MAGIC: Ask J.D. Mailbag: October 30

October 30, 2009

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Magic and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.

Hey everybody, this is our first edition of the "Ask J.D." mailbag that we’ll run here at orlandomagic.com every Friday. Hopefully, I can answer some of your questions about the Magic and bring you a bit closer to the team this season.

Thanks to everyone who has congratulated me on getting this new position writing for the Magic’s website. It is a fantastic opportunity and one that I couldn’t be any more excited about.

I have a hunch this is going to be a special season – yes, even more special than last season. So without further ado, let’s reach into the mailbag.

QUESTION: Hi John. I’m an overseas Magic fan living in Aberdeen, Scotland. I was over to see the Magic beat Indiana a week ago and was surprised during my trip to hear how underrated the Magic appear to be in the US media, despite making key additions. Particularly, Carter and Bass, beefing up the scoring and adding to the inside strength where often Howard was outnumbered. As good a rebounder as Howard is he needed some help and undoubtedly LA's height caused the Magic pain in the Finals. With Williams backing Nelson and Gortat retained this has to be one of the deepest rosters of all the top clubs, surely? Why do the media underrate the Magic? -- Kevin Fraser, Aberdeen, Scotland (UK)

J.D.: Kevin, love your country. Toured it for a week about 10 years ago and absolutely treasured every second of it. You guys have some actual history there. Great food, however, well … not so much.

Back on topic, I believe this is the deepest Magic team in franchise history. They can come at teams in waves and their depth is a major weapon this season. As for why the Magic are overlooked, well they are in a relatively small market and LeBron James plays elsewhere. Much of the media has focused on the Shaq-and-LBJ union, overlooking the fact that Cleveland’s roster just isn’t that good. And many in the national media think Orlando’s defeat of Boston last season came only because of Kevin Garnett’s injury. That’s totally not fair to the Magic, and it’s a wrong that I think they will have the chance to right in the Eastern Conference Finals in late May.

QUESTION: John, what is your impression of the Boston and Cleveland starts? Do you believe our current roster is the best in Magic history, and is this our year?? Thanks!! -- C.H., Orlando

J.D.: Boston is going to be very, very good. Getting Rasheed Wallace grabbed headlines, but I think the addition of Marquis Daniels is a very underrated signing. He can cover ones and twos. Boston will challenge the Magic for the East’s top seed.

I really think Cleveland is in some trouble this season. They are still one of the three best teams in the East, but there’s just a big gap between Orlando and Boston and the Cavs when it comes to their roster. As Cleveland found out last year in the East Finals, LeBron can’t do it all (even though he sure tried). Reigning Coach of the Year Mike Brown could take the fall if Cleveland starts pout slowly.

As for the Magic, I think they have a Noah’s Arc roster – as in they have two of everything. They have the best center in basketball and the best backup center, too. They have three starting power forwards, two gritty small forwards, two solid shooting guards and three guys who can run the point effectively. It truly is an embarrassment of riches that GM Otis Smith has assembled.

QUESTION: Hey John! Glad to see you are writing for the Magic. I always looked for your articles in Florida Today. I will definitely look on the Magic site for your new stuff. -- Michael Sanchez, Cocoa, FL

J.D.: Just what newspapers needed … another avid reader looking for content elsewhere. Seriously, thanks for the kind words, Michael. Being around basketball on a daily basis is a dream come true for me. Those of us who can no longer play, write. Take care.

QUESTION: Hey John. Are you a member of the orlandomagiczone.com forums? There is another person that we call ``JD’’ ... actual name is Jack Daniels1999? If not, then do you plan on ever becoming a member and joining some of our great conversations? -- Erik Barnett

J.D.: Erik, I did grow up in Tennessee, not too far from Lynchburg, but however I’m not that Jack Daniels. As for the message boards, I’ve been a frequent reader through the years, but never one to actually post there. I always wanted to know what Magic fans were talking about and curious about and let that somewhat guide my coverage. Yes, I will join – that is, if Dan Savage will set up an account for me as I am somewhat technically challenged at times.

QUESTION: John, As excited as I am about the upcoming season, I’m also anticipating a long reign as one of the league’s premier teams with the perennial powers (Boston, Los Angeles, and San Antonio) all aging. Do you see the Magic making a push for a big-name free agent in 2010 or 2011 using a combination of Gortat, the TPE from Hedo’s departure, and Vince’s expiring deal? If so, what players do you think Otis will target? -- Darrell, NY

J.D.: Let me guess you are one of those people who thinks about what you are going to have for dinner as you are eating lunch. Dude, slow down and enjoy this season first before you start dreaming about 2010 and 2011. Magic fans have waited seemingly an eternity for a season like last year and this one, so enjoy this team first before you start thinking about blowing it apart.

Well, that’s all we have for today. Thanks everybody for the questions and I fully expect next week’s mailbag to be overflowing with new questions. Take care everybody. -- JD

John Denton writes for Orlandomagic.com. His Orlando Magic ``Behind the Scenes’’ segment can be heard on ESPN 1080 AM on Thursday at 5:05 p.m. Submit questions to John for his ``Ask J.D.’’ mailbag feature that will appear every Friday at AskJD@orlandomagic.com.