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Predictions For The Southeast Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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The outlook of the NBA’s Southeast Division looks to change vastly after the departure of several star players on multiple teams. Here’s how the division will shake out in 2016-17.

NBA
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference quietly had a solid year in 2015-16.

The Miami Heat had a revival of sorts as franchise player Dwyane Wade and upstart star Hassan Whiteside led the team back to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2014-15.

The Atlanta Hawks weren’t the best team in the East for the second year in a row, but also managed to make the playoffs for the ninth straight season despite once again being swept out by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Charlotte Hornets returned to the Eastern Conference playoff picture on the wings of resurgent years from star guard Kemba Walker, versatile forward Nicolas Batum and sixth man Jeremy Lin, winning their first playoff game since the reincarnation of the franchise and ultimately losing in a seven-game series to the Heat.

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Despite looking promising in the offseason, the Washington Wizards dealt with injuries to most of their key players and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013 in spite of a career year from star floor general John Wall.

However, the offseason was a topsy-turvy one for the Southeast Division as multiple teams parted ways with their long-time stars and said hello to new ones.

With plenty uncertainty surrounding some of the division’s former contenders, here’s a look at how the Southeast will play out in 2016-17.

Next: No. 5