Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu have powered the Magic to a sizzling start. AP

MAILBAG Marty Burns will periodically answer questions from SI.com users in his mailbag. Your name: Your e-mail address: Your home town: Enter your question:

The Magic have the second-best record in the East, behind only the Celtics (whom they defeated in their only meeting). Their only losses this season have come to the Suns, Spurs and Pistons. They are an NBA-best 11-2 on the road. Dwight Howard is playing like an MVP candidate. So why don't the Magic get the same respect as Boston or Detroit or Cleveland as a team that could contend for the East title this season?
-- Polly R., Jacksonville, Fla.

Let's hold off on anointing the Magic a real contender just yet. Last year they started out in similar fashion (13-4) only to plummet like a Disney World roller coaster. Their backcourt is still young and turnover-prone. Still, one has to be impressed with the way new coach Stan Van Gundy has them playing together and believing. Howard has been a beast (even if he does need to work on his foul shooting), Rashard Lewis is earning his huge contract and Hedo Turkoglu has become a legit third weapon. They definitely look like a team on the rise. But until they show they can win in the playoffs, there are going to be doubters.

What is Jason Kidd up to in New Jersey? Is he trying to force a trade? Do you see the Nets accommodating him? And will his "strike" affect his reputation and maybe his Hall of Fame nomination?
-- D. Chan, New York

Kidd sure sounds like a guy who wants out (though he insists he was sick -- and not on strike -- when he sat out that game against the Knicks). I think there is a good chance the Nets accommodate him, probably before the trade deadline. The Cavs and Lakers would figure to be among the most interested teams. As for his "rep" -- and his Hall of Fame chances -- this latest episode won't have any long-term effect. Kidd is too great a player and he's savvy enough to smooth over any bad press he might get over contract or trade demands.

I think Scott Skiles has run his course in Chicago. There was even a story that the Bulls have tuned him out. Is there any chance he could get fired?
-- Brian McMahon, Chicago

I doubt the Bulls would make a coaching change right now. For one, they are notoriously slow starters so it's no time to panic. Second, there is no real evidence that Skiles has lost his locker room. There might be a few Bulls players who don't agree with everything he does, but more likely these reports are a case of media speculation. Skiles' reputation as a tough taskmaster has followed him from his days in Phoenix.

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