Orlando Magic 2009-10 NBA Preview

The Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals last season for the second time in the franchise’s history. This year the Magic have a slightly different look with the addition of Vince Carter and the departure of Hedo Turkoglu. Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, and Jason Williams are also the team’s new faces. Also gone are two starters from last year’s squad, Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee who were part of the Vince Carter trade with New Jersey. I think the team has gotten better with these acquisitions and have as much depth as anyone in the league. Some didn’t like letting Turkoglu go after the brilliant display he put on during the playoffs, but Vince Carter for all of the grief he catches is still a guy who can go off on offensive explosions, shoot, and is way more athletic than Hedo Turkoglu. Teams will be forced to focus their attention on Dwight Howard and Vince Carter leaving Rashard Lewis (when he returns) for fewer field goal attempts but better looks. Here is a position by position breakdown:

At point guard Jameer Nelson will be the starter once again. He has to get back to playing his game and put behind his Finals performance. With the departure of Rafer Alston, the Magic turn to veteran Jason Williams which is a downgrade from Alston but Williams is still a good player.

Vince Carter is finally on a winner and if the preseason is any indication of his performance this season he has brought his A-game. Mickael Pietrus should get lots of minutes as a backup to Carter and Lewis this season; he is an excellent defender and long range specialist. JJ Redick will serve as the number two shooting guard until Rashard Lewis returns and Pietrus may move to the number three spot with Matt Barnes for the first 10 games of the season.

Rashard Lewis is the starter at small forward but is suspended for those 10 games. Matt Barnes could start here until Lewis returns and has even gotten some time in the preseason at power forward.

Brandon Bass is a new addition at the four he is a hard worker and solid rebounder. Behind Bass on the depth chart is Ryan Anderson.

The Magic have the best center in the league in Dwight Howard, he is a beast and will once again dominate. Marcin Gortat won’t see many minutes this season after re-signing with the team.

Starters:

Jameer Nelson

Vince Carter

Rashard Lewis

Brandon Bass

Dwight Howard

Contributers:

Jason Williams

Ryan Anderson

Mickeal Pietrus

Matt Barnes

JJ Redick

The Magic have the potential to win it all this season, it remains to be seen how the rest of the East’s off-season moves will impact how things shape up. I think they will make it to face either Cleveland or Boston in the second round as the third seed but won’t advance to the conference finals. It is a really close call between those three teams.