NBA Futures - Southeast Division: Is anyone going to bring the Heat on Miami?

The rest of the division is hard to read. Washington still has Bradley Beal but that does not mean much with the rest of the team below average. Orlando might have surprised by making Paulo Banchero the top pick in the draft, but there are still a lot of questions still with the Magic. 

Here's a quick look at the division futures for each team. 

Southeast Division Futures

Miami Heat -180

The Heat are one of the most consistent high-effort teams in the NBA and that really pays off during the regular season. The playoffs exposed them though so it will be interesting to see if they play any differently during the season this year. This is essentially the same roster as a year ago. They will have Victor Oladipo for a whole season though and that helps their depth but is not going to put them over the top in the playoffs.

Futures Take: Miami is likely to win the division again but there is no real value at this price. They could easily win 5 fewer games than a year ago without a major drop off in play. 

Atlanta Falcons +180

Last year was a major disappointment for the Hawks. They continue to tinker with the formula, trading for All-Star Djounte Murray to pair with Trae Young in the backcourt. It will be an interesting mix because it is another situation where both players are best with the ball in their hands. Murray is an elite defender though. I like their all-around depth and a better regular season feels very likely. Top pick AJ Griffin is a major wild card on the wing.

Futures Take: The Hawks are a much better bet than Miami. I think these teams will be even this season but the payoff favors Atlanta. 

Charlotte Hornets +1400

The Hornets think they should be better. That is a reasonable position but it is fascinating that they have brought in a former Hornets coach in Steve Clifford to get them over the hump. LaMelo Ball is very talented, but the surrounding players are very streaky. Miles Bridges was supposed to be a big part of this team but his legal status put a wrench in that. I liked their drafting of big man Mark Williams because they need a rim protector but he is not going to push them to contender status.

Futures Take: Charlotte can be exciting to watch, but it is difficult to see them pressing the teams above. 

Washington Wizards +3000

The Wizards look destined for another subpar season. It is great that Beal wants to stick with the only NBA team he has ever played with (for now) but all he is going to do is post a lot of empty stats. Look for Monte Morris to do the same now that he has a more featured role after coming over from Denver. The only hope for Washington to be a fringy playoff team is if Kristaps Porzingis really takes off (and stays healthy). Washington has missed on too many top picks and the latest Johnny Davis seems to have a low ceiling.

Futures Take: Getting to third place in the Southeast would be a successful season for the Wizards. 

Orlando Magic +16000

At some point the Magic have to show progress, right? While I think Banchero will be a fine player the key to the team is getting more out of last year's top pick Jalen Suggs. I am not a Cole Anthony guy and as long as he is their top scorer the Magic are not going to be much more than they are. They should probably make him their 6th man, to be honest. There are some building blocks here with Suggs, Banchero and Franz Wagner that not finishing in last is possible, but not much more.

Futures Take: Improvement in wins is likely but nothing dramatic in Orlando.