2013-2014 NBA Preview: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

2012-2013 Record: 44-38 (6th in East)

Key Additions: Paul Millsap, Elton Brand, Gustavo Ayon, Dennis Schroeder, DeMarre Carroll

Key Losses: Josh Smith, Devin Harris, Zaza Pachulia, DeShawn Stevenson, Ivan Johnson

Projected Starting Lineup: Jeff Teague, Lou Williams, Kyle Korver,                                                                           Paul Millsap, Al Horford

The problem with Al Horford over the last couple of years has been that Horford, a natural power forward, has been forced to play more down low as a center because of the lack of much rebounding on the Hawks. With the additions of Paul Millsap and Gustavo Ayon, Horford can take more of an active role outside the paint, showing off more of his midrange shot. Millsap and Ayon bring plenty of energy and rebounding ability to a team that lost big men Zaza Pachulia and Ivan Johnson this summer. A move for Horford

NBA Free Agency Madness (Paul-Howard Edition)

The Trade(s) that Wasn’t

When free agency began on December 9 many people speculated where future free agent Chris Paul would go. The Lakers and Hornets agreed to a trade that, with a third team being the Houston Rockets, would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers from the Hornets; Pau Gasol to the Houston Rockets from the Lakers; Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, Goran Dragic, and a 2012 first round pick to the Hornets from the Rockets; and Lamar Odom going from the Lakers to the Hornets.

Magic Shake Up Their Roster with 2 Blockbuster Deals

Trade 1: Defense for Offense

In a matter of hours, the Orlando Magic managed to almost completely change their roster. In their 1st trade, the Magic sent guard Vince Carter, guard/forward Mickael Pietrus, center Marcin Gortat, a 2011 1st round pick, and cash considerations to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for forward Hedo Turkoglu, guard Jason Richardson, and forward Earl Clark.

It seems that the Magic got the best of this deal. Let’s start with Turkoglu, who helped lead the Magic to a finals appearance in 2009. Ever since Turkoglu left Orlando for Toronto during free agency, neither party has been the same. Turkoglu couldn’t find his stride in Canada, where his level of play was nowhere near the 5 year/$53 million deal the team signed him for, which is why they subsequently traded him to the desert where he still