There is probably to be a settling in phase in integrating 4 new players into the Magic's offensive program following Saturday's face-lift.
Stan Van Gundy needs his new players to be prepared to be defenders, and he's able to live with that as long as the defensive needs are met.
Bad defending has been Van Gundy's main worry within the Orlando's 6 defeats within 7 matchups, a skid they will hope to begin figuring out 999 Monday evening when they take a trip to the Philips Arena vs. the Hawks.
the Magic (16 - 10) had been feeling positive about themselves during their 15 - 4 beginning, when they had been permitting an League - low 91.1 ppg & appearing like the class of the Eastern Conference alongside the the Celtics.
2 weeks later, they are not the finest squad within the Southeast Division. As the Heat has jumped into 1st place with their 12 game winning stretch, Orlando have dropped into a skid.
5 defeats within 6 contests led GM Otis Smith to make some huge adjustments Saturday. the Magic dispatched Rashard Lewis to the Wizards for the high scoring but troubled Gilbert Arenas in an trade of undesirable contracts, then sent Marcin Gortat, Vince Carter & Mickael Pietrus to the Suns for Hedo Turkoglu, who assisted lead Orlando to the 2009 NBA finals. & Jason Richardson.
Orlando additionally provided Phoenix their 2011 1st round draft pick & some money & got forward Earl Clark.
The trade left the Magic significantly shorthanded for Saturday's trip from Philadelphia, however having just 8 players was not an excuse Van Gundy had been interested in utilizing. The Magic allowed 57 2nd half points during a 97 - 89 defeat that left their coach beside himself.
the Magic have given up an average of 52.6 2nd half points during their last 5 contests. Overall, their permitting 97.6 within the 1 - 6 run.
Arenas, Richardson & Turkoglu are not specifically recognized for their effort on defense however in spite of Van Gundy's worries at that end of the court, the Magic have to have a increase on the attack as well. they have averaged 89.1 points during the past 7, 10.2 less than it was putting in within the 15 - 4 beginning.
A tough shooting evening was the dilemma December 6th versus Atlanta (17 - 12). Orlando threw in 37.8 % during a 80 - 74 home court defeat, just their 2nd loss against the Hawks during the previous 9 regular season matchups.
Atlanta have to be pleased They will be on their home floor. They have put in 86.0 points while losing their previous 4 away from home, & put in just 52 points during the last 3 quarters of Sunday's 89 - 82 defeat at the Nets.
On their home court, the Hawks have picked up 6 consecutive by 10.3 ppg.
The Magic have to hope Arenas starts sinking attempts he usually knocks down. The 3 time All Star is throwing in only 39.4 %, however he is hoping a change of scenery will help.