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2008 Orlando Magic Predictions & Season Preview
The Orlando Magic were the most dangerous 3-point shooting team last season, compliments of Dwight Howard, who didn’t hit a single shot from beyond the arc. The Magic made the playoffs but lost in the second round to the Pistons. Stan Van Gundy had been away from the NBA for more than a year, when he was hired by the Magic in 2007; only after Billy Donovan took the job then rejected it two days later. Van Gundy is a defensive stickler who loves the 3-point shot, and he inherited a team that loves to shoot. The Magic responded well to Van Gundy and lead the Southeast Division from start to finish. Continue reading our NBA predictions to find out if we have the Orlando Magic winning the Southeast Division yet again. Check out BetUS where the Magic are at -200 odds to win the Southeast Division and +900 odds to win the Eastern Conference.
Jameer Nelson averaged 10.9 points and 5.6 assists last season in 28.4 minutes last season. GM Otis Smith loves the chip on Nelson’s shoulder and recently rewarded him with a hefty contract. Nelson is not very durable and often struggles defensively, but he can hit the open 3-pointer. Nelson’s main job is getting the ball inside to Dwight Howard, while keeping Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis happy. Anthony Johnson will spell Nelson when he wears down, which he is bound to do. Johnson has made a career providing toughness and defense at the point position.
Mickael Pietrus will get the start at the off guard position after the Magic acquired him from Golden State. The Magic hope that Pietrus can slow down all of the opposing guards and small forwards who torched them last season. Pietrus is tough and will be a stopper in the backcourt. His scoring opportunities will likely be limited to spot-up 3-pointers as the 5th scoring option. J.J. Redick will backup Pietrus, but the Magic have never given him a chance to play. It is possible that the Magic are hoping rookie Courtney Lee will emerge this season.
Hedo Turkoglu had his breakout year last season and won the league’s Most Improved Player Award. He almost reached the All-Star game, going from being a casual role player to a go-to-guy for the Magic. Turkoglu is an excellent 3-point shooter, who doesn’t hesitate to let it fly. Turkoglu is not a great defender, but he is hard to slow down. Keith Bogans in the slated backup to Turkoglu, but he was the subject of trade rumors since the Magic acquired Pietrus. It is possible that instead of playing Redick and Bogans the Heat will switch to a big lineup that includes Turkoglu, Lewis, Battie, and Howard.
Rashard Lewis is not a real power forward, but he spent most of last season there, and will likely do the same this year. Lewis did not have the strength around the basket to defend the more physical players, but opponents had trouble chasing him on the perimeter so it may have worked itself out. Brian Cook is the slated backup. He is a 5th year man out of Illinois who can shoot and rebound. Battie may also get some minutes if he has made a full recovery from rotator cuff surgery.
Dwight Howard grew into the best center in the NBA last season, and this Magic team revolves around him. Howard earned All-NBA first-team honors and his first start in the NBA All-Star Game. He averaged 20.7 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. He also played all 82 games for the 4th consecutive year. Adonal Foyle, a career backup, will give Howard a breather when he needs it.
Final Analysis
The Orlando Magic have great team chemistry, and the players know their role. Everyone knows that the team revolves around Dwight Howard and that he makes life easier on them. Turkoglu and Lewis are both low-maintenance athletes and are happy to defer to Howard. The Magic have a healthy, all-for-one attitude because they get along well, which is a large reason they are successful. We have the Magic once again winning the Southeast Division, which means they will be a factor in the playoffs. We wouldn’t be surprised to see them get farther this season than they did last, but we aren’t counting on it. The Magic are +2200 odds to win the NBA Championship at BetUS.
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