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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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Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) celebrates with guard Elfrid Payton (4), guard Victor Oladipo (5) and guard Mario Hezonja (23) after he dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 130-116. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Orlando Magic

2015-16 Record: 35-47 (Last in Southeast Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 37-45 (4th in Southeast Division) 

After years of being a team not bad enough to land a number one overall pick but not good enough to make the playoffs, the Orlando Magic went into the 2016 offseason looking to make moves that would improve their competitiveness in the immediate future.

Despite having to part ways with former No. 2 overall pick Victor Oladipo, the Magic managed to rake in a pretty good crop of veterans headlined by three-time All Defensive First Team selection Serge Ibaka and potential defensive anchor Bismack Biyombo.

Both players fit the mold for new head coach and defensive mind Frank Vogel as interior defenders whose trademark skill is turning back shots at the rim.

The Magic also brought on beleaguered small forward Jeff Green, journeyman shooting guard Jodie Meeks and journeyman backup point guard D.J. Augustin — none of which are moves that necessarily move the needle in terms of contention but certainly give them veteran presence to help them be slightly more competitive.

All these additions should greatly benefit the young core of Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic as they continue to develop as a unit.

This Orlando Magic team will be better next season — especially on the defensive end — but don’t quite have enough talent yet to be a legitimate playoff team.

Next: No. 3