Bleacher Report - Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic Play Chameleon in Latest Victory Over the Boston Celtics

Viresh Patel — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:57:23 -0500

The Orlando Magic seemed to have trouble playing the part of the poodle Friday night. A poodle is what Paul Pierce claimed the Magic were when facing the so called “German Shepherd” Lakers. Pierce went on to claim “the rottweiler Celtics will be back in 2010.”

A lot of big talk for a bitter player sitting at home tweeting during the finals, don't ya think? Pierce had his first chance to back up all that talk in the first meeting between the Magic and Celtics. Never happened.

During the playoffs, Kevin Garnett sat on the sidelines in his pretty little suit helpless as can be but barking as he usually does. I recall Garnett pointing at his wrist signaling it's about that time. Really Kev, what time is it? Garnett couldn't help but watch as his teammates suffered a defeat in Game Seven against the Orlando Magic. In Boston, nonetheless.

On Friday night, Garnett witnessed the wrath of the Magic first hand. Garnett's bark proved louder than his bite.

The Orlando Magic refuse to back down from any team in the NBA. The Orlando Magic continue to play chameleon. Known to be an high powered three-point shooting team, the Magic nevertheless won on stifling defense. Many people probably don't realize that last season, the Magic finished first in defensive efficiency in the NBA.

On Friday Night, the Celtics wanted to play hard nosed defense and keep the score low. The Magic played “Celtic basketball” and came away with the victory on Boston's home court. The Magic'sdefense held Boston to a incredible 34.5 percent from the field and 10.5 percent from three-point land.

The 34.5 percent shooting is the lowest Boston has shot since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined the team in 2007.

The Magic can adapt to any style of offense or defense teams want to play. They'll match teams in a shoot out like it did when it recently beat the Suns 122-100, and they can grind it out on the defensive end like it did against the Celtics.

Last season, teams were quick to overlook the Magic. And the Magic relished the opportunity to fly under the radar. This season, teams would be smart to not overlook a team that won 59 regular season games, defeated the then NBA Champions in the Conference Semifinals, and sent King James and his Cavs home early in the Conference Finals.

This is a notice to the NBA that the Eastern Conference champs are back. They are on the move. The Magic are not German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pitbulls, and they most certainly are not Poodles. However, the Magic will be more than happy to play the role of the underdog once more.

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Orlando Magic May Be "The Answer" for Allen Iverson

Chad Waylon Pouncy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:21:23 -0500

Allen Iverson may have found the answer he's been looking for, and it's better than he could have expected.

Hours after the Memphis Grizzlies terminated Iverson's contract, Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. Nelson is not expected to return for at least a month.

The backup point guards for the Magic are not exactly spring chickens, nor are they truly solid options.

Jason Williams takes over as the starter on Wednesday night, his 34th birthday. Williams retired after the 2007-08 season and has just returned to action this season in Orlando.

Williams' first task is Oklahoma City, who features Russell Westbrook at the point. Westbrook lit up Nelson for 17 points and 10 assists. Jason Williams will have his hands full with the speedy sophomore.

Anthony Johnson, age 35, is a journeyman and perennial bench player. He is not likely to be especially effective spelling Williams.

Allen Iverson may be 34 years old, but he is also a surefire Hall of Famer, something the others can't boast. Iverson could step into the starting role and perform well in the Magic offense.

In Orlando, Iverson would be given the chance for a starting role he so desires, at least for a month. When Jameer Nelson returns, Iverson could slip into a beneficial sixth-man for a championship contender.

Orlando has already taken a shot on a disgruntled veteran by trading for Vince Carter in the offseason. The Magic are determined to return to the NBA Finals at any cost. Iverson could play a key role in making that happen.

The Orlando Magic would instantly draw comparisons to the 2004-05 Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers picked up Karl Malone and Gary Payton to complement Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The plan in LA was to win a championship with two veteran superstars that had not won a championship in their illustrious careers. The Lakers came up short in the Finals to the determined Detroit Pistons.

This Orlando Magic squad features far more depth than the Lakers team. Furthermore, Iverson and Carter are not quite as "used up" as Malone and Payton were at the time.

If Allen Iverson wants to start and have a chance at a championship, Orlando is a perfect fit.

This is a possibility only if AI can show maturity and accept a pay cut and adjust to his role upon the return of Jameer Nelson. If he can make that happen, the Orlando Magic may be answer for Iverson.

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Orlando Magic Can't Catch a Break

Viresh Patel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:02:29 -0500

The Orlando Magic ha ve been hit badly early in the season by injuries, illnesses, and suspension.

Vince Carter first missed time because of a sprained ankle. Ryan Anderson was next to be hobbled by the same injury. Mikael Pietrus and Brandon Bass each missed time due to flu-like symptoms. Anthony Johnson was unavailable for one game for personal reasons. Rashard Lewis missed the first 10 games of the season due to suspension.

On Monday night, the Magic finally had their projected starting lineup on the court as Rashard Lewis made his much anticipated season debut after his suspension. But also of note, Marcin Gortat missed this game due to flu-like symptoms.

As if that wasn't enough, starting all-star point guard Jameer Nelson will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Wednesday morning causing the young star to miss 4-6 weeks.

Orlando Magic fans must think this is some kind of joke. Sure, much of the talk as the season began was about the incredible depth Orlando has to work with. But even for a good coach like Stan Van Gundy, shuffling a new lineup every night is getting to be difficult.

The Orlando Magic have had trouble early in the young season developing consistency on offense and defense. As terribly as they've played, somehow they managed to win eight out of their first 11 games.

On Monday night against the Charlotte Bobcats, the Magic shot a terrible 42 percent from the field and allowed the Bobcats shoot over 50 percent. Yet, somehow came away with the win.

This is the story of the young season for the Orlando Magic. Last season the Magic killed teams with the 3-ball and so far this season their shooting as if the trey will kill themselves.

Last season the Magic finished as the best team in the NBA in defensive efficiency, this season they've allowed teams like the Pistons, the Bobcats, the Raptors, and the Thunder to all shoot over 50 percent. This team quickly needs to realize they were not successful last season because of their offensive firepower.

They were deadly because of their stifling defense. They were powerful defensively because Dwight Howard was the most dominant man on the floor.

Thus far, Howard has had trouble staying on the floor. Howard’s numbers are incredibly low early in the season. There are surprisingly four players who ha ve more double-doubles than the Daily Double himself.

With Dwight constantly in foul trouble, and several others not on the floor due to injuries, illnesses, and suspensions, this Orlando Magic team has yet to find its identity. But when most teams search for their identity, they normally ha ve trouble staying competiti ve .

The Magic are still coming away with wins. But how much longer can they continue escaping with wins is yet to be seen. In an 82 game NBA season, you will not go on forever escaping with wins.

Whatever this teams plans on doing, they better do it quick. And they'll be doing it with a guy nicknamed “White Chocolate” at the point.

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Jameer Nelson To Undergo Knee Surgery, Expected To Be Out Four to Six Weeks

Chad Waylon Pouncy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:40:41 -0500

So much for the Orlando Magic playing with a full squad. The "healthy" Magic lasted only one game before the injury bug struck again.

Rashard Lewis returned to the Orlando lineup Monday night, after a 10-game suspension. Lewis' return was the first time the Magic starting five was intact since the NBA Finals last season.

Ryan Anderson, who was filling in for Lewis, also returned against the Bobcats. He had missed the previous week due to an ankle sprain.

Now comes the news that Jameer Nelson left Monday night's game in Orlando with a knee injury. An MRI revealed a torn meniscus in Nelson's left knee.

On Wednesday morning, Nelson will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to repair the damage to the point guard's knee. The procedure will shelve Nelson for at least four to six weeks.

After a shoulder injury last season, the Magic traded for Rafer Alston to replace Nelson. Alston was sent to New Jersey as part of the Vince Carter trade.

Anthony Johnson and Jason Williams will fill in for Nelson as he recovers.

Johnson spelled Nelson and Alston last year. He is starting to get old at age 35. Williams returned from retirement to sign with the Magic in the offseason. He turns 34 on Wednesday.

Orlando may make a move to upgrade the position until Jameer Nelson can return. In other news, Allen Iverson has been released by the Memphis Grizzlies and is looking for some playing time—just saying.

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This Week in Magic (Week Three): The Return of Rashard Lewis

Chad Waylon Pouncy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:59:51 -0500

This week's column is a little late, I know. The Magic faced the Charlotte Bobcats to start this week and I forgot to preview it. Luckily for readers, the two teams matched-up last week and i gave the preview. This game, however, featured two major differences. First, for the Orlando Magic, was the return of Rashard Lewis from his 10 game suspension. Lewis tested positive for a banned substance in the offseason and was forced to sit out the first 10 games this year. Orlando has had some problems without Lewis, dropping three games. Ryan Anderson was filling in for "Shard", but went down with an ankle injury last week. Anderson also returned on Monday night. Lewis started slow, scoring only 10 points in 34 minutes of play. Anderson helped out by coring 12 in his 19 minutes for the game. The other major change came for the Bobcats. Earlier in the day, Charlotte struck a deal with the Golden State Warriors. The trade sent Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic to the Warriors in exchange for Stephen Jacjkson and Acie Law. Jackson, who had been pleading for a trade, was so excited that he hopped on a plane, headed for Orlando, suited up and played the game for Charlotte. Jackson was able to provide 13 points and 9 boards in his first game with the Bobcats. The surprise of the game was Ronald Murray coming off the bench to put up a handsome 31 points. Gerald Wallace chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds as well. Orlando distributed the ball well and had seven different players scorning double figures for the night. Jameer Nelson led the team with 16 points, five assists and three steals. Nelson was also able to grab six rebounds. The Magic, after getting of to a shaky start, finish off the Bobcats to the tune of 97-91. Orlando was also victorious in last week's meeting with Charlotte. The Cleveland Cavaliers handed the Magic their third loss of the year on Wednesday. Orlando bounced back to defeat the New Jersey Nets the following night. The Orlando Magic have three more games this week and look to improve on their 8-3 start. Friday night will be the focus of the week when the Magic head to Boston to take on the Celtics. As we always do around this time, let's take a look at the games for the week.

Begin Slideshow

Orlando Magic Season "Officially" Begins Tonight

Brett Roberts — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:19:48 -0500

No one expected the Magic to win its first 10 games. The loss of star forward Rashard Lewis for those games to suspension for using an illegal substance in his energy drink smoothies was sure to cost the Magic at least a few victories.

Until replacement starter Ryan Anderson went down, the Magic were rolling along, but without his three-point shooting stretching the floor much the same way Lewis does, Orlando struggled in losses to the Thunder and Cavs in horrible blowout fashion.

It became clear that the Magic need a court-stretching 'four' man and that Brandon Bass will not be their best option at the power forward position, as many postulated he might.

Save the substitution of Hedo Turkoglu and Vince Carter, the Magic will put the same lineup on the court that they did during last year's Finals. Thus, with their true starting lineup intact, tonight marks the real beginning of the season for the Magic.

The Magic will face the struggling Bobcats at the Amway Center, and the Bobcats have yet to win a road game this year (0-4). It figures to be a blowout in the Magic's favor, especially since the Bobcats will be playing without starting shooting guard Raja Bell, who was just traded to the Warriors for Stephen Jackson today.

So tonight the "real" Magic should make magic by no less than 20 points during its season-opener, 10 games in.

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Rashard Lewis Makes His Season Debut for the Orlando Magic

Brandon Ribak — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:02:39 -0500

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After a 10-game suspension (and not being able to attend any game) All-Star forward Rashard Lewis will make his season debut against the Charlotte Bobcats tonight at seven o'clock pm.

The Magic began the season with five new players on their roster, two coming from the offseason transaction with the New Jersey Nets (Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson) and three coming from offseason signings (Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes, and Jason Williams).

Throughout the first 10 games of the season Orlando enjoyed the emergence of forward Ryan Anderson, who is averaging 15.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG on 46.4 percent shooting from the floor and 43.6 percent shooting from beyond the three-point line in only 24.8 minutes of action.

Anderson has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury, and it is clear that his impact has been missed dearly.

With a newly assembled roster one would expect a team's chemistry to take time to build to its peak, but that has not been the case for the Magic as they already look beyond mid-season form.

Tonight's starting lineup will be something close to this: Jameer Nelson at the point, Vince Carter at the two, Rashard Lewis at the three, Ryan Anderson at power-forward, and Dwight Howard at the center position.

This starting five is arguably the strongest and deadliest lineup in the entire NBA today as the five athletes are composed of exceptional speed, versatility, aggressiveness, and most importantly a chip on their shoulder to make it back to the NBA Finals.

Lewis, who lead the league in 3PTM last season, will without a doubt give this Magic team's offense a serious boost, ultimately improving their 100 PPG (14th in league) to somewhere between 110-115 PPG before mid-season.

With a completely healthy roster the Orlando Magic are undoubtedly the deepest team in the NBA. Tonight will be the first time this season that the entire team will be dressed in their numbers and ready to play ball.

Even though the Magic are matched up against the Bobcats, tonight's game should be a little preview of what is to come this season.

Orlando 125 - Bobcats 88

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NBA Primetime: The First 10 Games of The '09-'10 Season Report Card

Brandon Ribak — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:06:13 -0500

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Atlanta Hawks- 6-2 record, 3rd in East

The Hawks have gotten off to a great start during the early part of this season, averaging the fourth most PPG in the league with just under 108 points per night. With Josh Smith resurrected and Al Horford posting All-Star type numbers, Atlanta is in for a spectacular season.

Grade: A

Boston Celtics- 8-1 record, 1st in East

The Celtics were the only team in the league to kick the season off with a 6-0 record. They currently lead the NBA in APG with 26.5 per game and are shooting off the charts, nailing 50.1 percent of all their shots. If the Celtics core can remain healthy and intact, there is no doubt in my mind that they will rank either first or second in the East come playoff time.

Grade: A+

Charlotte Bobcats- 3-5 record, 12th in East

The Bobcats starting small forward Gerald Wallace is tied for leading the league in RPG, grabbing 12.3 per night. Aside from Wallace's impressive performance, Charlotte's roster is not producing well enough for any chance at competing for a playoff spot this season.

Grade: D-

Chicago Bulls- 4-4 record, 10th in East

In eight games this season the Bulls have managed to beat two of the top tier teams in the league in San Antonio and Cleveland. Luol Dengs presence has undoubtedly contributed to Chicago's success this season and the breakout of Joakim Noah (averaging 11.5 PPG, 12.3 RPG) adds more icing to the cake.

This young roster will end the season somewhere around .500 and will ultimately be able to compete for a playoff spot.

Grade: B-

Cleveland Cavaliers- 5-3 record, 6th in East

After winning against Orlando the other night, many believe that the Cavaliers are surely the team to beat. But as I mentioned in my Cavaliers article , Cleveland will unfortunately fall due to lack of insurance on the bench.

With a completely healthy roster Orlando would have easily won the game against LeBron...I guess we will just have to wait and see how the cards unfold.

LeGrade: B+

Dallas Mavericks- 5-3 record, 4th in West

With an impressive win against Los Angeles, the Mavericks are off to a great start, although all the credit should be given to forward Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki ranks eighth in the league in scoring thus far, averaging 26.5 PPG, including a historic 29 point fourth quarter performance. With Josh Howard back in the lineup expect the Mavericks to only rise in the Western rankings this season.

Grade: B+

Denver Nuggets- 6-3 record, 3rd in West

After starting the season with a 5-0 record, the Nuggets have quietly slipped back into reality. Forward Carmelo Anthony is off to the best start in his career, ranking third in the league in scoring with 30.2 PPG.

The team ranks fifth in the league in scoring (106.3 PPG) and their rookie guard Ty Lawson is off to a fantastic campaign, averaging 10 PPG and just under three APG. With a healthy frontcourt Denver is a scary team to face up against.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons- 4-4 record, 8th in East

Detroit's offseason acquisitions have carried this team through their first eight games of the season. Both Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva lead the team in scoring thus far.

The Pistons Richard Hamilton (one game played) and Tayshaun Prince (three games played) have battled through injury during this early season and are clearly needed heavily to become a contender this year.

Grade: C+

Golden State Warriors- 2-5 record, 13th in West

Although they have started off with a 2-5 record, the Warriors currently rank second in the league in scoring, averaging 108 PPG. Unfortunately, they also rank first in the league in opponents PPG, giving up a ridiculous 112 PPG.

Rumors have circulated regarding to Stephen Jackson leaving Golden State and if the plans fall through, this Warriors team will be in the gutter for quite some time.

Grade: D

Houston Rockets- 5-3 record, 6th in West

After losing Yao Ming for the season and T-Mac for the first few months of the year many anticipated the Rockets to be in for a serious decline. But after getting off to a 5-3 start, the team looks pretty solid thus far, ranking sixth in the league in PPG, with 104 per night.

Grade: B

Indiana Pacers- 3-3 record, 11th in East

The Pacers starting center Roy Hibbert is off to a terrific start, leading his team in RPG (10.2) and BPG (2.67). Along with Hibbert is Indiana's primetime player Danny Granger who is basically carrying this team on his shoulders thus far, posting 24.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 2.1 SPG, and 1.1 BPG.

Indiana will have to wait a few more seasons before they can compete in the East.

Grade: D+

Los Angeles Clippers- 3-6 record, 12th in West

Just when nothing could possibly get worse for the Clippers it unfortunately did. Rookie and first overall draft pick Blake Griffin fell to a knee injury, sidelining him for the first few months of the season.

Aside from that, center Chris Kaman is off to a incredible start this season averaging a team high 21.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, and 1.6 BPG.

Grade: D

Los Angeles Lakers- 6-1 record, 2nd in West

Without arguably their second best player in Pau Gasol, the Lakers have managed to compile a 6-1 record this season, only falling short to Dallas.

Kobe Bryant currently leads the league in scoring averaging 33.6 PPG and will continue to carry his team all the way into the postseason.

Grade: A+

Memphis Grizzlies- 1-8 record, 15th in West

The Grizzlies were certainly not a team that was expected to raise eyebrows this season and they have definitely not disappointed.

Center Marc Gasol is off to a torrid start, averaging 14.6 PPG, 10.9 RPG, and 1.7 BPG.

With Iverson possibly departing from this Memphis team, there is absolutely no hope in making it to the playoffs this year.

Grade: F

Miami Heat- 6-1 record, 2nd in East

Miami fans should be very proud of their squad as they have gathered a record of 6-1 to tip off the season.

If the Heat can continue to win games and D-Wade can keep the motor running there is no reason Miami should rank lower than fifth in the East all season long.

Grade: A

Milwaukee Bucks- 4-2 record, 4th in East

The Bucks have undoubtedly been the surprise team in the East during the early stages of the season. Rookie point-guard Brandon Jennings is absolutely tearing up the competition, leading the rookie rankings while averaging 20.7 PPG, 5.2 APG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.3 SPG in 32.7 MPG.

With no Michael Redd on the floor how can this team continue to win games??

Grade: B+

Minnesota Timberwolves- 1-8 record, 15th in West

An argument can be made that the Minnesota Timberwolves are inevitably the worst team in the NBA as of right now.

Aside from rookie Jonny Flynn who is off to a hot start, the T-Wolves overall roster is producing in extremely low quantities.

Grade: F

New Jersey Nets- 0-8 record, 15th in East

Similar to the T-Wolves, the Nets are off to a horrific start, remaining as the only team yet to win a game this season.

With Devin Harris on the sidelines this team can expect to remain winless until their captain gets back into action.

Grade: F

New Orleans Hornets- 3-6 record, 11th in West

New Orleans thought it would be best to fire head-coach Byron Scott after the Hornets 3-6 start to the season.

With the GM taking over, hopefully the Hornets can go back to their old winning ways, especially with the way Chris Paul is playing thus far (26.1 PPG, 9.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 SPG).

Grade: D-

New York Knicks- 1-8 record, 14th in East

While the Knicks roster looks pretty decent on paper, the team has yet been able to convert their chemistry and talent into wins.

With many rumors stating that the Knicks roster has already given up on the season, it looks as if the players are simply waiting for a big named player to join their team during the big 2010 offseason signing.

Grade: F

Oklahoma City Thunder- 4-4 record, 8th in West

The Thunder's big three, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook have played no short of spectacular this season.

They are the three team leaders in scoring and are ultimately the key components to success for this young roster.

Durant is averaging 27 PPG and will continue to dominate and improve for years to come.

Grade: C+

Orlando Magic- 6-3 record, 5th in East

Orlando's guard Vince Carter and forward Ryan Anderson have both been caught by the injury bug this season. To add more fuel to the fire, the Magic are still without their star forward Rashard Lewis, who was suspended for the first 10 games of the season.

Once Orlando is completely healthy they will make a strong push for the most powerful and deepest team in the NBA today.

Grade: A

Philadelphia 76ers- 4-4 record, 9th in East

Forward Marreese Speights and guard Louis Williams have both been a pleasant surprise for the Sixers early on this season.

Aside from them two, the only players actually posting numbers for Philly are Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young.

Elton Brand has been a dud thus far and continues to be on the decline as he nears the end of his career.

Grade: C

Phoenix Suns- 8-1 record, 1st in West

The Phoenix Suns have been the surprise team in the West so far this season, leading the conference in win percentage (.889%)

J-Rich, Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, and Grant Hill have been fantastic for the Suns and the rising of Channing Frye has helped the team a ton as well.

If Phoenix can keep up the momentum, they're in for a playoff seed this season.

Grade: A+

Portland Trail Blazers- 6-3 record, 5th in West

When Greg Oden plays well this Blazers squad is definitely the team to beat. In nine games Oden has produced 10.1 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 2.2 BPG in just 23.4 MPG.

With a healthy Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Andre Miller (and ofcourse Greg Oden), Portland is in for a fantastic season.

Grade: B+

Sacramento Kings- 4-4 record, 8th in West

Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin went down to injury recently and will be held out of action for close to two months.

With a depleted roster as it is, the Kings are relying heavily on rookie guard Tyreke Evans and forward Jason Thompson.

Both athletes are producing for this young team and will continue to all season long.

Grade: B

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