Orlando Catches Big Fish in Lewis
The Magic Look to Build their Young Core by Bringing in Former Sonic
Jul 3, 2007
Too many times last season, the Orlando Magic found themselves needing a bucket during a critical junction of the game. Dwight Howard, their 21-year-old man-child, found himself facing double and even triple-teams trying to deny him a decent attempt. Without another exceptional scorer available, the Magic often lost in those situations, and were later unable to win a single game against the more seasoned and potent Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.
Enter Rashard Lewis, along with his 22.4ppg. He has reportedly agreed to leave the Seattle Supersonics to sign with Orlando for a max deal of five years. Suddenly, opportunities open up for the Magic. Now, when Howard is bogged down low, the team will be able to count on Lewis to score when it counts.
The former Sonic should fit in nicely with the Magic, giving them a more offensively accomplished replacement for Grant Hill, who will probably leave via free agency. His sweet shooting stroke from outside will make opponents think twice before clogging the middle, which will open up more offensive opportunities for Dwight Howard, both scoring and offensive rebounding.
Van Gundy's challenge
New Magic coach Stan Van Gundy will have to gauge how far along Dwight Howard is progressing offensively. Howard does not yet have a low-post arsenal to outsmart opposing defenses. Often he gets his points through sheer power, which can be nullified by increased defense, or through offensive rebounding and putbacks, which have the same flaw.
If Van Gundy is uncomfortable running the offense through Howard by the time the season starts, he'll be able to tap into Lewis' untapped potential as a number one scoring option. Remember, Lewis averaged 22.4ppg playing second fiddle to Ray Allen in Seattle. At the age of 28, he's just entering his prime.
According to Lewis' agent, the Magic and Sonics are trying to turn his decision into a sign-and-trade so the Sonics get something in return, and it will be interesting to see what other players are involved. Because of Lewis' huge contract (as well as Orlando's seeming lack of interest), it is unlikely that tantalizing shot-blocker Darko Milicic will be playing for the Magic next season.
For now, however, it's enough for Lewis to know he'll be teaming up with one of the best developing big men in the NBA in Dwight Howard. With those two leading the way, and with developing young players such as Trevor Ariza and J.J. Redick, Orlando may be able to work some magic the weak Eastern Conference.
