While few expected the Orlando Magic to blow by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, there is very little doubt about their role in 2009-10. During the off-season few teams were willing to make any major payroll commitments, either because of the bad economic climate or the much anticipated 2010 free agent class. Unlike said tendency, Orlando’s General Manager Otis opted to improve his team at any cost and clearly showed that the Magic are planning to make a championship run this year.

Firstly, Orlando managed to acquire former All-Star Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for promising rookie Courtney Lee, veteran point guard Rafer Alston and Tony Battie. During his eleven years in the NBA, 8-time All-Star Carter managed to put up an extraordinary 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Only one week later, the Magic signed free agent Brandon Bass to a 4-year deal worth approximately $18 million. While Bass averaged 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks, he should be able to significantly boost his stats in Orlando as a starter. Given the fact that Bass is expected to start at the power forward position, coach Stan van Gundy will be able to move Rashard Lewis back to his natural role as a small forward. Similarly, the Magic decided to resign backup center Marcin Gortat who will stay in Florida for another few years.

Even though the Magic lost clutch big man Hedo Turkoglu to the Toronto Raptors in free agency, their new starting five should make them even more dangerous than last year. After all, the Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals without All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson. With Nelson back on board and Carter in the mix, the Magic will be a very difficult team to face for anyone in the league. Relying to a large extent on their excellent shooting from beyond the arc, Orlando’s shooters will get even more open looks in 2009-10. Vince Carter and Dwight Howard are both very capable of drawing double teams before kicking the ball out to the perimeter. Likewise, GM Otis also signed Matt Barnes who will provide solid defense in the paint and will occasionally knock down shots from three-point range. Taking everything into consideration, the Magic undoubtedly turned into championship contenders and will be a very tough team to beat down the stretch.

You can watch all games of the Orlando Magic right here on www.watchlivenba.com, the home of live NBA streaming.