2007-08 NBA Season Preview: Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a team looking to their bright young superstar and former #1 NBA Draft pick, Dwight Howard. Howard is the cornerstone and franchise player for this team, as he has been compared to the likes of NBA star Tim Duncan for his frontcourt prowess. Howard is an intimidating force in the paint, as he is able to score at will near the basket and then block shots and defend intensely on the other end of the court. The Magic were 7th in the league in terms of points allowed last season and 5th in the league for Rebounding difference (3.1 RPG). Both can be attributed to the presence of the very talented Howard, who is among the NBA league leaders in blocks and rebounds. He should continue to grow and dominate in the NBA as the 2007-08 season progresses and he looks to carry this team to a playoff berth.

Former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy will take the reigns of this team, hoping to guide them in their playoff quest. Van Gundy brings a 197-131 win-loss record in the NBA's regular season, with a 33-22 playoff record. His coaching talents were key in Miami making the playoffs prior to the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal. Now he will look to take the Magic to the next level.

During the offseason, Orlando lost the likes of Tony Battie, the promising young Darko Milicic and all-time NBA star, Grant Hill, but they added the talents of former Seattle Supersonic, Rashard Lewis. The versatile Lewis brings his 16.6 point per game scoring average and 5.8 rebounds per game to Orlando to give the team a boost. Lewis and Howard just may give the Magic the dangerous inside-outside combination they need to rack up wins in the Eastern Conference this season, but beyond that they may lack the necessary depth to push far into the playoffs.

In addition to Lewis and Howard the Magic starting rotation should feature Jameer Nelson at the point, Hedo Turkoglu at small forward, and Keyon Dooling at shooting guard. Turkoglu could provide a third important scoring option in addition to Howard and Lewis. Nelson despite inconsistent play and overshooting the ball last season also averaged double digits in scoring and should continue to improve this season as he tries to run the offense. Promising young talent such as Trevor Ariza, Carlos Arroya and JJ Reddick should provide a small bit of relief off the bench. Reddick should be expected to perform more this year as he will be entering the season in much better health. He could become the perfect sixth man for the team and a great backup for Rashard Lewis. However, a lack of overall depth will hurt the team as they try to get deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs. Should any unfortunate injuries sideline Howard or Lewis, the Magic could be in danger of missing the playoffs completely.