NBA Southeast Team Fixes
What Teams Must Do to Prepare Their Rosters for Next Season
The Magic stepped up with big bucks to lure Rashard Lewis away from the Seattle Supersonics; the Heat are getting older every year; the Bobcats finally land a much-needed scorer; the Hawks juggle a million and one forwards; and the Wizards try to figure out what to do with a high-end European prospect they are unable to sign. Here is a snapshot of what teams in the Southeast Division have done and what they need to do during the remainder of the summer to improve their rosters.
Orlando Magic
The addition of Rashard Lewis will certainly help the team's offense, which was abysmal last season. Yet, they may have overpaid for Lewis' services at $15 million per year. They still need to add depth, as well as find a consistent shooting guard. They could also use another inside presence to support Dwight Howard. The Magic are trying to package players like Carlos Arroyo and Pat Garrity to get what they're looking for, but so far haven't had much luck. They might consider trying to sign a low-level big man, like Melvin Ely or Brian Skinner to help cushion their interior. Otherwise, they may have to hope that youngsters, such as J.J. Redick and Trevor Ariza step things up next season.
Miami Heat
The Heat are not the same team they were when they won a championship two seasons ago. Shaquille O'Neal is on his final legs and several other players, like Gary Payton, Alonzo Mourning and Eddie Jones, are poised to retire. The Heat do have some bright young players to boast about, like Dorell Wright and recently drafted Daquan Cook, but shouldn't be considered a contender next season. They are desperately looking for a point guard, as Jason Williams' injuries make him unreliable. Other than James Posey, Miami does not have many trade options. They could also use another spot shooter to replace Jason Kapono.
Atlanta Hawks
As long as the Hawks' ownership wars persist, don't expect a lot of changes to the roster, even though it's badly needed. Drafting Al Horford with the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft was the right move. However, that leaves one to ask where that puts forwards like Shelden Williams and Marvin Williams? The Hawks have a lot of talent, but also a lot of holes to fill. They still need a legitimate center, as well as a veteran point guard. It's rumored that they could have landed Amare Stoudemire in a three-way trade that would have sent Kevin Garnett to Phoenix and Atlanta's third and eleventh picks to Minnesota. Yet, they apparently nixed that deal because it would have put them over the salary cap. There are many things the Hawks should be doing right now, but with lack of flexibility don't expect Billy Knight to be able to pull off the necessary moves.
Charlotte Bobcats
Charlotte should be applauded for nabbing Jason Richardson. He's a legitimate scorer who has improved every season that he's been healthy. They still could use a dependable center to pair with Emeka Okafor, but the Bobcats are looking much-improved from last season. They also made a great draft selection in picking Jared Dudley late in the first round. He may be the big sleeper to come out of that draft.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards are trying to package Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood's big contracts with Juan Carlos Navarro (the coveted point guard from Spain, whom the Wizards have limited time to trade). Drafting Nick Young was an interesting move, but they still could use an inside presence of some sort. With so much to do, it doesn't make sense that the Wizards have been so quiet this off season.
