By Chris Cuff, a.k.a. cuffwerks

The Orlando Magic are trying to get into the biggest party in basketball, the NBA Finals and hopefully a championship. They’ve made it to the door a few times by making it into the first round of the playoffs, but have been knocked off time and time again. It’s frustrating; ask Kevin Garnett and the Timberwolves.

As the Magic try to keep their salary total low, they have taken small moves to improve some of their team’s weaknesses, namely at the point guard, power forward, and center positions. The Magic want to take some of the burden off of starting point guard Darryl Armstrong, who averaged 33 minutes per game, way too many for the 34 year old energetic point guard.

A few questions needed to be answered before moves could be made: whether aging big men Horace Grant (37) and Patrick Ewing (39) were going to return, and what Grant Hill's health status was.

Horace Grant is apparently leaning towards returning this season, although he wishes to play at his natural position, power forward, and not repeat last season where he spent a large amount of time being pounded as a center. We’re also hearing that Ewing is leaning towards retirement. Rumors have been floating around that he had inquired about an assistant coaching position with the New York Knicks. We hear his AARP card is in the mail.

Grant Hill’s diagnosis is good. Doctors have deemed him healed, thought the Magic, recalling the last few years, are exercising extreme caution with him. Hill has been limited to doing light basketball drills this off-season by the team.

The Magic have made a few moves towards addressing their weaknesses. They signed free agent Jacque Vaughn, who has limited scoring ability but is a solid floor general. With Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, and Mike Miller on your squad, scoring from the point guard position is not needed.

The Magic grabbed the rights to forward Ryan Humphrey, and center Mario Kasun in the NBA draft. Even though Humphrey was less than impressive in the summer leagues, they plan to sign him to a minimal contract. Kasun is signed to play in Germany this year, but the Magic are leaning towards working out his deal to get him in Orlando this season. Kusan has been impressive in the summer leagues.

Nigerian power forward Olumide Oyedeji (uust call him The Big O) was signed for the season. Magic General Manager John Gabriel and Coach Doc Rivers were impressed with his athleticism in the summer leagues and hope he will develop into an intimidating force inside.

The Magic have the temporary pieces in place for a fairly successful season. Many think it’s wishful thinking that they will make the finals, but if all the pieces fall in place, especially Grant Hill’s health, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the east.