[Bryan88]

DraftExpress: NBA Team Needs: Southeast Division

Orlando Magic (52-30 in 2007-0

Draft picks: No. 22

Depth chart

PG: Jameer Nelson / Carlos Arroyo*
SG: Maurice Evans* / Keyon Dooling* / J.J. Redick
SF: Hedo Turkoglu / Keith Bogans
PF: Rashard Lewis / Brian Cook / Pat Garrity* / Tony Battie
C: Dwight Howard / Adonal Foyle* / James Augustine* / Marcin Gortat*

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Shooting Guard, Center, Overall Depth

Bottom line: A team reaping the benefits of their last few offseasons, Orlando has taken a stranglehold on the top spot in the Southeast Division. Many questioned the contract General Manager Otis Smith tendered to Rashard Lewis, but it was that acquisition, coupled with tremendous seasons turned in by Hedo Turkoglu and Dwight Howard, that propelled the team past the 50-win mark. With Dwight Howard turning into a dominant force, Smith will be charged with adding pieces that will help Stan Van Gundy exploit all the qualities of Dwight Howard’s game.

Draft outlook: Smith hasn’t had a great deal of success with his draft choices in Orlando, but shouldn’t have a hard time finding a player that can contribute in some way next season. Getting a swingman who can space the floor and play strong defense on the wing would be of great help, meaning the team will take a hard look at Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, and Brandon Rush to remedy the lack of depth in the backcourt. Each of those three players could step in a play minutes at shooting guard immediately and produce as a backup, with Rush likely being gone at this point, and Lee recently emerging as a favorite to be selected here. If the team opts to take advantage of this year’s very intriguing center class and add some depth to their frontcourt (one of their biggest weaknesses this season), anyone that falls amongst Kosta Koufos, JaVale McGee, Robin Lopez, Marreese Speights and DeAndre Jordan could be snatched right up. Any of those players could back up Dwight Howard, while some could also slide over to spell Rashard Lewis as well. When it’s all said and done, Otis Smith has the luxury of being able to take the top player on his draft board, a testament to how far this team has come from a few seasons ago, when it was riddled with holes.