2006 Orlando Magic Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Orlando Magic NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Orlando Magic Basketball Season Preview

The last time the Magic made the playoffs was also the last time they won more than 40 games—2003 with 42 wins. It’s been an uphill battle, but this year the team may see a payoff.

At point guard, Jameer Nelson (14.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.9 APG, 48.3 FG%, 77.9 FT%) to starts. He has a shot that can find the basket, especially in crunch time. Carlos Arroyo (5.8 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 44.4 FG%, 77.4 FT%) provides sound backup with excellent playmaking ability. The shooting guard is rookie J.J. Redick (Duke), who can hit threes and nail jumpers but lacks defensive skills.

On the frontcourt, power forward Dwight Howard (15.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 53.1 FG%, 59.5 FT%) rebounds with the best, ably using his big body and sure hands. At twenty, his shooting continues to improve and he possesses an explosive dunk. At small forward, Hedo Turkoglu (14.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 45.4 FG%, 86.1 FT%)—a point maker at one end and a point giver at the other-- starts. The aging and often injured Grant Hill (15.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.3 APG, 49.0 FG%, 76.5 FT%) will play, as will Trevor Ariza (4.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 41.2 FG%, 60.6 FT%).

Center Tony Battie (7.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 50.7 FG%, 66.4 FT%) will see competition from Darko Milicic (4.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 50.9 FG%, 56 FT%). Milicic is the better shot blocker and can put the ball through the hoop. More effort at rebounding will make him the starter.

Coach Brian Hill has created a tough defensive club that sets plays at the other end, stretching opposing defenses. That’s a solid formula for more Magic wins. Hill’s energetic and emotional—an in-your-face coach, which works well with his young, players.

With promising prospects, some depth on the bench and a talented group of starters, look for this team to get back to the 40-win mark and to make the post-season. But the guards must play to potential and Milicic must step up or else it’s another frustrating season.

For more info on the 2006 Magic basketball team visit the Magic official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Heat, Bobcats, Hawks, and Wizards.