SLAM DUNKS: The Magic were a "slam dunk" at the end of the season, winning 12 of their final 15 games, while also finishing 12-1 at TD Waterhouse Centre. Orlando's late push was so remarkable that it almost landed the club in the playoffs. ... F Dwight Howard (15.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg) and G Jameer Nelson (14.6, 4.9 apg) took over as leaders once Steve Francis was traded and it was evident F Grant Hill (15.1) would miss a lot of time due to injury. Howard finished second in the NBA in rebounding and Nelson proved he could knock down shots in the closing moments. ... Acquired at the trading deadline, F Darko Milicic posted averages of 7.6 points and 2.1 blocks in 30 contests with Orlando, which went 17-13 with the erstwhile "bust."

AIRBALLS: Hill played in just 21 games due to a sports hernia injury last season. After playing in 67 contests during the 2004-05 campaign, Hill reminded all of his reputation as an injury-riddled player. ... Howard led the team with 217 turnovers, revealing his inability to recognize double-teams quickly and make the right pass out of them. ... Orlando went 10-31 on the road last season, including an abysmal stretch of 16 consecutive losses. GUESSWORK: There is an abundance of skepticism surrounding Redick. He missed the summer league due to a herniated disk in his back. His size of 6-4 at shooting guard in the NBA is a concern and so is the issue of being able to create his own shot at this level. The biggest issue is Redick's association with Duke, from where only a chosen few have panned out in the league.

THINKING CAP: The organization finally will be free of Hill's maximum deal after this season. Orlando is obligated to pay him nearly $17 million, but once that comes off the books, the team will be well under the salary cap and very flexible.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: G Jackie Manuel

THE COACH SAYS: "I think all these guys, because we finished on a successful note even though we missed the playoffs, got hope and said to themselves that they'd work harder in the offseason. That, combined with Jameer getting all the guys together (in Philly), showed real dedication. Plus getting everybody in here after Labor Day working on strength and conditioning has improved everybody's mind-set heading into the upcoming season."