The Orlando Magic are contenders in the East, but only in name.
The truth of the matter is that unless general manager Otis Smith is a miracle worker, the Magic's Eastern Conference Finals' streak ends this season.
Orlando still has the NBA's top center in Dwight Howard, but the players that surround him are not likely to carry the team deep into the postseason.
The stakes have changed in the East, with a super team forming in Miami, the running of the Bulls in Chicago, a coalition of stars in New York and a nominal youth movement in Boston.
All of the above-mentioned instances reduce Orlando's perception as a true contender, and what happens to Howard once the perception becomes reality?
Will Howard trust in Smith to surround him with at least one comparable talent or will Howard seek his fortune elsewhere?
Some people have floated New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul's name as the player most likely to join Howard in Orlando, but if you haven't noticed, there are now doubts as to whether or not Paul is the player to help lead the Magic back to the top of the East.
Leg injuries seem to have robbed ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Hadarii Jones
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