Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Season Preview

180953 After making a run all the way to the NBA Finals last season the Magic owners and coaching staff still weren’t happy with their team so over the offseason there were plenty of new faces added resulting in a totally different type of basketball team. I think that’s a good thing at times last year I just didn’t think the Magic were tuff enough and with the additions of Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams they might have became one of the toughest teams in the league. Those moves are nothing compared to the blockbuster trade that landed them Vince Carter, obviously people are going to say hes soft and doesn’t play through injuries but with the Magic losing their starting shooting guard to free agency it was a great move in my eyes bringing in a legit scorer who for the first time in his career has a shot at really winning and he’s got to know by now he’s not the star of the team that’s reserved for Superman himself Dwight Howard. Look for a new look Magic team later this month when the season kicks off but don’t expect them to not play at the same level as they did last season because they could be even better ! Starting Lineup and Player Projections PG Jameer Nelson   In the heart of the best season of his career last year Nelson got hurt just before the All Star game and missed his shot at playing in his first All Star game. This season he comes back healthy and ready to prove last year’s  start was no fluke and I truly believe he can and will be back in the All Star game this season leading a start studded Magic offense he should have no problem putting up big numbers all season long and well into the playoffs. SG Vince Carter I’ll start by saying now that he’s not the same player has Hedo Turkoglu and that’s not necessarily a bad thing in my eyes. He’s  just  as clutch with the ball in his hands at the ends of games and undoubtedly more athletic, that’s the part I like the most once again looking down the Magic roster I see a way to make other teams scratch their heads every night has to how they’re going to guard the five guys the Magic have on the floor. That being said look for Carter to plug away and get his own all season long making a few highlight plays and taking over games along the way just like the Magic need him to. SF Rashard Lewis Finally Lewis gets to move to his more natural position at SF where a player like him belongs he’ll dominate SFs in the EAST and be a nightmare for opposing teams every night. Look for a lot of threes and a ton of points to come from him has he becomes the new Magic go to guy. PF Brandon Bass Bass brings toughness and grittiness on both ends this will result in Dwight Howard being freed up more to do his own thing on both ends of the floor. That being said don’t overlook this guy he will put up numbers he’s gotten better and better each year and look for him to play his best surrounded by All Star talent this season . C Dwight Howard Do I even need to say anything? If there’s an argument anymore about whom the best C in the NBA is its just crazy Howard’s dominate night in and night out on both ends of the floor. He’s the best rebounder in the NBA and without a doubt the best shot blocker, there’s not a team in the league dumb enough to try to attack the Magic defense on the inside simply because he’s too good at what he does. Look for him to put up MVP worthy numbers and lead the Magic to the NBA Finals yet again. Bench Mickael Pietrus The reason I started with Pietrus is very simple he could be a starter for the Magic on a lot of nights moving Carter and Lewis down a spot in the lineup and putting Bass on the bench. Pietrus is very good on both sides of the ball and became a shut down defender for the Magic down the stretch last season. Look for him to get minutes and make an impact in a lot of games this season. Matt Barnes This guy’s just plain out tough! He’s not going to be scared to go up against anyone night in and night out and he can also be counted on to hit some big shots from time to time, can’t wait to see this guy play in a Magic uniform this season. Marcin Gortat It was huge for the Magic to keep this guy he’s a really good backup to Howard and he knows his role has a player that’s something a lot of players these days can’t seem to figure out. He might not put up huge numbers but when he’s in the game he’ll give u all he’s got. Jason Williams Gritty would be a fast way to describe him. He’s a good backup to have a good guy to add toughness and some heart to our bench. Ryan Anderson Coming over from the Nets has a part of the Vince Carter deal I didn’t expect to a get a player has good has he is he could get some good playing time and make an impact in some games this season at the PF/SF position this year. J.J Redick Redick made some solid shots last season and I look for him to do the same this year if we need a spark look for us to look to him and his big shot potential off the bench. Anthony Johnson This guy should be well respected after doing his best last season playing more minutes than he could handle and making the most of it. He’s a team guy and I’ll be happy to see him on the bench this year once gain. He might split roster time with Redick and Foyle though. Adonal Foyle He brings good energy and size off the bench, not sure if he’ll be on the roster every night but I am sure when he is he can still make an impact and help our younger players out along the way. The Magic have a very strong team and this year there’s no way anyone can overlook them, I really think this is the team to beat in the East this season because of all the reasons I just mentioned and the simple fact that they were there last season. They’re going to want to go back and finish the job this season ! true

2009-10-08T02:25:57Z

96154 2 Orlando Magic 2009-2010 Season Preview

2009-10-08T23:40:26Z