HOOPLOG: Orlando Magic

Magic set to promote Otis Smith to GM

Wed, 03 May 2006 11:29:27 -0800

In a move that has been expected for weeks, the Magic will announce the promotion of Otis Smith to GM today at a news conference. ...

Mitch Albom talks to Ben Wallace

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 09:44:17 -0800

Mitch Albom has an outstanding article about Ben Wallace in today's Free Press. Here are a couple of highlights . . .

On his decision not to re-enter the Orlando game:

"What I was saying was, 'Look, if we're not gonna play to win the game … there's no need to put us out there,' " Ben says now. He claims he had gone to Saunders earlier in the game, complaining that the team was lapsing into one-on-one basketball. He felt his words were ignored. It bugged him.

"It's the kind of stuff that happens … but this time, a couple of writers were sitting a little closer to our bench and they caught whiff of it and decided to make a story out of it. … It didn't bother me. … It didn't bother Flip. … I mean, two or three games before that, Rasheed (Wallace) was having a good night and Flip was … gonna put (Antonio) McDyess in for him and I go up and tell him, 'Man, (Rasheed's) rolling … let him go. I'll come out.' But they didn't catch that."

On whether he will re-sign with Detroit in the offseason:

"Do you look at this as your one big contract chance?"

"I know this is my one and only chance right here. But I don't want to make a big deal of it. … I haven't said anything to Joe (Dumars) about it. … Me and Joe got a great relationship. We come from similar backgrounds, so I pretty much know I don't have to say anything. He already knows."

I read a lot of articles about the Pistons and various players, but this is definitely one of the better pieces I've come across. Not a big surprise — it is Mitch Albom — but it's definitely something Detroit basketball fans should check out if they haven't already.

MITCH ALBOM: Big Ben's last stand? [Detroit Free Press]

All tomorow's parties

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 09:17:10 -0800

UPDATE: Check out the comments for a scenario I completely missed. - Matt

I tried to avoid doing this after all the confusion regarding these playoff tiebreakers , but I can't help myself:

Tomorow's games:
Bulls vs. Toronto
Washington at Detroit (i.e. the Tony Delk show)
Indiana vs. Orlando

If Bulls win(Bulls guaranteed higher seed than Milwaukee):

AND Washington wins AND Indiana wins:
- Washington is 42-40, Bulls/Indiana are tied at 41-41
- Indiana wins tiebreaker (division record)
- Bulls are the 7th seed
Washington loses, Indiana wins:
- Bulls/Indiana/Washington are tied at 41-41
- Bulls win tiebreaker (highest winning percentage in games among the 3 teams)
- Bulls are 5th seed
Washington loses, Indiana loses:
- Bulls/Washington are tied at 41-41, Indiana is at 40-42
- Bulls win tiebreaker (head-to-head versus Washington)
- Bulls are 5th seed

If Bulls lose(Bulls guaranteed lower seed than Washington):

Indiana loses
- Bulls/Indiana/Milwaukee are tied at 40-42
- Bulls lose tiebreaker (lowest division record)
- Bulls are 8th seed
- I cry myself to sleep
Indiana wins
- Indiana at 41-41, Bulls/Milwaukee tied at 40-42
- Bulls lose tiebreaker (lower division record)
- Bulls are 8th seed
- I cry myself to sleep

Feel free to check my work, the real wrinkle was the Bulls being 3-1 against Washington during the season, which set them apart from Indiana (who split their games against the Bulls and Washington) and Washington.

I'd say the most likely situation is the first, with everyone winning and the Bulls earning the 7th seed.

And if I needed to remind everyone:
5th seed - face Cleveland
7th seed - face Miami
8th seed - face Detroit, I cry myself to sleep.

The Fatal Flying Elbows Of Andres Nocioni

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:47:02 -0800

Much the way the league has been through stages of trying to find The Next Larry Bird, The Next Magic or the Next Magic Jordan, there is somewhat less urgency in trying to identify The Next Danny Fortson. From The Northwest Herald’s David Brown. The NBA issued a $5,000 fine and a flagrant foul to [...]

The Eastern Conference Clusterfuck

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:46:56 -0800

The top four is set, but the battle for the final four spots in the NBA’s Eastern Conference Playoffs is as tight and bunched-up as Magic Johnson’s boxers. Milwaukee, Washington, and Indiana all have identical 39-40 records, with Chicago one game behind them at 35-41. The Sixers are the odd man out at the moment, 2 games out of a spot at 37-42. With perhaps a little bit of shuffling among the order, the four teams that are in right now are probably the same four teams that will end up sliding in.

HowEVA (Â© Stephen A. Smith)… right behind them, we have the Orlando Darkos, probably the best team of the group. They’re mathematically alive, but barely. At the moment, they’re three games out of a spot with three to play, despite their current 7-game winning streak that includes wins against maybe the best five teams in the NBA, the Spurs, Pistons, Mavericks, Suns, and Heat. The Darko trade has been great for them (no, seriously), and they’ve got a bright young line-up with Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and of course, Darko. This is probably the last time in a while that they’re not going to be in the playoffs.

Key games remaining:

Sixers @ Magic, Tonight.
Bucks @ Wizards, Tuesday.
Magic @ Pacers, Wednesday.
Bulls @ Magic, Monday.

Orlando Needs More Magic to Make Playoffs

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:46:53 -0800

Brian Schmitz of THE ORLANDO SENTINEL writes, "Welcome back to the NBA, Orlando. Playing too much uneventful basketball for the past few years, the Magic are on an inspired tear and on center stage. And most important, along with a return to relevancy, they finally have brought back an electric playoff atmosphere to TD Waterhouse Centre."

Wilcox Named WC Player of the Week

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:44:56 -0800

CHRIS WILCOX NAMED WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SEATTLE – The NBA announced today that Sonics forward Chris Wilcox has been named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Monday, April 3 through Sunday, April 9. Wilcox averaged 23.0 points and 15.3 rebounds while shooting 75.0 percent (27-of-36) from the field during the week to help the Sonics extend their winning streak to a season-long four games. The league honor is the first of Wilcox’s career and the first for a Sonics player this season.

Wilcox began the week by posting 26 points and a career-high 24 rebounds in a 104-87 win over Houston on April 4, becoming the first Sonics player to post a 20-point/20-rebound game since Shawn Kemp did so on Nov. 15, 1995. Wilcox’s 24 rebounds were also the most by a Sonics player since Jack Sikma grabbed 25 boards on Feb. 10, 1983. Wilcox also dished out a career-best six assists at Portland last Friday, April 7, and has recorded double-doubles in scoring and rebounding in four consecutive games.

After averaging 4.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 48 games with the Clippers this season, Wilcox has posted 15.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game since joining the Sonics on Feb. 23.

The New York Knicks’ Jamal Crawford was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 26.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.25 steals per game. He hit two game-winning jumpers to lead the Knicks to a 3-1 record during the week. Crawford grew up in Seattle and was a prep basketball star at Rainier Beach High School

Other nominees for Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Cleveland’s LeBron James, Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, New Jersey’s Jason Kidd, Orlando’s Dwight Howard, Sacramento’s Mike Bibby and Seattle’s Ray Allen.

The Seattle Sonics & Storm organization manages the Puget Sound region’s professional basketball franchises – the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. The organization oversees all sales, marketing, finance, public relations and basketball operations for the teams. The Basketball Club of Seattle LLC owns both teams.

Just Another Night At The Fleet Center TD Banknorth Garden

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 14:44:50 -0800

The thoughts of various individuals in this picture:

Steve Francis: So, uh, baby, listen, how old are you? Say again? Oh. Um … (looking to his left and right ) … OK … your mom around anywhere?

Girl In Red Jacket: Oh my gosh, it’s Patrick Ewing!

Tall Guy In Boston College Hat: Dude, Sully’s gonna love this story during Golden Tee tonight.

Security Guard: God, I hate when the Knicks are in town.

Sunday, April 9th Vs. The Knicks [Going To The Celtics Game]

(UPDATE: More proof that we don’t watch enough crap TV: Apparently the lady in green was on “American Idol.” Amazing what you learn doing this job.)

Hamilton leaves Pistons for death in the family

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 17:55:04 -0800

Detroit scoring leader Richard Hamilton missed the Pistons' game against Orlando on Friday night because of a death in his family.

NBA Mock Draft-College players only 1. Noah 2 Morrison 3. Thomas

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 19:16:17 -0800

Here is my mock draft, usually when a player does well in the tournament, their stock goes up in the draft. Teams are gonna pass on Sheldon Williams, due to poor tournament performance. He’ll be the next Elton Brand and will help that Hornets go to the playoffs next year. I put Reddick with the Jazz, looking at the Jazz's draft history they pick over hyped white dudes, who can’t play in the NBA. Hopefully the Sonics get Brandon Roy, he and Ridnouer will form the best back court in the league circa 2110. I only did college players that I have seen play and one Eurotrash dude that Espn ranked high. I guessed the teams that will end up with the highest lottery picks.

1. Bulls from knicks- joekim Noah. Had a good tournment, he could really develop

2. Portland Trailblazers- Adam Morrison. Keep him local.

3. Charlotte Bobcats- Tyrus Thomas

4. Atlanta Hawks-Lemarcus Aldridge

5. Toronto Raptors- Randy foye

6. Orlando Magic- Josh Mcroberts

7. Golden state- Andrea Bargani. The bay area better have ample olive oil and garlic.

8. Boston Celtics- Dee Brown

9. Timerwolves- Rodney Carney

10. Supersonics- Brandon Roy

11. Rockets- Al Hortford

12. Bulls- Ronnie Brewer

13.Utah jazz- J.J reddick. Another white person playing basketball in Utah, I don’t understand.

14 Hornets- Sheldon Williams. Every team will regret passing on him

15. 76ers- Maurice Ager

16 Indiana- Jordan Farmar.

17. Sacramento-leon powe

Rudy Gay was going pretty high but he will end up a second rounder, due to poor performance in the tournement

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Luke-Warm Pickups

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 09:42:32 -0800

As we near the end of the fantasy season, it’s important to recognize that you’re not going to find those awesome pickups that you always spend time trolling for during the first half of the year. And as you look for players to fill those extra games you’ve got lying around, your standards have to drop a bit. Remember – even if you play a guy who gets 2 points, a rebound and an assist, that’s 2 more points, one more rebound and one more assist than you’d have if you just let an extra game go by. With that in mind, let’s see if we can find some guys who are good bets for a single game here or there:

Nate Robinson, G, NYK
Robinson’s got a couple of things going for him. One, he qualifies at both guard positions, which mean that he’s got added value for those filling games. Two, with Stephon Marbury still out, Larry Brown may be forced to play him as Steve Francis’s backup. And three, even if he doesn’t see a bunch of minutes, he’s still a good bet for a three or a steal as long as he gets on the court. Of course, he does have the major negative of being under the rule of Larry Brown, who may be the most hated man in all of fantasy basketball, even surpassing Hubie Brown of a few years ago. As of yesterday, Robinson looked like a great play. As of this morning, it’s a slightly different story as news comes out that he was nearly sent to the D-League a month ago. But Robinson, who plays three times over the next four days, is still a nice game-filler for those of you with extra guard games.

Antonio McDyess, PF, DET
With Rasheed Wallace being suspended for tonight’s game, McDyess will likely be counted on for 30+ minutes. But even when he’s seeing his typical 20 or so mpg, he’s still a nice asset. He’ll contribute in both defensive categories, rebounds, and recently he’s been on a bit of a scoring streak. Also, with the playoffs approaching, McDyess is a strong candidate for more playing time as Ben Wallace and Sheed get a little rest now that the playoffs have been clinched. It’s also a possibility that Dale Davis will see some extra time off the Piston pine, but probably not enough to make him worthwhile.

The Phoenix Chuckers
Any of these guys – James Jones, Leandro Barbosa, Eddie House, Tim Thomas, Raja Bell – could be a fine pickup if you’re looking for threes. With Mike D’Antoni allowing his players to shoot at will, and Steve Nash putting them in position to do just that, the Suns not only take the most threes of any team in the league, they also make the highest percentage of them. The problem is knowing who’s going to have the hot hand from night to night. Last Friday, Barbosa exploded for 28 points – the next game, he was held to 10. But all of them, on average, will give you at least one three and maybe 8-10 points with a spattering of other stats.

Martell Webster, G/F, POR
While the rest of his team is a complete disaster, Webster will have an opportunity to strut his stuff over the final few weeks of the season. He’ll have his ups and downs, but in the end he’ll be a big help in threes, and should contribute in points and FT% as well. Anything more than that might be asking too much, but he’s also a candidate for one of those out-of-nowhere breakout games as well.

Orlando Neighhbors Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill Have Talked...

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 08:33:30 -0800

...about buying the Magic one day....

Brian Hill Fined $25,000 for Criticizing Officials

Thu, 09 Mar 2006 08:33:15 -0800

Tim Povtak of the ORLANDO SENTINEL reports, Magic Coach Brian Hill fully expected a call and a fine from the NBA office Wednesday, but he didn't expect it to be quite so painful. Hill was fined $25,000 for "publicly criticizing officials,'' after Monday night's loss to the Jazz in Utah. He became just the second coach this season to be fined for such an offense. Although he declined comment on the size of the fine, the look on his face said more than enough. He was surprised. As the Magic coach during the 1994-95 season, he was fined $3,500 for a similar offense. "Coaches are no different than players,'' he said after the Magic practiced and he spoke with Stu Jackson, the NBA's senior vice president of basketball operations. "When you're going through situations like this, and you're losing and bad things are happening, you are going to get frustrated.''

Nothing fits forever

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 21:49:48 -0800

It would seem that last night’s infernal burst of Gilbertology might truly need no comment from ours truly. As in, we live in heaven, he lives alone, our souls are intertwined and the moment need not be soiled by explanation. The more and more I gazed upon that fascinating still—one as destined for iconic status as Tiger with the fist pump or Yao’s scream of antiquity—the more brutally apparent it becomes to me that Arenas, far from being an oddball, is the living, breathing god of my favorite kind of NBA player: the kind you watch, instead of just view. What Iverson, Kobe, Nash, and a handful of others I go out of my way to see play have in common is this ability to not merely produce on any given night, but to casually redefine themselves through masterstrokes of basketball impressionism.

Let me put briefly put aside the strained fire and brimstone that guides this site long enough to admit, as I did last week, that this is by and large a league of consistency. Unlike baseball and football, where one can be violently up and down from one game to the next but still get recognized overall as a fantastic contributor, to be a credible contributor a guy’s got to come with steady output. Freaks and streaks can be profound, but no player’s a recognizable force (or definite failure) in this league until he can be counted on; to scrape the ridges of Mount Dunkmore, he’d better be guaranteed to account for a serious percentage of his team’s production, both in the box score and as a reliable force when the ball hits his hands. Until then, he will always get saddled with the p-word, no matter how impressive he is in spurts.

When you reach the rarified air of superlative hoops accomplishment, there are at least three kind of consistency. Most obviously, there are the rock-solid bequeathers, under-appreciated and often big men like Duncan, Brand, Bosh, Dirk, Jamison, Kidd, Ray Ray and Redd. These folks give it their all with frightening regularity, churning it out from the opening bell and expected to operate as if to a rhythmic tick. I want to stop short of saying that you can intuit them from looking at a box score, but by and large there is no dramatic arc to their in-game performances. Professional, workmanlike, whatever you want to call them, these are consummate anchors of an offense, the given you pencil in at most moments during the season’s onslaught.

In the next category, you find explosive players with a tendency toward predictable outcomes, who ebb and flow over the course of a game, occasionally make you doubt, and ultimately bring you right back to who you always knew they were. I’m talking about Garnett, Pierce, Wade, Vince, Billups, Bibby, Gasol, Melo, Richardson, Jefferson, Sheed, Marion, and Artest himself—unquestioned experts who sometimes lull, sometimes soar, but never have to redeem themselves and are constantly working within their own limits and images. This isn’t a knock on any of these fine, hurling turtles; merely to point out that if you turn on the television to see them play, you know what you’re getting and will be accordingly excited. Each game reinforces their , with ups and downs that end in a pointed reminder of yeah, that’s him.

Gilbert and his gang, as I will now aptly dub them, rest upon their own set of shaggy shoulders. To return to last week’s trope of half-assed existentialism, All-American and yet bleakly Continental, they are players constantly exceeding themselves, or at least engaging in what feels for all the world like a motherfucking statement game. It can LeBron or Amare exerting and expanding their dominance, Kirilenko or Gerald Wallace twisting up the parameters of a box score, Nash working his conductor-ly magic, or Kobe, Iverson or McGrady scoring not only at will, but as if it’s unnatural for them to miss—or even repeat themselves out on the floor. Arenas is a must-see, not only because he’s likely to put on a show, but for what each and every game can do to your sense of him as a player and personality. If Wade proves with each big game that he’s still Wade, still proud, then Gilbert does it up in a way that’s not only unpredictable; with each of these self-transcending events, he also manages to seem unlikely all anew. As does Kobe, Bron, et al. In the crucible of the game, their legend is broken down and created anew, surprising you not only with this most recent installment but, in its reconstitution of the player’s most basic essence, shock you yet again they exist at all, that anything they do has ever happened in the glare of man’s senses.

This may seem like two-bit metaphysics for those of you not in tune with my lifelong education on this planet (or anyone merely taking issue with my late night sloppiness). But next time you find yourself up past bedtime watching one of these aforementioned idols, think about whether or not you feel you’re seeing them for the first time, whether you’re transfixed partly out of the fear that you’re witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. Not just a good game from your favorite NBA player, or one of those “instant classics” this blog will reference two years from now; I mean one of those performances where, in some ways, you feel like you’re discovering the sport again for the very first time.

Peter Vecsey: These Rebirths 'Moving' Stories

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 08:30:37 -0800

Peter Vecsey of THE NEW YORK POST writes, Is there anything more important in the NBA these days than relocation, relocation, relocation? How come one player after another after another is a nobody for one team yet becomes a productive citizen of his new organization as soon as he suits up? .What were the odds of Tim Thomas resurfacing from a Bulls-imposed, near-four-month exile and scoring 20 points in 20 minutes in his very first outing with Phoenix (no practice evidently makes perfect) against visiting Orlando?