Orlando isn't the team to beat in EC according to one poll

[humblebum]

The issue of Turk departing and Carter coming in isn't so much about which player is more effective but rather the overall style of play shift that will have to occur for the Magic to integrate Carter and Bass. In terms of talent, there's no question really that I'd take Carter and Bass over Turk and Lee, unless Lee is really able to elevate his game. But you're talking about a shift from two unorthodox Forwards who can play the perimeter game being above 6'10" to either playing even more perimeter oriented with Carter/Pietrus/Lewis or playing a more traditional lineup with Carter/Lewis/Bass. Now frankly, I think that both of those lineups, with Nelson and Howard as bookends, can play elite level basketball. But it's really going to be a serious transition and ultimately we'll just have to wait and see how it all comes together. As others have mentioned I think that there is some level of risk in terms of losing Turk's leadership (I always felt like he was the leader on the floor for the Magic) and replacing it with Carter's sometimes questionable competitive drive and attitude. Either way you slice it, I believe that the Magic will likely go as far as Howard is capable of taking them. If he's able to come in with a face up offensive game from 15 feet, Orlando will be really tough to beat.

[Hilltop]

The issue of Turk departing and Carter coming in isn't so much about which player is more effective but rather the overall style of play shift that will have to occur for the Magic to integrate Carter and Bass.

In terms of talent, there's no question really that I'd take Carter and Bass over Turk and Lee, unless Lee is really able to elevate his game. But you're talking about a shift from two unorthodox Forwards who can play the perimeter game being above 6'10" to either playing even more perimeter oriented with Carter/Pietrus/Lewis or playing a more traditional lineup with Carter/Lewis/Bass. Now frankly, I think that both of those lineups, with Nelson and Howard as bookends, can play elite level basketball. But it's really going to be a serious transition and ultimately we'll just have to wait and see how it all comes together.

As far as shifting towards a more 'traditional' lineup is concerned, I wouldn't be worried one bit. Majority of the teams in this league sport conventional lineups, your team included. Like I said, at the end of the day, no matter how 'unorthodox' or 'unique' Turkoglu is as a Forward, he is not the more more efficient player. No matter how you try to go around it, it comes back down to that. If all his so-called match-up 'nightmares' do not make him the more effective than the player who is replacing him (and they obviously do not), then all this talk is moot. It's all speculation or maybe even pessimism at best. Turkoglu is not leaving some sort of void, nor is Vince going to disrupt some sort of 'delicate balance'.

At this point, I'm more concerned about how it will all come together. Team chemistry will definitely be something to keep a close eye on. Then again, which among the Top 5 teams isn't going to do the same? With new players being assimilated in each of those teams, chemistry will be an issue for all.

You're right though, we'll just have to see how it all pans out. Barring any major injuries, or chemistry issues, I'd rank Boston #1. Of course, that's nothing set in stone. I could EASILY see either the Cavaliers, Magic, Lakers, or Spurs winning it all as well.

[Hilltop]

Turkoglu is a harder matchup because he really was two quick for our 4's and too big for our 3. Vince may be better for offense, but he can not guard Pierce. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great pickup, mostly because the Magic are getting an allstar who has something to prove coming from a bad team, but in terms of matchup concerns against the celtics, I'm not too worried.

That's how I feel... Orlando indirectly improved Boston's match-ups against them. If Toronto fails to qualify for the playoffs next season. Boston won't have to face Turkoglu. Not that you're ducking him, it's more about the mismatches he creates due to his versatility.

Mismatches that resulted in 17 points on a shade below 35% FG shooting? Not exactly something I'd be trying to 'duck'.