Links out of the Southeast Division..
- After dropping two straight games, LeBron James says that there is now “a cloud” hanging over the Heat, according to the Associated Press. James explained that the club isn’t playing the type of defense that they’re capable of and it’s hard to argue after their latest outing against the Knicks. There are a few quality defensive-minded free agents that Miami could look into, including guard Delonte West and forward Kenyon Martin.
- Magic center Nikola Vucevic was overlooked in the four-team Dwight Howard trade, but he has looked great so far in Orlando, writes Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld. The 22-year-old has started every game so far this year and has posted seven double-doubles.
- Last night, our own Luke Adams reviewed the Hawks‘ offseason, a summer that brought significant changes to Atlanta. Josh Smith & Co. are off to an 11-5 start, putting them just 0.5 behind the Heat in the Southeast.