The NBA's Southeast Division looks nothing like it did last season.
It's an unpredictable league, and it's going to be incredibly difficult to predict who will emerge victorious from the Eastern Conference. It all starts in the divisions, though, and even those aren't giving fans and media much to work with. Everyone will have to wait and see.
With each Southeast squad looking to compete, the Hawks, as well as the Magic, may have altered their rosters the least. The Wizards, Hornets and especially the Heat have made significant alterations and now look drastically different.
Even after Miami's latest addition, though, Atlanta should be set up for some unexpected success.
Klay Thompson doesn't move the needle for Atlanta's division rival
Of course, Giannis Antetokounmpo can turn any team into a contender by himself.
It's difficult to find much success as a one-man show in today's NBA, though. The good things is - it's not like the Heat aren't trying.
On Friday afternoon, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Thompson is "expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks," giving Antetokounmpo another intriguing weapon for the 2026-27 season.
BREAKING: Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/jV40iKTyEz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 21, 2026
And for what it's worth, talks of Thompson's demise have been brutally exaggerated.
No, he's not close to the player he once was in his prime with the Golden State Warriors, but he's not a negative asset. Not even close.
The addition of him to Miami's roster, however, also comes as a reactionary move to a common exaggeration. There was a popular narrative that the Heat didn't have any sort of outside-shooting talent on their roster, leading to them being the most aggressive bidder for Thompson.
While he should age as a solid pickup for the Heat, he won't move the needle, and likely won't aid much in propelling Miami into contention.
The Hawks - as currently constructed - should be better than the Heat
Is that a hot take?
Atlanta, especially right out of the gates, should have much more cohesion than their division rival. Their late-season success of last year will likely give them a significant amount of momentum entering the new campaign.
If it ends up being between the two franchises for the sixth-seed in the Eastern Conference standings, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to see Atlanta come out on top.
Plus, age is a major factor. The Heat could get worn down as the year progresses.
Atlanta shouldn't be too worried about Miami, even after the addition of Klay Thompson - one of the greatest shooters ever.
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