The Fan Voice: "Mix And Match-Up"

By Live or Die Magic | July 24th, 2009


Please note: this article assumes that all reported free agent signings and trades are or will be completed.

Anyone else think that Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy is feeling giddy lately? Oh sure, the loss in the Finals probably still stings a bit, but my guess is that he is having too much fun thinking of the many different lineups he can use this upcoming season. Magic general manager Otis Smith has overhauled an already successful team and ensured that Magic practice scrimmages are among the most competitive basketball games you will see.

Inside-out basketball has been extremely effective for Van Gundy and the Magic these past two seasons. It has led to 111 regular season wins, two division titles, and a Finals appearance. The Magic used the three-pointer last season like few teams have ever used it – or at least used it effectively – before. By surrounding a dominant center with four long distance shooters, including a “hybrid” power forward in Rashard Lewis, the Magic were able to keep opponents from focusing too much on one part of the court. However, this strategy’s origin can be partially credited to the personnel the Magic had at the time. In 2007, Tony Battie was injured and the Magic did not have an effective, traditional power forward on the roster who’s talent could justify keeping a wing player on the bench. So, Rashard Lewis joined Hedo Turkoglu, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and (insert SG here: ) in a non-traditional lineup.

But just look at how much things have changed in a just a few short weeks! For the first time since Tracy McGrady left, the Magic have an all-star at the shooting guard position. Vince Carter not only brings stability to a position that has been in flux, but also gives us the dynamic wing scorer who can drive just as well as he can shoot. And by drive I mean dunk! As much as I’ll miss Hedo Turkoglu, I hated seeing him drive the lane, only to throw his arms up and wait for the whistle. Just as exciting is the fact that the Magic now have some beef at the power forward spot. With the loss of Hedo Turkoglu, and the addition of Brandon Bass, the Magic now have the ability to switch back to a more traditional line-up by moving Rashard Lewis back to small forward.

A potential positive side effect to this is the relieving of some of the rebounding pressure off of Dwight Howard. Sure, it is awesome to see Dwight Howard get 20 rebounds in a game. But in a big-time game against a front line like the Celtics or the Lakers, I’d rather see Howard getting 12 and Bass getting 8. I bet Howard would rather see that too.

Of course, the Magic aren’t going to give up on the smaller lineup or the three ball anytime soon, as two new additions reveal. Guess what Matt Barnes and Ryan Anderson are good at? Matt Barnes allows the Magic to keep Rashard at the 4-spot as needed, sliding Matt Barnes in at the 3 alongside Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, and Dwight Howard. Or, if they want some beef but also want to spread the floor, they can put Ryan Anderson at the 4-spot with Lewis at the 3 alongside Nelson, Carter, and Howard.

Or how is this for an “all-gazelle” lineup? CJ Watson at the point, Carter at the 2, Mickael Pietrus at the 3, Bass at the 4, and Howard at the 5.

In fact, I would argue that by adding Brandon Bass to the lineup, the Magic can now effectively match-up against all the other elite teams in the NBA. Although just how successful they will be is still to be determined, the Magic are certainly prepared from a personnel standpoint.

The Magic are not the only team to have made big moves this offseason, but I think that their moves have given them more flexibility over their main rivals. And if you thought there were some fun, star-studded matchups last season, then you’re bound for basketball nirvana this season. Let’s take a look at some potential matchups.


Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Best starting lineup matchup:
PG: Jameer Nelson vs. Delonte West
SG: Vince Carter vs. Mo Williams
SF: Mickael Pietrus vs. LeBron James
PF: Rashard Lewis vs. Anderson Varejao
C: Dwight Howard vs. Shaquille O’Neal

Key Bench Players:
Magic: Brandon Bass, Marcin Gortat, Matt Barnes
Cavaliers: Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Against the Cavaliers, I think that Stan Van Gundy is likely to employ the now-familiar non-traditional lineup by starting Mickael Pietrus at small forward and slotting Rashard Lewis at power forward. The Cavaliers lack a scoring power forward and therefore the Lewis vs. Varejao matchup works to the Magic’s advantage. Then, you allow Pietrus to attempt to check LeBron James or at least make him work a bit, while still allowing the Magic to have four three-point threats on the court. Small forward is the only position where the Cavaliers have a clear advantage.

The Cavaliers’ big move was to bring in Shaquille O’Neal. I nearly laughed when this move was reported. See, the Cavaliers big weakness last season, as evidenced by Dwight Howard’s 25.8 ppg average against them in the ECF, is that they couldn’t guard an athletic front court. Guess what, they still can’t guard an athletic front court! I don’t care how much weight Shaq loses, or how many other sports stars he competes against as part of his offseason training, he will not be able to handle Dwight Howard a year from now should the two match up in the playoffs. When you factor in Howard’s determination when playing against Shaq, especially in light of Shaq’s recent criticisms, then this matchup will be firmly in the Magic’s favor. Dwight’s only concern will be staying out of foul trouble while guarding Shaq one-on-one. Of course, Shaq will have this same issue (careful Shaq, don’t flop!).

At the point, Delonte West can at least keep up with Jameer Nelson, but Nelson’s dribble penetration will be a huge weapon against the Cavs slow front court. As for Mo Williams, well, he is going to be toast against Vince Carter.

One really good thing that the Cavaliers have done is improve their bench. Their top 8 now are much better than their top 8 last year. They did this by signing Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker at the wing positions, and they can now bring Big Z, their starter at center for the past decade, off the bench, a nice luxury. Things could get really interesting if we end up seeing Shaq and Big Z on the court at the same time. While that is unlikely to happen because of how slow both of them are, it is nice to know that we can easily counter with Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat. Geez, and I haven’t even mentioned Brandon Bass yet!

The irony is that I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavaliers still finish with a better regular season record than the Magic. I mean, at this point in his career, LeBron James is good for 50 wins all by himself. But in a playoff matchup against a team like the Magic – with a stable of perimeter shooters and an athletic front court – they won’t win enough of the individual matchups.

Regardless of who wins the matchups, the buying public are the winners here. Seriously, how about this matchup guys? I mean, for the price of one admission, you get to see LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, and Shaquille O’Neal! Can you say “nationally televised game?”

Stay tuned to this space for more matchups!

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.

Great blog.

Although I can't see Mo on Vince (or vice versa). I gotta believe that Delonte will match up with Vince, and Jameer vs Mo. I could be wrong.

Sun Sports and FSN are going to be showing a lot less games themselves this year. The national networks will be loading up the Magic on their schedules this year with Vince and Dwight together.

The one thing that I don't expect SVG to do is to adjust starting lineups based on matchups. Once he gets 20 games into the season, I expect that he will have determined a starting lineup and will stick with it (excluding impact of injuries along the way). His substitution patterns may differ greatly depending on matchups, but not the starting lineup.

Moved Reply:

wouldn't it be West at the 2 on VC and Mo at the 1 on Jameer?

Moved Reply:

You're a Mod?

Moved Reply:

I put West on Nelson because of their familiarity with each other. However, you are right, it could easily be Mo on Nelson.

Regardless of the matchup, the outcome is the same.

I'm moving these comments to the thread where the blog is actually located.

Moved Reply:

sorry but i don't know who you've been talking too but the cavs aren't dumb enough to put delonte west on jameer nelson and mo williams on vince carter.......they got anthony parker, jamario moon, and west for that

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Charisma:
The one thing that I don't expect SVG to do is to adjust starting lineups based on matchups. Once he gets 20 games into the season, I expect that he will have determined a starting lineup and will stick with it (excluding impact of injuries along the way). His substitution patterns may differ greatly depending on matchups, but not the starting lineup.

See, this is what I have been thinking about...I actually think we could see him switching out the SF and PF spots depending on matchups. I may be wrong, but with the flexibility SVG has, it is a strong possibility. I believe that Rashard Lewis could handle toggling back and forth between SF and PF. It wouldn't be for every game, just some of the bigger matchups.

Regardless, it's fun to think about the tinkering.

quote:

Originally posted by Live or Die Magic:
I put West on Nelson because of their familiarity with each other. However, you are right, it could easily be Mo on Nelson.

Regardless of the matchup, the outcome is the same.

I'm moving these comments to the thread where the blog is actually located.

well, the way i look at it is West is their best perimeter defender. In that case, he would guard the more athletic guy(VC). Size would definitely be in Orlando's favor at the 2, regardless

Maybe I am being a homer but I really do not see a more intriguing matchup in the NBA other than Cavs/Magic. The adjustments that both teams can now make and the multiple styles should make for very competitive and exciting games.

Great work as always LOD.

I'm Keyon Drooling right now....awesome blog LoD

i cannot wait for bass to matchup against the elite 4's in the game. the dude eats babies and bench presses volkswagens like it's his job

quote:

Originally posted by Mr Charisma:
The one thing that I don't expect SVG to do is to adjust starting lineups based on matchups. Once he gets 20 games into the season, I expect that he will have determined a starting lineup and will stick with it (excluding impact of injuries along the way). His substitution patterns may differ greatly depending on matchups, but not the starting lineup.

Wow, based on his track record, I expect quite the opposite. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Barnes, Pietrus, Bass, and maybe Anderson all start at some point if for no other reason than to shake things up. That is why I am expecting a massive win total because if the starters get complacent, they don't get to start anymore. SVG isn't shy about change

West and Williams got abused last year by Rafer and Lee, just think what a healthy Jameer and VC will do to them.

quote:

Originally posted by bhnole:
West and Williams got abused last year by Rafer and Lee, just think what a healthy Jameer and VC will do to them.

its gonna be sick dude, shake rattle and roll

Thanks for the great read LODM, it was well needed after a long drought.

In the Shaq thing, Phoenix has something "magic" in their staff/facilities that help players to stay in optimal shape (see Grant Hill)
I wonder how many games Shaq will play next year, and how long he could stay in the field in a matchup against the Magic with Dwight running the floor the way he does.