Orlando Magic: Is Another "Magic Kingdom" in the Making?

What we have here is possibly the best lineup since the 1995 NBA Finals. Hard to believe it took 14 years to get back there, and 15 to look like a team that could go back. The Magic will probably cruise along the rest of these games, testing out rotations and playmaking. At least, that's what I would do.

A couple of changes to the lineup have had positive changes lately. Putting Bass ahead of Anderson in the rotation has done wonders on the defensive end. Placing Barnes in the starting lineup instead of Pietrus has brought more energy, making Pietrus the same sixth man he was during the last Finals run.

Every game since the All-Star break is proof that the Magic is not a Conference Finals contender, but a Finals contender. There are no exceptions. The eyes are on the Magic now, as they rise to the top of the Power Rankings and stay there—along with Cleveland—as "Superpowers," above recent champions (Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, etc.). I use the term "Superpowers" as a reference to the state of the world back in WWI and WWII. Back then, everyone answered to the "Superpowers" (USA, Britain, and Soviet Union) and feared them.

Phil Jackson won't admit it to the media, but he is concerned about the Lakers. Every team has had their hope and confidence decimated by a Howard wall, a Carter drill, and a bench's one-two punch. Even in wins there's always that sigh of relief, not a feeling of pure victory, that echoes in one's mind.

Even with that upgraded status from last year, Orlando has a few dirty spots that need polishing.

Initially, the Magic had Hedo Turkoglu. I personally did not like him, but I like what he brought to the team. He was a playmaker, taking the role of "Point Forward" (the Cavaliers have the same thing, and it allows players like Mo Williams and Delonte West to feel more like combo shooting guards in some instances.)

I don't miss Turkoglu; I miss his playmaking. I'm a big fan of pass-first point guards and applaud those who have that trait because it leads to championships. The Magic have that sort of point guard in Jason Williams, but between backing up Jameer Nelson and having his minutes taking a dive, that trait either doesn't show or is seen so little that it doesn't stand out. Hopefully Nelson will try to get more assists per game and reach out to the guys in the front line, or get Vince Carter a few more good looks. Recently Nelson looks like the weakest scorer out of the starters.

Rotations are a big part of the game. Mike Brown tried to use Shaq and Illgauskas at the same time and watched the Cavaliers fail. Such is an example of rotations. Without a good rotation, teams fall. Mr. Van Gundy has a large set of options available to him, with many versatile players. Of the active players on the Magic, six of them have played outside of their natural positions (Lewis, Pietrus, Carter, Gortat, Barnes, and Johnson). Two more have shown other possible rotation options (Anderson at SF, Redick at PG). The team is stacked; maybe too stacked. Van Gundy has a lot on his plate and is probably going to be cursing Otis Smith, while Smith takes a vacation until the Draft. I'd feel his pain.

The Magic have plenty of talent to push for a title run this year, and the next year, and even the next. There's plenty of youth and plenty of options via contracts and trades. Finally a new type of dynasty can begin this year, and Orlando can be known for something other than Disney World. Orlando may have a second "Magic Kingdom" this year. The plans are in motion. The concern is whether they're ready to build it.

Come on...you know that picture is awesome.