Miami Heat: Southeast Division Preview

May 15, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) react against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

#3 – Washington Wizards – 46-36, 2nd in the Southeast; 5th in the East

Projected starters: John Wall (PG), Bradley Beal (SG), Otto Porter (SF), Marcin Gortat (PF), Nene (C)

After two consecutive trips to the second round of the playoffs, this sort of feels like a make or break season for the Wizards. The Wizards were an Al Horford tip-in away from being up 3-2 against the Hawks, but fate wasn’t on their side. Now with Paul Pierce in Los Angeles, an aging duo of Nene and Gortat, and questions to answer by Beal and Porter, this could be a step back if things don’t go their way. Oh, and Kevin Durant’s pending free agency is looming over our Nation’s Capital.

How it can go right: There is a certain joy watching Wall work in the open court that is must see TV. He makes this whole thing work for the Wizards. While his points per game went down a bit, he averaged a double-double for the first time in his career (17.6 points, 10 assists) and he’s still getting better. He still needs to develop a consistent three-pointer – 30%; down from 35% the season before). But if Washington should stumble, it won’t be because of Wall.

Beal ramped up his production in the postseason, averaging over 23 points per game. If this was the sign of things to come, then the Wizards will have the best backcourt tandem in the East. Speaking of postseason success, Porter finally gets his shot as a starter, as he blossomed in the playoffs, going for 10 points, and 8 rebounds in the Wizards ten games. Pierce’s departure opens up a giant opportunity for the youngster and it looks like he’s ready to take advantage.

How it can go wrong: But if Porter isn’t ready for that role, and Beal regresses from his playoff performance, then there’s trouble in DC. Wall can only do so much for this team, that he’s going to need something positive from Beal and Porter.

Gortat and Nene have passed the age of 30, so the concern that they may trend downward is a real thing. Washington is looking to go more small, so shifting Nene to the bench and inserting Kris Humphries or Jared Dudley is an option for them. If the Washington bigs don’t hold steady, things can go south for them in a hurry.

First month (or so) of games: @Orlando, @Milwaukee, New York, San Antonio, @Boston, @Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Milwaukee, @Detroit, Indiana, @Charlotte, @Boston, Toronto

With eight of their first fourteen games against playoff teams, the Wizards will be able to test themselves early on. Sprinkle in games against improved teams like the Knicks, Pistons, and Pacers and Washington will have their hands full. But if they’re a team that really thinks it’s a contender, then this is an early way to prove it.

Win/loss prediction: 46-36, 3rd in the Southeast; 6th in the East. This team just feels odd. On one hand, they have an all-world point guard in Wall that gives them advantage against every team in the East, paired with Beal and an emerging Porter – the former looking to prove his worth in a contract year. On the other hand, their aging front court could start to become a liability. Maybe they jump out to an early start, or they just pace themselves knowing that they’re as close to a lock to make the playoffs. This is a big season for Randy Wittman’s group.

Next: Re-igniting the Heat