2009-10 Orlando Magic Predictions

Written October 26, 2009 by Riley Martin

The Orlando Magic will look to build upon last year’s “magical” season, which consisted of a surprising trip to the Eastern Conference finals. Dwight Howard and the boys should be just as strong this year, if not stronger, considering some of the wheeling and dealing that GM Otis Smith took part in this past summer. They did lose some big timers in Hedo Turkoglu and Courtney Lee, but welcome veteran Vince Carter. Therefore, this team’s success should ultimately rely on how well this team copes with the additions made in the offseason. Vince Carter will also have to learn to take the back seat to Dwight Howard, as he is the face of this franchise. As long as Vince comes in and just contributes as Turkoglu did and doesn’t try and take over, I believe this team should be even stronger than last year’s. NBA odds currently have them sitting with 8-1 odds to win the 2010 NBA Championship. The odds are probably a little inflated because of last year’s run into the conference finals, but I still see this team being a major threat, definitely lasting into the playoffs.

Backcourt:

Jameer Nelson is an all-star point guard for this team and consistently has a good jump shot with unbelievable ball handling skills. He was injured for the last couple months of the season last year, but returned for the NBA finals and shared the role with Rafer Alston, who’s now gone. He also averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 assists per game last year. Mickael Pietrus will likely start along side him as the shooting guard with Carter at small forward. They could end up using Carter at shooting guard as well but will definitely start the season off the Pietrus in that spot.

Frontcourt:

Big Dwight Howard makes this Magic frontcourt one of the best in the league, if not the best. He dominates inside the paint and averaged 20.56 points, 13.84 rebounds, and 2.92 blocks a game last year. If he could improve his free throw shooting, he will almost have nothing left to perfect. He’s amazing to say the least. Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter will also be major impacts on this team and in the backcourt. Everyone knows about Carter’s talents and Lewis is a tough player as well, especially considering his height at 6-10. Even at his height, he consistently proves to be one of the best all around shooters in the league.

Summary:

Will they repeat last year’s success and make it to the NBA finals? I do think they will easily make it to the playoffs, but I don’t see them lasting as far as last year. Not because their team isn’t as good though, in fact, I think its better. It’s because of the key changes both the Cavaliers and the Celtics have made, picking up Shaq and Rasheed Wallace. I can see them possibly lasting into the Eastern Conference finals, but no further than that. With my predictions, I’m going to take them winning the Southeast division, but losing to the Cavaliers or the Celtics in the playoffs.

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