Magic Off to Great Start in 2007
Dwight Howard One of League's Best Big Men
Rashard Lewis a silent, but significant impact to the Orlando Magic.
Many thought the Orlando Magic overachieved in the 2006-2007 season by winning 40 games and sneaking into the playoffs. Yet, their current 12-3 start makes one wonder if they weren't destined for even greater things. The addition of Rashard Lewis in the 2007 off season was controversial. Many thought he might not be worth the $15 million or so per season contract he was signed to. Yet, he's outside shooting and scoring prowess seems to have opened the doors for other Magic members.
The biggest difference between this year's Magic team and last year's is at the offensive end. In 2006-2007, Orlando was the fourth lowest scoring team in the league, averaging just 94.8 ppg. Yet, they were at the very bottom of the NBA in field goals attempted per game (74.3), and are still near the bottom this season (77.6). Their field goal percentage is similar to last season, their free throw attempts per game is also similar and their free throw percentage is actually worse, and they actually give up more points per game this season than last season. These odd facts leave many to speculate where the team's sudden success comes from. The answer is as simple as hitting a three-pointers.
Rashard Lewis currently hits 2.8 treys per game, which ties Peja Stojakovic for the highest average in the league. Lewis also hits them at a rate of about 44%. As a whole, the Magic don't shoot that much better from beyond the arc this season as they did last season. Yet, having a player who's as proficient and deadly from three-point territory as Lewis is opens a lot of doors for inside bangers like Dwight Howard. The Magic star big man has obviously put a lot of work in since last season, and it especially shows in his offensive game. Last year, Howard averaged a respectable 17.6 ppg, most of which came from put back dunks and wide open looks down low. This season, he's averaging 23.4 ppg and has increased his rebound production from 12.3 to 14.5.
Forward Hedo Turkoglu has also been helped by Lewis' presence. He averaged 13.3 ppg and hit 1.5 treys per game last season. This season, he's up to 18.5 ppg and averages 2.1 treys per game.
In keeping with the theme, point guard Jameer Nelson also enjoys the added freedom and space Lewis provides. His scoring has increased from 13.0 ppg to 13.8 ppg, while his field goal percentage has jumped four percentage points. Also, with another gun to pass to, Nelson's assists have jumped more than two additional assists per game.
These coincidences might not all be because of Lewis, but certainly the former All Star has something to do with them. His 19.8 ppg and 4.9 rbpg may not look like much, but he's blending well with the Orlando Magic and that's lead to winning. Though time will tell if this young team can continue winning at this pace, they've certainly shown a lot early on.
