He served an apprenticeship during his first two NBA seasons with the Detroit Pistons, who picked him late in the first round (No. 27) of the 2007 NBA Draft. He then gradually played a bigger role with another veteran-laden team in Denver, especially after Carmelo Anthony exited.

“Change always brings mystery, always brings doubt …. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said, adding, “The idea is about competitiveness.

“It’s refreshing. It’s the opportunity that a lot of people don’t get when it comes to growing in this league. Your career is short, and to have this opportunity to continue to grow is great.”

(Arron) Afflalo, 6-foot-5, will be competing for the shooting-guard spot with veteran J.J. Redick, the back-up to starter Jason Richardson last season. The Magic dealt Richardson to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Howard trade.

via Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel