How I’d feel as a fan-Southeast division
Photo by Carmen Mandato / Getty Images
Atlanta Hawks
At the trade deadline the Hawks were one of the more active teams. The Hawks traded Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky and two picks for Bruno Fernando and Garrison Matthews. The Hawks also received Saddiq Bey for three second-round picks. Saddiq is young and averages 14 points per game (PPG) with a career high of 51 points. Bey is a young asset for this Hawks team with a bright future. The Hawks currently sit as the eight seed in the East, so the Hawks are fighting for the play-in and with new coach Quinn Snyder they could end up seventh or sixth seed. With Trae Young at the helm, anything could happen and as a fan I would be hopeful.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets were also active at the trade deadline trading Mason Plumlee for Reggie Jackson and a 2028 second-round pick which they ended up buying out Jackson. In addition the Hornets were also part of the four-team trade involving the Knicks where they got guard-forward Svi Mykhailiuk. The Hornets currently have the second worst record in the East and are embracing the tank. Lamelo is missing the rest of the season with a right ankle fracture, so all Hornets fans can do is hope for the first pick.
Miami Heat
The Heat have a current all-star in Bam Adebayo and former all-star Jimmy Butler, but they are stuck. They were the first-seed last season, but now they are middle of the pack. Jimmy Butler can’t carry this team to be a serious contender. Pat Riley and company were almost completely quiet at the deadline except getting rid of Dewayne Dedmon and a 2028 second-round pick for cash considerations. Giving up a pick and a player for cash when you’re a million dollar team seems questionable. While the Heat have some shining moments they continue to have their rough patches.
Orlando Magic
The Magic were involved in a four-team trade that sent backup center Mo Bamba to the Lakers and received cash, a second round pick and Patrick Beverly who was eventually bought out. The Magic have a bright future and as a fan I’d be looking forward to the next 5 years. They arguably have the rookie of the year in Paolo Blanchero and bright stars in Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony and a breakout season from Bol Bol. This team with a few more years under their belt could be something serious.
Washington Wizards
Weeks before the deadline the Wizards traded Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn and two second-round picks. While trading a 10 ppg shooter for a 6 ppg shooter isn’t the best idea, the Wizards aren’t expecting to contend. The Wizards, similar to the Heat are stuck in the middle, but have talent in Bradley Beal and Kristap Porzingus. Without a true leader and no winning mentality according to Spencer Dinwiddie, they are stuck in the middle to the bottom of the East.