http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9737

It's a long read, since 3-4 staff writers contribute an article, but well worth the time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SmackDaddy,

Wow. Interesting.

Overall I think that was a fair look at the Magic and interesting that they did that in response to the backlash they got from the Magic fans.

The one overall theme I agree with is something I and several others have felt from the beginning. This team will only go as far as Dwight's development takes them.

If he develops into an offensive force his supporting cast is more than sufficient to win a championship down the road.

If he never develops any offensive moves and just uses his athletic ability then the Magic will be perenial contenders but may never get over the hump.

That was a good read and it is difficult to argue with their points.

Yes, we are a good team but I am also skeptical whether we can make the step to greatness. Hedo and Rashard are in their prime now. In two to three years they will likely be on the decline. That means Howard has to grow tremendously to offset any decreased production.

I think he is capable but I still get concerned about his offense. Right now he is not a guaranteed score like a Duncan when you throw it down on the blocks. He could get there but it is going to take a lot of work. He still needs a consistent move and counter-move.

I know it is old news and I have come to grips with the reality (what else can you do) but it is still disheartening to read about the negative long term ramifications of the Lewis contract. I guess I drank the Bosh koolaid a little last week and got my hopes up but the reality is that it can't happen when one guy is getting ~ $20 million a year.

I think Lee could be key. I am hoping that he turns into something special a la Michael Redd in the next few years. That would be a pleasant development.

quote:

Originally posted by LJ Magic:


I think Lee could be key. I am hoping that he turns into something special a la Michael Redd in the next few years. That would be a pleasant development.

This is a great point. Smart drafting will be paramount to the continued depth and development of the team. The finances are going to be stretched pretty thin from a cap perspective. So there cannot be anymore throw away picks like there have been every year except for the Dwight/Jameer draft.

It seems the basic idea is that because we didn't make a big move, we will slip. I can understand this reasoning, and can refute it.

Our biggest addition was Pietrus. Now, that wouldn't seem to be a big deal, based on how he has played thus far in his career. But we signed him based on potential. Otis scouted the guy in GS, and no doubt has followed him during his run there. Stan is a FAR better developer of talent than ol' Don Nelson. And as such, I believe we will see much improved play out of Air France, and he will prove to be a very solid addition.

The big difference between us and, say, Toronto, is that they made direct moves to improve immediately. Add JO to that team last year, and they look to improve. Many of our improvements will be internal. Jameer finally getting to go 2 years in the same system. Rashard having a more defined role. Hedo adjusting to his new freedom. And finally, the Big Guy Down Low finally getting out of his college years (he'll be 23 this December.)

Theoretically, our team, as constructed on the last day of the season, is not as good as Toronto + a healthy Jermaine O'Neal, at least on paper. But we know that the Magic are going to be a better team next year because we have faith in them. Some of us have faith in the front office and the moves they make, some in the players we have, some in, well, I don't know, but as a fan of a team, you have faith that come game time, they will be the better team. That is what being a fan is all about.

So Hoopsworld and ESPN and whomever can say what they want about the Orlando Magic, but as a fan, I BELIEVE in them to win every game.

Great articles....and I think it is great that Hoopsworld took the time to respond to us like that.

My only issue: no local writers were included. The local Magic beatwriter for Hoopsworld - Jarrod Rudolph - should have been included.

I don't have a problem with this article, I don't agree with some of the criticism's but at least they backed that up. The biggest problem I had with the other article is it was not consistant at all. 1 team got credit for one thing and another was demoted because of the same thing.

I thought it was funny that at the bottom of the article they have a blurb and link to the first article and it says that Jessica stirred up a hornets nest. I guess we are all a little defensive and tired of having our team dumped on.

quote:

Originally posted by Live or Die Magic:
Great articles....and I think it is great that Hoopsworld took the time to respond to us like that.

My only issue: no local writers were included. The local Magic beatwriter for Hoopsworld - Jarrod Rudolph - should have been included.

I wonder if it doesn't carry more weight when an out of town writer says something. You could make the arguement that a local guy might be a little biased.

quote:

Atlanta is a year stronger and healthier

The Fifth Dentist recommends Miss Jessica take on a new job as a standup comedian.

much better article at least it was thought out .

If Jessica would explain herself like she did here ...

she would of been taken a little differently.

quote:

Originally posted by Marc Acres 3:16:

quote:

Originally posted by Live or Die Magic:
Great articles....and I think it is great that Hoopsworld took the time to respond to us like that.

My only issue: no local writers were included. The local Magic beatwriter for Hoopsworld - Jarrod Rudolph - should have been included.

I wonder if it doesn't carry more weight when an out of town writer says something. You could make the arguement that a local guy might be a little biased.

Agreed...but in this case, I lend more weight to a writer who is actually covering the team every day, going to the practices, attending each game, having access to the players/coaches etc. Otherwise, it is no different than a guy with a couch, a TV, a laptop, the NBA League Pass, and ton of free time on his hands.

Why the outrage? This isn't a college poll. The beauty of pro sports is that opinions are irrelevent, position is determined on the court/field not by idiots in the media.

quote:

Originally posted by KillingInTheNameOf:
Why the outrage? This isn't a college poll. The beauty of pro sports is that opinions are irrelevent, position is determined on the court/field not by idiots in the media.

We are sports fans. We don't need a logical reason to be outraged.

I always find it to be humorous when teams are given credit, and kudos for bringing in players without mention of who was lost.

TJ Ford, Rasho, and Roy Hibbert were traded away to acquire an oft injured O'Neal.

IF O'neal can stay healthy, something he hasn't done in his last 4 seasons (starting 191 out of a possible 328 games), then Toronton mght be better.

IF Calderon is ready to step up and play the PG position full-time, they might be better. However, they are seriously worse at their backup PG position.

IF Bargnani can continue to develop, they might be better. But, if O'neal is healthy, couldn't this severely stunt Andrea's growth?

IF Tornoto's bench can be anywhere near as effective as last year's bench, they might be better. However, with 2nd round picks undrafted free agent pickups combined with 1-2 vet minimum players, I swear their bench might be the worst in the NBA.

Regardless of how you look at it, I'll take the additions of Lee & Pietrus without the loss of any significant pieces all day every day compared to what Toronto has done. ALL DAY!!!