By Edo van Beek

Remember when the Orlando Magic played in the NBA finals against the Rockets? The Magic were swept, but the future looked very bright, with Shaquille O'Neal's game rapidly developing, and Penny Hardaway playing like the next Magic Johnson. 

The following season was very dissapointing, as the Magic were thrown out by Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls - the team that would rally on to win the championship. Shortly later, the Magic had to let go of Shaq. And things became worse. Last season they had to let go Hardaway too, and everybody thought they would become the next Warriors, or at best, the Nets. After missing the playoffs last year, and without star players on the team, they managed to play a decent season this year. Doc Rivers was named coach of the year and former sixth man of the year Darrell Armstrong played consistently well at the point guard position. 

Suddenly this bunch of non-stars appear to be the team of the future. They've got enough space under the salary cap to get a top free agent like Tim Duncan or Grant Hill. And even if it's unlikely that these two players will change teams in the off-season, Orlando should still be able to get a decent future star like Tracy McGrady. There's even more to come: three first round picks (5, 8, and 13, I believe) will join the Magic this summer. Together with players like Armstrong, Ron Mercer and young players like Corey Maggette and Michael Doleac, this team looks ready to take over the league in the next couple of years. 

Imagine if they get Tim Duncan and/or Grant Hill!!! 
 

- Edo van Beek, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia 
 

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