In the Southeast Division of the NBA, two Florida teams are aiming for a strong playoff run while the rest are undergoing significant changes.
Orlando Magic
The Magic made a return to the playoffs last year for the first time since trading All-Star center Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls during the 2021 trade deadline. With rising stars like All-Star power forward Paolo Banchero and potential All-Star small forward Franz Wagner, Orlando achieved a 47-35 record and pushed the experienced Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the first round.
Despite their youth, size, and length, the Magic struggled offensively, averaging only 11 three-point attempts per game—tied for the league’s lowest. To help boost their shooting, Orlando brought on veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a two-time championship starter.
Read more: Magic Set To Sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope To Lucrative Contract
While the team’s youth bodes well for future wins, they still lack an above-average point guard, which could be critical in the playoffs. However, they may still look to make a trade.
Miami Heat
After their surprising run to the Finals as an No. 8 seed, the Heat hoped to improve on their 2023-24 regular season record. Unfortunately, injuries hindered their progress, leading to a 46-36 finish and another No. 8 seed status after a play-in loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Their playoff journey ended quickly at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Read more: 2 Key Heat Starters Still Recovering From Monthslong Injuries
This offseason, the Heat made limited moves, signing sharpshooter Alec Burks on a minimum deal. They’re counting on key players like Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier to regain their health, as well as growth from All-Star center Bam Adebayo and young talents like Jaime Jaquez and Tyler Herro. The most notable addition is rookie center Kel’el Ware, likely to support Adebayo immediately.
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Atlanta Hawks
After a disappointing 36-46 record, the Hawks acknowledged the need for change by trading former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Read more: Hawks, Pelicans Agree to Blockbuster Trade to Send Dejounte Murray to New Orleans
In return, Atlanta acquired guard Dyson Daniels, veteran forward Larry Nance Jr., and two future first-round picks. The excitement also comes from their No. 1 draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, adding to the team’s revamped outlook.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are seeking to bounce back from a dismal 21-61 campaign. With the sixth overall pick, they drafted Tidjan Salaün, hoping he can contribute alongside a young core that includes All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, forward Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges. If they can stay healthy, Charlotte could challenge for a play-in tournament spot.
Washington Wizards
Facing a tough season with a 15-27 record, the Wizards are now fully in tank mode. They traded starting small forward Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers for Malcolm Brogdon’s expiring contract, multiple draft picks, and selected combo guard Bub Carrington with their No. 14 pick this year.
Additionally, they drafted French big man Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick, who appears raw but has potential. While they aren’t expected to be competitive for now, Carrington and Sarr, alongside second-year forward Bilal Coulibaly, bring some intriguing prospects as the team gears up for a possible shot at the 2025 No. 1 draft pick, Cooper Flagg.