Coaching: Pretty much remains the same as last year, Stan Van Gundy with Patrick Ewing, Brendan Malone and the other fellas. Not much is different here.
Point Guards: Jameer Nelson, Anthony Johnson, and Jason Williams
Verdict: As Jameer looks to return to his All-Star shape form, I think his scoring will take a slight dip but nothing major. Williams and Johnson will back him up 10-15 min a game and hopefully that's all they do all season long as Jameer looks to stay healthy.
Verdict: Vince still has some gas in his tank for a few more years whether or not people think he's old, he's on a team that isn't demanding him to put out a workload like New Jersey or Toronto did. Redick has improved majorly according to reports and his preseason play did show some of that. I don't think he's much of a defender due to his size but his offensive game will be nice in back up roles behind VC.
Verdict: A very solid group at this position. These guys may see starting roles due to the flexibility of the team and match ups nightly. Rashard Lewis would be back to his normal position as he returns from his 10 game suspension. All can shoot the three with Barnes and Pietrus as SVG's choice of lockdown defenders.
Verdict: I think this season would be a huge break out year for both of them. Brandon Bass looked excellent in preseason and shot the ball very well. The same could be said for Anderson who stretches the defense and has a pin point shot. Both are willing to be physical and get some dirty work done around the basket with or without Dwight in the game.
Verdict: Arguably the NBA's best Center backed up by Gortat who can be a starting center in this league. Dwight Howard alone is enough for me to say but Gortat is solid enough that the Magic could start him and let Dwight sit against some of the weaker NBA teams this year.
Boston Celtics:They match up well with Orlando at every position. With their defensive scheme it will be a dog fight between both teams as the big men combo of KG and Rasheed Wallace try to counter Dwight. Pierce and Vince Carter would be a great match up to watch as well, not to mention the point guard play between Rondo and Nelson.
Los Angeles Lakers: Of course the team that beat them in the Finals. With Ron Artest as an addition being the only major difference the Lakers also match up well against Orlando. Dwight Howard is an advantage for the Magic but Kobe Bryant has the LA locked down.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Looking to avenge the "upset" the Magic put on them, they are a top 5 team and one of the three Eastern Conference teams that will battle it out with Orlando and Boston. Lebron will be Lebron and they do have a little more help this season but will it be enough? The original Superman vs Superman II, Vince Carter vs Lebron, and a solid supporting cast around both teams will make this matchup amazing.
Watch to watch for:
-Brandon Bass will show why he is underrated. I think he'll have sort of a break out season this year.
-The three ball again will be one of the things this team strives on again.
-Ryan Anderson is one guy that will be under the radar and a huge impact on the team's success. He's shown himself really well in the preseason and an excellent shooter.
-Dwight Howard making another strive at becoming an unstoppable force. With Yao Ming out it leaves the door open for him to wipe the floor among his position in the NBA.
Magic Leaders:
Scoring-Dwight Howard
Rebounds-Dwight Howard
Assist-Jameer Nelson
3 pt shooting: Rashard Lewis
Overall I see this Magic team repeating as Eastern Conference Champs and winning the title this year. I know many believe this team has gotten worse but that's blasphemy, there is no way this team is worse than it was last year in the Finals. I stand by that and the season will show.
So Magic fans across the globe...BE MAGIC! Let's get ready to support our boys to the GOLD!
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