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| Ripping your shirt open like that seems like it could get expensive. |
2009-10 Record: 59-23
Additions: Quentin Richardson (FA), Chris Duhon (FA), Malik Allen (FA), Daniel Orton (Draft)
Subtractions: Matt Barnes, Anthony Johnson, Adonal Foyle, Stan Van Gundy's Turtlenecks
The Magic, in my opinion are the most slept on team by the mainstream media. They still have the best big man in the game, and one of the deepest teams around, but they don't get nearly the attention that the other contenders do. Why? In my opinion its because they didn't really do much this offseason, while others made drastic changes. But sleeping on Orlando could be a huge mistake, thanks to Dwight Howard.
Howard has been the most dominant big man in the league for a couple years in a row now, especially on the defensive end. He's led the league in rebounds and blocks during that time, and he's one of the most efficient scorers in the league. He's an extremely hard worker, and constantly looking to improve. He spent the summer hearing all about the Heat and how they were the new superpower in Florida. So Dwight's on a mission this year, to remind everyone that Orlando is still here, and in it to win it. Dwight has a chip on his shoulder, and if you've seen his shoulders, that's a mighty big chip. I wouldn't want to get in his way this year.
While I think Dwight will be a monster this year (my pick for MVP), its the rest of the team that will be counted on to get this team back into the Finals, with Jameer Nelson probably being the biggest key. Nelson needs to regain his 2008-09 form, in which he was a rightful All-Star. A healthy Nelson is a nightmare for most teams to guard despite his diminutive stature, and he also does a good job of running the team. Nelson fits this Magic team perfectly, because he is often overlooked himself.
The other two players who will need to step it up a notch are Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter. Lewis is one of the highest paid players in the league, and although he'll be overpaid no matter what he does, he can still be a useful contributor, something he wasn't last year. He might see more time at Small Forward instead of Power Forward this year, and he'll need to be consistent, especially in the playoffs. Consistency is also a big key for Orlando's big acquisition of last year, Vince Carter, who disappeared often when he was needed most. Carter needs to make full use of his considerable talent this year if Orlando is to have a shot at the title.
The surrounding cast is one of the deepest in the league. J.J. Redick really came into his own last year as a playmaker and scorer off the bench, even carrying the team on a couple occasions. Mickael Pietrus is the designated stopper, and he'll hopefully be healthier this year. Marcin Gortat would probably start on most NBA teams, but instead he's accepted his role as one of, if not the best, backup centers in the game. Ryan Anderson fits Orlando's offense like a glove, being able to rebound and shoot from outside. Brandon Bass is the biggest question mark on the bench, as he was under-utilized last year. He doesn't really fit the Magic's traditional system (four guys that can shoot and pass with Howard down low), but he's a talented player in his own right. If Orlando can't figure out how to use him, they should definitely look to trade him to a team that can and get a player that fits better in return.
Of the new arrivals, I only really like the signing of Quentin Richardson. Richardson is adept at shooting from outside, and he should have plenty of open looks with Orlando. I'm a little more leery of Chris Duhon and Daniel Orton. Duhon is an inefficient scorer and he tends to turn the ball over too much. On the plus side, he's a better option than Anthony Johnson was, and if between Nelson and Jason Williams, he won't be needed more than 10 minutes a game anyway, which could be the perfect role for him. I'm not a fan of Orton's at all, having watched him in college and then in draft workouts in Sacramento. He's extremely raw and doesn't have a very high basketball IQ. With Howard and Gortat both established, he'll get the chance to learn from some really good guys, but he won't see playing time at all, other than the D-League.
Orlando should continue to be the most prolific three point shooting team in the league, as well as near the top in the league in defense. What makes Orlando so good is that they don't have many specific areas of weakness. They're a great offensive team, but they're also a great defensive team. It's a tribute to the talent of the team and Stan Van Gundy's coaching. Their biggest weakness is consistency, because when this team is functioning at full capacity, I don't see how any team can beat them. Statistically they have a problem hitting their free throws, but that's mostly because Dwight attempts most of them and he's not the best from the line (59.9% career)
I really like the Magic, and think that with a newly motivated Dwight and co., they'll end up with the best record in the NBA. They have the talent to win it all, and it my personal opinion that they will (that's right, I'm predicting the Magic as the NBA Champions), but they need to bring their A game every night, especially during the playoffs.
Projected Win Range: 60-65
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