I took a ride over to RDV this afternoon to drop in on the Magic’s training camp. Media is granted access to the coaches and players after the morning session is complete. On this day, that was around 12:45 or so. But while I was waiting in the media room for the session to open, I was able to spend some time chatting with the other members of the media that were present. It was a small group on this day, just six of us total. But it was nice to be able to talk about many current sports topics such as the MLB playoffs, the fortunes of the UCF football program, Hedo’s contract situation, and even the sheer genius of Travis Henry.
I also made the point of explaining the origin of that god-awful “nickname” for Mickael Pietrus. Thankfully, none of the media members present had used it or attributed it to Pietrus. However, they did get a kick out of the origin story – so, here’s to you “warriorsfan05!”
Unfortunately, when we were allowed into the practice court, the practice session had already ended. However, all the players and coaches were still on the court and individual drills were still ongoing - lots of free-throw shooting as well. Just before the players started leaving the court, Dwight Howard started launching full-court shots across the practice court. Although he got close, I didn’t see him make one.
Coach Stan Van Gundy was available to talk during the time that I was there. Many topics were covered, including the fact that the Magic have to travel from Charlotte to Jacksonville to Atlanta, without coming back home during their fourth, fifth, and sixth preseason games (Oct. 16th – 20th). Below are some of the things that Coach commented on. Please note: I am paraphrasing his comments.
On the Emphasis of the Morning Session: Coach Van Gundy said that defense was a focus during this morning’s session. He felt that rebounding had been an issue going into today and so he wanted to place an emphasis on it. He feels that the Magic are a good defensive team but that it is just as important for them to be mentally tough defensively as it is to be physically tough. He wants to place importance on the team’s need to be mentally tough.
On Anthony Johnson: So far in camp, Anthony Johnson has given the Magic exactly what they expected to get.
On Howard’s Long Summer: Coach has not seen any adverse effects from Dwight Howard’s busy Summer. Commenting that he wasn’t playing extensive minutes with the U.S. Men’s National team anyway.
On Brian Cook: I asked Coach Van Gundy if Cook's weight loss and improved conditioning had led to better play so far. Turns out, his conditioning hasn’t improved! Coach Van Gundy said that if his conditioning gets better, he’ll play well. Apparently Cook did not spend as much time conditioning as was thought, despite his noticeable weight loss. So for now, Cook is unable to compete well against his teammates. Coach doesn’t think it is a big issue right now, but he clearly seemed disappointed in Cook. I heard later that the coaching staff has been getting Cook on a stationary bike after each session in order to improve his conditioning.
On Jameer Nelson: Coach said that he is very pleased with Nelson so far and that he has told Nelson that the Magic are a much better team when Nelson is aggressive.
On JJ Redick: Coach said that the extra muscle and strength that JJ Redick has developed has helped him in camp so far. He also feels that JJ’s additional experience is helping as well. He made a point of explaining that even though JJ doesn’t get much game experience, he still gets experience and more familiarity by practicing with the team and continuing to work on his game.
On Courtney Lee: Coach has been very pleased with Lee’s development so far. He has displayed the maturity that comes from playing four years of college ball. He has also shown aggressiveness and an understanding of the schemes. However, Coach would like him to find a balance between being aggressive and distributing the ball.
On the Four Shooting Guards: Ideally, Coach would like to be able to play all four shooting guards – Courtney Lee, Mickael Pietrus, Keith Bogans, and JJ Redick. He said that all four of these players have had a great camp so far. But realistically, he may only be able to get three of these four players into any one game. Matchups, especially on the defensive end, may be the determining factor for which of the four shooting guards see the court.
I most likely won't make it out to another session this week, so this will be my last report from training camp. But stay tuned for the pre-season games starting Monday night!
This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
Good stuff! Thank you. The shooting guard battle is gonna be fun to watch. As Stan said somebody is gonna be the odd man out cause only 3 of the shooting guards are gonna make the rotation...as I've stated before, who's gonna be riding the pine?
Posts: 8778 | Location: With Coach Mike Moreau...giving J.J. Redick respect. | Registered: January 16, 2006
Originally posted by WPMagic: 2 Guard rotation will be:
Peaches KFC Ham Slice Chocolate
Take it to the bank.
Man, the only one I'm even remotely sure if is Peaches. I'll tell you what though, a guy named Ham slice sure as hell won't be the third stringer. That guy will be starting by mid-season.
Oh, and great job LOD. Stinks that this is the last time you can go.
EDIT: Wait a minute, KFC's Bogans. I like Keith, but I definitely think he's gonna drop off.
LOD, if you'd be so gracious as to accept a request, I love to know if SVG has any designs on a BIG lineup that features Gortat and Dwight playing together.
"I'm still intirigued about Ryan Anderson. Only problem is he may be just a little more physical version of Brian Cook." - SmackDaddy
"I think he's much better than those two (Garrity & Cook). I think he'll be a much bigger asset than Battie. I still think he's a finesse player who fails to address the Magic's need". - KITNO (epic RA hater) Sig: An AddiFB Joint
Posts: 4395 | Location: Watching Raheem Morris turn the Bucs into a laughing stock again | Registered: January 28, 2008
Originally posted by KillingInTheNameOf: LOD, if you'd be so gracious as to accept a request, I love to know if SVG has any designs on a BIG lineup that features Gortat and Dwight playing together.
Killing...unfortunately, my work schedule will prohibit me from visiting training camp again this week. However, next week once the games start, I should have a chance to ask that question.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
Originally posted by KillingInTheNameOf: LOD, if you'd be so gracious as to accept a request, I love to know if SVG has any designs on a BIG lineup that features Gortat and Dwight playing together.
I'd like to hear the answer to that one as well. I think Gortat needs to win the training camp battle first for playing time over Foyle, Battie, and Cook
Posts: 6536 | Location: Amway Arena Lot 3 waiting for the next game | Registered: February 23, 2006
Originally posted by KillingInTheNameOf: LOD, if you'd be so gracious as to accept a request, I love to know if SVG has any designs on a BIG lineup that features Gortat and Dwight playing together.
Killing...unfortunately, my work schedule will prohibit me from visiting training camp again this week. However, next week once the games start, I should have a chance to ask that question.
Much appreciated!
"I'm still intirigued about Ryan Anderson. Only problem is he may be just a little more physical version of Brian Cook." - SmackDaddy
"I think he's much better than those two (Garrity & Cook). I think he'll be a much bigger asset than Battie. I still think he's a finesse player who fails to address the Magic's need". - KITNO (epic RA hater) Sig: An AddiFB Joint
Posts: 4395 | Location: Watching Raheem Morris turn the Bucs into a laughing stock again | Registered: January 28, 2008
Originally posted by Live or Die Magic: On Courtney Lee: Coach has been very pleased with Lee’s development so far. He has displayed the maturity that comes from playing four years of college ball. He has also shown aggressiveness and an understanding of the schemes. However, Coach would like him to find a balance between being aggressive and distributing the ball.
Interesting that JJ also stayed in college for 4 years, yet this same comment is never associated with him, either pro or con.
Sorry, I had to post something generic so that the total post count of the Fan Voice forum wasn't stuck on the number that comes after 665. That was just creepy.
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 9263 | Location: It's Hard Out Here for a Blog Pimp. | Registered: February 09, 2006
Originally posted by WPMagic: 2 Guard rotation will be:
Peaches KFC Ham Slice Chocolate
Take it to the bank.
Man, the only one I'm even remotely sure if is Peaches. I'll tell you what though, a guy named Ham slice sure as hell won't be the third stringer. That guy will be starting by mid-season.
Oh, and great job LOD. Stinks that this is the last time you can go.
EDIT: Wait a minute, KFC's Bogans. I like Keith, but I definitely think he's gonna drop off.
Ham Slice is Bogans, Chocolate is Reddick, and KFC is Lee... But after last night perhaps Chocolate is ahead of Ham Slice.
Posts: 5582 | Location: The Magic Castle | Registered: November 16, 2006
Originally posted by KillingInTheNameOf: LOD, if you'd be so gracious as to accept a request, I love to know if SVG has any designs on a BIG lineup that features Gortat and Dwight playing together.
I think that he tried it in some exhibition game. We'll see if it could be used in regular season too.
A lineup with AJ, MP, RL, Warlock and D12 would be a very big one.
Good job LOD.
Shard playing catch up: 25 3's to go.
Posts: 1453 | Location: Tambien conocido como Taino_FfS! | Registered: June 12, 2008
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