PROTECT THE PAINT

The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)

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