NBA Draft Predictions: Southeast Division

With only one lottery pick (Washington), there isn't a lot of draft buzz around the Southeast Division. The Orlando Magic, who reached the NBA Finals, don't have any picks, and the Miami Heat, who lost in the first round of the playoffs, have only picks in the second round.

Washington Wizards

Picks: No. 5 (first round), No. 33 (second round).

Needs: After such a disastrous season, they need one of those Obama Stimulus giveaways. They need a quality big man who can rebound, but they also need help on the perimeter so that Gilbert Arenas can limit his minutes and avoid getting hurt again. They need depth, and most importantly, they need some durability because there were too many guys sitting out too many games last season.

Possibilities: Jordan Hill, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Tyreke Evans.

Put it into the equation: Wizards have some proven stars, but the window of opportunity to be a contender won't last much longer. Antawn Jamison (33), Caron Butler (29) and Arenas (27) aren't getting any younger, so don't be surprised to see that No. 5 pick traded for a proven veteran. This isn't a draft loaded with instant contributors. The Wizards' Big Three could use a big man to defend in the paint.

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Charlotte Bobcats

Picks: No. 12 (first round), No. 40 (second round) and No. 54 (second round).

Needs: With Larry Brown getting them to play the right way, they aren't far from reaching the playoffs. Of course, he has one foot out the door already, eyeing up the Lakers if Phil Jackson retires. They need a starting shooting guard so Raja Bell can go back to a better-fitting reserve role. If they trade Raymond Felton as rumored, they will also be looking for a backup point guard.

Possibilities: DeMar DeRozan, Stephen Curry, Wayne Ellington, Tyreke Evans.

Put it into the equation: This is the team that made Adam Morrison the No. 3 pick in the draft a few years ago, then gave him away so he could sit on the bench in LA. Michael Jordan is struggling to prove himself as a capable executive, so maybe he'll pull some magic and come up with a winner for once. The Bobcats are still looking for their first ever playoff appearance. They probably would do better by trading the first-round pick to get a proven vet who can help take them there this season.

Atlanta Hawks

Picks: No. 19 (first round), No. 49 (second round).

Needs: They need depth, and they may need major help at point guard if Mike Bibby leaves as a free agent this summer. At his age (31), Bibby is probably not worth the kind of contract he wants. It would be great to find someone in the draft who could create his own shot and score from a reserve role.

Possibilities: Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson (pictured), James Johnson, Gerald Henderson..

Put it into the equation: The Hawks already have one of the more athletic teams in the league. What they need is more maturity, and someone who can help Joe Johnson carry the scoring load. Acie Law may get his shot at a starting spot if Bibby leaves. It would be a big jump for him. The Hawks are coming off their finest season in years -- a first round playoff victory -- and they would be wise to corral a veteran free agent to keep the momentum going.

Miami Heat

Picks: No. 43 (Second round) and No. 60 (second round).

Needs: They need a better starting small forward, and they need more beef on the front line. Although they did well in the draft last season by getting Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers, they don't have a first round pick this year. The Heat were happy just to make the playoffs last season, and they are hoping that Beasley and Chalmers continue to improve.

Possibilities: Dionte Christmas, Jermaine Taylor, Tyrese Rice.

Put it into the equation: The Heat have the potential to clear plenty of salary cap space for 2010, but in the meantime they have to keep Dwyane Wade interested and healthy. They overworked him last season because they don't have enough talent. Wade also will be part of the great free agent class next summer, so keeping him enthused might help him lure a second star to the team. In the meantime, the Heat are treading water.

Orlando Magic

Picks: None.

Needs: They are looking for a young big man to help Dwight Howard around the basket. They also want another
perimeter player who can create his own shot. They will try and fill those needs in free agency, although they are likely to trade for a second-round pick just to keep their scouting staff interested.

Possibilities: Melienko Tepic, Jon Brockman.

Put it into the equation: They still have the rights to center/forward Fran Vazquez, the their No. 11 pick from 2005 who has been playing in Spain. He has another year on his contract there. Because they are trying to re-sign free agents Hedo Turkoglu and Marcin Gortat, they are unlikely to trade into the first round, preferring not to have another guaranteed contract on the payroll as they flirt with the luxury tax.