NBA Preview: Southeast Division

The NBA season is rapidly approaching and The Spectrum is getting you ready for the season with our six-part division-by-division preview.

We'll cover everything that has happened over the summer with your favorite teams and let you know what to expect this season.

There's no better place to start than LeBron, South Beach, and the center of the media circus.

MIAMI HEAT

Additions: LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Zydrunas Ilgauskus, Mike Miller, Eddie House, Juwan Howard, Da'Sean Butler, Dexter Pittman

Losses: Michael Beasley, Daquan Cook

The Heat became the most talked about team in sports once King James announced he would "take his talents to South Beach." The reaction following the shift of power in the Eastern Conference caused a line to be drawn in the sand. Most people either hate the Heat or love them, and there isn't much room to stand in the middle.

Miami has jumped to the forefront of the NBA as one of the teams to beat. Those who saw the "New Big Three" play together in the Olympics know how potent they can be on offense.

What people aren't really talking about, however, is the job that Pat Riley did in surrounding them with some really solid role players. Mike Miller is a lights out shooter, and with defenses keying in on the other weapons the Heat have assembled, Miller could be the "X-factor" for the team. Mario Chalmers is still developing, and with opposing defenses focusing on other players, he could become a solid option for Miami.

It'll be fun to see Orlando and Miami battle four times this season, but I don't see the Magic being able to edge out the Heat.

Prediction: First in the Southeast (69-13)

ORLANDO MAGIC

Additions: Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson, Malik Allen

Losses: Matt Barnes, Adonal Foyle

The Magic fell apart in the playoffs last year, and I don't know if they did enough to add veteran leadership in the offseason. The loss of Matt Barnes also makes them more of a finesse team, and the acquisition of Quentin Richardson is a serious downgrade at the position.

Dwight Howard is still the best center in the league, and he is a year wiser and continues to get better every season. A lot will depend on how much Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis have left in the tank. The development of J.J. Redick will also be key for the Magic, but the team's fate rests on the shoulders of Jameer Nelson. If he can raise his points per game (12.6) and assists per game (5.4), the Magic have a shot of competing for the Eastern crown.

Prediction: Second in the Southeast (60-22)

ATLANTA HAWKS

Additions: Jordan Crawford, Josh Powell

This team has been on the verge of "the next level" for three seasons. Joe Johnson is not a superstar, and he proved that last season when he and the Hawks folded in the second round of the playoffs.

Marvin Williams was the second overall pick in 2005 but has yet to live up to expectations. Al Horford and Jamal Crawford are very solid and are the reason this team will be able to win some games and grab a playoff spot. But Mike Bibby is too old, and youngster Jordan Crawford is too young to make an immediate impact.

Prediction: Third in the Southeast (47-35)

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

Additions: Kwame Brown, Shaun Livingston, Sherron Collins, Erick Dampier, Eduardo Najera, Matt Carroll

Losses: Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton

The Bobcats made the playoffs last season, but with the loss of Chandler and Felton, I don't feel like they'll be able to compete in such a stacked division.

Kwame Brown is back with the man who drafted him, Michael Jordan, but Erick Dampier is in the twilight of his career. I don't see where the rebounding is going to come from on this team. Collins could make an impact, but it's not going to happen right away. Additionally, Gerald Wallace is injury prone and probably fed up with the situation in Charlotte.

Larry Brown could work another miracle with the Bobcats, but I don't see it happening.

Prediction: Fourth in the Southeast (34-48)

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Additions: John Wall, Hilton Armstrong, Kevin Seraphin

Losses: Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Javaris Crittenton

The biggest obstacle facing the Wizards this season is getting rid of Gilbert Arenas. The guy has been a cancer to this team for years, and his presence will stunt the growth of Wall. With that said, Wall is a phenom and should really show why he was taken first overall this season.

The biggest change needed in Washington is the culture. Wall immediately makes the Wizards watchable and gives them that essential building block for the future. If they can get rid of the distractions and accumulate some talent, they can be a factor in the future.

Prediction: Fifth in the Southeast (30-52)