No pushovers here for Raptors: Power Ranking the Southeast Division

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Apr 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) cheers on from the bench during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

MID-SUMMER REPORT – NBA’s SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Having considered “our” Division (the Atlantic, where the Toronto Raptors play), and the Central (scary), we’ll zero in on the Eastern Conference’s Southeast.

This Division was the home of the Miami HEAT and also-rans until last season, when the ground shifted. The Atlanta Hawks rose from being perpetually OK to a powerhouse, and the Washington Wizards took a giant step forward.

Is there another squad hiding in the Southeast shadows who will emerge this season? Don’t be surprised.

As before, I’m not projecting anyone’s record after 82 games. That comes just before the season starts. For now, I’m simply guessing at the order of finish, based on last season’s results and how well I think the team has bulked up over the summer. We’ll start with the worst, and end with the best.

Next: 5. Youth will be served - but not yet