by Vince Ryan

Created on: April 12, 2009   Last Updated: April 15, 2009

The Orlando Magic is a suave team, consisting of players that spear an indulgence for sharing that ball with one of them eventually hooping it up. They might be the #3 seed in the East but they still have the potentials in crackling the skulls of the Cavs and the Celtics. The Cavs are undeniably one of the best defensive teams in the NBA with an MVP in King James but then again the Magic are also defenders and they can easily throttle with them. The Celtics minus a healthy Kevin Garnett will suffer like anything with their defense and this may only give the Magic the edge if they ever have to face each other during the playoffs. Let's start with why the Magic may have a really fair chance in making it to the NBA Finals.

Reason#1: Superman. Plain and simple. Here's a guy who can defend and shoot a field goal percentage of over .5. He's done it throughout his entire career. Being one of the best rebounders and defenders in the NBA he will be a match-up problem for pretty much any guy situated in the post. The only thing he will have to put more effort into is offense. With a guy his size and with arms his length one would expect him to average 25-30 points per game. 20.7 points per game is still not a bad stat but for someone his stature the expectation in augmenting that would be higher. His offensive levels may pass with his conference but it may never pass in the Finals. Especially if they are to make it to the Finals and face the Lakers this season.

Other than that if Howard is being double teamed or triple teamed he can easily pass the ball to either Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu who are both considered some of the best three point shooters in the league. And watch out because at the rate the Superman stats are going it wouldn't be surprising if he were to become a potential MVP candidate for the 2010 season. This may only increase their chances of winning it all next season.

Reason#2: They all share excellent chemistry as a team. Rafer Alston may not be one of the elite point guards in the league but he does make some level of contribution to their offense and defense. If Dwight Howard is occupied for whatever reason and cannot get to the hole then there are other guys who can take over for him. Turkoglu, Lewis, and Nelson are all keen shooters who can shoot from any angles either in the post or in downtown. And they'll all be more than happy to step up for someone else who's being guarded well. And they also play stunning defense as a team which means they will have the ability to tie down other teams with good records including the Cavs and the Celtics. The Cavs/Magic series may be an interesting one to watch but with KG injured and not feeling himself the Magic may have the upper hand if that series were to ever exist.

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