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The Orlando Magic came out of nowhere & shocked the NBA world this season. Just ask the Cleveland Cavaliers who were easily disposed of in the playoffs. The magic seemed to have a lot of their nickname working for them throughout the 2009 playoffs.
They hit big shots constantly during the eastern conference playoffs. But the magic disappeared when they got to the NBA finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. History reared its ugly head once again. No team who relies heavily on the three point shot has ever won a NBA championship in recent history.
That was one of the major reasons they lost in the 2009 finals. In order for the Magic to rule the east again and still be title contenders they need balance their offensive attack and some key players need to improve.
On draft day the Magic started their off-season early by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the New Jersey Nets. The breakdown of the deal was New Jersey traded guard Vince Carter and forward Ryan Anderson to Orlando for point guard Rafer Alston and shooting guard Courtney Lee and center Tony Battie.
Many “experts” feel this trade was great for the Magic and instantly makes them a title contender. I’m not a big fan of this deal and think it will backfire. This trade awfully reminds me of the Jason Kidd trade to the Mavericks a couple years back.
Yes, the Magic are getting a go to scorer they sorely lacked in the playoffs, but I don’t think Carter is the player he once was. The magic gave up a lot for a little.
The Magic traded away three key players who were major parts of the team’s rotation. I think Courtney Lee is going to be a stud, so don’t be surprised if Lee and Devin Harris become one of the best upcoming backcourts. I don’t think the Magic’s system was using him to the best of his abilities.
Orlando also got rid of Alston who did a fantastic job in the wake of Jameer Nelson’s season long injury. Battie was also a solid contributor with his mid range game and veteran presence.
So Orlando gives up all this for a player who averages about 20 ppg and comes with a hefty contract.
To throw more salt on the wound, this trade also signals the end for Hedo Turkoglu. The loss of Turkoglu is going to be major. Believe it or not he was the Magic’s best player as well as the most complete player on the team.
This so called blockbuster trade leaves the Magic with more holes to fill then they had before the deal. The team also may lose Marcin Gortat to free agency and he gave the team major minutes backing up Dwight Howard when he was in foul trouble or needed a spell.
Otis Smith, the General Manager, of the Magic has a lot of work on his hands this summer. Besides addressing roster issues what the Magic really need is for Dwight Howard to expand his offensive game dramatically.
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