Orlando Magic Preview

Hello All,

Season starts in 6 days. 12 teams left to cover.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Key Additions: Arron Afflalo (trade), Gustavo Ayon (trade), Al Harrington (trade), Andrew Nicholson (rookie), Nikola Vucevic (trade)

Key Losses: Dwight Howard, Ryan Andersen, Jason Richardson, Chris Duhon

Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Afflalo
SF: Hedo Turkoglu
PF: Glen Davis
C: Ayon

Role Players: Harrington, Nicholson, Vucevic, Harkless, J.J. Redick, Quentin Richardson, Ish Smith

Comments: Obviously the big story here is Dwight Howard leaving. Like LeBron, Carmelo, Deron, and Paul, a superstar left a small market team for brighter pastures. The Magic had every opportunity to get something in return for Howard (at least he didn't leave the possibility of returning like one LeBron James), but thought they could convince him to stay. It almost seemed like they would for a bit, but things eventually fell apart. In my rank of babies in the NBA, Howard ranks 2nd behind LeBron of course. Anyways, the Magic still could have gotten a nice package for Howard. The Nets, Rockets, and even Warriors, put together nice deals. But of course, the Lakers get him, and while my Nuggets benefited, the Magic got very little. Jacque Vaughn (a first time head coach) will struggle coaching this team that is on the cusp of a complete overhaul, but not quite there.

At PG, Jameer Nelson has held down that position for a while. He never truly fit with Dwight Howard. Many people said he was too short to see when Howard was open inside for alley-oops. He does have his moments though, but he is a middle of the road point guard that hasn't improved in years. That didnt stop the Magic from giving him an extension, so they are kind of stuck with him now as the leader of the team. Ish Smith though, may be the future PG. The Magic have high hopes for him. He is quick and athletic, but has turned the ball over too much to earn playing time. As the only other PG, he will get his chances, and the Magic are really hoping that he can improve rapidly, so they can fix other things first.

At SG, the Magic now have Arron Affalo, the best player they got for Howard. Afflalo is a solid, but not a great defender (which most people think he is). What I like about Afflalo is that he is really consistent shooting 3's, and has a bit of the clutch gene. He will always try hard, but I don't see a massive amount of improvement in his game. Somewhere in the 15-18 points per game seems about right. J.J. Redick is the backup, a true sharpshooter. After a few years struggling to find his game, after a sensational career at Duke (he might still be the leading scorer in NCAA history) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzHf2o-SW7Q, he has found a role as a scorer. He can do more than shoot 3's, as he has gotten stronger and more aggressive. If only you could play in the NBA by just coming off of screens and shooting 3's.

Hedo Turkoglu has had a pretty fascinating career. After spending most of it as a role player, he found his calling for a brief 2 year period with the Magic when he played forward-point, and could be counted on to hit the clutch 3 and get the ball to Howard in good positions. He cashed out, and without Howard, sucked really hard for the Suns and Raptors. That led him back to the Magic, where he was slightly better, but not the same. He will be traded (as long as someone will pay his contract) as part of the rebuilding process along with his backup. Quentin Richardson is the typical veteran getting paid way too much for providing very little (see Jermaine Oneal). He can still hit the corner 3 and I guess is seen as a good defender, but he is truly nothing special (never really was either). Mo Harkless is a player that the Magic got for Howard, he will get more playing time once the other two are gone.

Glen "Big Baby" Davis is the PF. He has trouble dunking even though he is 6-9, but that doesnt stop him from trying. I was actually impressed by how much he improved last season. He has developed a bit of a post game, and he still rebounds at a high rate. He may have high value as a trade candidate, so the Magic should look into it, especially because his backup could be really good. Andrew Nicholson, I believe, was the steal of the draft. This guy is 6-9, can shoot, rebound, and play D, but since he went to St. Bonaventure no one heard of him until the NCAA tourney (where he dominated). If you have never seen him, watch this video. He could compete for ROY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAQ9ZqcYFKI. Al Harrington is also on this team. He was actually one of the Nuggets more reliable scorers, and should be looked on for veteran leadership (until he is also eventually traded). A contender could really use Big Al's shooting touch for a big man.

Gustavo Ayon was a surprise last year for the Hornets. Instead of paying Ryan Andersen, the Magic got this guy. He is solid on the pick and roll, still developing a post game, and brings a nice Mexican vibe to a team (only Mexican player in the league). The Magic are hoping he can be a focal point for this team as they rebuild. Another option for center is Nikola Vucevic. He was on the 76ers last year, and while he was eventually relegated to the end of the bench in favor of Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen, he did show signs of being productive. He will get plenty of playing time on what is sure to be a long season for the Magic.

After a long streak of making the playoffs with Howard, Magic fans should expect a lot of losses. They are stuck in the "year before the rebuilding year". They will try to get a very good first round pick to officially end the Howard era and begin a new era. Until then, they are left with a mix of veterans, established role players, and a few mid first round picks. Nicholson could be a bright spot, but there won't be many others.

Next Up, the Denver Nuggets (expect a long one).