Talking Hoops: Southeast Division @ Midseason

Posted by Tom Blaz on 02/03/2013 | 0 Comments

Tags: Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Joe Johnson, Nicola Vucevic, Arron Afflalo, J.J. Reddick, Jameer Nelson, Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, John Wall, Bradley Beal, Emeka Okafor, Nene Hillario

It's not exactly the midway point in the season, but the All-Star break is as good time at time as any for teams across the country... and us to evaulate. We continue our swing through the Association, checking in on each Division. Who is having a break out season? What rookies are fantasy worthy? Who may be on the block and possibly moved by the trade deadline? We continue with the Southeast Division.

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Miami Heat- As long as Lebron James is healthy and in Miami, the Heat are the Eastern Conference favorites. LBJ is leading the Heat in scoring (26.5), rebounding (8.3) and assists   (7.0). Chris Bosh remains a perfect fit in the middle in the uptempo attack with Dwayne Wade contributing more than 20 ppg. Outside the Big Three, Ray Allen was a nice addition, helping spread the floor although his real value won't come until the Playoffs. Mario Chalmers has been inconsistent  at the point, but isn't asked to do much but avoid turnovers. Rashard Lewis was the only addition, other than Allen as the Heat remain status quo for the most part.

Atlanta Hawks- Josh Smith continues to be the leading name in trade rumors, most recently linked with Phoenix. The Hawks may look to acquire Marcin Gortat from the Suns, with or without  moving Smith. The loss of Joe Johnson to Brooklyn hasn't been as dramatic as some expected, but the season ending injury to Lou Williams certainly effects depth. Al Horford is Atlanta's force on the boards with nearly ten carroms per contest, while adding 17 ppg. Kyle Korver was one of the more underrated additions in the off-season and is a valuable fantasy commodity when it comes to long range shooting, Jeff Teague is a reliable point, much more valuable on the court  than on fantasy rosters.

Orlando Magic- Nicola Vucevic has been a pleasant surprise, both for the Magic, but fantasy owners as well. Vucevic has been an animal on the boards (11.3), while chipping in more than a dozen points per game. J.J. Reddick has been the subject of trade rumors, but Boston may not be his eventual destination due to the developments with Rajon Rondo. Arron Afflalo is Orlando's best offensive player, especially with the season ending injury to Glen Davis. The Magic would love to move Jameer Nelson, but his contract is a hinderance. The rebuild continues, with rookies Andrew Nicholson and Moe Harkless showing progress.

Charlotte Bobcats- Can Charlotte avoid the worst record in the Association? Kemba Walker is enjoying a breakout season, but rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has had alot of trouble staying healthy. The injury to last season's surprise, Byron Mullens has hurt, but the seven foot power forward is nearing a return. Ramon Sessions failed in a short term run with Kobe, but has been solid since returning near his home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ben Gordon and Gerald Henderson provide occassional firepower, but Charlotte remains many pieces away from being competitive. The road to success remains long for Michael Jordan.

Washington Wizards- The Wizards have played MUCH better since John Wall returned from injury. Nene Hillario is getting more minutes and fellow big Emeka Okafor should at least get attention for Comeback Player of the Year. Rookie Bradley Beal had a horrific start, but really came around until he was sideline by a wrist injury. The Wizards took a long look at Rudy Gay, but talks stalled when Memphis mentioned Beal as potential compensation. General Manager Ernie Grunfeld has some interesting young pieces and could be active at the trade deadline. Washington has more talent than their record shows and another key piece in the lottery could solidify future playoff participation in Washington.

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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.