NBA Christmas Day Surprises

Randomly memories can flood one's mind and often I have memories of the 1990's when it comes to the NBA.  Images burned into my mind that will never leave me and eras that can never be replaced.  The Jordan era is missed dearly and it was a time when real basketball was played void of all the new rules, which made it all the more exciting when greats like Dikembe Mutombo would block a shot and wave the finger as to say not come in here with that weak shit or when Larry Johnson would slam home a thunderous dunk and release a primal scream afterwards and last but not least, the high flying dunks of the Reign Man Shawn Kemp leaving the defender helpless on the floor and looking up at the  then finger pointing Kemp.  A cliche as it is, those were the good ole days and I could always count on the local department stores having the latest highlights immortalized and available for sell in the form of memorable posters.  Those memories created much excitement and already this season the NBA has had its own memorable events.

We recently saw the Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the NBA Champion Miami Heat and also championship runner ups, the Oklahoma Thunder, which entered the game with a 12 game winning streak, lose to the Timberwolves as well.  Those victories for the Timberwolves illustrates how the NBA has been extremely unpredictable this season.  No one expected that the Los Angeles Lakers would be in the predicament that they are currently in and it's a surprise for everyone.  One burning question is how long will their inconsistent play last?  Is it possible that they'll endure this rollar coaster ride for the duration of the season?  I must say that after years of futility, the New York Knicks have the look of a championship contender and I've been impressed by what I've seen thus far.  The Knicks haven’t enjoyed much success since the Ewing era and it's a known fact that the city of New York has been awaiting this moment for many many years and now with the Brooklyn Nets in town, the Knicks have more motivation than ever to become relevant again.

It's funny that a team the likes of the Orlando Magic can somehow stay relevant when they were handicapped during the off season by losing their franchise player.  They're a team that's superstar-less but somehow they have competed night in and night out.  The competitive nature of the Magic is a good thing for the city of Orlando, because when you have a young and hungry team great things can occur.  Casual NBA fans don’t expect much from the team but if the Magic can stay competitive and hungry it would allow them to gain respect throughout the league and even if they miss the playoff it would allow them to gain an upper hand by way of the draft to continue to rebuild the franchise.

If the early part of this NBA season has been any indication on what's to come, the NBA will continue to continue to ride the wave of the resurgence its seen since 2010.  With the influx of new talent and the growth/ascension of various franchises, the NBA will waver in popularity no time soon and as always by season's end a new king will be crowned, a new champion will rise but will that champion rise from the east or from the west.........stay tuned!!!!!

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A New Regime: Orlando Magic

A New Day is upon Orlando Magic fans as ownership has hired Rob Hennigan as their new GM.  Rob is only 30 years old, making him the youngest GM in the NBA.  He forgoes his duties from Oklahoma City Thunder as Player Personnel and Operations Manager under GM Sam Presti. He started off as a Interim of the San Antonio Spurs in 2004 and was named Director of Basketball Operations in 2007.  His resume is quite impressive at his age, as Alex Martins pointed out in the Press Conference this past Thursday.  Listening to him speak, he’s saying all the right words and must have impressed the DeVos family enough to beat out Dennis Lindsey and Jeff Bower.  His statement ”Simply put, our goal is to build an elite basketball operation both on the court and off the court,’’ Hennigan said. ``If we can stay strategic and stay systematic the end goal is to be sustainable. We want to create something that has some longevity and continuity to it,” was heard loud and clear by Magic fans.  Here’s the path that is ahead of him.

1. The Draft:

The Magic possess the 19th and 49th picks of the NBA draft and this is Hennigan’s calling card, recent picks that he consulted with the Thunder choosing Ibaka, Westbrook(2008), Harden(2009), Aldrich(2010), and R. Jackson(2011) in past drafts. Mock drafts have Magic all over the place, going from Moe Harkless, Andrew Nicholson, Kendall Marshall, Jared Sullinger, Tony Wroten, Marquis Teague, and Quincy Miller to name a few. This was a weakness with the previous Basketball Operations staff, and there is plenty of talent available. Hennigan pointed out this is a vital way to build a team in his press conference.

2. Free Agency:

Jameer Nelson has a opt-out clause in his contract, and received an extension on his decision. As of right now, our remaining point guards are Chris Duhon and Ish Smith, so we must sign Nelson back or look to replace this position in the draft. The free agents, which include Lou Williams, Andre Miller and Steve Nash are available. The Most Improved Player Ryan Anderson is a restricted free agent and would be able to leave the team unless the price is right and Hennigan and staff are willing to match the offers that comes his way.


3. Dwight Howard: 


Browsing over some forums, Hennigan’s regime will be forever known as the person who kept Dwight Howard or traded Howard and started his own path. Either way, Magic fans label his episode “The Indecision” that includes the young star wavering back and forth with continuing his career in Orlando. Listening to the press conference, Martins is trying to avoid another episode, and will get a answer out of him if he wants to leave or not, and will turn to Hennigan to find the best package available if the superstar wants to leave Orlando, or sell him on his vision for the team, and make Howard realize that in 2013, Orlando will have cap room to get him some help.

Alex Martins is putting a lot of work on Hennigan’s plate, and he seems like a solid hire. This will take some time, and there will a lot of activity come draft night for all franchises.  Magic Nation shall see what the 30 year old has in stored for the Magic franchise, buckle up.

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Let's March Into April

This weekend ended with a bittersweet moment, seeing the Amway Arena get imploded and just to think all of the memories we had in that building, as a Magic fan, don’t forget Nick Anderson’s steal from the GOAT, 19 game losing streak, my favorite was when in attendance, the game winning dunk from Turkoglu to Howard over the Spurs, and of course clinching the Eastern Conference titles back in 1995, and 2009. But down the road is our new home, playground, and it’s the huge stopping block that could have been Kansas City Magic, it don’t even sound right. The Amway Center does a great job of highlighting the past in chronological order, so it’s like taking a stroll down memory lane.

The task at hand, ad mist the Dwight Drama, the New York media is ripping him a new one with signing his Early Termination Option to stay in Orlando till 2013, he made a decision with his heart, and he loves it here in Orlando, and wants to do something special here, the Management stressed that the team would be in a better position in 2013 with contracts coming off the books, and have trade bait with expiring contracts to acquire some help for Dwight. The first few games after the fiasco ended, we ended up winning big up New Jersey 91-81, the traveled down to South Beach, and went toe to toe with the Heat until they clicked on all cylinders in the fourth quarter. Chicago Bulls without Derrick Rose ended up embarrassing the Magic 59-85, the next few games got back on track to win against Phoenix 103-93, and Cleveland 93-80.  Orlando must focus, because they have 17 games left, including 4 back to backs, and seven home games left. As of now, The Magic are currently match up with the Hawks in the first round, they beat us twice with battling significant injuries and seem to remain a match up nightmare. Dwight stood with us because he believes we could make a title run, when the shots fall, the Magic are a tough team to beat, that we do know, but when the lid covers the basket, and if you stay home at the shooters, and play Dwight one-on-one, that becomes a problem, April is the home run stretch, so Magic fans, relax and enjoy the ride, because the playoffs are around the corner.

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Boston just has your number Orlando

Watching the game on Monday, seeing the Magic struggle against the full court press and while having Avery Bradley attached hip to hip with Jameer Nelson, the Orlando Magic lost 87-56.  The last time the Magic scored that low of a point total was in 1996, a season where Shaq departed to the Lakers, Penny Hardaway, Dennis Scott, and Nick Anderson with dealing with injuries and that team finished 57 points scored against the Cavs.  I was convinced that after the Magic showed resiliency with a win against the Pacers, an up and coming team, I thought we were ready for revenge against the Celtics.  Once I found out that the Celtics would be without Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and adding Jermaine O’Neal,I thought to myself  "this can’t happen twice right?"

The First Half was great besides Howard getting into foul trouble.  The ball movement was crisp, shots falling in, the Most Improved Candidate in Ryan Anderson came back to life in the game, we were up 27 going into halftime. A huge smile was on my face, and I thought that since they were missing players that they wouldn't have enough offense to get back into the game.  So, that light at the end of the tunnel, where Orlando can redeem themselves, ended up being a Train, painted with green and white colors.  It was unreal, 3 quick turnovers and they have a spark going on.  Bradley was not trapping but still applied some great half court defense and it looked like deja vu all over again.  E’Twuan Moore had a career night, making four vital three pointers and if you make it a ball game, put the ball in Pierce’s hand.  I was in a state of utter complete shock!

Boston made a 44-16 run. I didn't know what to say, I saw my team broken down twice this week and technical fouls were flying everywhere.  It was the first time I'd seen Ryan Anderson bark at a ref like he did tonight and Dwight Howard had a (+/-) minus 25.  I’m not going to let these two games define our season, because I know we have enough talent to make noise but if this roster goes forward with Dwight on it, this week proves why we need a scorer on the wing, one who can break down defenses, penetrate in the lane, collapse the defense, and create his own shot.  Boston since 2008 against the Magic, including playoffs are 14-12.  As an longtime NBA fan, there are certain teams that causes team problems, and it’s obvious in Orlando’s case, it’s Boston. I don’t think Boston will go to the playoffs and predict they will return to losing after being on cloud 9 about beating Orlando.  If they do however make the playoffs, they better pray that they play the Magic because they own us.  The Magic's next game is in New Orleans, on to the next one.  At full strength, and hopefully with our roster the way it is, on 4/28 we see this battle again.  I don’t think it would matter at that point but there could be a lot of crossroads and story-lines at that time.

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Jameer, Where You At

Do you remember the commercial with the old lady from Boost Mobile, chirping her friends and relatives, “where you at?”  I pose the same question to Jameer, Where you at?  Seriously, your game is missing like where’s Waldo, or my car keys, that I tend to lose from time to time.  Through the first 9 games of the season, Nelson is averaging 6.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, while shooting 37% from the field and 23% from the 3 point line.....ouch! Nelson is trying to adjust to Ryan Anderson's hot start and Hedo Turkoglu's playmaking ability has been efficient thus far this season.  Those could be a couple of reasons he’s deferring to many of the offensive weapons that the Orlando Magic have in their starting lineup, all the while establishing the post game of Howard and Stan Van Gundy making a effort with Richardson on post up plays.

So what Nelson is supposed to do?  This is a guy who is a career 45% field goal and 39% three-point shooter.  Also a reminder, Chris Duhon is outplaying Nelson, yes, I do repeat.....Chris Duhon!  Maybe these two bump into each other at practice and switch souls, that’s the only logical thing I can think of. There's another thing to consider, with Dwight Howard’s trade request pending and having a wish list that Includes some very prominent point guards, did this get under Nelson’s skin?  He has a tattoo on his arm “Only God can Judge Me,” did Dwight pending future affect Nelson’s play?  Something is not right with Jameer and I have been pro Jameer for very a long time but something is affecting him.  It has been noted that Orlando is still looking for a playmaker that can mesh with the post play but in my opinion, I think Orlando can still play with Nelson at point guard with another wing that can create his own shot as well. Teammates are aware of the aggressive Nelson and how dangerous he can be, you don’t want to leave a 39% three point shooter open too often and if we are going to make a run deep in the playoffs, he needs to look for Howard first and If nothing presents itself, take flight Mighty Mouse! Dwight may be the Franchise, but there's no doubt that this individual is the X-Factor.

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The NBA is Back!!!!!!!!

Finally the NBA is back!  The last article that I posted explained why I was upset at the NBA for its failure to make a deal with the players.  Today, December 25th 2011, we will officially begin the journey and I am looking forward to see whats in store for the league and just who will be the new NBA champions this year.  Personally I know that it is Miami’s turn again for the NBA title and I think Lebron will finally be ready to step up to the plate along with Mr. Bosh and Mr. Wade.  I attended the Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat game here in Orlando Florida on Wednesday December 21^st and I have to say it was a good game to watch.  After the Miami Heat stopped pounding on the Magic, the Magic snapped out of the bad first half drought that they were having.  The game started to pick up in the second half and the home team came off with the win.  

With that said, I think since that was the only preseason game in Orlando for the 2011-2012 season that the tickets should be an collectors item.....hey just saying.  The only problem I am having is with the Dwight Howard issue, it's beginning to really get on my nerves and I love the Orlando Magic; a huge fan of the team.  I would not like to lose Dwight to another team but If he's really sincere about departing from the Magic and there's nothing that the franchise can do to keep him, I feel as if the Magic should just let him go and rebuild before they end up losing him and gain nothing. With that being said, NBA welcome back!

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2011 Orlando Magic Season Preview

The Orlando Magic enter their 22nd NBA Season, later than usual due to the NBA Lockout with a storm hanging over the Franchise.......Hurricane Dwight and yes, it’s a category 5!  That metaphor  describes the Impact that this individual has on not only the Franchise, but the city of Orlando and his future will have a major impact on the franchise, the cities, and the even the business and the buzz around the city.  GM Otis Smith and newly appointed CEO Alex Martins have stated they are doing everything to keep Howard around even after he requested a trade on December 11 however, the young center would like to see a different culture around the team. Do understand that Howard is a automatic 50 win season walking because of his impact on the game, the 3 time defensive player of the year still led the Magic squad to a top 5 defensive team in the league, but the perimeter defense remains well below par and it says a lot when Howard led the team in steals with 1.37 per game and when the Magic ended the season to a disappointing series loss to the Hawks, it was due to guard play being far superior than Orlando’s.

There is agony across Magic nation due to Howard’s request and his situation clouds the rest of the transactions that the franchise has made, Orlando did trade for Glen Davis and Von Wafer, Davis is hoping to keep Howard around and instill that vocal leadership in the locker room that the Magic have been lacking. Davis coming from the Boston Celtics, preaches defensive tenacity and togetherness on the court and came from a culture that have multiple voices in the locker room.  Davis, already showing flashes of leadership by assigning the three rookies Justin Harper, DeAndre Liggins, and Daniel Orton a homework assignment, go home and look up the word family and be ready to present to the team and what does it mean? “We are trying to change the culture around the franchise,” Davis said. Wafer already impressed the coaching staff, referring to his quick step, and has given a different element that Orlando have been missing, someone to get to the paint and break defenses down, Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu were the only ones that could really get in the to paint, not that its being declared that Wafer is the piece that Orlando has been missing. Orlando is still missing two elements, a dominant post player and a playmaker with slashing ability and it’s very well documented that when you guard Howard one on one and stay home on the shooters, Orlando tends to struggle.  The Orlando Magic are aware that they need a player or two that could showcase those abilities on a consistent basis but I now leave you with 3 of the biggest questions that the Orlando Magic will have for this current season.

Ryan Anderson

1. Who is the Breakout Player for the Magic this Season?

Ryan Anderson is going to get this here, in a contract year, and every year his stats increase, averaging 10.6 ppg 5.5 rpg on .39% 3pt with playing 22.3 minutes a game, he seems to be ready for a bigger role. With him and Glen Davis splitting the four and Orlando still  not having a true backup center for Howard, it will be a three man rotation of these players.

Jameer Nelson

2. Who is the X-Factor to help Dwight?

This is between Turkoglu or Nelson, but my pick would have to be Nelson, the main reason is, this is a guy who can score in bunches, if he stays aggressive, and look for his shot.  At his position, he is asked to do much more, he is not your playmaking point guard that many are looking for to supplement Dwight, but this is someone who could easily take the scoring load off the prime time Center, both Turkoglu and Nelson and known for being wildly inconsistent, but when they are on, this Magic team could play with anybody in the Nation, if this team could get the Jameer of 2009(50% FG, 45% from 3pt), Orlando can easily do some damage often against the NBA.


3.  Will Dwight be traded this season? 


This is the burning question that no one have a clear cut answer to. It really depends on how the Magic comes out the gate, so, keep an eye on the productivity of the team as the season progresses. My thoughts on the situation, is Otis will take a chance on keeping him here, and let Howard make that decision as a free agent if he wants to stay or go.

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