Pop Quiz: NBA Postseason Recap (Part One)

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They moved the ball great and had shooters everywhere.  They were just a really talented team.

Be that as it may, they still leave the postseason with several questions that need answered.

3. True or False: The Magic will return to the NBA Finals next season.

The correct answer would have to be False.

Here’s a couple of internal reasons I can’t see Orlando reaching the Finals again next season:

* The loss of Hedo Turkoglu (assuming he leaves) is a major hit to the Orlando Magic.

Obviously, they’re going to miss his 16.8 points a game and clutch shooting. But, what really hurts is losing the 6’10’’ small forward’s playmaking abilities and versatility.

Turkoglo averaged nearly five assists a game over the course of the regular season and played the point-forward in spots for Orlando. If Turkoglo chases big money and leaves, that’s one less matchup to worry about for the likes of a Boston or Cleveland.

* Losing the under-appreciated Marcin Gortat will also hurt the Magic. Gortat is a tough rebounder and defender who provided the Magic with valuable minutes down low.

There’s more.

Here’s another issue that could sidetrack the Magic next season, and the next question.

4.  It will be _________ if the Orlando Magic decide to keep both Jameer Nelson and Rafer Alston for next season.

            A. bewildering

            B. a debacle

            C. entertaining

            D. All of the above

The correct response is D (all of the above).

Keeping Alston to back up a healthy Nelson next season would be a bewildering decision by Orlando management. It most certainly would turn into a debacle, and it sure as hell would be entertaining.

As a Cavs fan, I am absolutely praying that Otis Smith keeps Rafer Alston on this team.

I’m begging you, Otis, to not question the fact that Rafer has played on five different teams during his ten-year career.

I’m also asking you to ignore his erratic decision-making, his poor shot selection, and his detrimental attitude.

I mean, think of how interesting Stan Van Gundy’s rotation became after you inexplicably allowed Jameer Nelson to return for the NBA Finals after not playing since February.

You have to admit, it became kind of entertaining watching SVG illogically juggle his point guards during the Finals.

Now, imagine that for a whole season.

On second thought, don’t imagine that.

Just stick with what got you to the Finals in the first place and keep Alston on this team.

Please.

Here’s a more burning question than the future of a certain point guard with a streetball alias. It relates to a self-proclaimed superhero and his offensive inefficiencies.

5. Based on the numbers presented below, which player did not live up to his “Superman” nickname in his first trip to the NBA Finals as a 23-year-old Center for the Orlando Magic?

Player A (4 games): 28.0 ppg, 44-74 fg (59.4 percent), 24-42 ft (57.1 percent), 12.5 rpg, 6.2 asp, and 2.5 bpg

Player B (5 games): 15.4 ppg, 21-43 fg (48.8 percent), 35-58 ft (60.3 percent), 15.3 rpg, 2.2 asp, and 4 bpg

The correct answer is Player B (Dwight Howard). Player A alludes to Shaquille O’Neal, of course.

This much we know about Dwight Howard five seasons into his NBA career: he doesn’t curse, but he cries after virtually every play.

OK, OK. There’s more we know. 

We also know that Howard is a dominant defensive player and rebounder. His averages of 15.4 rebounds and 4.0 blocks during the NBA Finals (highlighted by nine blocks in Game Four) establish that fact quite clearly.

Unfortunately, we also know his offense isn’t exactly superhero worthy, which was on display for all the world to see during the Finals.

Howard struggled mightily against the Lakers, who had big men that could move and a coach with a game plan (unlike the Cavs).  In comparison with Orlando’s original Superman, Howard averaged nearly 12.6 points less in his first trip to the NBA Finals, in addition to shooting 10.6 percent lower from the floor.

Even more telling, O’Neal made more field goals than Howard even attempted, despite playing one less game.

Howard must develop his offense beyond a running hook in the lane if Orlando is able to withstand departures and contend again for a title.

If he doesn’t, you have to wonder why the hell Patrick Ewing is still coaching, because Howard is too athletic, too explosive, and too strong to not dominate the paint on a regular basis.

(cont.)

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