Last July, the Orlando Magic agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Seattle Sonics for Rashard Lewis.  Rashard Lewis' contract was valued at more than $110 million over six years.  Lewis was expected to form a strong inside-out duo with Dwight Howard.

    However, Rashard Lewis' level of performance seems to have regressed this season.  Lewis is not attacking the basket as much this season as he did in his Seattle days.  Lewis seems content to hang around the 3-point line and act as a spot-up shooter.  In fact, almost a half of all of of Lewis' shots are from beyond the three point line.  Lewis shoots the three well, but he needs a stronger all-around game to justify his maximum contract.

    With a long and nimble 6-10 frame, Lewis is able to play both forward spots.  Because of recent injuries to other Magic players, Lewis has been primarily playing power forward for much of the season.  With his speed advantage over other power forwards and his ability to drain the outside shot, Lewis should be able to capitalize on offense.

      Instead, Lewis is averaging more than four points less than his last season in Seattle.  Lewis was supposed to take advantage of all of the attention that Dwight Howard draws and knock down the open shot.  However, Lewis is indiscriminate in his shot selection from beyond the arc.

      Other three-point sharpshooters around the league receive a fraction of Rashard Lewis' contract.  Jason Kapono, the 2007 and 2008 Three-point Shootout Champion, makes slightly more than $5 million a year for his services.  Kyle Korver was a large part of Utah recent success, but he only makes $4.5 million a year.

     The Magic made a mistake when they traded for Lewis.  His salary will be a nightmare in the close future as it will severely limit Orlando's ability to put together a roster that can truly contend for the title.

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