National Basketball Association

Players to Watch For in the NBA's Southeast Division

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The NBA’s Southeast Division is a whole lot different now than it was a year ago. Seemingly unbelievable events such as Dwyane Wade leave Miami and Al Horford leaving Atlanta has shaken up the entire division. In fact, the division title seems up for grabs even more so than last year, in which three teams topped it with a 48-34 record.

The intrigue does not stop there. For each departure, there is going to be a player expected to fill the void and for each new contract, there are raised expectations. There are players returning from lengthy injuries and some hoping for a rejuvenation. Amidst all of the uncertainty and excitement about the race for the division title, there are as many extra stories to follow as there are players on each team.

These are the players with something to prove and the ones to watch in the Southeast Division for the 2016-17 season.

Dwight Howard- Atlanta Hawks

Apr 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and center Dwight Howard (12) between plays during the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

If you have breathed a single breath since July, you will know that Dwight Howard has come home to Atlanta. Putting Houston and Harden in the rear-view mirror, Dwight Howard has cut short his stay in the Western Conference and has joined Mike Budenholzer’s Atlanta Hawks, who are touted as the likely division champs.

Howard is a player to watch for two reasons. First, he is trying to spark life back into his career after several disappointing years. Twelve years ago, Howard was the first overall pick in the NBA Draft and he then spent eight years in Orlando transforming the Orlando Magic into a true contender. D12 established himself as the NBA’s premier center and scooped up awards like ice cream. To date, he has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-NBA First Team awards, eight All-Star berths, five rebounding champion awards and two for blocks; the majority of those coming in his eight years creating magic in Orlando.

Apr 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) jokes with Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during the second half at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeat the Lakers 130-110. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Soon, Howard had enough and he was traded before the 2012-13 season to the Los Angeles Lakers. What followed was a disaster. Kobe and Dwight, with their completely hugely different personalities and characteristics, were a terrible match and that doomed the partnership. Howard lasted just a year in the famous purple and gold before jumping ship to join the Houston Rockets, where he clashed with his shooting guard yet again in James Harden. Harden and Howard were the faces of a Houston franchise ready to contend but, behind the scenes, there was complete discord and distaste. Dwight felt disrespected by his teammate and both seemingly pushed for the other to be traded.

“If you want to get back to the top, you gotta go back to your roots,” Dwight was told and so now, Dwight Howard’s tale has brought him back to his hometown of Atlanta looking for redemption. His reputation is in tatters and his game totally disrespected. This season will be a vendetta for Howard; a chance to prove he is still a superstar and that Harden and Kobe and all of his doubters were wrong.

What makes his task harder is the second reason as to why he is a player to watch; he is replacing franchise cornerstone Al Horford. Since being drafted in 2007, Al “Boss” Horford has been the Atlanta Hawks’ key player. Often underrated, Horford saw the Hawks achieve some of their best ever feats, including a sixty-win season. Horford was beloved but ultimately, he took his game to Boston to join the Celtics this off-season.

Howard offers a completely different style, replacing Horford’s mid-range shooting and intelligence with athleticism, monstrous rebounding, and limited offensive range, although he is working on it. Atlanta achieved so much with Horford that, even if the Dominican center was never a superstar, Howard has to step into the shadow of one.

Dennis Schroder, finally given the reins to an offense, might be another Hawk worth watching. But, Howard and his quest to re-establish himself as elite and replace Al Horford has a lot of pressure and big goals. That being said, he is more than capable of doing it.

Justise Winslow and Hassan Whiteside – Miami Heat

Nov 1, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (right) celebrates with Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (left) after Winslow made a three point basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwayne Wade (right) and Bulls general manager Gar Forman pose for a photo after addressing the media after a press conference at Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

One good bit of business for the Heat, though, was the re-signing of Hassan Whiteside. As recently as 2012 and 2013, Hassan Whiteside was playing in Lebanon and China. His NBA career, at the moment stalled with the Sacramento Kings. In late 2014, the Miami Heat finally took a chance on Whiteside and the rest is history.

“You know if you sign that we will invest everything we have into you: staff, resources, time, energy, love, all of it. We’re going to invest it into you, but there’s going to be expectations also of a commitment back in terms of work and discipline and accountability, and it doesn’t make you a bad guy if this isn’t for you,” Spoelstra told Whiteside, via Bleacher Report’s Johnathan Abrams.

“This is the situation that I think is best for me,” Whiteside said in response to Spoelstra.

Whiteside could not have been more correct. Having been a kid that struggled somewhat with maturity and finding the right mindset, the then-24 year old broke out in a serious way, averaging a double-double in that first season.

With Wade gone and Bosh’s status unknown, Whiteside becomes the face of the franchise. Can he up his game to make up for these losses? Only time will tell. A new era has begun in South Florida and Whiteside will be a key part of it. If he is going to keep Miami in contention, Whiteside will need to take the final step into stardom but it is more than possible. With Goran Dragic at the helm and Justise Winslow on the wing, Whiteside will be Miami’s X-factor and that makes him a player to watch.

For Winslow, losing the mentorship of Wade after one season has to hurt but it offers him a chance to step into the vacuum and flourish. With Wade bossing the team, Winslow was a defense-first guy.

“He managed to excel primarily as a defensive stopper, and shows potential of being elite in this regard. He has the speed and footwork to harass smaller guards but has the strength (at 6-7 and 225 lbs.) to guard larger front court players…” FanSided’s David Ramil said.

Now, the 20-year-old has the chance to expand his game to try to put his offense on display, after a shaky rookie season. He struggled to create his own shots and his three-point shooting was inconsistent. On top of that, Winslow failed to use his athleticism and speed to make driving to the basket a real weapon but there aren’t many worries about that in Florida.

May 15, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives the ball as Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) defends during the third quarter in game seven of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

“I trust whatever shot he winds up taking, I feel good about it. I know he’s worked extremely hard, not only on just his jump shot but overall game, trying to find ways to improve, finding ways to get better as a player,” Miami assistant coach Juwan Howard said, via Ramil. “Justise is a hybrid player. I think he’s a very skilled playmaker that we haven’t seen a lot of.”

This year, you can expect Winslow to continue to develop into a truly premier defensive wing and should his offense blossom, Wade’s role will be his. That is what makes him worth watching. The ultra-athletic, hard-working small forward has all the tools to become a star. And, with Winslow and Whiteside, Miami can expect to have a strong defense on the whole. These two are definitely worth watching because, if Miami is to succeed, it will be on them.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Charlotte Hornets

Mar 25, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in a time out during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Nets win 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a player to watch; not because he is replacing someone but because of injuries. He was forced to miss all but seven games last year but that’s nothing new. Kidd-Gilchrist hasn’t played more than 62 since his rookie season. Basketball is an unforgiving game and all kinds of criticisms have been thrown at him because of that time missed.

This year, though, MKG is ready to go. “I’m shooting, I’m lifting, I’m running. I’ll be ready for next season,” he said to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

And, although the former second overall pick has struggled with injuries, it does not mean he has not contributed. He is a hard-worker, a terrific rebounder and athlete, in which the Hornets are better because of it. Kentucky coach John Calipari has suggested that Kidd-Gilchrist was vital for their success and it is hard to disagree. He is infinitely committed, gives his all and exerts that influence over his teammates, creating a ‘breakfast club’ while at Kentucky to work on the team’s game.

“There is always something more I expect of myself. If I have a double-double, then I still expect more. That’s not really about stats, it’s more about leadership stuff, having my mental (approach) right for all of 100 games,” Kidd-Gilchrist said, via Bonnell. “That’s just who I am. I know I set the tone for this team. I know how important I am to this team and the coaching staff. My presence means a lot. Whether it’s being here all summer long or being the first to show up and the last to leave.”

One criticism MKG has faced was that his jump-shot was never good but he has taken strides in the right direction to correct it. Once a “crooked, over-the-shoulder catapult,” Kidd-Gilchrist has worked endlessly to improve his shot and we saw the results in those seven games last year. His field goal percentage rose from .465 to .541 and his effective field goal percentage climbed from .465 to .566. In general, MKG looked more confident pulling up off the dribble and looking for his own shot. It is disappointing that we did not get a chance to see whether he could have done so consistently.

Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Kidd-Gilchrist should come into this season hungry to play and eager to prove that he can still contribute. Injuries drastically alter careers, see; Derrick Rose or Shaun Livingston, but Kidd-Gilchrist’s work ethic should see him through. He has steadily improved every year and MKG should be an integral part of another playoff run for Charlotte.

“For the 2016-17 Charlotte Hornets to have a successful season, they will need Michael Kidd-Gilchrist healthy and able to bring great defense and hard work every night. MKG will only be 23-year old when this coming season begins, so the potential for him to become a really great basketball player is still there,” Laieke Abebe of FanSided’s Swarm and Sting said.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will be a player to watch and with a lot to prove in the 2016-17 season. He will need to show that he can stay healthy for a season and that his previous injuries have not limited his game and stifled his potential. If he can demonstrate further repairs to his jump shot and Kidd-Gilchrist could show why he was a second-overall pick. This could be his year.

Elfrid Payton – Orlando Magic

Mar 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Orlando Magic point guard Elfrid Payton (4) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 107-96. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

When a coach quits because he does not really believe in you, it’s safe to say you have something to prove. That’s what happened with Elfrid Payton in Orlando. Magic coach Scott Skiles resigned at season’s end supposedly because of a disagreement with management over the wild-haired point guard.

For Payton, his NBA career started well. Orlando traded up for him on draft day and he was their point guard of the future, forming a young back-court with Victor Oladipo. That year (2014), Payton averaged 8.9 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year race. He even became the first rookie since Antoine Walker in 1997 to put up triple-doubles in two consecutive games. Payton’s shooting was not great, but he showed both competent defensive and astute play-making. He was not the most athletic, neither, but Payton was a solid shot away from being really good. He was the future.

However, the 2015-16 season was a struggle. His shooting improved nicely but he was still not a consistent threat on the jumpers and his previous strengths waned. His assists fell and, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, “Payton took a step back on the defensive end — and that was his calling card at Louisiana-Lafayette.”

That was not the end of Payton’s troubles, though, as his commitment became somewhat suspect. “Skiles took him out for stretches when he inexplicably lacked energy or when the team needed scoring, particularly late in games,” Schmitz explained.

In fairness to Payton, many players have sophomore struggles but Payton has had difficult circumstances. In terms of coaching, for example, Skiles was his fourth coach in two years. Having so many different systems and instructions must be difficult for a developing youngster. Payton’s future, though, is in his hands and he has to prove to the organisation that they were right.

May 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel is introduced as the new head coach as he talks with media during a press conference at Amway Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Changes have come in bunches in Orlando this off-season. Oladipo was traded to the Thunder for Serge Ibaka. Bismack Biyombo was a notable free agent signing. Frank Vogel came in to replace Skiles. and should help Payton consolidate that part of his game. The 22-year-old point guard should benefit from this and all of the Magic’s other maneuvers.

“Elfrid Payton does not appear to be on borrowed time with this team. In fact, it looks like many of the moves made this summer were done so to cater to his unique skill set. If he’s having a bad night, others are now available to pick up the slack, and they’re veterans,” Luke Duffy of FanSided’s Hoops Habit said. “However that does make this season a make-or-break one for different reasons entirely. If Payton can’t succeed here, with all of the help he has been given, he may not be brought back for a fourth season.”

Elfrid Payton has the potential to be a solid playmaker with strong defense and rebounding but the pressure is on him to show it. The Orlando hierarchy literally chose him over coach Scott Skiles, so he definitely has a lot to prove. Whether Payton can, remains to be seen. But, his career with the Magic may very well depend on it.

Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards

Apr 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) looks up at the scoreboard against the Brooklyn Nets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 121-103. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

For Bradley Beal, there are three extra motivations that should guide him through the 2016-17 season. First, his relationship with John Wall is notoriously bad and there are serious doubts about whether the duo can work. Second, there are very serious doubts about his potential. Many have waited and are still waiting for him to take that next step into stardom. Third, he has just signed the biggest deal in Wizards history and needs to prove himself worthy of it. Those are three big things for Beal to deal with.

Bradley Beal was the third pick in 2012, coming into the NBA with a reputation as a smooth shooter. He was the perfect piece next to John Wall and there was a lot of excitement about the two. Straight away, Beal flashed his offense, Scoring 13.9 points per game in his rookie campaign. The 23-year-old shooting guard has not scored fewer than 15 per game since.

“[Beal] posted career marks for 3-point rate despite still stubbornly opting for the pump-fake-two-dribble-mid-range-pull-up shot so often. He posted a career-high mark in true shooting percentage. He has more capability than he’s shown as a rebounder and playmaker, and if he gets in a rhythm, is the kind of scorer who can take over a game; that’s an elite skill that can change contests on its own,” CBS Sports’ Matt Moore said.

That’s all true and that’s what makes his lack of true development so frustrating. With injuries hampering his progression, Beal has only just seen his points return to the heights he hit in his sophomore year and his rebounds and assists are dropping. Heck, even his free-throw percentage has fallen.

Part of why this is the case is his relationship with Wall on the court and off it. Despite forming what could be an elite back-court with three-point daggers, outstanding passing, and great athleticism, the duo just haven’t truly gelled.

“I think a lot of times we have a tendency to dislike each other on the court. We got to be able to put that to the side,” Wall said in an interview with CSN Mid-Atlantic.

“It’s tough because we’re both alphas. It’s always tough when you have two guys who firmly believe in themselves, who will bet on themselves against anybody else, who want to be that guy. We both can be that guy,” Beal commented.

Oct 31, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) talks with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to argue with Wall, who is one of the best points in the league being the alpha guy. It is good that Beal has such confidence in his game. However, it is worth considering whether he is at that level yet. Then again, could Wall be hindering Beal’s development? Indeed, Jesus Gomez of SBNation suggests that Wall will need to make sacrifices for Beal to become a star. This is on Beal too. He has to do more. Not just to glue better with the franchise point guard, but also to earn his place and perform so well as to deserve Wall’s sacrifice.

The Wizards clearly believe in Beal and they showed it by giving him a five-year, $128 million contract. That is the biggest deal in franchise history and Beal really has to up his game to deserve it. If he continues to put up stats like 17 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3 assists, he will fall short of the expectations put upon him when this deal was offered.

Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) looks to take the shot during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Beal needs to stay healthy and to continue his development. He is a player that is easily capable of putting up 20 points per game and reaching 5 rebounds and assists shouldn’t be out of reach if he does continue to grow. It is worth remembering that Beal is only 23 and has plenty of time to reach that potential. However, with such a massive deal and Wall likely growing frustrated, the pressure is on Beal to prove himself straight away. That makes ‘Real Deal’ Beal a player to watch because the entire dynamic of the team will depend on him.

As stated, Beal has the potential to become a star, but he will have to prove himself sooner rather than later.