As we hit the midway mark of the NBA season, it’s time to check in on how teams are stacking up - not just in the standings, but against their own internal expectations. We’ve already broken down the East’s Atlantic and Central divisions. Now, we wrap things up in the Southeast, where rebuilding projects, rising stars, and a few head-scratchers define the landscape.
Atlanta Hawks (20-23): Grade - C
The Hawks continue to be one of the league’s most unpredictable teams - capable of beating just about anyone on a good night, and just as capable of losing to anyone the next. But amid the chaos, there’s clarity: this is no longer Trae Young’s team.
With Young out of the picture, the keys have been handed to Jalen Johnson, and the 24-year-old has embraced the role with authority. He’s been stuffing the stat sheet to the tune of 24.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Those are All-Star caliber numbers, and more importantly, they’ve come with a sense of control and maturity that’s been missing from Atlanta’s backcourt in recent years.
While the Kristaps Porzingis experiment hasn’t panned out, the emergence of Nickeil Alexander-Walker has helped soften the blow. He’s enjoying a career year and has become a reliable two-way contributor. Add in Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum - both of whom bring a steadier presence than Trae ever did - and the Hawks are starting to look like a team that knows who it wants to be.
Rookie Asa Newell hasn’t played big minutes yet, but when he has, he’s looked the part. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses.
Charlotte Hornets (15-26): Grade - B
It’s not often you can say a 15-win team is exceeding expectations, but here we are. The Hornets, for the first time in a while, are starting to show signs of an identity - and that’s a win in itself for a franchise in the midst of a long rebuild.
They’re still thin across the board, and the defense leaves a lot to be desired, but offensively, there’s a vision taking shape. This team moves the ball, shoots the three, and attacks the rim with purpose. It’s not always efficient, but it’s a style - and that’s more than Charlotte’s had in recent years.
The trio of Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, and rookie Kon Knueppel is giving fans something to dream on. When those three share the floor, the Hornets are +11 in net rating - a small sample, sure, but a meaningful one. If Ball can tighten up his decision-making and stay healthy, that core could be the foundation for something real.
The next step? Reinforcements in the frontcourt.
Ryan Kalkbrenner isn’t the long-term answer, and Charlotte knows it. Expect them to be active in that space moving forward.
Miami Heat (21-20): Grade - C+
The Heat came out of the gates looking like they’d cracked the code - again. Erik Spoelstra’s new motion-heavy, equal-opportunity offense had Miami leading the league in offensive rating through the first month.
But the NBA is a league of adjustments, and opposing defenses have caught up. Since that hot start, the Heat’s offense has cratered, dropping to 22nd in efficiency.
Still, there’s reason for optimism in South Beach. Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been a revelation - poised, skilled, and fearless.
Norman Powell’s arrival has been a quiet home run, especially with Tyler Herro in and out of the lineup. Powell’s ability to create offense and space the floor has been critical in keeping Miami afloat during rough patches.
The big question now is whether they can get Bam Adebayo back to his best. He’s the engine of their defense and a hub on offense, and when he’s right, the Heat are a different team. If he finds his rhythm again, Miami could be a dangerous playoff matchup - even if they’re not lighting up the standings.
Orlando Magic (23-18): Grade - C+
The Magic have one of the most intriguing young rosters in the league, but once again, injuries have kept them from fully unlocking their potential. The talent is undeniable - Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are both capable of being go-to guys, Desmond Bane is an elite floor-spacer, and Jalen Suggs sets the tone on both ends. Rookie Anthony Black has also been a bright spot, showing real growth as a playmaker and defender.
But for all the individual promise, the collective product still feels disjointed. There’s a lingering question about whether Banchero and Wagner are too similar in style to truly complement each other. And while Suggs and Black bring defensive grit, their lack of consistent shooting can bog down the offense.
That brings us to the coaching. Jamahl Mosley has done a solid job developing players, but the offense often looks stagnant.
Is that a scheme issue, or a reflection of the personnel? That’s the puzzle Orlando needs to solve if they want to take the next step.
Washington Wizards (10-30): Grade - B-
Don’t let the record fool you - the Wizards aren’t playing to win games right now. They’re playing to build a future, and on that front, there’s plenty to like.
Alex Sarr isn’t quite a generational defender yet, but he’s trending in that direction. His timing, instincts, and length already make him a problem for opposing offenses, and while his offensive game is still raw, he’s making steady progress.
Around him, the pieces are starting to take shape. Tre Johnson has been lights-out from deep.
Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly have both flashed real two-way potential. There’s a young core forming here, and the front office seems committed to letting them grow together.
The wildcard is Trae Young. When he returns, how will he fit into this developmental timeline?
His playmaking could open up the floor for the young guys - or it could dominate the offense and stunt their growth. That’s a storyline worth watching as the season unfolds.
Final Takeaway:
The Southeast Division is a mixed bag.
Some teams are climbing, others are recalibrating, and a few are still figuring out who they are. But for all five squads, the second half of the season offers a chance to answer big questions - about identity, fit, and future direction.
And in a league where momentum can flip in a week, there’s still plenty of story left to write.