2007-2008 Orlando Magic

Last Season: 40-42, 3^rd Place (Southeast)

Even though Orlando finished last season with a losing record, they somehow still managed to make the playoffs. Don't expect the same this year. It is reasonable to anticipate the Magic finishing below .500, but a playoff spot will not fall into their laps again this year. The addition of mega free-agent Rashard Lewis will provide experience along with a ton of points, but aside from Dwight Howard, the Magic just don't have enough firepower to win a lot of games. Jameer Nelson would have to transform overnight into a great NBA point guard if the Magic are going to contend in the Eastern Conference, or their own division for that matter.

Projected Starting Lineup
PG - Jameer Nelson
SG - JJ Redick
SF - Rashard Lewis
PF - Hedo Turkoglu
C - Dwight Howard

Top reserves who should receive significant playing time
Trevor Ariza - SG/SF
Keith Bogans - SG/SF
Tony Battie - PF/C
Carlos Arroyo - PG

Fantasy Expectations: (per game averages)
PG - Jameer Nelson - 14 pts, 5 ast, 3 reb, 1 stl, 1 3pt, 45 fg%, 80 ft%
SG - JJ Redick - 12 pts, 2 ast, 2 reb, 2 3pt, 45 fg%, 90 ft%
SF - Rashard Lewis - 26 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, 1.5 stl, 2.5 3pt, 45 fg%, 82 ft%
PF - Hedo Turkoglu - 14 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 42 fg%, 80 ft%
C - Dwight Howard - 18 pts, 12 reb, 2 ast, 2 blk, 55 fg%, 60 ft%

Trevor Ariza - 8 pts, 1 ast, 4 reb, 1 stl, 45 fg%, 65 ft%
Keith Bogans - 8 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 3pt, 42 fg%, 70 ft%
Tony Battie - 5 pts, 5 reb, 48 fg%, 65 ft%
Carlos Arroyo - 8 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 42 fg%, 75 ft%

The Magic invested a franchise-record $110 million into prized free-agent Rashard Lewis. However even his new-found cash shouldn't turn him into an elite fantasy player just yet. On the other hand he should improve dramatically on his scoring average, and post a career high of over 25 points per game. Center Dwight Howard has steadily improved over his first 3 seasons in the league and he should continue this trend in year 4. Similar stats along with a touch of improvement in blocks and free throw percentages may be in the works for Howard. Of the starting five, shooting guard remains an open position, and JJ Redick appears poised to seize the opportunity. It wouldn't be surprising to see him reach double digit scoring with at least 2 three-point field goals per game. Redick should enter the season as a solid sleeper for fantasy owners, since he can light it up from three point range and single handedly improve a teams overall free throw percentage. Except big things from Redick this year.