Magic Notes

Daytona Beach News-Journal Online -- Sports: "MAGIC NOTES

On Pat Garrity:

Garrity, who turns 30 on Aug. 23 and is entering the final year of his contract, hasn't ruled out the chances of being traded before the start of what would be his eighth season with Orlando.

On Dwight Howard:·

Howard plans to stay away from playing ball the next six weeks. But he intends to make time before and after his commitments to USA Basketball this summer for getting to know his teammates better so he can assume more of a leadership role for 2006-07.

The Magic thought highly enough to draft me as an 18-year-old out of high school," he said. "So I think they've put me in a position to where I have to lead."

On Trevor Ariza:

Ariza averaged 4.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 21 games after coming over from New York in the trade that sent Steve Francis to the Knicks. Magic assistant GM Otis Smith has made it no secret that he wants to re-sign Ariza, who becomes a restricted free agent July 1. He's a special player," he said. "If he learns how to shoot the 15-, 17-foot jump shot consistently, you're going to be saying 'wow' about him, too.

BY THE NUMBERS

26-15

The Magic's record at home, which was better than that of Chicago (21-20) and Milwaukee (25-16), both of whom finished ahead of them in the Eastern Conference.

10-31

The Magic's record on the road, matching the mark of two years ago during their 61-loss season. Only Charlotte, Minnesota, Atlanta, New York and Portland had worse records away from home.

49.8

The Magic's field-goal percentage in their 31 games after the all-star break. The top percentage for a team for the entire season was Phoenix (47.9).