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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Southeast Division

ByBrian Boake|
Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) talks with guard Dwayne Wade (3) during a timeout in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (1) talks with guard Dwayne Wade (3) during a timeout in the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Last season: 41 – 41

This season: 37 – 45

This bunch was a huge disappointment last season, yet management seemed to view their regression as a fluke. The core remains the same; Bradley Beal, John Wall and Marcin Gortat get another chance, as do up & comers like Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter.

Jan 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as center Marcin Gortat (13) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half at Verizon Center. Toronto Raptors defeated Washington Wizards 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) dribbles as center Marcin Gortat (13) sets a pick on Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the second half at Verizon Center. Toronto Raptors defeated Washington Wizards 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

There are too many “maybes” on this roster. Markieff Morris might be a top-rank power forward, Tomas Satoransky could become a model stretch-4, Trey Burke could find himself. Scott Brooks might have the last laugh on OKC for letting him go as head coach.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda – thinking the Wiz will be a playoff contender requires the same kind of suspension of disbelief as discussing the Knicks’ chances. It could all break right for both teams, but I wouldn’t wager a penny on it.