Prediction: Orlando Magic will NOT Make it Past the First Round
August 25, 2007
The Magic just acquired Adonal Foyle, which makes the Magic’s frontcourt one of the most powerful in the league. Although Foyle had a weak season in ’06-’07, he is still capable of being a solid frontcourt partner of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis. This was a terrific addition for the boys in blue, but is in enough? I know I ask this question quite a bit, but when you look at the rest of the east, you have to ask yourself if you think that this powerful frontcourt is really enough to get the Magic deep into the playoffs. The answer is no! I don’t even believe these guys will make it past the first round. I solely place the blame for my prediction on the Magic’s lack of backcourt. That’s where it all starts. Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu are as weak of a backcourt as the league has seen in recent years. Nelson has yet to prove he is a good point guard in the league, and Turkoglu’s inconsistency will only become more significant as he gets less shots with Rashard Lewis in town. With Carlos Arroyo and J.J. Redick coming off the bench, there’s just not much depth for the coach to dip into! If these guys make it past the first round of the playoffs, I give everyone that has just read this to rub it in my face, but I have a feeling I won’t be getting any comments come that time of the season.
The Big Winners of Wednesday are…the AGENTS!
July 12, 2007
Yes, the agents. I’m not talking like they just won a playoff series. I’m talking like these agents are the Superbowl MVPs. These brilliant men have hooked themselves up with some of the finest athletes in the world. For that connection, they get rewarded on a scale us dreamers could only wish we were on. For that, the true Kudos goes out to Andy Miller, Tony Dutt, and Rob Pelinka. Who are these fine gentlemen you might be asking? In the business, they are known as ( in order): Chauncey Billups’ agent, Rashard Lewis’ agent and Gerald Wallace’s agent. When General Managers of teams are crying when their big stars’ contracts are up, these agents are licking their chops, planning out a way to get their client, as well as themselves, the top dollar. After all this agent talk, how can you not bring up Jeremy Piven, aka Ari Gold from the HBO show Entourage. Piven seems so comfortable in that role of a celebrity agent, it gets you wondering how effective he would be in real life? If I was a young player like Greg Oden, I would much rather have Piven on my side rather than ex-teamate Mike Conley Jr.’s dad repping me. This just proves Oden’s lack of maturity. If he was smart, true agents are the ones to represent you, not a friend’s dad. Although Oden gives “trust” as the main reason why, this is kind of a stupid move. I’m sure all the other basketball agents are laughing at Oden’s agent, knowing they could have got the number one overall pick more money and better endorsements.
Wouldn’t you rather have this guy trying to make you top dollar?
The day has finally come. After weeks of hype, the boys can finally sign on the dotted line. Probably the top free-agent of this off-season was Chauncey Billups. After flirting with the idea of leaving the red, white and blue, he couldn’t resist yet another title run, alongside backcourt mate Rip Hamilton. These two guys seem like they’ll never part each other. Why would they? Arguably, they are the best backcourt in basketball today. They have my vote forsure. The surprise of the off-season ( thus far) was Rashard Lewis. Did anyone see him going to Orlando before all the rumours swarmed? It will be interesting to see Rashard and Dwight Howard trying to make the Magic a contender in the weak east. I personally don’t see them improving in the standing from last season. I can’t see them beating Washington, let alone the Bulls, Pistons, Cavs, etc. They need another piece to the puzzle. Hopefully, Magic management plan are pursuing some more pieces. As Lewis enters the Magic, Grant Hill decides to leave. The most sought after starter-to-bench-player decided he would be best fit in with the Phoenix Suns. Whether he’ll last the whole season seems to be the biggest mystery. Will GH survive the intensity of the Suns’ run-and-gun offense? For the price they paid, who cares? He was a steal. Even though these guys are signed, sealed and delivered, there is still another 3 months for some serious trades to go down. KG or Kobe? I can’t wait to find out.
Acquiring Rashard Lewis was a tremendous addition for the Orlando Magic. It is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough! What this means is that the Magic’s starting front line just received a big dose of energy. Unfortunately for them, they still have a very weak backcourt. Jameer Nelson having a very iffy season is not an ideal guy running the point, especially with such talented guys in the frontcourt. At the off guard, The Magic fiddled with Grant Hill, but odds are he’ll back leaving the team pretty soon. This leaves a huge vacancy for the team! The team could take two approaches to the situation. One, they can insert one of the younger guns, such as J.J. Redick or Keith Bogans and consider the year as “rebuilding”. As much as a Redick fan I used to be, this would just make me nauseous. The other, is try and make something happen with those still available in the market. My guess is that by bringing Rashard Lewis to the team means they’re all business! Why waste time when you have some outstanding talent on board? Would the Magic be that heartbroken to part with Nelson? He’s shown signs of being a solid point guard, but any team trying to contend needs more consistency. If would be in the teams best interest to put together a respectable package deal to target some better players. If they don’t, I really can’t see the Magic moving up in the standings, definitely not past Washington ( who was one place ahead of them in the East Standings). I’m curious to hear what you all think. Am I completely out of whack here, or are the Magic still a long ways away from being…great?
Should the Magic part ways with Nelson?
Here is a great clip of Rashard Lewis. He really is wicked player to watch…check it out!!!!
Clutch 3 