Grab A Handle... and hang on

The photos were snapped, public service announcements recorded, interviews taped and players met together for officially the first time yesterday at the RDV Sportsplex. It is cold outside for the first time all fall and that means it is finally basketball season.

In the words of the Joker, "Here... we... go."

This is arguably the most anticipated season of Magic basketball in the franchise's 21-year history. Owner Rich DeVos dipped into the before unimagined luxury tax realm to try to ensure his team brings home its first championship. Buoyed by last year's trip to the NBA Finals, the once lofty dreams of lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy have become the only acceptable outcome for the 2009-10 season.

Once again, "Here... we... go."

To continue my somewhat silly superhero movie references -- notice how I have not mentioned Dwight Howard yet (damn) -- with great expectations, comes great responsibility.

And that is why the new catch-word for the team struck a chord with me.

"Grab a Handle"

Like Boston's "Ubuntu" or Los Angeles' "Kobe" (just kidding on that last one), there is a sense of togetherness that comes from this phrase. The sense that through the work of the team, everyone can succeed. It is the type of mentality that every team always credits with inspiring them to a title that season.

Will this one work? Only time will tell.

But Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith, I think have caught on to the right idea.

It is no secret this is one of the deepest and star-studded teams in the league now. There are four potential All Stars in the starting lineup, something that has not been seen since the 2006 Pistons. I do not expect all four of these guys to make a return trip to the big game in Dallas, but to see three again would not be surprising.

But individual accolades are meaningless to a team that has championship aspirations. It would be nice to get the same type of recognition that Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and Howard got last year, but that is not what is important.

What is important is Grabbing a Handle.

Think about it. In order to power a canoe or row boat (that is not made for an individual, at least) it takes the concerted effort of all the rowers working together to prople the craft through the water. Why do you think crew is so hard?

The same atmosphere and comraderie has to pervade the Magic locker room. The team, at least in its words to the press, is not satisfied with its runner-up finish last year.

So how will Vince Carter fit into the system? Will he be the star Stan Van Gundy hopes he can be, or will he be the ball hog all of Carter's detractors (myself included) fear he could be.

Will Dwight Howard try to put too much on his shoulders? Will Jameer Nelson put too much on his shoulders? What will the affect of the Rashard Lewis suspension be? Can Orlando win with a conventional playing lineup? Will the team keep the resiliency that has become the team's trademark under Stan Van Gundy?

Who knows what the answers to these questions will be.

I know they will all be answered in a positive manner for the Magic if each player "Grabs a Handle."