NBA: Orlando Magic Have Lost the Magic They Sought in Hill

By Brandon Engebretson Sports Central Columnist

The Orlando Magic have officially lost their magic and all hopes for the season on January 3rd. Grant Hill had his season-ending surgery and now this Orlando team is doomed for less than the .500 record they received last year.

Sure, Doc Rivers did something incredible with almost nothing last year, just barely missing the playoffs. Maybe he can do better this year, because of the great Tracy McGrady, who is the only name worth mentioning right now on this team, but don't bet on it - those key role players that helped for that run towards the playoffs are gone now. Gone in those sign-and-trade deals for McGrady and the now-injured Hill.

Besides, now with Hill out, who are the Magic going to go to when McGrady is being double-teamed? With no real inside presence, you can't go in the paint. How about to new starting small forward Mike Miller? Probably not right now with the still-green rookie.

Where exactly would these Magic be with Hill? Probably in the playoff hunt. Even a good shot at the top of this weakened Eastern conference. But, still with no inside game, they would stand a chance going deep in the playoffs.

Maybe this will all be good in the long run for the Magic, though. Maybe this is giving McGrady the experience he needs to be a leader of a team, even though he is only 21-years-old. That's what's expected out of a superstar in the NBA, no matter how old. Maybe Hill will come back stronger than he has in years and lead them into the playoffs. And, maybe, just maybe, they'll have a lottery pick and get somebody with some inside game so they can go far in the playoffs. But, that's a lot of maybes, and right now, what this team needs are some answers.

Article courtesy of Sports Central