ATLANTA HAWKS: C-
The Hawks were the feel-good team of the East last season, holding the sole distinction of being the only squad to win two games against the Knicks in the postseason. Even though no one was really expecting them to win the series, the energy was really positive - right up until Game 6, when dudes got their asses bust so thoroughly that it's amazing they didn't break out in tears on court. Even the braintrust and owners shoulda been crying about that shit.
Usually, when you have a promising team lose like that, the offseason goal is to prepare themselves to face the same nemesis the next year. And that's where Atlanta has totally failed. What they needed to counteract a squad like NYK is size. Yet by the looks of things, there isn't a single notable big on the entire roster. I understand why maybe they didn't want to hold onto Kuminga or Risacher. But damn, what was the backup plan while sacrificing that height?
The Hawks are also one of those teams who, unfortunately for them, are still stuck in the smallball era. Their biggest offseason acquisition was Lu Dort, i.e. one of the many OKC players who got nephewed by Wemby. Logic would dictate that his perimeter defense will help a bit against a wing-heavy team like NYK. But as other squads in the conference have bulked up, you know, it's doesn't really look like Atlanta took a step forward.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS: A
I really like what the Hornets have done this offseason, moving past the streetball era. When the best scorer on the roster gets ignored during the postseason, something has to change.
By the looks of things, the moves they've made, most notably getting rid of LaMelo Ball and taking in Naz Reid - hasn't really impressed pundits. But the way I see it, that was borderline perfect, with dudes like Knueppel and Miller on the roster, deserving more shine than a player like Ball would allot. All this team needs is the right kind of player(s) to run point, i.e. dudes that won't chuck, which now they apparently have. They may not be contenders yet but are on the right path and should at least make the playoffs proper(?).
MIAMI HEAT: A-
The acquisition of Giannis felt really good for about two days, until Normal Powell decided to bounce, after Miami had already parted ways with Herro and Jacquez. That shit sucked the air out of me for a moment.
But at the same time, it's like no excuses because, oh sh*t, Giannis and Bam are on the same team, buttressed by Wiggins, now giving the Heat the best frontcourt in the league, over Philly, OKC, NYK or whoever. Or, something like that. No other contender with a big frontcourt is better suited to defend both the post and the perimeter.
The rest of the roster may leave something to be desired, but it isn't that bad. The acquisition of an inspired Klay Thompson will likely prove huge in some cases, and don't forget he and Wiggins were championship teammates in the past. And the best thing about it is, if any braintrust can make it work, it's Miami, though you would imagine they may pickup another notable G during the season.
ORLANDO MAGIC: B
Okay, so when dudes went out an acquired Desmond Bane, even though they needed a big more, the logic was that the following season, i.e. this offseason, they would upgrade the frontcourt. And well, if you consider Vucevic a difference maker, I mean he has averaged a double-double cumulatively throughout his career, though, as with his recent stint in Boston, it isn't likely he's going to be getting a lot of touches surrounded by the Magic's chucks.
Indeed, after committing to Bane, it's like they no longer even had the dough to chase a more noteworthy big. But again, it ain't like Vucevic is a bum, as much as it was the Celtics not really valuing his presence.
Also, remember last season, the Magic took the Pistons to seven games, if I remember correctly, even though Franz Wagner was injured, and imo they would have won the series if he wasn't. So I mean yeah, progress has been achieved, I guess, though the downside is that the braintrust, by committing so much money to Franz, having forced themselves into a position that their fate more or less lies in his iffy health.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS: A
This isn't purely an offseason grade but considering all the moves the Wizards have made since February. Not only do they now, all of a sudden, have the best mix of young and veteran stars in the league. But also, more than anything, the roster is actually compatible, with a number of options that can be mixed and matched, if the coaching staff is worth its salt.
Last season, too much of the onus was put on young, unproven players. This coming season, opponents are going to have a hard time keeping up with them, while simultaneously counteracting the vets. Dudes have like 10 rotation-worthy players, which is something most teams cannot boast of at all.
The only thing that can fuck it up - and why I didn't want to rush to give dudes an A+ - is (#1) if AD goes diva and demands a trade and (#2) if Trae Young chucks, as is tradition. Young has averaged nearly 9 assists throughout his career but is still deemed as someone who doesn't pass the ball enough. And as for AD, you know, as a 7-footer, he doesn't like to play inside. But with Sarr and Ayton also on the roster, I guess we can just finally love Anthony for who he is, tho pairing those types is probably going to leave something to be desired in terms of perimeter defense.
CONCLUSION
In any event, you have to give it to the Wizards for recognizing that we're no longer in the smallball era. There's other teams in the Southeast who, by the looks of things, it's going to take them awhile to really catch on.
The Heat may appear as the only true contenders in the division, but don't sleep on the Magic, if healthy, despite their lack of depth. The Wizards are also the sleeper team of the entire Eastern Conference - remember you heard it here first. The Southeast may have only one A-list franchise, but I'm looking forward to at least 4 out of these 5 squads making the playoffs.
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