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Orlando Magic 2010-11 Preview:

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Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic 2009-10 Facts:

  • Eastern Conference: 2nd Place
  • Southeast Division: 1st Place
  • Record: 59 Wins 23 Loses
  • Playoffs: Eliminated in the Eastern Conference by the Boston Celtics in six games.

Key Moves:
Incoming
  • Quentin Richardson
  • Chris Duhon
  • Daniel Orton
  • Stanley Robinson

Outgoing
  • Matt Barnes
   
                   This is a big year in Orlando, Vince Carter is in the last year of his contract and might not resign with the Magic. Dwight Howard needs to become an offensive force for the Magic to make the NBA Finals. Every year we expect Howard to come in and dominate, but he has yet to become the force in the middle he needs to become. With the Celtics adding Shaq and expecting Perkins back for the playoffs, the Magic need to win the Eastern Conference. If Carter is not playing lights out look for him to be traded before the deadline, maybe a Carlmeo Anthony trade?  The Magic have a lot of solid pieces they are wasting away on the bench, they could definitely make a huge trade before the deadline if they wanted to. The Magic have come into the preseason looking real good, now its time for them to bring that energy to the preseason. The line-up is basically the same Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard, and new addition Quentin Richardson. The bench is solid with J. J. Redick, Chris Duhon, Jason Williams, Brandon Bass, and Marcin Gortat. The Magic are hoping the chemistry the team has will give them early success and get a jump on the Celtics and Heat.

  • Back Court:
All eyes will be on Vince Carter this up coming season. If Carter is aggressive and attacks the basket the Magic can beat anyone in the NBA, if he sticks to just shooting three pointers they will be eliminted early. Carter has played lights out in the preseason and is in a contract year look to him be consistently good until he gets his money next season. Jameer Nelson can shoot and create, but has problems defending the top point guard. Nelson defeated the Bobcats by himself last year and then played poorly against the Celtics. Chris Duhon is a pass first point guard who will fit in with the second unit. J.J. Redick will see a lot more minutes this season, in the last couple of years he has improved his game. Coming in the NBA he was a great shooter, now he has an all around game that got him a big contract before the season. Mickael Pietrus will seem minutes at shooting guard and small forward. He can score and defends his position well. Jason Williams will fight for minutes with Duhon and is a solid back up. 

  • Front Court:
Dwight Howard is the best center in the NBA, if his offense can ever catch up to his defense he can be one of the best of all time. Howard is the best defender in the NBA and has the ability to change any shot in the paint. The problem with Howard is his lack of post skills and free throw shooting. If Howard can be aggressive and knock down post shots consistently the Magic will be hard to beat. Rashard Lewis will be start at power forward and is a mismatch on offense and defense. When Lewis is knocking down his shot and he's tough to cover, but he also can't defend power forwards on top teams. Quentin Richardson will likely start at small forward and he has a nice jumper and solid defense. Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat or hoping to get more playing time this season and the Magic would be smart to give it to them. The Magic need to give them a chance because they both could really help come playoff time. Daniel Orton will likely only play during practice or if someone gets hurt, but will be a good player in the coming years. Ryan Anderson will see spot minutes to shoot three pointers.

2010-11 Predictions:
  • Center: Dwight Howard
  • Power Forward: Rashard Lewis
  • Small Forward: Quentin Richardson
  • Shooting Guard: Vince Carter
  • Point Guard: Jameer Nelson
  • Sixth Man: J.J. Redick
Bench: Malik Allen, Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass, Chris Duhon, Marcin Gortat, Daniel Orton, Mickael Pietrus, Stanley Robinson, and Jason Williams

  • All Star Player: Dwight Howard
  • Best Veteran: Vince Carter
  • Best Asset: Dwight Howard
  • Best New Addition: Quentin Richardson
  • Key Player: Vince Carter

  • Eastern Conference: 2nd Place
  • Southeast Division: 2nd Place

            If the Orlando Magic want to make it to the NBA Finals they are going to have to get the first seed in the the Eastern Conference. The Magic can defeat the Heat, but will have a tough time against the Celtics. If they can get that second seed look for them to be eliminated by Boston.