1. Washington Wizards

The window is starting to close, but with a healthy John Wall and Bradley Beal, they should remain contenders.

2. Miami Heat

They were sneaky good last year and could make a sizable jump in the East.

3. Charlotte Hornets

Without a true identity it could become an interesting year with Kemba Walker in a contract year.

4. Orlando Magic

Yet another coaching change has me wondering exactly what this franchise wants to do.

5. Atlanta Hawks

The rebuild is in full swing and they’re off to a good start with Trae Young.

Head Coach: Scott Brooks

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: G Austin Rivers (LA Clippers), F Jeff Green (Cleveland), C Dwight Howard (Charlotte)

Starting Lineup: G John Wall, G Bradley Beal, F Otto Porter, F Markieff Morris, C Dwight Howard

Head Coach: Erik Spoelstra

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: None

Key Acquisitions: None

Starting Lineup: G Goran Dragic, G Dion Waiters, F Josh Richardson, F James Johnson, C Hassan Whiteside

Head Coach: James Borrego (San Antonio)

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: F Miles Bridges

Key Acquisitions: G Tony Parker (San Antonio)

Starting Lineup: G Kemba Walker, G Jeremy Lamb, F Nicolas Batum, F Marvin Williams, C Cody Zeller

Head Coach: Steve Clifford (Charlotte)

Key Position: Forward

Key Rookies: C Mohamed Bamba

Key Acquisitions: G Jerian Grant (Chicago)

Starting Lineup: G D.J. Augustin, G Evan Fournier, F Aaron Gordon, F Jonathon Isaac, C Nikola Vucevic

Head Coach: Lloyd Pierce (Philadelphia)

Key Position: Guard

Key Rookies: G Trae Young

Key Acquisitions: F Vince Carter (Sacramento), G Jeremy Lin (Brooklyn), C Alex Len (Phoenix)

Starting Lineup: G Trae Young, G Kent Bazemore, F Taurean Prince, F John Collins, C Alex Len