Jodie Meeks ready for fresh start in Orlando

In today's NBA, you can't have too much shooting.

After being middle of the pack last year shooting the ball, the Orlando Magic went out and addressed their need for more shooting, acquiring sharpshooter Jodie Meeks from the Detroit Pistons for a conditional second round pick.

Meeks, 28, played in just 63 of a possible 168 games the last two seasons, including just three this past season due to a broke foot. Despite that, the former Kentucky Wildcat said he's ready to get back to work, continuing to work his way back into shape every day.

"The foot's fine," said Meeks when introduced in Orlando on Saturday. "I got cleared in March to start practicing and playing, so, as I was saying, I’ve just been getting in shape the past three or four months. I have half the summer left to continue to do that. I’ll be ready by training camp."

A 37 percent career three-point shooter, Meeks fell out of favor in Detroit, due in large part to his foot injury suffered early in the season. After not playing once cleared, Meeks approached the Pistons about moving him, and giving him a fresh start.

Orlando came calling, and gave Meeks, a player they had interest in two summers ago before he ultimately signed with the Pistons, that fresh start.

Needless to say, Meeks is excited about his opportunity to play in Orlando for a team that had serious interest in him, and the place of one of his best performances of his career. "I’m very excited," said the seven year veteran. "It’s a fresh start, so to say. New coaching staff, new teammates. I’m happy to be here and ready to get started."

Aside from his three-point shooting, Meeks is a guy who brings needed depth to the Magic's backcourt, as well as veteran leadership. Well, traveled, Meeks has played for four teams in his seven seasons, and been in almost every imaginable situation from playing for a team shooting for the playoffs, or a team near the bottom of the league.

"I’m moreso leading by example," Meeks claimed. "As I’m getting older I’m learning how to lead by my voice also. It’s not going to be an overnight process. There’s going to be some growing pains obviously with a young team, but I’m looking forward to it."

While not a big name, Meeks fill multiple needs for the Magic, and gives them versatility within the backcourt. With Meeks, C.J. Watson, Mario Hezonja and, reportedly, D.J. Augustin off the bench, the Magic will be able to mix and match to find a lineup that can compliment their starters.

At the end of the day, Meeks is an extremely low risk move for the Magic, that can fill in multiple roles. He's going to give them much needed shooting, as well as bring them a bump in veteran leadership.

It's a fresh start for Meeks, and one that can hopefully prove to work out well for the Magic.