While the Celtics and Cavs are both adamant about the fact that they'll find themselves in the NBA finals next season, the Magic are still the team to beat. Having beaten both of those teams in the playoffs, the Orlando Magic are overlooked by the Celtics and Cavs, as they're worrying more about each other than they are about Orlando.
Sure people are boasting about Shaq making LeBron an unstoppable phenom and Rasheed Wallace's presence making Boston's Big 3 + Rondo, A fab 5. But many sports writers and professional analysts are counting Orlando as an underdog. Again. Yep I said it,Again. Did Hedo Turkoglu and Courtney Lee really make Orlando a championship team?I think not. They were essential pieces to an almost perfect puzzle.This year's team has better pieces that can make the puzzle complete. Let's break down the off season's moves for Orlando.
PG: Same situation as last year. Jameer Nelson will be healthy entering the year and he's a stronger point guard than Rafer Alston. Alston was a great backup, but Nelson is younger and better, and the Magic are stronger with him.
PF- One change. Orlando still has Rashard Lewis (after his 10 game suspension) and instead of Tony Battie, they have converted to a young athletic Brandon Bass, who will average the same point total but rebound better. They also will have a big shooter in Ryan Anderson who can shoot the 3-ball and score.
C. All I really need to say here is Dwight Howard and you'll understand. So, Dwight Howard.
SG. While the team isn't exceptionally strong at the point, both Pietrus and Barnes are talented players and most teams would be very happy to have them as their "weakest starter". JJ Redick is improving too. Slowly, but steadily.
SF: The loss of Hedo Turkoglu was obviously hurtful to the Magic and their fans, but what better way to counter that than by signing Vince Carter? The team now has a legitimate superstar to play alongside Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, and they're simply dangerous for it.
The Magic have lost Hedo Turkoglu and rookie Courtney Lee, both valuable players. However, the improvements they've made across the board (especially in the depth department) more than offset any hits they take from the loss of Hedo and Lee. All in all, this is a stronger Magic team, and remains the team to beat in the East.
Sure people are boasting about Shaq making LeBron an unstoppable phenom and Rasheed Wallace's presence making Boston's Big 3 + Rondo, A fab 5. But many sports writers and professional analysts are counting Orlando as an underdog. Again. Yep I said it,Again. Did Hedo Turkoglu and Courtney Lee really make Orlando a championship team?I think not. They were essential pieces to an almost perfect puzzle.This year's team has better pieces that can make the puzzle complete. Let's break down the off season's moves for Orlando.
PG: Same situation as last year. Jameer Nelson will be healthy entering the year and he's a stronger point guard than Rafer Alston. Alston was a great backup, but Nelson is younger and better, and the Magic are stronger with him.
PF- One change. Orlando still has Rashard Lewis (after his 10 game suspension) and instead of Tony Battie, they have converted to a young athletic Brandon Bass, who will average the same point total but rebound better. They also will have a big shooter in Ryan Anderson who can shoot the 3-ball and score.
C. All I really need to say here is Dwight Howard and you'll understand. So, Dwight Howard.
SG. While the team isn't exceptionally strong at the point, both Pietrus and Barnes are talented players and most teams would be very happy to have them as their "weakest starter". JJ Redick is improving too. Slowly, but steadily.
SF: The loss of Hedo Turkoglu was obviously hurtful to the Magic and their fans, but what better way to counter that than by signing Vince Carter? The team now has a legitimate superstar to play alongside Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, and they're simply dangerous for it.
The Magic have lost Hedo Turkoglu and rookie Courtney Lee, both valuable players. However, the improvements they've made across the board (especially in the depth department) more than offset any hits they take from the loss of Hedo and Lee. All in all, this is a stronger Magic team, and remains the team to beat in the East.
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