The Taking of Orlando 1-2-3

Jason Henry by Scribe Written on June 28, 2009
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - MARCH 27:  Vince Carter #15 of the New Jersey Nets watches on against the Los Angeles Lakers during their game on March 27, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

News travels fast when it’s bad. The death of Michael Jackson, sex siren Farrah Fawcett, and funnyman Ed McMahon sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

 

Michael Jackson provided the soundtrack for a generation of kids and his death was firmly felt due to his importance to our culture.

 

Famous Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon was legendary for his zingers and his knack for handing out checks with large amounts of money written on them.

 

Charlie’s most famous angel, Farrah Fawcett, stared at young men every night before they went to sleep from their bedroom walls as she crept into their dreams soon after they dozed off.

 

But quite possibly the most shocking news of the week is the partial dismantling of the Orlando Magic.

 

Soon after the NBA Draft ended the Magic pulled the trigger on a trade that quite possibly handed the East over the Cleveland Cavilers.

 

Rookie sensation Courtney Lee, backup point guard Rafer Alston, and bench center Tony Battie were all traded to the Nets for former Air Canada star and Daytona Beach homeboy Vince Carter, along with Ryan Anderson.

 

On the surface this trade seems that the Nets got a steal. Courtney Lee’s stock continued to rise as the season progressed, and I’m not sure if the Magic would have made it to the finals without Alston’s firepower.

 

While I’m not as upset with Battie’s departure, he was at least an extra body in the paint when Howard got into foul trouble or just needed rest.

 

For Mr. Carter, this trade represents a homecoming for him. In the summertime, it’s not un-usual to see Carter at the CVS in Dr. Phillips or at burger joint around the city. He’s not a bad guy, just not the guy for Orlando.

 

Throughout his career Vince has developed a reputation for alienating teammates, placing his needs before the team, and, well, being a show-off.

 

Already we have Dwight Howard who demands touches, Jameer Nelson who needs touches to run the offense, an itchy three-point shooter in Rashard Lewis, and now we add Vince Carter.

 

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written on June 28, 2009 Opinion

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