Changes, again...

Well, when I last posted, I blatantly stated that Rashard Lewis and his ridiculous game and contract were untradeable. Boy, was I incorrect. I don't think the trades by Otis Smith really changed the outcome for the Magic this season. They weren't better than the Celtics, Heat, or Bulls when they made the trades; they're not now. But I do believe that the trades impact the team significantly moving forward. If the Magic had taken their second round whipping at the hands of any of the three teams listed above, I would have been comforted by the fact that Vince Carter's contract is up this summer, and the possibilities that would have coincided with that reality. Regrettably, we have neither Carter's contract (17 million dollars) coming off the books, nor do we have Lewis's contract coming off the books in 2013. Instead, we have a not-the-guy-of-2009 version of Turkoglu and a guy in Arenas whose contract lasts until 2014, one more lovely year of misery tacked onto the bad situation that was already present with Rashard as our overpaid star. One thing you can say about Lewis is his health has been fairly good throughout his career. Now, I've only seen Arenas play a few games since becoming a member of the Magic, but his career (or at least the part when he was even remotely effective) is over. Arenas cannot, (no, not the problem with so many young players in today's game who can, but simply will not), but cannot play defense. His bum knee won't allow it. In watching him try to defend opposing point guards, these players have literally waltzed to the hoop past the incapacitated Arenas. And his 34% field goal percentage, or whatever the pathetically low number is precisely, doesn't help matters either. You would think a guy that was as skilled as Arenas would still be fairly serviceable, despite his physical limitations, on the offensive end. But Arenas has been an exceptionally poor fit for the Magic. The only player I really trust among the group of those brought in through trade is Jason Richardson. The one who still retains a little athleticism and enough game to make other teams at least think of him as potentially threatening. The other players aren't exactly the world's best fits, and Gortat's departure leaves the team desperately thin concerning front court depth (remember when Ryan Anderson started the other night for a suspended Howard?). Suffice it to say, this Magic fan is simply hoping to stay in the four spot and for Atlanta to stay in the five spot, so there is at least the possibility the Magic can get to the second round. That would be a successful season at this point. I don't think any Magic fan, unless biased to the point of being oblivious, could reasonably expect any more than this. Hey, I said I was devoted. I didn't say I was unrealistic...

Well, it's been a while...

Well, I guess when I gave my blog a title that included the word "devotion" I really didn't envision myself failing so miserably in living up to such a standard. Student teaching really made the act of blogging difficult. In fact, between that and my part time job last semester, I barely had time to breathe! I guess in looking back at last season's finish, though I was certainly disappointed, I can't say I was at all surprised. The Magic lost to a Celtics team that had more size, more versatility, more poise, and more experience. I was a little surprised at the way it was happening though through the first three games. I will openly admit I didn't see the Magic dropping the first two at home and then getting shellacked in game three in Boston. But, oh well. Right? The problem now is the fact that not only are the Heat looking just as impressive these days as all of the off-season hype suggested they would, but the Bulls and even the Knicks (yes, not a typo, the KNICKS!) are looking better than the Magic these days. I really don't have much in the way of expectations for the Magic this season--maybe a second round birth? That in no way changes my status as devoted fan (I would root for the Magic if they were as destitute a franchise as the Clippers; no offense, Clipper Nation), but it is disappointing considering their appearance in the 2009 finals and their seeming legitimate opportunity at a championship last season, particularly with home court advantage not only in their matchup against the Celtics, but had they advanced to the finals, against the 2010 version of the Lakers as well. I think the problem lies in our overpaid "stars" Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter, particularly the former. While Carter is not what he used to be, he can still create off the dribble, finish at the rim at least at times, and has that wonderfully agreeable contract that labels his 17 million dollars due next year as a team option (Lord, let Otis Smith do the right thing...). I wouldn't even have a problem with Carter resigning for a couple of years at a considerably lower price tag (maybe 7 million per?), but Rashard Lewis' contract is sooo bloated and sooo long, there is no possibility that we could ever trade him and there is no way (unless he makes the most miraculous strides as a player in the shortest amount of time in the history of the game) he will ever come anywhere near worth the money he's receiving. Rashard Lewis is a glorified stand-still three point shooter. What else does he do? I think his defense is decent, and I suppose he can shoot off of one bounce, but really, what else does he bring to the table? He has never rebounded, particularly for a guy his size. He doesn't handle the basketball overly well, and he certainly doesn't get to the basket and finish. He doesn't possess a better-than-average post game. He isn't a great passer or creator by any stretch of the imagination. So tell me, what is it that made the Magic decide to pay him 17 million per for however many seasons (I can't remember if it was six or seven)? I am not even questioning that his presence has helped the Magic get to the finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference Finals last season; I know it has. However, I am positive that the money spent on Lewis could be spent far better on even two players for 8 and 9 million dollars per respectively. I mean, I would be tempted to take a guy like Wesley Matthews (making 7 million this season) for Rashard Lewis straight across. Matthews isn't quite the shooter, but I think he's a better individual defender, and unlike Lewis (Mr. Stagnant, as I've affectionately decided to name him) he's actually improving! Anyway, there is my Rashard Lewis rant my adoring fans. I hope you enjoyed...ugh...this offseason, I was really hoping that Chris Paul might end up in an Orlando Magic uniform. I began to realize very quickly however, with the way the Hornets started the season, that such a gift wasn't likely coming our way. The Magic need to make some changes. We need a legitimate four to play alongside Howard. I think Brandon Bass is doing a good job of filling in as that, and I hope he continues to start, but lets be honest, he would probably be better served coming off the bench. Anyway, I will be waiting and watching. I look forward to the Magic's matchup with the Celtics on Christmas Day. That will be an important test, as they say. One which, basketball Gods willing, they won't miserably fail...

Blazer and Jazz wins; Nelson returns

Well, I tivoed the game against Portland Saturday night and watched it late Sunday evening. I admit, it was nice to see the Magic win a grind out game against a solid western conference foe. Roy was great for the Blazers as always; it is amazing how polished his footwork is; he isn't the league's best athlete but he manages to create daylight, however slight, to get off his shot. The Magic were solid defensively all game, particularly in the fourth quarter when they took control of the game. It was puzzling to see Anthony Johnson post up on consecutive possessions at one point in the game, but it ended up working out so I held my tongue and abated the diatribe I had ready for my innocent TV.
The Jazz game was one I didn't get to see, but it looks as though JJ Redick was a big part of why we pulled it out. I admit, when we drafted JJ I was somewhat disappointed; a feeling that remained with me through his first couple of seasons as he rarely left the bench (I had actually wanted us to draft Utah's Ronnie Brewer coincidentally, who has turned out to be a pretty decent ballplayer in his own right). But he has come a long way. You can tell that he has put himself in a position to compete physically in the NBA; something that was lacking when he first came into the league despite his great shooting touch.
And what can we say about Jameer Nelson? Welcome back dude! 0-6, great start! Ha, ha. Now that that first poor performance is out of his system I'm sure he'll get back to his normal high level of play very quickly. It was very exciting to see him (albeit it on a 2 minute video clip) back on the court. A backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter; Nelson and Carter; Carter and Nelson; sounds good either way doesn't it? If they can both stay healthy, the Magic have a very formidable starting backcourt, which every follower of the Magic already knows without me saying so; it just makes me feel good to write it:) It is nice to see the Magic back in second place in the standings, however narrowly above the Hawks and the Cavs. Just need to catch the Celtics, who are aging by the day(and whom we play on Christmas day coincidentally). It won't be long until Rasheed and Kevin and Ray need wheelchairs, or will at least need to be transferred to the NBA senior league that is in the works, I hear:) I have the utmost respect for the Celtics. I have the utmost respect for the Orlando Magic. Hopefully the two can tangle in May...

Win over Toronto; old ally; unexplainable thumping

Well, Wednesday night brought a Magic win against our old pal Hedo Turkoglu's Raptors; a team I believe will be very solid when Jose Calderon returns. I read about how Stan Van Gundy believed the fans booing of Turkoglu during the game was ridiculous and uncalled for, but the article also said that Magic fans gave him a standing ovation when starting lineups were announced. Honestly, considering how most fans jump on the opportunity to start booing old players as quickly as possible (ie, during the announcement of starting lineups) I don't think waiting for the game to start is too bad. I will concur with Stan though, in that Turkoglu did great things for the Magic and his not staying a member of the Magic really seemed to be Orlando management's decision; again, they seemed to more highly value Marcin Gortat. In watching the highlights and seeing the box score, Dwight Howard was clearly enjoying the act of blocking shots, as evidenced by his NBALive-like stat of eight! The one he threw back in Jarret Jack's face was pretty sweet, haha; poor fool. All and all it seemed to be a good win, something I can't say of the next night...
What to say about the Heat game? Well, I was at work and didn't get to watch it on TNT, which was probably for the best; just seeing the highlights left me wanting to stuff myself with something absurdly sweet and fattening until the pain went away--I tried a gargantuan piece of pumpkin pie. It helped, but only to a degree. I honestly can't fathom what could have happened that Orlando was down 29 at the end of the third quarter; making the ultimate result seem pretty friendly really when put in this context. Dwyane Wade is phenomenal (those rumors he'd like to play in Orlando with Dwight a while back were certainly intriguing); Beasley is a talented young player, O'neal still seems to have some juice, despite his constant knee troubles; Richardson, Haslem, Chalmers, Cook, give the team some decent overall talent, but really, an 18 point loss at their hands? Really? I had hoped the Magic were at a point in their development that they would never get blown out by a mediocre team; I guess I still have a little waiting to do.
I also saw a post on ESPN that Stan Van Gundy expects Jameer Nelson back pretty quickly. Although that would be cool, I just hope they don't rush him. Excluding last night's debacle, I think the Magic have been pretty solid with Jayson Williams and Anthony Johnson splitting the point guard duties. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see Jameer back, but I just want him to be at full strength when he returns.
Checking the standings after the game last night was interesting; not solidly in second place for the first time in a while. Cleveland's been very solid since their 0-2 start, and Atlanta has played very well all season as well. And then Boston, ugh, when are those guys gonna lose again?
It is clear, even in this early part of the season, the Magic will have home court advantage in the first round, but I would be much more comfortable, as a fan, if they went into the playoffs with home court advantage throughout the playoffs. And isn't the comfort of this, and all other Magic fans, what it's all about? :) Play better Magic...give us the comfort that is rightfully ours...

Hello, Welcome, Apologies, etc.

Hello fellow Magic fans! I've been wanting to begin a blog dedicated to this wonderful NBA team for a while now, so you may be wondering why it's coming 24 games into the season; wondering how a blogger professing to be so "passionate[ly] devoted" to this team could be so late in beginning. Well, all I can say in my defense is it's been an extremely busy semester. Not so busy that I haven't been keeping updated however. I suppose my thoughts should begin in the past and lead up to the present time.
I became a Magic fan in 1994, when my antenna concerning the game of basketball had first risen and my love of the young duo of Shaq and Penny was almost palpable. I think it's safe to say that team would have won championships if Jordan's Bulls hadn't been around, Shaq hadn't left after the 1996 season, and Penny hadn't started his string of injuries around the turn of the century (yea, asking a bit much I guess, huh? But that's kind of how championship runs are for the teams that win them...everything lines up perfectly). Since Shaq's and Penny's departures I have suffered through seven long seasons (2000-07) of vastly unfulfilled promise; seven seasons that were supposed to be the McGrady-Hill era; the era that would make us Magic fans, still grieving about Shaq and Penny and what could have been, finally forget, or at least move past that era of shattered dreams. During these incredibly frustrating times, which piqued in 2004 with our otherworldly pathetic record, we managed to get the first pick in the NBA Draft and with it, a franchise savior. Dwight Howard, though still working on his offensive game (although I believe he's come a long way this season even compared to last) is a remarkable athlete with rebounding and shotblocking skills to truly envy. Since the time the Magic acquired Dwight in 2004, the Magic have been adding solid pieces to surround him--Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu (up through last season), and now Vince Carter, to name a few. This new team, like the old Magic teams in the mid-90's, is one that has an unwavering love for the three-ball, as the current Magic hoist them at a ridiculous rate. Whatever works though right?
Last season, the Magic had a lot working as they advanced all the way to the finals; a finals which should have been a lot more competitive than it was as the Magic blew (Nick Anderson 2) game four in a scenario that left me angry and on the verge of tears. But in the end, the Lakers were a better team, but I don't believe by as much as the 4-1 series spread might indicate. It was certainly interesting to see all of the off-season moves by a team that had just made it to the finals. I admit, when we first got Vince Carter, I was ecstatic, as I thought, however small the possibility, we would be able to keep Turkloglu as well. When I went back and checked out the salaries, it seemed that letting Turkoglu go was inevitable, but when Turkoglu went on to a 10 million/year contract, and we ended up signing Marcin Gortat for 7 million/year, my attitude shifted from one of "that's just my team working within the salary cap and trying to avoid the luxury tax" acceptance, to slightly bitter frustration. Marcin Gortat is a decent backup center, and Brandon Bass, who is making 4 million/year, and Matt Barnes (who I'm guessing makes roughly the same) are good basketball players in their own right. But if you were the general manager of the Magic and had the opportunity to keep either Matt Barnes or Brandon Bass, and let the other, along with Gortat walk so you could keep Turkoglu, wouldn't you do it? I know I would. I understand the argument that having Marcin Gortat (a true big man) makes us more balanced, and the idea that he is nice insurance should Dwight ever be out during the regular season for an extended period of time. However, I believe keeping Turkoglu and acquiring a drifting big man for cheap would have been wiser. I believe you can find Marcin Gortat's all over, certainly at 7 million/year, but Turkoglu's (guys who can play the 1-4 positions essentially, handle the ball, create for teammates, take and make the difficult shots at the end of games) are much more difficult to come by. Anyway, that is neither here nor there at the present time; the team is what it is, and they are doing very well thus far.
I suppose my biggest gripe would be over the loss to the Pistons; what is it about that team that is so difficult for us to overcome? I know they used to be (quite recently actually) a really good team, but that is simply not the case these days. So why we lose to them, with Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince out no less, is beyond me. Oh, I guess the loss of Jameer Nelson was pretty disappointing at the time too, however, it has given Jayson Williams the opportunity to prove, again, what he is capable of doing, particularly with the amount of talent surrounding him on this team. My biggest concern with Jameer is that his knee is not going to be in a state where it will hold up throughout the remainder of the season when he does return. He seems to be falling into that vicious spiral that so many players have gone through with knee problems. I hope he does a 180 and proves me wrong.
That's all for now my fellow Magic fans. I will be writing again soon.