic will be rid of his ridiculous contract and should have some cap space to work with. One rumor had Vince Carter headed to the Magic. That's likely not going to happen. Still, the Magic do need help offensively. They're apparently satisfied with the development of point guard Jameer Nelson, but will look to find a scorer this post season. Another decision they'll have to make is whether or not to re-sign Darko Milicic, who will likely command more dollars than he may be worth since he's young and a center.
The Atlanta Hawks have an exciting, young lineup, led by Joe Johnson. They will be desperately seeking a point guard after passing on Chris Paul and Deron Williams in the 2005 draft for forward Marvin Williams, and Brandon Roy and Randy Foye in the 2006 draft for Shelden Williams. They might consider selecting Mike Conley with their late lottery pick (acquired from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Al Harrington deal). Otherwise, don't expect them to break up their core group of young talent.
The Charlotte Bobcats have the personnel, but they still need to fill some holes and continue to develop. Forward Gerald Wallace is a free agent, so the Bobcats will try to lock him up with a new contract. Also, Sean May might be on the trade block, especially if the Bobcats select another big man, like Greg Oden, Al Horford or Brandan Wright in the upcoming draft. The Bobcats could still use a proven scorer, as Adam Morrison continues to develop and find consistency.
Also check out:
2007 NBA Atlantic Summer Preview
2007 NBA Central Summer Preview
2007 NBA Southwest Summer Preview
2007 NBA Pacific Summer Preview
2007 NBA Northwest Summer Preview
