Do the Orlando Magic have a chance to get to the Finals again this year?  

I am sorry, but I think that they will go far, but not that far in the play-offs. Why? Let's analyse both them and their competition.

Orlando Magic - Last year, they went to the Finals. They lost 2-4 to the Lakers due to inexperience and lack of scoring. This Summer, they've made some big moves. Whihc includes letting Turkoglu leave the team trading for Vince Carter. They've also signed new players such as Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes. Which they will help the team in 3 pointers, increasing the team's scoring ability and Bass can secure the rebound and defend well. Seems good right? But is this enough? Well, they've lost Hedo Turkoglu, a key member of the Finals team. He can shoot the ball well from all places they've also lost a great game closer. They've also lost Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. Player who can contribute to the scoring and helping control to ball. The good thing is that Howard, Lewis and new teamates will continue to improve, also, the injured Jameer Nelson is now back from injury and will be better than before! the bad thing is that they loss Turkoglu, and the new players might not be able to fit into the coaches system. How long will it take these players to get used to each other to play well? Time will tell.

Other teams - Lakers, they've lost Ariza, but got Artest instead. Big improvement in terms of more offence, tougher defence and attitude. This can help Lakers easily decide to sign and trade, or just release Lamar Odom, because he will be overlapping Artest's position.

Caveliers - They've got Shaq, Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, but lost Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. I think that they have only improved in their intimidation on opponents, otherwise, not much improvement in terms of defence, offence has improved a little bit, but game pace and speed will decrease with Shaq jogging across the court.

Spurs - Richard Jefferson, Antonio Mcdyss and Theo Ratliff. If the team is healthy, these signings will be enough to make them contenders for Champs this season. They've also gotten rid of some old players such as Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas. I think they can go far this year, but can they get past the Lakers? We'll see.

Finally, my personal choice of the next champs, Boston Celtics. I think that this team will be able to accelerate pass their competition because of the newly added Rasheed Wallace. He will be able to help improve on offence, spread the floor, help out in rebounding and defence for the starters. In terms of the 2nd unit, now that they moved Kendriks Perkins to the bench, he will team up with Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Tony Allen and Eddie House, a great 2nd unit team coming into the game and trying to increase or maintain their lead. I think that they will have a large chance in winning this year!

I highly doubt.. It's either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Boston Celtics this time, will dethrone them out.. Cavs got Shaq to contain Howard, Celtics will have a healthy Kevin Garnett and the Orlando Magic was crazy on sending out Hedo Turkoglu.. Magic out of the 2nd Round on the next post season..

Heck no!

I would like to see the NBA alike you.I think when i saw the news from TV, it looked alot of funny really.

Health is the key really. They have something most NBA don't and that's a dominate big man. Combine that with high percentage shooting and spread out scoring amongst others and sure they have just as good a chance as any. Jameer being healthy will help, I'm sorry but having Vince Carter will not. He's no Hedo Turkoglu and you'll find that out QUICKLY. Vince is a spectacular player but he's over-glorified simply by his athleticism. He can't shoot and doesn't really get teammates involved, something Turkoglu did very well. Lewis is an outstanding player hopefully having Carter out there won't hinder him and his production.

I think adding Vince Carter to replace Turkoglu was a step sideways at best. I don't think the changes made here are going to get them past Boston. Granted with injuries and all you never know. The sleeper in the east is Toronto. They are a lot better than they showed this past season. I don't think they are championship material at this point but anyone taking them for granted could be in for a rude awakening.

i think they have the ability to do it again but dwight needs to develop more low post moves so he can score me. his moves on the low post are suffering. if he can do this along with his great rebound and leaping ability i think we will see him getting to the finals many time throughout his career just like shaq did. the cavs will no doubt be harder next season for the magic to beat in the playoffs because they will be more hungry along with shaq at the center if dwight faces him in next years playoffs. vince carter is still a good player but his best days are behind him because his legs are gone as far as his vertical is concerned. if dwight can find more ways to score better i feel sorry for the other teams that have to face him. patrick ewing who is an assitant coach for the magic was great with low post moves and had one of the greatest fade away jumpers on all time among centers and i'm sure hes trying to help howard become a better scorer in the post.

I think Vince Carter strength Magic.The turkey gun is important.But magic did lots of trans and contract in this summer.