Is Orlando the real class of the East?
So much has been said and bandied about the Boston Celtics’ Big Three, the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers and of course the playoff-tested Detroit Pistons.
But nobody of note really gave the Orlando Magic much of a chance with regard to Eastern Conference dominance. Most of the preseason polls had the Magic finishing behind the Miami Heat. A funny thing has happened, however. Since the Magic’s coaching fiasco over the summer, when Billy Donovan signed on to coach only to have a change of heart, they have been scoring points in buckets.
They hired a great coach in Stan Van Gundy, who was unceremoniously dumped in favor of Pat Riley in Miami. Thy have a solid team. They have a great center in Dwight Howard. They have a decent point guard in the up-and-coming Jameer Nelson and they have superb perimeter play in free agent pickup Rashard Lewis, who at 6-10 can score points in bunches and is a matchup nightmare.
Role players such as Keyon Dooling, Hedo Turkoglu, Keith Bogans and the newly acquired Brian Cook round out a firm cast of characters. What may be missing for this bunch is a Kurt Thomas or C-Webb type of big man to help take the pressure off of Howard during the playoffs. Cook, Lewis and Turkoglu are all 6-10, but their damage is usually done on the outer limits.
Both the Magic and Celtics have an explosive offense and underrated defense. The younger legs go to the Magic; but the grizzled experience which includes multiple All-star and Playoff appearances go to the Celtics. The Magic have the overall team size; but the Celtics have overall better shot blocking and intimidation in Garnett and still developing center Kendrick Perkins. At press time the Celtics are 12-2, while the Magic are 13-3.
With the East being so parity-ridden, can the Magic really break through and earn a trip to the Finals? It would be a first since the early days of Shaq and Penny Hardaway. There is precedent for not so great teams from the East making it to the NBA Finals. The 1999 Latrel Sprewell and Allan Houston-led Knicks for one come to mind. Same with last season’s Cavs.
Although the results ended it a slaughter by the San Antonio Spurs… How many other teams for those seasons can say that they made it that far? You got it… None!
Mike naftaly Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
the 99 knicks were not good? are you nuts that team now would win 60 games easy in the east
Roy Foekens Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:19 pm
Hey,
good story, I agree with you, the Magic miss a bruiser next to Howard in the play offs.
Not as a strater but as a guy playing 20 min. and get 5 ptn and 6 boards.
Maybe PJ Brown will join them….
anthony Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
the four most talented teams in the east are:
Pistons
Celtics
Cavs
Magic
not necessarily in that order.
It is a HUGE drop off after that. The last four playoff spots can go to any of the remaining 11 teams.
the heat are dying of old age and the one hit wonder (dwyane wade) isn’t enough to keep them breathing.
the young bulls now have to live up to the hype and it ain’t going so good.
the knicks defeat themselves almost on a nightly basis.
the rest are average teams with average/below average talent.
The Magic are a promising team with a stud in Dwight Howard. Unfortunately, i think the Magic’s inexperience will doom them in the playoffs.
Buc Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
The Magic is a team to be reckoned with. They have tall shooters, possibly the most dominant center, excellent role players and excellent coaching. Being a Miami native, I’m actually glad SVG got his revenge on Riles. He was done a tremendous disservice and is now back with a vengeance.
After cutting Bo Outlaw and acquiring two serviceable players from LA, they have more depth. And Redick STILL has yet to provide any kind of impact and is still in line to one day crack the rotation and be a shooting threat. This team is serious.
john hacks Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
The magic will eventually collapse, Howard will continue to dominate. The had good start last year as well, so lets not get carried away by the early success when they had favorable schedule. The real beast in the east is not even boston, but the cavs (with Lebron) without thats another story. What this guy is doing to a team full of a bunch of scrubs is nothing short of amazing, in addition is recent play has been spectacular.
Flash Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
that wasn’t a very classy article…
“for those seasons”…..which seasons? it doesn’t make much sense really.
the East is “Parity-ridden”…….
Awful choice of words.
Its like 14 games into the season!!!! how do Boston have underrated defence?
not worth reading
noah Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
seems to me that the magic lack any good passers. hedo is okay, but not great. nelson is a terrible passer/distributor for a pg. lewis and howard don’t pass at all. that’s going to be a problem in the playoffs, and has already proven to be a problem against better teams. howard is great and the magic have some potential, but they ought to get a better pg, or a distributing wing (a la stephen jackson) if they really want to compete.
Brian Boitono Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
The magic and the celtics are not even close. Thankyou for the note worthy news that the Magic have, “younger legs than the Celtics” with very few exceptions so does the entire NBA and most YMCA pickup games. However I would take the Celtics from Position 1-4 the only advantage the Magic Have is a Howard vs Perkins matchup. Allen would light up bogans whom already doesnt score. Garnett would eat up Lewis, whom cant play d. and the magic have no answer for pierce TurkaPoo??? please. Believe it or not id take Rondo over Nelson anyday of the week. Rondo knwos his roll, plays good D, Gets the balls to the stars and penitrates and dishes. Nelson, makes poor decisions with the ball and shoots a poor percentage. I dont have time to point out how the celtics whom everyone thought would have a weak bench actually have several compitent contributors coming off it I.E Posey, House, Allen, pollard, red headed white guy Scalbrine (check spelling)
deemar Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
You are a idiodic fool. never heard so much stupidity out of someones mouth before.
“Dwayne Wade is a one hit wonder”
you are clueless and i think you should never talk about basketball again. matter of fact never say the word basketball or nba ever again.
There is even no point in arguing with you about anything else. Stupid Goose
anthony Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
wade is an excellent player. however, he is injury prone, and he will have even a harder time than Kobe winning games without any talent around him. I don’t see him and Miami making any noise in the playoffs anytime soon. definitely not in the Shaq era, and not in the rebuilding era.
I take it with all the name calling and emotion that you are a heat fan. Hey, take a dose of reality, it’ll make losing easier.
don’t get me wrong, wade is a top ten basketball player, i just don’t see him winning a championship in miami, not while he is young.
MagicMan Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Hey Brian. Check the score of the Magic/Boston game. Magic won!!
Ei-Z-Man Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 6:02 pm
I agree with deemar, anthony should not talk about basketball ever again.
He doesn’t realize how talented Dwayde Wade is. There is nobody in the league that sacrifices his body like Wade does, this is the only reason why he is injury prone. Wade is not gonna play that way forever. His game will change and he will become a much smarter player (He’s already one). And don’t talk about a rebuilding era in Miami, not gonna happen anytime soon.
Anyway anthony does not watch a lot of games because there is other talented teams in the East beside Detroit, Cleveland, Orlando, and Boston.
“the rest are average teams with average/below average talent.”
-Chigago is loaded period (but they are having a hard time these days)
-Toronto has the deapest bench in the East, a terrifc point guard + backup point guard in Ford and Calderon. The Raps outside game is incredible. Chris Bosh is also incredible (but playing with injuries).
- Atlanta is also very talented (Smith, Hortford, Law, SMITH, William) but therey are a bunch of kids.
By the way Cleveland sucks and beside James, Ilgauskas and maybe Hughes there is nobody on the team.
You should stop dreaming about Lebro’s cock.
Finally the C’s are so overated. If one of the 3 studs goes down, they will suck as much as the Knicks (their bench is horrible).
Brian Boitono Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 6:52 pm
Hey magicman chech the length of the season… 82 games! im sure the championship bulls lost to the Denver nuggets or the timberwolves or some other bottom dwelling team. 1 game means nothing. NOTHING !!!!!!!!1(Screamed loudly from my office desk)
magicOWNSceltics Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Thats why celts lost to two decent teams they have played so far MAGIC n CAVS.. Before you go on about celts see how many good teams have they beaten this season? Magic lost from elite teams aswell but they have beaten good teams like Toronto, Cleveland, New Orleans, and Boston. Celts barely made it past lowly Bobcats, lost to magic and cavs give me a break. you sound like another band wagon fan. Save it MISSY!
Buc Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 7:19 pm
“don’t get me wrong, wade is a top ten basketball player, i just don’t see him winning a championship in miami, not while he is young.”
He already has… so this point is null.
deemar Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 7:59 pm
anthony i’m in australia…. i am a basketball fan not any specific team…..
But you like to point out the obvious. kobe can’t win without talent neither can dwayne or any other player in the league. KG didn’t do it, allen iverson, jason kidd, vince carter, tracy mcgrady just to name a few. shaq didn’t even do it with penny.
My point is…… defense and team players win the rings. look at the last teams that have won it. lakers, spurs, detriot and miami.
And my last point… yes shaq was younger with kobe but kobe never won the finals mvp where as wade did. Do you not remember when wade helped miami into the second round (as the lower seeded team) the year before the shaq era. kobe has not past the first round after shaq.
That posts the question… What is your formulae of determining who is a better player???
Melvin Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 9:20 pm
Sorry, they are a class of the East, but not the REAL CLASS…
http://basketballnonsense.blogspot.com/
anthony Said,
November 30, 2007 @ 11:51 pm
hey buc - we’re all basketball fans here. I know he won one already in maimi. I think most understood i meant it in future tense.
deemar - i know wade is a fan favorite, a commercial regular and a media darling . don’t get bent out of shape, its just an opinion.
oh yea, that guy carries the ball every other time he drives to the basket.
magic will win their division.
djhott Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 12:12 am
EAST
1.BOSTON
2.ORLANDO
3.DETROIT
4.NJ
5.CLEVELAND
6.WASHINGTON
7.MIAMI
8.MILWAUKEE
ORLANDO IS FOR REAL AT THE BEGINNING LIKE LAST YEAR,
BUT HOWARD IS FOR REAL, AND EVEN BIGGER.
ALSO RASHARD LEWIS IS 6′10 GETTING 20PPG TO, AND HEDO, IS 6′9 GETTING ABOUT 16, AND JAMEER IS DOING OK- SO THEY NEED A SG AND A REAL 7FOOTER WOULDNT HURT,
I SAY C.ARROYO,JJ.REDDICK, 09 PICK&DOOLING(SALARY), FOR NENE, WHEN HE GETS BACK
THEN THEY CAN SIGN EARL BOYKINS OR WEBBER
NEW MAGIC
G-NELSON G-E.BOYKINS
G-H.TURK G-K.BOGANS
F-R.LEWIS F-P.GARRITY
F-NENE F-B.COOK
C-D.HOWARD C-FOYLE
e Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 12:53 am
Teams almost never come out of nowhere to win an NBA title …they contend, add some pieces, and get over the top. The Magic are buiding, but they will not win this year…they will be one of the top teams, but they have to move into contender status and add some pieces. Boston looks like they can break the rule and go all the way, but they have three veteran superstars who also happen to be unselfish and who play complementary roles. The pistons look like the real contender, though. They have the veteran team that has been there and gotten it done time and again. It comes down to matchups and they matchup well with most teams. The magic are coming on and will be a force in the future
adam Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 2:33 am
Everyone hates on the Raptors, They will be in the playoffs,and as deep as they are off the pine could surprise others. A Ray Allenless Celtics would get worked over by the Raptors, who may take them in a 7 game series regardless of aging players health.
One things forsure, we will be talking about Orlando (Dwight is going to be a beast for the next decade) and the Raptors (Bosh, and the very deep young international bench) long after the retirement party for the rest of the East.
Adios Heat, Celtics and Pistons!
Bright futures.
Andrew Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 3:28 am
Typical Americans. I guess you guys never get to watch the Raptors on TV except if you subscribe to NBA League Pass, but the Raptors are arguably among the top 5 teams above the rest of the East along with the Cavs, Celtics, Magic and Pistons, and definitely better than the Heat, Bulls, Wizards, Sixers, Bucks, Bobcats, Pacers, Hawks, Knicks and Nets. I suggest you guys take a look North of the Border where we definitely have the best Point Guard tandem, the most underated and unheralded Superstar, the best young shooting big man and a deep, deep bench second to no one. But most importantly, we have the best TEAM, maybe next to the Spurs, Jazz, Suns, Mavericks and Celtics because there are no egos and only team basketball, the way it was meant to be played.
burak Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 9:59 am
is this guy out of mind?
nelson called decent for the first time..he is a ”i wanna be hero but i am turning it over”..this game is not all about stats,this is not a pc game,and nelson has to learn alot of things..
in the third paragraph take out nelson and put in hidayet turkoglu there..at least this year he is more than a role player,he is the third important player on that team and very near to r.lewis..at least this year…he is catalizing,passing well and a good clutch player..
keep eye on hedo..
other than that i am okay with this.
jason winks Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 10:36 am
listen here you uneducated country hicks like anthoney this is the top 10 in the nba right now taking into consideration performance over the past few seasons without a shadow of doubt:
1 l.james
2 k.byant
3 k.garnett
4.t.duncan
5 s.nash
6 d.wade
7 d.nowitzki
8 d.howard
9 a.iverson
10 j.kidd
STRONGARM Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 10:42 am
hey wink uneducated you cant even spell kobes name correctly
anyway list is 90% right
howard to 6 wade to 7 and nowitzki to 8
anthony you are a terd coated peanut who loves the dick
jason winks Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 10:43 am
listen here you uneducated country hicks like anthony this is the top 10 in the nba right now taking into consideration performance over the past few seasons without a shadow of doubt:
1 l.james
2 k.bryant
3 k.garnett
4.t.duncan
5 s.nash
6 d.wade
7 d.nowitzki
8 d.howard
9 a.iverson
10 j.kidd
Ali Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 11:01 am
We will not know until the playoffs if this team is for real. The pistons slammed them by 20+ point in Orlando and have owned them in the playoffs in the past two years. So we will have to wait and see
Ur PaPi Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 11:36 am
Just cuz the celtics almost lost to the bobcats dont mean anything. Look at the championship spurs last year they lost to the last place celtics. Any team can beat any other team on any given night. They have blown more opponents out than any1 in the league a truth is they are the best team in the east and one of the best teams in the league.
bobbo Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
The one great advantage Orlando has over Boston down the road is youth.
Rivers is doing a hell of a job with them, but 14 games into the season, Ray Allen shouldn’t be averaging around 40 minutes a game. The big three were averaging 38 minutes per game or more before they rested during the Knicks game. You can’t play those guys for that amount of time for 82 games without some consequence. It will take a toll in the playoffs, either in the form of fatigue or nagging injuries. Allen has played 56 or more games exactly twice in the last five years. Not a good record to rely on.
I also expect the Cavs to get better once the Varejao thing is settled with either a contract or a sign and trade, the Nets to get better once Krstic and Williams get back to 100%, and the Bulls to get better just because they can’t get much worse.
the future Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
Magic are up n coming… boykins over arroyo never…. we have all the pieces already … foyle cook augustne are good big men please no webber… many more on the bench with good legs…. development n chemistry is the key with van n ewing as coaches… teamball n hustle will always beat talent …
if the refs knew how to call a game (whats the deal with the lousy calls… is the nba turning to a wuss flop league???) n show some respect to an mvp canidate (d-beast) magic beat the suns last night… stearn needs to monitor this crap already or i might hav to call their bookie!!
the east is much better this season n more entertaining no doubt … but its still early i agree and anything is possible…. miami chitown toronto n wahington can come from nowhere to spoil it for boston otown cleveland or dtroit……..
Tom Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 1:30 pm
Hey MagicownsCeltics wait til the next time we meet in Boston. You guys nearly blew a 20 point lead. Your offense is destined to sputter soon. Guys like Bogans and Hedo can’t hang with Ray and Paul.
Boston beats you in 5 games tops in a 7 game series.
Jared in Dallas Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
Ok, since someone brought it up- the ‘99 Knicks were pretty bad; Larry Johnson’s continuation call at the end of (i believe it was) the final game of the Pacers/Knicks series was b.s. and ruined Reggie’s best shot at a title. Ewing was slow and ineffective and Marcus Camby was underutilized. The first big flop by Jeff Van Gundy.
That being said, Stan Van Gundy took the Heat into the playoffs before they had Shaq. He coached a team led by Lamar Odom into the conference finals. The cast he has in Orlando is way better than that group he had in Miami and the East is weaker than it was that year. Boston and Orlando are the teams to beat in the East, clearly.
wangagut Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
djhott..what drugs are you smoking..NJ is done and will be fighting for the 8th spot with Miami and Milwaukee…washington is done without Arenas and worst they play no defense..out of your top 8 in the east you don’t have Toronto and i’m trying to figure out if it’s straight stupidity or ingnorance…leave the predictions to someone who has a clue man!!!!!!!
barlo Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
again, people have overlooked the nets
2 hall of famers (Kidd, Carter)
1 prime player (RJ)
1 explosive Rookie (Sean Williams)
2 scoring punches off the bench (Wright and Nachbar)
1 big man who can shoot (Malik Allen)
1 exciting back up PG (Marcus Williams)
1 veteran PG (D. Armstrong)
A glut of good big men (Magloire, J.Boone, Krstic)
Stop overlooking the nets
They are a dangerous team in the playoffs
regardless of any opponent
Melvin Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
Agree anyone can beat anyone. And this is a long season. By the way, I would like to see Orlando get past the Second round. Because if they can get a higher seed then I believe they can brush away whoever the lower seeded teams they would meet.
The future is bright and even the present…. Anyway I don’t care about any other teams.
nick Said,
December 1, 2007 @ 11:09 pm
how can u say the Pistons,Celtics,Cavs and Magic are all more talented teams then some other teams. The only reason the cavs make that list is because of Lebron and same goes for orlando. without lebron or D-12 those teams would be average at best in the east. The celtics because they have 3 all-stars whose games fit well with one another is granted and the pistons because they have been there the past 4yrs.
But leaving the bulls, raptors, wizards out are is just plain crazy. those teams have more talent not sure if they would win in a 7 game series but the talent is there non the less.
anthony Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 1:20 am
i must have hit a nerve.
i don’t know basketball????
and Ez man says this:
“Finally the C’s are so overated. If one of the 3 studs goes down, they will suck as much as the Knicks (their bench is horrible).”
if you haven’t noticed the Celtics are playing great ALREADY and there bench is doing enough to win games. imagine when this squad gets familiar with each other.
“And don’t talk about a rebuilding era in Miami, not gonna happen anytime soon.”
i think you and pat riley are the only ones that haven’t been told. anfernee hardaway, shaq, alonzo morning… that would be a bright future … IF IT WAS 1993!!!
ricky davis, jason williams, smush parker, mark blount… thats alot of talent that’ll keep you out of rebuilding mode.
don’t forget the $20 million dollar anchor called Shaq’s contract that will you bring in top free agents.
your future is built on wade and haslem… sorry that’s not enough.
“Chigago is loaded period (but they are having a hard time these days)”
guess what??? hype is over, they are losing because they are squad of perimeter players that play scrappy defense, just like they were last year. unfortunately that is not enough to take it to the next level, because the rest of the league has caught on and they no longer sneak up on teams. Next season most will be scratching their head and wondering why they didn’t trade for kobe. won’t trade deng for the best player in the game??? that john paxson is a genious.
“By the way Cleveland sucks”
same team as last year…didn’t they make it to the Finals last year over all of the above mentioned teams?
bigdre Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 1:54 am
C’s are the real deal. and they don’t have a full season playing together yet. i see them taking the east, though orlando, detroit and cleveland can put a fight (and even win) in a seven game series. but i just don’t see the C’s beating the spurs, the suns, or the jazz in a finals match up. the c’s better pray for the soft mavs in the finals.
Your stepdad Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 1:59 am
All i gotta say is that people are talking about the magic maybe going to the finals, and Dwight Howard is only 21 years old. While the Spurs and the C’s are getting older Dwight is just barely getting into his prime. Look what hes doing at 21, this would be his rookie season if he went 4 years in college.
chris Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 2:29 am
What about the raptors in the east there not that bad there at least in the top 4 they have a great bench and 2 good point gaurds and Chris Bosh and the reason there having such a slow start is becasue they have been playing with injuries. Fords been hurt and chris bosh was playing with injuries and now is out of the line up with more injuries so yeah dont underrate the raptors just casue there canadian
Nuff Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 5:08 am
Barlo, Vince Carter a HOF? Are you out of your f*%king mind?!? Based on what? His stats are good but not great. He’s never come close to winning a championship or any statistical category. Never been close to the top in MVP voting and his defense, while better than in the first 75% of his career, leaves a lot to be desired (unless you desire holes). What a joke. Carter is not a HOF’er.
Ishmael Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 6:57 am
I watched some of these teams. Boston, Cleveland, NY Knicks. Sorry, don’t have league pass. But I saw the Jazz and Spurs a few times now as well. The thing about those East Coast teams, Boston and Cleveland, that are supposed to be great teams, they don’t have a strong, flowing offense. You might say, LeBron racks up all those assists, and Boston has unselfish stars. But it goes deeper when you’re looking for a great offense. Most of the time, you see a guard dribble it too much, or you see KG with no post-up game whastoever and passing it when he could easily score. And Pierce is still Pierce, which means, great talent, but up and down offensively. His talent lets him take really difficult shots and get away with it. But that’s less effective come playoff time. Just ask Tracy McGrady. Allen can really help Boston because he’s consistent and has a clear role, but KG and Pierce need to always be on fire for them to get far, and that’s not been the case. And while LeBron may get a lot of assists, I think he dribbles too much, and his assists are the result of a lot of overdribbling, drives and kickouts, rather than anything really creative, though every now and then he does something amazing. But then watch the Jazz and Spurs. Beautiful offense. Zipping passes. Cutters. Good screens. Great pick and rolls.
What really gets Boston and Cleveland their wins is the defense. It’s amazing. KG, while I don’t like his offensive game, is a beast on defense. Pierce and Allen, for the first time ever, are controllling the wings. Rondo is quick and stays in front of his man. Cleveland has the best defensive and rebounding front line in the leaugue, and no one has seemed to notice this, except maybe John Hollinger.
Don Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 8:29 am
Who has really surprised me is Hedo. He’s averaging 18.8 per game (1/2 point behind Lewis) and has been surprisingly consistent. His rebounding is improved as well. I imagine teams are much more concerned with Lewis than Hedo, but if he keeps it up all season, this will be a major break through for Hedo. The Magic will have three consistent scorers, and two very potent perimeter threats.
Chris Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 10:49 am
Vince Carter is not a hall of famer. and the Cavs do suck
Jared in Dallas Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
Barlo, when is the last time the Nets won a championship? In fact, when is the last time they did jack shi% in the playoffs?
djhott Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 2:09 pm
real 10 best this season based on stats and record
1.l.james 11.yao
2.k.bryant 12.p.pierce
3.d.howard 13.c.anthony
4.k.garnett 14.t.mcgrady
5.t.duncan 15.d.wade
6.s.nash 16.amare stoudemire
7.c.boozer 17.r.allen
8b.davis 18.m.camby
9.d.nowitzki 19.j.kidd
10.a.iverson 20.c.paul
kidd to denver for jr smith,c.atkins,najera,and hunter
then v- carter&boone to miami
for jwill,haslem,r.davis,and 08 pick,&09
kidd and vcarter go to contenders or make that team contenders
nj saves a 12million dollars, and if miami stays hurt or sorry, nj would get a lottery pick from miami, which would be doubtful,but vcarter would be back to live in south beach, just what miami needs
miami
g-c.quinn g-s.parker fc-m.blount
g-d.wade g-d.cook
f-v.carter f-p.hardaway
f-j.boone f-d.wright
c-s.oneal c-mourning
denver
g-j.kidd
g-a.iverson
f-c.anthony
f-k.martin
c-m.camby
nj
g-m.williams g-c.atkins f-e.najera
g-r.davis g-jr.smith lotery pick
f-r.jefferson f-a.wright and if they loose games after trade
f-n.krystic f-s.williams another lottery pick
c-j.mcgloire c-s.hunter which could equal-deandre jordan&eric gordon
Bron42 Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
the simple fact that jason winks had dirk ahead of dwight howard these season shows how lil he knows since dirk hasn’t really dont that much let alone on a regular basis. Guys like terry and howard have been leading the team.
The nets are wayyyyy too inconsistent. Carter kills every team hes on and they havn’t been legit contenders since he got there. Before carter, nets go to the finals twice. Since carter, cant get past the second round in the east.
Raptors are average at best and right in the middle of the pack.
Wade is good and can take over in the playoffs if he has too but hes not jordan yet and isn’t going to carry the team for 82 games by himself. Other guys need to step up or hes going to be in kobe/early tmacs shoes for a while.
Cavs have too many gaps and aren’t gonna get a cake walk route to the finals this year like they did last year playin a butler/agent zero less wizards, a inconsistant nets team and the pistons that gave them the game. Lebron had one historic game in the whole playoffs and they still barely won game 7 if it wasn’t for daniel gibson coming out of no where with like 6 three pointers.
The magic are still a big man away from being legit contenders because come playoff time, teams are just gonna collapse on howard and make the other guys beat them like the pistons did last year and hes not a good foul shooter either.
UrPaPi Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
Ishmael, how could u say boston doesnt have a good offense. They’re in the top 5 in scoring even when only 1 of their big 3 are on. Pierce and Garnett didnt even score in double figures today and they still won by 20. Even in some other games they blow teams out they sit the big 3 in the 4th quarter. The season has just started to and they’re offense is only gonna get better because of the unselfishness of the big 3.
Matt Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
nick-well duh the magic would be average without Dwight and the cavs without Lebron, the majority of teams in the NBA would be average without their star players. You can’t compare a howard less magic or a james less cavs to other teams and say that they have just as much talent, its completely ludicrous. The magic probably won’t make it to the finals this year (not enough experience) but there record is no fluke. Turk is the real deal, we payed too much for lewis, but he is still good and Howard is a total monster. The magic will continue to succeed this year and be tough to beat in the playoffs as well.
Brett Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
I love how people talk about how the celts match up better against the magic! We just spanked them! From where i was siting(Fourth Row)the magic vs celts looks favorable for the magic!
djhott Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
NO EXTENSION FOR KIDD
IS A KIDD TO ORLANDO TRADE IN THE WORKS
G-J.KIDD&J.MCGLOIRE
FOR
J.NELSON
H.TURKOLUGU
A.FOYLE
JJ REDICK
08 #29 PICK
G-KIDD12PTS10ASTS8REBS G-C.ARROYO
G-BOGANS 9PPG G-K.DOOLING
F-R.LEWIS 20PPG F-P.GARRITY
F-D.HOWARD 23PPG 14REB B-COOK
C-J.MCGLOIRE 7PTS 7REBS C-T.BATTIE
ANOTHER BIG 3 IN THE EAST HOWARD,KIDD,LEWIS,
NJ
G-J.NELSON G-M.WILLIAMS
G-V.CARTER G-JJ.REDICK
F-R.JEFFERSON F-A.WRIGHT
F-H.TURKOLU F-S.WILLIAMS
C-KRYSTIC C-J.BOONE
MIAMI SHOULD MAKE NJ A OFFER FOR V.CARTER
JWILL9MIL(OFF CAP THIS YEAR,D.WRIGHT3MIL,M.BLOUNT7MIL-AND 08 PICK
Bron42 Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
I swear man, you make some of the WORST nonsensical (is that a word?) trades i’ve ever seen. video games would deny half that stuff lol.
The last thing the heat need to do is get another old guy with a ego to put beside wade. Let alone to give up a high draft pic and all of their youth for it. If anyone leaves the nets its jefferson considering carter just resigned and is a bigger name. Their not gonna move to brooklyn with a 1/2 star in jefferson headlining as kidd gets older (if hes still on the team)
N.Carolina Said,
December 2, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
What no love for J.J., send him back up to Charlotte we will take him. He will make a good addition coming of the bench with Morrison & May. By the way the Magic are beasting, if they keep there heart they may a good run to the Eastern confrence championship.
Rashidi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 2:17 am
“Ok, since someone brought it up- the ‘99 Knicks were pretty bad”
Obviously not if they got past three of the top eastern conference teams.
“Larry Johnson’s continuation call at the end of (i believe it was) the final game of the Pacers/Knicks series was b.s.”
It was game three. Indiana got killed in game 4 and 6. Chris Mullin couldn’t hold Sprewell, and Rik Smits couldn’t hold Camby. They were run out of the building by a team without it’s best player (didn’t play again after game 2). Even Allan Houston trounced Reggie Miller in the deciding game, going 10-11 in the 3rd quarter I believe. Reggie shot 35% on the series or something like that.
Besides, say the call was BS. The shot still went in meaning its a tie game. Judging by how the rest of the series went, it just means the Knicks would have won in OT and LJ’s shot would have been slightly less heroic, if not less notable.
“and ruined Reggie’s best shot at a title.”
Excluding of course, the following year when they went to the Finals.
“Ewing was slow and ineffective and Marcus Camby was underutilized.”
Ewing was playing hurt, in fact couldn’t play anymore after Conference Finals game 2. Camby averaged 10 pts, 8 rebs, and 2 blks in the playoffs which I hardly call underutilized. Maybe during the regular season, but during the playoffs he got plenty of run and was one of the main reasons they made the Finals.
The first big flop by Jeff Van Gundy.
Rashidi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 2:21 am
My mistake, Knicks won games 5 and 6, not 4 and 6.
But anyway, Reggie Miller won game two thanks to a BS foul call on Chris Childs. Reggie hit two FTs with less than a second left to win it. The basketball gods giveth and taketh away.
You are obviously commenting on a series you didn’t see.
Rashidi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 2:28 am
“IS A KIDD TO ORLANDO TRADE IN THE WORKS”
Kidd for bums? New Jersey would surely be interested in that!
“MIAMI SHOULD MAKE NJ A OFFER FOR V.CARTER”
LOL, yeah because Dwyane Wade and Ricky Davis just aren’t enough, Shaq needs a THIRD wing to take shots away from him!
Wait, better idea, why dont the Lakers just trade Kwame, Luke Walton, and Derek Fisher for Carter?
Jax Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 3:47 am
Orlando would need Hedo more than anyone else to stay at the top. I mean his level of play this early in the season, if Hedo could stay consistent, then the Magic will give the Celt’s, Cavs and Pistons a hard time.
There are a lot of teams that may surprise us come mid-end season… I personally think that given the breaks, Charlotte and Atlanta might make it - 7th and 8th.
Big G Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 5:42 am
This guy possess only superficial knowledge about the Magic. Hedo, a role player? C’mon. He has been the LEADER of the Magic so far. For God’s sake only watch 4th quarters of Magic games. He gets the ball as soon as Jameer Nelson steps foot on the mid court . Please be kindly informed that this is specifically what SVG keeps telling his turnover prone guard ” give the damn ball to Hedo”
Big G Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 5:44 am
“so at least somebody makes a play”
Matt Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 6:42 am
wow…
djhott, you are off your rocker. Why would we trade soon to be allstar Turk, (future Ray Allen/reggie miller) JJ, Nelson, and Foyle for two washups. Kidd may still be a very good ball player but for how much longer…admit it, he is old and doesn’t have all that much left.
chase Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 9:54 am
This start shows alot more than the good start last year. Boston isn’t as good as you people think. Detroit will be much more of a test for a team like the Magic. Good article. Too bad some of you don’t get that just yet.
bron42 Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
did someone really just call JJ reddick a future reggie miller/ray allen? that might be even more retarded than Djs. I mean ignoring the fact that JJ is barely 6′4 while ray allen and reggie are both 6′6+ and athletic..They could both create their own shot and weren’t total jokes on defense (they weren’t DPOY either) but JJ cant guard his own shadow.
Just cuz jameer is a shaky pg, lets not over hype hedo. Sure hes stepped into his own finally (they used to hype him so much when he was in sacto then he suddenly sucked) but to call him the team leader is kinda pushin it. I really doubt in crunch time hedo is pullin dwight to the sideline and givin him pep talks or settin up the offense.
space Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 12:27 pm
teams get out of the gate early and then get figured out by other teams… then they don’t win as frequently. its plain to see thatthe magic stupidly let deshawn stevenson walk. he’s the strong, athletic, glue man they needed this year to man the 2 spot. looking at bogans as an offensive threat come playoff time will be a joke.
the raptors are soft. were soft before and signed soft players in the off season. they lost to new jersey not because they were outclassed, or out gunned, or out numbered or out experienced…. they were flat out soft. exposed by mikki moore?
the future Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 1:04 pm
Deshawn? Deshawn who? we forgot about him a long time ago….. Bogans has stepped it up this year so far… he has potential to be the Bruce Bowen of the east!! He has his sideline three and his defense isn’t too bad either…
And to get rid of Turk and JJ for and old Kidd (no offense Kidd) doesn’t make any sense. They both are great shooters and Turk is having a career year! If Hedo keeps it up he can make the allstar squad … and spread the floor nicely for Dwight and Shard. Nelson is a great ball handler but panics when he’s defended well. I think Van Gundy deserves alot of credit keeping the team poised, mature and mentally tough….. one or two stars won’t always do it all for you… for the most part, you have to have teamball and defense to win in the playoffs/finals —- ie. Detroit vs LA, San An vs Cavs, etc…. both teams (Dtroit, SanAn) won with team basketball.
Magic may get figured out by the end of the season, but if the entire team is playing well (thanks to coaches), they’ll still be one of hardest teams in the NBA to matchup against!
badboi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 1:48 pm
the east goes through the pistons. i will hold off on ’stones v. celtics match up but does anyone remember that the Pistons have beaten the magic about 9 straight times? Including one of their only losses this season. A good team with a monster of a center but 2.5 players (nelson counts as half) cant beat the deepest team in the league to get to the finals.
Rashidi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 3:22 pm
LOL
DeShawn Stevenson?
LOL
Bogans is just fine. At least he can hit a three. Stevenson is averaging 7 points on 37% shooting, so I don’t see how you can look at him as a scoring threat come playoff time either.
Of course, why they’d need him to be an offensive threat when they already have Howard, Lewis, Turkoglu, and Nelson is anyones guess.
“they lost to new jersey not because they were outclassed, or out gunned, or out numbered or out experienced…they were flat out soft. exposed by mikki moore?”
Yeah, it sure had nothing to do with Kidd averaging a triple double. Who do you think got Moore all those baskets? Collins locked down Bosh and they were helpless to stop Kidd. End of story.
Ur PaPi Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 4:54 pm
chase whats not good about the celtics?
Humanimal Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 5:30 pm
Trade Nelson and Hedo for Kidd? How old is Kidd? 36 or something?
Most people talking ill of Nelson can not have seen him play this season.
I was not positive when it came to him last year, but he has taken a big step this year. Assists up, TO down.
And Hedo is one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
Hedo and Rashard play very much the same style.
Every team in the NBA needs to put two guys on Dwight, so that leaves either one of those two open all the time. and if not, Bogans and Nelson hits alot of 3s. Plus if they get JJ going… The Magic can kill any team from the outside. And Howard is always there inside to pick up missed shots, gettit ally-ooped or just catch and slam it down.
djhott Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
i admit kidd is older, but he averages 9boards, ten assists, plays d, and wont take shots away from dwight&rashard, and turkolu is no allstar,
and rashidi, shaq sucks, hes taking his own shots away missing dunks, and layups, he needs a star to take the pressure off of him, and wade may get hurt again, so how would getting vince hurt them
and orlando does let redick play much,
jameer still doesnt get assist, still is short,
foyle is a big add in to get rid off, since their screaming they need bigs
but he is on the roster, and kidd gets the boards for a big 9rebs.-turk-takes shots from rashard lewis being the same type of player
the roster is fine if u want to see a good team, with a great player-and 2other nice players, everyone else sucks
redick would be nice in nj,as for a marcus williams-nelson-future point-
and picks-nj would do nice
and orlando-would add a veteran hall of famer-hey g-hill is old as shit but shining in phoenix-
if kidd goes to orlando-dwight howard wins mvp-and orlando contends with celtics-and would be better than detroit
now they are just exciting-and better than-toronto,&nj
Matt Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 7:57 pm
if turk isn’t an all star than neither is lewis because hedo is averaging just half a point less than lewis a game, but more boards and dimes, their other stats are virtually the same. Kid may still be good but our success would be short-lived, now I am talking about a dynasty which is very legitimate for the magic with howard developing like he is.
The only thing that I wish would happen is that we hadn’t given all that money to Lewis ($118 mil is ridiculous) and could instead use that money for the upcoming free-agency, it is stacked and any of them would come to O-town for that kind of cash. Turk is already putting up Lewis numbers and we have other decent shooters in Reddick and Cook. If we had a slasher that could drive and dish to dwight the magic would be unstoppable.
Take a look at the upcoming free-agents:
Josh Smith
Luol Deng
Ben Gordon
Allen Iverson
Monta Ellis
Jermaine O’neal
Elton Brand
Corey Maggette
Andre Iguodala
Shawn Marion
Ron Artest
Gilbert Arenas
Antawn Jamison
My personal pick would be Iguodala because he is so young, is developing nicely, and has an incredible upside. With Howard, Iguodala, Nelson, Reddick, and Turk we would create matchup problems left and right…but I doubt that it would happen
Matt Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
O yeah, and we would dominate the league for years
Krynn Said,
December 3, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
Of the up coming free agents Matt mentioned, I think the best pick ups they could have would be Iverson and Smith. Like maybe getting some cap space but not extending Arroyo and Garrity so they may get a bit of cap space. As for Iverson like maybe offering to get a veterans minmum to play alongside a real superstar big to be in Howard… All the others I think might be too expensive for the Magic to be able to get…. Just hate Deng and Gordon for thinking of money too early… scorers but not yet stars.. thinking too early of M and not W’s when W’s gives you more ops for M’s.
As for the Rashard deal I think without him the Magic won’t get much W’s this season without him… He ain’t much if you think of his stats alone but why do you think Howard gets to play better this season?
What do you think of this line up?
PG - Nelson/Iverson
SG - Bogans/Redick
SF - Lewis/Turkoglu
PF - Smith/Cook
C - Howard/Foyle
djhott Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 12:40 am
kidd for bums
some would say that is giving up to much for kidd
turkolugu 18ppg
j.nelson 13ppg
jj redick 6ppg
foyle 7footer
pick
well who in the hell decided to give rashard lewis all that money, and he and turkolu are good, but neither are 08 allstars, and think of how hard it is too make the west, even if there were 15players there still would be snubs, league will have to change the rule,
and RASHIDI- yea wade,davis, and shaq must not be enough since they arent winning yet,
and the bulls suk WONDER IF DENG&HINRICH ARE UTOUCHABLE NOW?
MAGIC HAVE THE PIECES TO GET A ALLSTAR
ITS THE FACT THEY WOULD HAVE TO GET RID OF THE GREAT TURK INSTEAD OF THE WEALTHY R.LEWIS-
THE FACT IS THEY HAVE THE WORST BACKCOURT IN THE NBA
AND THE 1ST 2ND OR 3RD BEST FRONTCOURT
WEST ALLSTARS
G-S.NASH G-C.PAUL G-B.DAVIS ,K.MARTIN OR T.PARKER
G-K.BRYANT G-A.IVERSON PF-BOOZER
F-C.ANTHONY F-T.MCGRADY
F-T.DUNCAN F-DIRK
C-YAO C-AMARE
EAST
G-D.WADE G-J.KIDD G-BILLUPS
G-V.CARTER G-R.ALLEN F-C.BUTLER
F-L.JAMES F-P.PIERCE
F-K.GARNETT F-C.BOSH
C-D.HOWARD C-S.ONEAL
THAT MEANS THERE ARE AT LEAST 15 TOTAL ALLSTAR SNUBS, A TEAM, THAT COULD COMPETE
SNUBS
F-R.JEFFERSON
C-M.CAMBY
C-T.CHANDLER
F-J.HOWARD
G-DERON WILLIAMS
G-M.REDD
G-JOE JOHNSON
G-RIP HAMILTON
C-C.KAMAN
F-A.JAMISON
F-S.MARION
F-R.LEWIS
F-TURKOLUGU
F-DAVID WEST
F-Z.RANDOLPH
F-JOSH SMITH
CF-GASOL
PF-AL JEFFERSON
Ishmael Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 1:27 am
DJ, good all star teams, except Deron Williams will edge Chris Paul in the All Star game. People look at Deron as top 4 PG material, while Chris is close, he’s not there yet. He will once he has playoff success. Out of those two guards, remember, it’s the coaches who select (no way the fans start them over McGrady, Kobe, Nash, Iverson), and that’s why Deron will go. Just had too great of a playoffs last year, and whie they are neck and neck this regular season, Deron’s record will push him over the top and earn him a spot.
anthony Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 11:24 am
Fat Shaq is officially on the fast track to being a “has been”. He is no longer dominate. He is not a top player in the league. (well, maybe a top paid player for the next three years).
Shaq is done!!
Dwight Howard is officially the premier center of the Eastern Conference. The Top Big Man. The Beast of the East.
And the only way he loses that in the next 7 years, is if he is if he gets hurt or is traded to the Western Conference.
Zac attack watch out Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 1:02 pm
wow please stop talking about the magic and allen of boston smoking out bogans. Yore all pathetic a bunch of tools who dont no the game or the magic. Dont forget fruitcake the magic beat boston and gave them their first loss of the season. ever seen aroyo pass the ball or lewis listen bud wer 16 - 4 with the best road record in the league not to mention the best overall record in the nba . Check the power rankings . please never comment again you dont no what your talking about. keep your mouth and comments shut about our player there playing great together and everyone is stepping up. And i garintee u any single one of them would break yourb ankles looser. WOWWWWWWW
djhott Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS ORLANDO WOULD BE HOTT WITH A LINEUP OF
G-J.NELSON G-REDDICK, ARROYO, K.DOOLING
G-H.TURK FG-K.BOGANS
F-R.LEWIS F-P.GARRITY
F-B-COOK F-T.BATTIE IR
C-D.HOWARD C-FOYLE
EAST FINALS-BOSTONVSORLANDO
DETROIT WILL HAVE A INJURY, OR HOWARD WILL BE READY THEN-
OR WITH HONESTLY A 12DEEP ROSTER-THEY HAVE PIECES FOR A TRADE, BUT THEY ARE YOUNG AND ON THE RISE NO NEED TO RUSH, SINCE- MIAMI DECLINED, AS WELL AS CAVS, AS WELL AS THE BULLS,
AND THE TEAM I THOUGHT COULD SUPRISE SUX- NY
I MEAN CALL ME A CRAZY IDIOT FOR THE LAKERS, AND SALARIES, SINCE TURK IS AVERAGING ALMOST AS MUCH AS R.LEWIS, AND WAY LESS MONEY- IF FOR SOME REASON KOBE TALK COMES UP AGAIN-
WHAT IF ORLANDO COULD PULL OFF A- KOBE,MIHMS- FOR- RASHARD LEWIS, JJ REDICK, FOYLE,DOOLING, AND 3 FUTURE PICKS
THINK KOBE WOULDNT AGREE TO THAT?
ORLANDO
G-J.NELSON G-T.DIENER?EARL BOYKINS?
G-K.BRYANT G-CARROYO
F-K.BOGANS P.GARRITY
F-H.TURK B.COOK
C-D.HOWARD-MIHMS
TONITE-DERRICK ROSE VS OJ MAYO
THE BATTLE OF NUMBER 1′S
ROSE -G-PAYTON/BARBOSA-IS GETTING MORE PRAISE #2TEAM,DEPTH AT POSITION
FASTEST IN NCAA,AVG 17PTS 4ASTS
OJ MAYO 6′5-G.ARENAS LIKE, LESS DWADE-21PPG FR COMBO GUARD 5TO,S CARELESS, BUT CAN DOMINATE
UNDERRATED MATCHUP- GF-DOUGLAS ROBERTS 21PPG JR VS DAVON JEFFERSON 6′9 SF FR 14PPG
INSIDE MATCHUP-TAJ GIBSON 6′8SO VS J.DORSEY 6′9 SR
RED VS BLUE- I GOT MAYO SCORING 27 6TO 5FOULS IN A LOSS
D-ROSE NETTING 16PTS 11REBS 8ASTS IN A 17PT WIN
djhott Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
AND BRIAN-WHAT IF THE C’S PLAYED MATCHUPS
F-GARNETT VS HOWARD
F-PIERCE VS LEWIS
B-ALLEN VS TURK
CPERKINS VS COOK AND THE MAGIC PLAYED 3BALL,WITH HOWARD
GRHONDO VS NELSON CLEANING, AND GARNETT AND THE C’S DOING THE SAME
COULD THE C’S HAVE TROUBLE AGAINST BIGGER DEFENDERS?
AS FOR DETROIT VS BOSTON
G-BILLUPS G-RHONDO
G HAMILTON G-ALLEN
F-T.PRINCE F-PIERCE
F-A.MCDYESS F-GARNETT
C-R.WALLACE C-PERKINS
I SEE DETROIT WINNING AT 1&5 BOSTON WINNING AT 3&4,
AND ALLEN VS HAMILTON DETERMINING THE WINNER
Bron42 Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
yes, shaq is old, it happens but to say he sucks is dumb when his stats still have him as a top center. That says just as much about how the centers in the league suck but still. 18 ppg isn’t terrible when you look at dalembert or chris mihm or anyone the sonics have.
Hedo does bring alot to the table but to say hes the same as lewis is crazy too…lewis has ALWAYS played like this, the fact that hedo is suddenly consistant has MORE to do with lewis being there so his stats suddenly jumped. It opens the floor up more so he can be a poor mans lewis.
Face it, JJ reddick is a great shooter but his size, lack of athletic ability and lack of defense have him at most being a knock off steve kerr. Not really someone you build around.
And finally josh smith would be a way better add than iggy. Smith gets up and down the court, plays defense, and knows he cant shoot so you don’t really have to worry about him takin shots away from lewis,hedo, howard. Iggy takes alot of reckless shots. the only downside is the next free agent crop is mostly SF, a position that the magic are kinda stocked at when they need a Big or a SG.
p.s: Derrick rose is gonna win tonight while OJ scores 23 shooting 7-20
Juice Said,
December 4, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
yall stupid. did the cavs have a great guard last year? no i thought so. Boston short on distributors to. Rajan Rondo is an inexperienced point guard with a lot to learn. Celtics is the best of the East but probably cannot keep up with the teams of the West.
djhott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 8:10 am
wow u were real close, mayo finished 6-20
davon jefferson is a athlete
be nice if orlando some how could get a elton brand next year
or jamison
djhott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 8:13 am
and orland osux in money management,
they just got ghills enormous contract off the books,
and i guess they rewarded rashard with his earnings
instead of saying look we should try to save a few million a season
unless we are getting kobe,lebron,carmelo,dhoward,or somebody
and this year they could have gotten anyone
or maybe joneal less good stats play will lower his 19mil a season rating
and maybe he would play for a ring in orlando
for say a 3 year 32mil contract
djhott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 8:15 am
maggette and brand leave
in come josh smith, and kevin love #13 pick
in laclippers
amd save about 10 million
anthony Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 9:59 am
who said shaq sucks? I just said he was done.
Chris Mihm is third string on the Lakers squad, behind Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum. I wouldn’t compare Shaq to that slug.
Today I would take Dalemburts 11 pts/9 rebounds @ 9.5 million than Shaq’s 15 pts/7.5 rebounds @ 20 million. Plus Dalemburt is a better defender.
Shaq has lost the desire due to age, indifference, and laziness. He USED TO BE one of the most athletic big men to walk this earth, no longer. I’m sure he has a few dominate nights left in him, but not many.
djhott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 9:59 am
g-livingston g-b.knight g-q.ross
g-mobley g-r.patterson
f-josh smith f-al thornton
f-tim thomas f-k.love rd pick
c-kaman c-josh hoovelt 2nd pick
maggette signs with miami
brand signs with charlotte bobcats
or la lakers
lakers
g-d.fisher g-j.farmar j.crittenton
g-k.bryant g-s.vucic r.turiaf or ariza
f-l.odom f-l.walton
f-e.brand v.radmonovic
c-bynum c.mihm
they would some how have to get rid of radmonovic and or mihms contract to e able to fit brand
but he could definately go to charlotte
g-r.felton g-mccinis
g-richardson g-1st rd pick chase budinger or if available roy hibbert
f-g.wallace f-a.morrision
f-e.brand fs.may
c-e.okafor c-brizovec
or charlotte may have to make a sign in trade for brand
like a a.morrison,may,brizovec for brand
or a a.morrison, 1st rd pick,and may, for brand
either way it goes look for charlotte to succeed by next year, with another lotto pick, morrison back, and them having pieces to trade
mATT Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 10:05 am
YEA DJ, THIS YEARS DRAFT IS VERY DEEP
-THEIR ARE ABOUT 10 STARS IN THE TOP TEN
KINDA LIKE THE CLASS OF , IVERSON,KOBE,MARBURY,RAY ALLEN,A.WALKER
AND HEY WHERE THEY HELL IS KERRY KITTLES?
ORLANDO SHOULD FIND HIM, HE IS KINDA LIKE JAMAL CRAWFORD
mATT Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 10:09 am
PORTLAND WILL BE NICE NEXT YEAR, IF THEY GET DERRICK ROSE AND GREG ODEN
TRADE RAEF,JACK,WEBSTER,082ND RD FOR W.ZERBIAK
NEXT YEAR
PORTLAND
G-D.ROSE
GB.ROY
F-W.ZERBIAK
F-L.ALDRIGE
C-GREG ODEN
alex Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 10:38 am
it’s all about the playoffs….we’ll see if the magic can keep this up. jameer is gonna have trouble defending stronger pg’s and if hedo and lewis are not hitting their shots, orlando could be in trouble.
I see the celtics, pistons, orlando, cleveland & toronto (in that order) as the top5-teams in the east. pistons had a tough schedule to start the season, boston’s and orlandos were a little easier. NJ is up n down..but if krstic gets back to playing real ball, they can challenge the raptors and maybe cleveland. bulls have to turn it around NOW to be able to get into the playoffs. miami is just too injury prone and old…
bron42 Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
I kno what you mean anthony but my point is…this is shaq at his worse point and hes STILL one of the top centers. Plus hes givin you 15 points on only like 8 shots a game. So he doesn’t even really have the chance to be dominant. Also no one expected him to still be super athletic. Jumping alone takes a tole on your knees (remember jason kidd and steve francis used to dunk) let alone when you 7 foot and 300 pounds and getting crazy hard fouls ALL the time. I’d still take shaq over 90% of the centers in the league. You just gotta put a supportign cast around him like kapono, posey etc…legit role players instead of old guys and selfish gunners like ricky davis. The team has noooo youth other than cook so who really expected this team to dominate? If the celtics are considered a weak team cuz they have only 3 stars, how did people expect the heat to win anything with 1 1/2 stars. its like star search.
And lets not hype kevin love toooo much DJ. The guy puts up average numbers against no name schools and isn’t that athletic. He could just as easily be the next brian reeves as he could the 13th pick. I’d rather have beasly or rose.
dj hott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
shaq is not playing right
he still is 3rd in the league in fg%
so he needs to try to dominate and shoot more
he still should average 20 9 or 8
he looks in his best shape ever
and no single lady would want him based on his performances
so if u wants a supermodel now, he needs to play like superman
dj hott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 1:36 pm
will shaq make the east allstars? if he wasnt so big i dont know
i still dont know
1.d.howard 24 15
2.z.ilgauskus 13 12
3.r.wallace 16 8
4.e.curry 18 6
5.s.oneal 15 8
6.dalambert 11 9
anthony Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 4:20 pm
i agree, there aren’t too many superstar centers and he is top two or three in the east. He is just paid way too much for his production.
would elton brand consider moving to the Lakers and playing with Kobe?
I know Kobe is thought to be a selfish player, and his ego must have been brought down a notch when teams were rumored to be willing to only give up the end of their bench plus a second round draft pick. But I am sure he would love another all-star on his team. Brand is a smart player and would fit well in the triangle. Brand has a nice post up game that would thrive with Kobe in the perimeter. They definitely would compete with Odom and Bynum also in the frontcourt.
Besides, if Kobe really wants to go to the Bulls he won’t be on a better team, just an easier Conference.
Would any team take Radmonovic or Mihm for draft picks and an expiring contract? Probably not.
Would Elton leave the hopeless Clippers to the next locker room? Probably not, he is too loyal for his own good.
dj hott Said,
December 5, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
i agree elton wouldnt play on the same court, in the same city, on another jersey, interesting tho, lol
or e.brand to gs in a trade
bienes,ellis,pietrus,and 09pick or b.wright
for elton brand
then gs plays small ball,and have a post player, and try one more time with around a 13-17 pick, get center h.thabeet
gs
g-b.davis g-t.hudson
gk.azubeke g-bellini
f-s.jackson f-m.barnes
f-e.brand c-taj gibson 2nd rd pick
c-a.harrington c-h.thabeet
cassell will sign with denver next year
memphis trades p.gasol-for al hortford,s.claxton,josh childress
dj hott Said,
December 6, 2007 @ 9:19 am
wow kidd on strike now, no extension, may be looking for a trade
maybe to orlando for turk,nelson,and a future pick
or to miami- for j.williams,d.cook,&ricky davis
and last to denver when nene is back- for nene&jr smith
and aaron brooks in the dleague will be a hit
how do u like that trade RASHIDI kidd to miami, he wont take shots away, and is a real pg like theyve been wanting, while saving nj money with jwill salary off, but this year the salaries match, for both teams,
and kidd may come at a little cheapier price if miami wins, and needs his money
BRANDON Said,
December 6, 2007 @ 9:31 am
I agree with u DJ, on the Kidd to miami, the salaries work,kidd may come in and average more rebounds then shaq at this point, or the only pointguard not named nash, that would or could try to come in and make shaq better,and be the defender wades been needing to help defend either guard on defense? a veteran with 3 more years left, with him &shaq probably going out the same year, and still having wade, decent simien, & a number 10- 20 pick to get a sf, they may could get a ring in a year or 2.
but as of now,
1.san antonio
2.boston
3.phoenix
4.orlando
5.dallas
6.detroit
7.utah
8.lakers
9.new orleans
10.denver
and i hear houston offered nj a weak trade off-sbattier,g-r.alston,g-l.head,08 pick for kidd.
COREYMO Said,
December 6, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
KIDD TO CLEVELAND
FOR NEW SIGNED VIREAJO-SP ERROR,LARRY HUGHES,AND SHANNON BROWN
OR TO LAKERS
FOR- J.FARMAR,K.BROWN,RADMONOVIC,08 PICK
DALLAS,FOR, HARRIS,DIOP,AGERS,AND N.FAZEKAS
BEST TRADE BUT MOST LIKELY TO DALLAS
CLEVELAND WOULD LOVE HIM
AND LA WOULD WIN IN THE TRADE
WHERE WOULD U GO IF U ARE KIDD?
WHERE CAN U WIN AND GET PAID?
WHERE IS A TEAM WITH A POST PLAYER
KIDD TO 5 TEAMS
1.CLEVELAND2.ORLANDO3.MIAMI4.LAKERS5.DALLAS
IT WILL BE INTERESTING
Michael Said,
December 9, 2007 @ 4:44 pm
“I kno what you mean anthony but my point is…this is shaq at his worse point and hes STILL one of the top centers. Plus hes givin you 15 points on only like 8 shots a game. So he doesn’t even really have the chance to be dominant.”
I guess you haven’t noticed but the rest of the league has modeled their style after the Phoenix Suns. Out-run the oppossing team before they can set-up on defense. Big, lumbering old-school centers like Shaq are run right off the court and in Shaq’s case its done a lot quicker now with his age (35). There is Shaq, Yao and “Z’ in the old-school model and all three cannot play in the up-tempo style and are usually rendered ineffective. In Miami’s case they cannot play inside-out because they don’t have the outside shooters for Shaq to kick the ball out to anymore. So if they drop the ball into Shaq all night the oppossing team will triple-team him and then outrun him to the other end of the court.
Shaq simply cannot keep up with the new style of young, athletic and power-forward type centers such as Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett (Boston is at its best with Garnett at center), Emekor Okafur, Dirk Nowitzki ( Dallas is best with him at center), Alanta’s Al Horford, Al Jefferson, or outside shooting big-men such as Utah’s Mehmet Okur or even “The Big Fundamental” himself, Tim Duncan. There really isn’t any team that the current Miami roster can use Shaq to dominate a game and expect to win it. thats one of two reasons why they are 4-15, the other of course being that Dwayne Wade was injured up until recently.
Tom Said,
December 23, 2007 @ 9:03 pm
Hey Magicownscelts, how do you like them apples tonight? I’ve been patiently waiting for this game…