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The Southeast Division remains the most impacted division from the offseason free agent moves, particularly Dwyane Wade's departure from Miami Heat and Al Horford and Jeff Teague's departure from the Hawks. The Charlotte Hornets are primed to win the division, given the return of their young core and the experience gained from taking the Miami Heat to 7 games in last year's first round of the playoffs. Several reasons support this argument, most notably a weaker Southeast Division and a stronger, more experienced Hornets young core.
The Heat and Hawks are projected to drop in rankings and fight for a final playoff spot in the East, even with the addition of free agents such as Dwight Howard (Hawks).