HoopWatch

If the Orlando Magic’s final 22 games last season were of any indication of how things are, I should say they are where they want to be. They went 16-6 in that stretch. The Magic are 23-20 currently, second in the Southeast Division, just behind the Washington Wizards. If the playoffs were to start now, they should be the sixth seed.

Orlando is relatively a young team with four of their five starters being 25 years old and below, and the other one at 29. Their young guys have so much talent and promise. Dwight Howard is currently second in rebounding, averaging a shade over 12 a game. Jameer Nelson is the unsung team leader at the point guard spot. And the second over-all pick of that amazing 2003 draft, Darko Milicic, leads the league in blocked shots per 48 minutes, at a potential 3.6 an outing. Now many may have not taken notice at this young Serbian forward, who was once drafted ahead of young All-Star freaks Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Josh Howard, but Milicic’s cynics are certainly keeping an eye on him now.

But the Magic are not looking on making the playoffs two or three seasons from now. They are set in making the playoffs this season, even with this young team, especially with come-backing coach Brian Hill guiding the way. It is important to note that Hill was the first and last guy who brought this franchise to the NBA Finals in 1994-1995. He had young stars (back then) Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. They were swept by eventual champions Houston Rockets though.

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The Magic got their inspiration from their 16-6 finish last season, just falling short of making the playoffs, and ten games behind .500. One of the key factors was the injury to Nelson. They were 5-15 without Nelson. He could have made a difference if he were healthy throughout the season.

Grant Hill is also hoping to play most of this season. Except for a spectacular comeback bid in 2004-2005 where Hill played for 67 games, Hill has only played for 68 games since 2000. So far so good for Hill’s health this year as he is leading this young Orlando team to three games above .500.

But the Magic cannot rely heavily on Hill this time, and they need not to. Howard and Nelson are emerging stars, and so Orlando’s success depends on their games. Nelson has matured fast, and Howard has gained considerable experience last summer, being the youngest member of Team USA. He just needs to develop a pet move for him to become a consistent threat at the post.

Hedo Turkoglu, Tony Battie and Hill will provide the veteran leadership, experience and guidance for their younger teammates. Though they dropped their last game, 92-111, to the Dallas Mavericks, it was no indication that things will be this rough. Besides, Las Vegas-bound stars Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard came up with huge numbers, 33 and 25 points respectively, for the league-leading Mavericks.

Orlando still has a bright season ahead. I believe they will hover around the sixth and seventh spot in the East. No one should doubt me with that one. Hell, they even led the East for some time, during the start of this season. But the second round is too far-fetched for them right now. But they will reach the playoffs nonetheless.