Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel reports: There is a reason so many of the preseason publications devoted to the NBA turned their focus in the Eastern Conference to the Orlando Magic, thinking they can leapfrog past Miami, New York and Philadelphia.

The name recognition is unmatched, and -- on paper -- the roster looks like the strongest in Orlando since Shaquille O'Neal left town.

The trick will be turning hype into reality when training camp opens Tuesday at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

"We have the potential to be a great team," Armstrong said. "I don't think anyone can question that. But that means nothing. Look at Portland last year. Looking good on paper doesn't win games. You can scare the bad teams away, but the good teams, you better be ready to play."

Also, The Magic are expected to add center/forward Todd Fuller to their roster today.

Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel reports: Center Rony Seikaly, who averaged 17.3 points and 9.5 rebounds in Orlando during the 1996-97 season, worked out with Magic players Thursday, hoping for an invitation to training camp next week.

"It would be great to come back here and play again. I'd love it," he said after the workout at the RDV Sportsplex. "But it's not really up to me. I have no doubt I can still play in this league. That spin move of mine is still there."

The Magic already have 15 players with guaranteed money, but they are looking to add at least one more player to the training camp roster before they open Tuesday at the University of South Florida.

Magic GM John Gabriel said Seikaly came to Orlando on his own, but Gabriel left open the possibility of signing him. "Our numbers are tight. There's not much room for anyone, but Rony probably could still help us," Gabriel said. "And I know he likes it here."

The Magic also are looking at center/forward Todd Fuller, who is more likely to be signed than Seikaly. Fuller, 27, played 10 games last season with the Heat. He was a first-round pick by Golden State in 1996.

Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel reports: The Orlando Magic sold more than 100 of their 10-game ticket packages and another 20 season tickets Wednesday, mostly to fans who wanted to secure their seats to see Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards.

Washington plays in Orlando on Dec. 21 and March 8, but single-game ticket sales won't begin until Oct.6. The number available for the Wizards will be determined by how many season tickets, half-season tickets and 10-game packages are sold before then.

"Our phones have been ringing non-stop since 8 a.m.," said Chris D'Orso, the Magic marketing and ticket director. "It was a big day for us, and it probably was for everyone around the league. For us, it was best single day since we signed Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady last summer."

Mark Schlueb and Scott Maxwell of the Orlando Sentinel report: The Orlando Magic abruptly shelved plans to renovate the TD Waterhouse Centre, saying Thursday night that Central Florida's faltering economy had scuttled the $75 million project.

Magic executives, who had already seen their dreams for a new, $250 million basketball arena pared back to a renovation of the existing field house, said last week's terrorist attacks put their controversial plans in a new perspective.

"This just isn't the time," said Cari Coats, the team's vice president.