Celtics and Cavs Game 2 Proves Carter Worth Losing Hedo
Hedo. For some reason, the pundits chose to ignore the Magic's dominating run through the playoffs, and focus on other aspects of the series. Mostly the self-destruction of the Hawks. There were a couple of Hedo sightings.
A few analysts referred back to that apparently Golden Magic era of Hedo pick-and-roll basketball. I guess some lingering questions remained for a few. When the trade happened, the worth of Hedo had been compared to the value of Carter— an aging super-star.
Let's go ahead and put that discussion to bed, along with the Western Conference of the NBA being the tougher conference. I'll fluff the pillow now on Hedo.
LeBron James finds himself in a dog fight of a series. A series very similar to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic. The Cavs dropped home court advantage, and find themselves going back to Quicken Arena tied 2-2.
The Orlando Magic walked this gauntlet last season. This season, they get the cake walk. Whether or not that affects the outcome of the season, we have no idea. As a Magic fan, I'll take the sweep, and the dysfunctional Hawks. No sympathy here— LeBron you're on your own, we've been there done that.
That number two seed has paid dividends once again. Thank Otis Smith for that small favor— with Hedo still in a Magic uni, it would be the Orlando home team walking the gauntlet again.
Hedo's susceptibility to stomach ailments detracted from his value as a player. Like he did last season, Hedo came up ill towards the end of the season. Photos surfaced of Hedo the next day, recovering in a night club with the assistance of a few, shall we say fans.
Vince Carter's early season injury issues caused concern among a hesitant Orlando fan base. Carter struggled with scoring. Vince still played defense. The Magic still won games. The Magic got the number two seed.
Since the second half of the season, the Magic have quietly snuck-up on NBA experts. The Magic went 38-8 in that second half. No one will give Carter credit for all of that, but no will blame him for anything either.
Carter knew his role. Smith and Van Gundy recognized how good their new team could be. Neither one ever expressed concern during Carter's struggles shooting. Now we see how a player like Carter can help seal a crucial second game. That second game pretty much assured the series would end in a sweep.
Chris Bosh appears to be headed out of Toronto by early indications. What does that say about Hedo?
For me, its the sleeping pill that puts the Hedo argument to bed.
Good Night.
