Do You Believe In Magic? Offseason Analysis of Orlando Magic

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.

Howard was exposed in the NBA Finals. I never felt Howard’s game warranted the media’s acclaim of him being a dominate center or the next coming of Shaquille O’Neal.

At this point in his career, Howard is a super garbage man, but not in the derogatory sense. What makes him special is that he is built like a truck, he is a legit 7’0, and has unparalled athleticism. All those attributes set him apart from your average garbage man or hustle player.

Howard is without a doubt the NBA’s best rebounder as well as one of the best shot blocker’s in the league. He still needs to work on his post defense because Pau Gasol had his way with Howard in the 2009 NBA finals and the team needs him to be a more complete defensive force.

Howard has to develop a post game as well as a few go-to moves because his running hook is ineffective and he was called for numerous offensive fouls because he drops his shoulder too much. The magic desperately need Howard to become a better player.

Overall they still have a good nucleus with a healthy Nelson returning. Rashard Lewis played great during the playoffs but he hit a cold spell in the finals. Mickeal Pietrus was a key part of the team’s success because of his versatility. Anthony Johnson and JJ Redick also stepped up when their numbers were called in the playoffs.

The Carter trade weakens up the bench drastically. Turkoglu’s departure probable makes Pietrus a starter and that leaves another hole on the bench. Smith has to find viable replacements that are also cheap.

Orlando is still a top team in the eastern conference, besides obvious roster improvement, majority of their title hopes and future rest on Howard’s development.

If he doesn’t dramatically improve his interior game then a second round exit in next years NBA playoffs seems to be what the Magic are destined for.