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Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic 2006 Draft Preview
The future is bright in Orlando. Even though the Magic finished the 2005-06 campaign with a 36-46 record and did not qualify for the postseason, they showed that there is a lot for their fans to be excited about.
Rising superstar Dwight Howard is ready to become an All-Star. The 6-11 forward led the Magic in scoring (15.8 ppg) and rebounding (12.5 rpg) and shot an impressive 53.1 percent from the floor. Dwight Howard, who was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, has flourished in Orlando and is the cornerstone of this franchise.
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Point guard Jameer Nelson had a solid season and is ready to run the offense on a permanent basis. Nelson averaged 14.6 points and a team-best 4.9 assists. Along with Dwight Howard, Nelson gives the Magic two pieces to the puzzle.
Darko Milicic, who was selected second overall by Detroit in the 2003 draft, was acquired in a trade from the Pistons. The 21-year-old Milicic averaged 7.6 points and 4.1 boards in 30 games in and Orlando uniform. The Magic are hopeful that the 7-0 Milicic can develop into a productive player.
Guards Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling and DeShawn Stevenson team with Nelson to give the Magic an athletic backcourt, while forward Hedo Turkoglu can score from the outside and center/forward Tony Battie is a decent defender and solid rebounder.
The Magic have the 11th overall pick in round one and a pair of selections (41st, 44th) in the second round. If Duke guard J.J. Redick is available at No. 11 the Magic should grab him. Redick would be a nice fit alongside Dwight Howard and Nelson.
Key Player(s): Carlos Arroyo (Guard), Tony Battie (Center/Forward), Keyon Dooling (Guard), Grant Hill (Forward), Dwight Howard (Forward), Darko Milicic (Forward) Jameer Nelson (Guard), DeShawn Stevenson (Forward), Hedo Turkoglu (Forward).
Team Needs: A scoring forward and/or guard.
Draft picks: 1st round (11th overall), 2nd round (41st overall), 2nd round (44th overall). |
