I always like to get to the O-Rena early enough to see the festivities outside the building. There is always a plethora of activities going on for the fans. Last night I was very pleased to see the final steel beam that will be placed inside the new events center. The Magic had displayed this beam outside the O-Rena so that Magic fans could sign the beam for posterity. The beam was on its side and so most people were writing on the top. I looked underneath and saw that the underside was pretty much empty. So, I had all kinds of space to sign! It will be interesting to see where the beam is placed and whether or not it will ever be visible again.
Got to speak to the Sixers Asst. GM and former head coach Tony DiLeo in the media food line. After exchanging greetings, I couldn't think of anything else appropriate to say but in my head I was wondering if it felt odd for him to not be coaching the team, considering it was their first regular season game since he stepped down.
The banner raising ceremony, and the ’09 playoffs recap video was epic. I got goose bumps watching it. I have to say, it did seem odd that the video recap, which conveniently ended at the Eastern Conference Finals, didn't include any highlights from any player not currently on this season’s roster. So, no highlights from Hedo Turkoglu, Courtney Lee, or Rafer Alston. And to be fair, all three of those players had a ton of highlight-worthy moments during the playoffs. I was sitting next to a member of the Magic’s web development team and I brought this point up. It was explained to me that the reason those players are missing is because the Magic can't promote another team's product. I am quite satisfied with this answer as I’m sure it is a league wide practice in these situations.
I was lamenting not having an actual game ticket when I saw that the Magic were giving out mini versions of the ECF Championship banners. Undeterred, I ventured out to the concourse and scored one from an unnamed worker at the turnstiles. Hey, I’m still a fan, right!?
One thing that really stood out for me was how healthy – and FAST – Mickael Pietrus looks. Seriously, he makes Vince Carter look slow by comparison, which is saying something!
I’ve been hearing a few Ryan Anderson / Pat Garrity comparisons lately. The problem with these comparisons is that they pit the current Ryan Anderson against the most recent Pat Garrity. To be fair, we should be comparing second-year Anderson to second-year Garrity, which incidentally, leads us to the most appropriate comparison. See, Garrity was also sent to us as a “throw-in” (Penny Hardaway to the Suns in 1999 for multiple draft picks) and came to us during his second year. During that 2nd year, he was a solid contributor on the “Heart and Hustle” squad, only starting one game, but playing solid minutes (18 min.) in all of them. He hit 40% from the arc and averaged 8.2 ppg. If we get that kind of production out of Ryan Anderson this season, I’ll be very happy. Of course, the main reason that I don’t think the comparison has merit is because Ryan Anderson seems to have a more physical game than Garrity did. Sure he is obviously a shooting threat, but in the nine games we’ve seen so far (including preseason) he is spending as much time inside the point as outside the paint.
I am continuously amazed at the size of Dwight Howard’s shoulders. It almost looks like he has a bowling ball at the top of each of his arms. The maximum weight of a bowling ball is 16 pounds. I have no idea what the average weight of the human shoulder is, but would any of you be at all surprised to learn that Howard’s shoulders weigh 16 pounds each?
Can someone please explain to me why the Sixers dumped Andre Miller?
Funniest moment of the night: So, you know the Magic are trying this courtesy initiative in which they ask you to wait for a stop in play for you to return to your seat. This way, you do not disrupt your fellow fans who are in their seats enjoying the game. In theory, it is a great idea, and I hope it works. But in practice, it leads to unintentional comedy. I observed a group of people being asked to wait at the top of the concourse until there was a stop in play. One of the fans waiting - a pretty woman with long red hair - heard me make a comment about how long the policy might last. She responded "Two games! Cuz after that, I'm going red-head on them!" Stay tuned!
I was absolutely amazed at how completely and efficiently the Magic 2nd unit WORKED the Sixers 2nd unit in the 2nd quarter. The lineup of Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, JJ Redick, and Jason Williams might win 20 games as a starting unit, which is saying something considering that most NBA benches are lucky to go three deep. Regardless, our 2nd unit will easily compete and surpass most, if not all, of the 2nd units in the league. Sure, its one game, but come on, Jason Williams had 11 points, 4 assts, and a board in just 11 first half minutes!
Speaking of Jason Williams...I loved seeing him get fouled on a last-second heave to end the half. He went to the line for three with a 70 point first half on the line and he didn’t disappoint.
My one and only feeling of disappointment with Dwight Howard on the night was his technical foul. I mean, the 1st half of the 1st game of the year and Howard already has a tech? Of course, Stan went and did the same thing later in the game, so there you go.
The Magic pretty much hit the brakes after the third quarter and Stan basically said as much in his post-game press conference. Still, I want to cut the guys a bit of slack considering they put up 100 points in three quarters. But Stan has a point, we can afford to only play 36 minutes when we are shooting lights out and playing teams like the Sixers. But we will need all 48 minutes and zero defensive lapses when we’re playing the elite teams of the league.
As if the first night of the season wasn’t special and satisfying enough, on my way out of the O-Rena, Nick Anderson, my favorite player of all time, stops me, shakes my hand, and asks me how I'm doing! I’m doing just great Nick, and thanks for asking!
Final Point to Ponder I’m not totally sure what the best NBA regular season record is for a team without a 20 points-per-game scorer. I feel pretty confident that it is the 2007-2008 Boston Celtics who won 66 games with Paul Pierce leading the way with 19.6 ppg. The reason I bring the point up is that I would not be surprised if our team depth is such that our leading scorer – most likely Dwight – dips below the 20 points-per-game threshold for the season. Now, the real question is whether or not we have the talent, drive, and yes, luck, to make a run at 67 wins. It will be fun to watch them try!
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
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Former A-10 standouts and Associated Press National Players of the Year Jameer Nelson of Saint Joseph's and Xavier's David West have been named to the NBA All-Star team and will square off Feb. 15 in Phoenix, Ariz. It marks Nelson's first All-Star selection, while West earns his second straight honor.
Posts: 6635 | Location: Perpetual English Confounder | Registered: July 10, 2007
I think the Anderson / Garrity comparisons are laughable.
*Anderson is a solid rebounder, Garrity not so much.
*Anderson is several inches taller than Garrity and a TRUE PF. Garrity never had PF size but was too slow to guard SF's.
*Anderson has unlimited range to 3 ft beyond the 3 pt arc (he hit one of those last night).
*Other than the Dunk mentioned by Echo, Garrity never attacked the rim. Anderson did it last night, too bad the ref missed the foul which lead to Stan getting T'd up.
Posts: 6536 | Location: Amway Arena Lot 3 waiting for the next game | Registered: February 23, 2006
I'm with BH on this one, Anderson it much more likely to go at the rim and has a much more complete game than Pat. I also like the arc on Anderson's shot much better than the line drive that Pat shot. Much better rebounder as well.
When Williams got fouled on that shot Stan was laughing while he was walking back to the bench. That is one of the few times I've seen him really get a laugh out of anything.
I often wonder, if my Grandmother had miraculously sprouted a pair of testicles whilst my Grandfather was alive, would I then have to also refer to her as Grandfather? -rtillaree
Posts: 10084 | Location: Trying to figure out why the Fan Voice Blog gets 10 views and JJ/Carlos/Jameer/SVG sucks threads get a million views | Registered: February 15, 2006
I dont think the courtesy thing will last. I've been to 2 preseason games and the opening game..all the games people were returning to their seats and blocking my view..i dont think all the ushers are doing it. its great in theory but it wont last.
I think the use of the entire court as one huge big screen monitor was amazing!
Did anyone notice espn taking shots at SVG because of his game face introduction?
I also found Speights to be funny when he attempted to get in Dwights face....I really would like to know what Dwight said to him that got him T'd up?? LOL!!!
It's Time!! Let's Go!!
Posts: 4086 | Location: Central Florida with a view! | Registered: February 20, 2006
Good read as always LOD. If I may piggy back off some of your observations...
quote:
Can someone please explain to me why the Sixers dumped Andre Miller?
quote:
Got to speak to the Sixers Asst. GM and former head coach Tony DiLeo in the media food line. After exchanging greetings, I couldn't think of anything else appropriate to say...
Perhaps he was the one to ask this question of. Seriously, losing Miller will hurt Phily, but he's too old to give a big multi-year contract to, especially for a non-contender.
He wanted a bigger deal from Phily than he accepted in Portland (3-21) & even that's a hefty commitment to a player who will turn 34 this year. I've been a Dre Miller fan since he was in college, but he's always been a mild malcontent in the NBA as well.
quote:
I was absolutely amazed at how completely and efficiently the Magic 2nd unit WORKED the Sixers 2nd unit in the 2nd quarter. The lineup of Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, JJ Redick, and Jason Williams might win 20 games as a starting unit, which is saying something considering that most NBA benches are lucky to go three deep. Regardless, our 2nd unit will easily compete and surpass most, if not all, of the 2nd units in the league.
2 years ago, the bench was a huge weakness that leaked points consistently for Orlando.
Last season, the bench managed to consistently hold serve.
This season, it appears the bench will consistently be a huge + for Orlando.
I don't think it's a coincidence this improvement matches the development arch of Marcin Gortat. The gap between Orlando w/Dwight on the floor & on the bench has shrunk dramatically. If C & PG are the two most important positions on the floor, it prob makes sense they are also the 2 most important bench players. J-Will isn't perfect, but he's a huge improvement over AJ so far.
quote:
The Magic pretty much hit the brakes after the third quarter and Stan basically said as much in his post-game press conference. Still, I want to cut the guys a bit of slack considering they put up 100 points in three quarters. But Stan has a point, we can afford to only play 36 minutes when we are shooting lights out and playing teams like the Sixers. But we will need all 48 minutes and zero defensive lapses when we’re playing the elite teams of the league.
It's critical for the bench to not only extend leads, but close out games this season in order to keep the starters minutes down, & buy themselves enough minutes to keep everybody happy.
Note to SVG, if you don't want the players mailing it in down the stretch of blow outs, don't mail it in from the bench by putting AJ in...
"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: 4393 | Location: Watching Raheem Morris turn the Bucs into a laughing stock again | Registered: January 28, 2008
"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
Nice read. Anderson is more Murphy than Garrity, imo. Pat was a terrific spot up shooter, though Ryan may even have him beat in that regard. He's been scorching! It should always be pointed out, however, that in his prime, Pat never played with a presence like Dwight.
Did anyone else feel a slight sense of nostalgia when Paul Porter announced RyAn's name with his "An..der..son" overtone? I did.
orlandomagiczone.com 
