It's a funny thing in the NBA. Both Cleveland and Boston seem to have forgotten about the team that beat them in the playoffs just two short months ago. Both teams are insisting that they'll make the NBA finals, and cite each other as their biggest obstacles. Ironically, the team that knocked them both out has quietly improved.
In Cleveland, all of the focus is on Shaquille O'Neal having joined the team and the impact he'll have there. In Boston, everyone's looking at veteran Rasheed Wallace's presence there and the effect he'll have on the team, especially in the event of an injury. At the end of the day, the Magic are looking as good as they did last year, and better. Here's a rundown as to the situation there:
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: Probably the team's weakest position, the team is at least deeper here. With Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes to choose from, both are formidable options at the position and both can contribute offensively and defensively. On the bench will be the young JJ Redick.
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.
So again, why are the Orlando Magic underdogs? Because they let Turkoglu and Courtney Lee leave? They have upgraded at their positions on all levels. This unit makes the Magic more versatile. They still have shooters but now they have adding play-making abilities and rebounding to their arsenal of talent. The Eastern Conference still belongs to the Magic and will be the team to beat in the East. - 16887
In Cleveland, all of the focus is on Shaquille O'Neal having joined the team and the impact he'll have there. In Boston, everyone's looking at veteran Rasheed Wallace's presence there and the effect he'll have on the team, especially in the event of an injury. At the end of the day, the Magic are looking as good as they did last year, and better. Here's a rundown as to the situation there:
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: Probably the team's weakest position, the team is at least deeper here. With Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes to choose from, both are formidable options at the position and both can contribute offensively and defensively. On the bench will be the young JJ Redick.
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.
So again, why are the Orlando Magic underdogs? Because they let Turkoglu and Courtney Lee leave? They have upgraded at their positions on all levels. This unit makes the Magic more versatile. They still have shooters but now they have adding play-making abilities and rebounding to their arsenal of talent. The Eastern Conference still belongs to the Magic and will be the team to beat in the East. - 16887
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