Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani once said he could walk out into the middle of Times Square and start handing out $100 bills. A third of the people would say he was not handing out enough money. Another third would say he was handing out too much money. Another third would say they didn’t like the way he was handing out the money. Welcome to a new feature on orlandomagic.com –
GLASS HALF-FULL. A local sports writer once told me that his job was to watch the battle from the mountain top, ride down, and bayonet the wounded. We live in a world of cynics. But not here, at GLASS HALF-FULL. I will do my best to answer your questions going forward.
What can you expect?
Rainbows and
gum drops. No scraped knees and rubbing alcohol, here. I will give you the flip side. I will give you
Cotton Candy, not the dentist’s office. It’s not Fast Food. It’s
Good Food Fast. Being negative takes up a lot of energy. Being nice is easy. Will there be some spin? Sure, but I prefer the word “Influence”. By nature, I am an
optimist. Sure, former draft pick Jerryl Sasser couldn’t shoot, but you should have seen him defend in practice. And, he had a never-wavering confidence about him. You say, “What’s the deal with Fran Vazquez staying in Spain to play? I say, he’s still an asset to the Magic and that’s part of the process of drafting international players. Hopefully, that gives you a look into the
Magic-blue colored world I can tend to drift into. My takes will be credible though, just the other side of the coin.
Archived Columns
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Posted by Glass Half Full, Friday, July 11, 2008, 12:00PM
Air France Arrives
At his introductory press conference, it was the question of the day.
Forget, for a moment, the fact that he will serve as the Orlando Magic’s master lock defender, shadowing the likes of the Wades and James of the world.
Forget the fact he has the proverbial motor which constantly runs Nascar-like high every time he steps on the court.
Forget the fact Magic General Manager Otis Smith, then with the Golden State Warriors, selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and has coveted him ever since.
Forget the fact he felt blessed to be wearing No. 20 for the Orlando Magic and embraced the photo-op jersey all through his press conference.
Forget the fact he loves to work with kids in the community.
Forget the fact he will fast become a locker room leader.
Forget the fact he can light up a room with his mega-watt smile.
No, forget all that. The question of the day was how exactly do you pronounce the name of Orlando’s newest addition, six-foot, six-inch, 215-pound, five-year veteran Mickael Pietrus?
Is it My-kel Pee-trus? Mee-Cal Pee-A-Truss? MP?
Going right to the source, the former French National Team member, said Michael Pee-Truss.
So, just Michael? Yes.
Not Pee-A-Trus? No
Michael, like Mike? Yes. Pee-Truss? Yes
“It wasn’t long after I first got the job,” says Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy, “when we (Otis) talked about players down the road and Mickael was a guy Otis was already talking about. When I got around to watching film, the No. 1 thing that stood out was that he is at full speed all the time. His energy and his effort is just incredible. I watched probably 15 or 16 of his games and he just goes hard all the time.
“He can go to Cleveland and guard LeBron James and go and guard Dwyane Wade,” added Van Gundy. “He’s an outstanding rebounder…he shoots the three very well which is obviously big for us…and Otis and I talked and he’s only 26 years old and still has a great deal of upside.”
Pietrus takes great pride in his defense.
“On defense, trust me, I’m having fun. Because you want to get a steal and your teammates scores and he’s happy. I’m happy too because he gets more confident and the team gets more confident and everybody kind of links together. We’ve got one goal – to win a basketball game. For me to get a steal, to take a charge, that’s my main focus.”
One more question, what should the radio and television broadcasters call you?
Simple, he said with that magnetic smile, “Air France.”
Air France is ready for takeoff.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, June 5, 2008, 12:00PM
Exclusive Father-Son Club
The Los Angeles Lakers Luke Walton is looking to join exclusive company as the NBA Finals get ready to roll tonight. Walton is trying to join his father, Bill, to win a title. The only other two father-son sets to win it all are the Barrys (Rick, Brent) and our very own Magic TV analyst Matt Guokas, and his father Matt.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, May 15, 2008, 3:43 PM
End of the Season
The end of a season is always tough. One minute you are going 90 miles per hour, and then you hit the breaks.
It takes some time to come off the wild ride which is the NBA Playoffs.
While your Magic certainly made progress – 52 wins, a divisional title, winning a playoff series (all for the first time in 12 years) - there was still some tangible disappointment as the players cleaned out their lockers.
“I think a real significant thing is that guys really feel a lot of pain and are disappointed losing,” said Head Coach Stan Van Gundy. “I know it was only five games, but (the Eastern Conference Semifinals) was pretty highly contested series with the Pistons. That right there is a significant stride in that you are thinking like a winning basketball team.”
Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith will look for the team to continue to grow as individuals and as a team. “We have to continue to get better,” says Smith. “It is about how do we move the Orlando Magic organization ball club to the next level and as I’ve said before the next level is a championship. What is disappointing is that we were 11 wins away from a title.”
So, Orlando’s Magic will go back to work. The core is in place, led by Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu. “You can’t really shortcut the growth process,” adds Smith. “I don’t think we’re trying to shortcut it, but we are trying to speed it up to get to where we want to go.”
Where the Magic are going is in the right direction.
“They are a team that will be here for a long time for years to come," Detroit Head Coach Flip Saunders said. "With Dwight and all the pieces they have, they are definitely a team on the rise."
Posted by Glass Half Full, Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:23 PM
Things to Watch
Here are some things to watch, as your Magic get set for its Eastern Conference Semifinal showdown vs. Detroit.
The Magic must contain the Pistons veteran backcourt of Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilon. The Magic must look to push the tempo in transition offensively to get easier baskets. The Magic must continue to play inside-out, feeding Dwight Howard, while kicking the ball out for threes. As usual, ball movement, spacing, taking caring of the ball and rebounding are keys for Orlando.
Look for Detroit to try and make it a half court game. The Pistons like to ride the hot hand, whether it’s Billups, Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace or Tayshaun Prince. While the backcourt battle is key, the interesting part may come in how the Pistons defend Dwight and how the Magic cover Rasheed. It will be a playoff chess battle throughout the series.
Buckle up.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, April 30, 2008, 1:50 PM
One of Few
As your Orlando Magic get set for its first trip to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in a dozen years, pause for a moment to realize two weeks ago there were still 30 teams playing. When Orlando hits the hardwood for round two, there will be just eight.
“Twenty-two teams will be home and there will be eight playing,” head coach Stan Van Gundy said, adding, “and you’re one of them and that’s a good feeling.”
While playoff fever is sweeping Orlando and people are starting to party like it’s 1995, realize the Magic’s thirst has not been satisfied.
“I think we have struck a pretty good balance all year, of appreciating the accomplishments we’ve had along the way, not over celebrating, but also not diminishing them.” The Magic’s ladder of success has included securing a playoff spot, posting a winning record for the first time in five years, winning a divisional title for the first time in 12 years, having home court advantage in the first round, winning a playoff game and notching a series win.
“You can’t diminish what happened last night,” said Van Gundy a day after Orlando topped Toronto. “That was a huge step for our players and for our organization. (Our fans) have waited a long time for that feeling again…That doesn’t mean we don’t want more.”
Van Gundy, who shortly will be locked into the strategies of a new best-of-seven series, can still put in all in perspective.
“I always think when you’re out and around and you feel sort of a buzz and people are happy about it, it makes you feel better and that you are doing something that people enjoy,” said Van Gundy. “We have sort of a fantasy-land job here. We don’t add a lot of worth in a lot of ways. We are not saving lives, we are not educating people, we are not putting out fires, we are not building roads for people to travel. There are a lot of things that people do everyday that are vastly more important than what we do. Really, our only thing that we can do is entertain and provide an outlet for people, where they can go and enjoy it, and have fun and feel good about what’s going on. It’s hard work for our players and everyone in our organization to be good enough to create that feeling and it doesn’t happen that often. It took 12 years to get back to this point, which is all that you are trying to do in this job. To get back to where you can do it, and to see the arena like that, and get up this morning and have the courage to do and have everybody feeling good is what we do for a community. It feels good. There are a lot of other people out there who are celebrating us today who are doing a lot more for our community and it’s nice to be able to do something for them.”
Posted by Glass Half Full, Monday, April 28, 2008, 9:25 AM
Headline: The Buzz is Back
Winning 50-plus games for the first time since the 1995-96 season, the 2007-2008 Orlando Magic captured its first divisional title in 12 years. With the winning came a certain buzz felt far and wide.
The Magic sold out 32 games this past season, the most since 1997. Three and four years ago respectively (2003-04, 2004-05), the Magic had back-to-back four sellout seasons. Now, Orlando has sold out 57 of its last 82 games over the last two years. And the numbers are sure to climb, as Orlando season ticket renewal rates are approaching 90 percent and the Magic are steaming toward 10,000 season ticket holders.
The Orlando Magic and its fans received some major recognition at the 2008 NBA Sales and Marketing Meetings held in Miami this past January 6-8. The Magic were recognized as one of nine league teams for selling 2,000-plus new season tickets; one of four teams to sell 3,000-plus group tickets per game; while also receiving a retail sales performance award.
Speaking of retail, Dwight Howard's jersey climbed to No. 14 on the most popular jersey list. And, as you remember, Superman received 2,066,991 all-star fan votes this year, the third-most in the league behind only Kevin Garnett and LeBron James. And that was before his super slam dunk title. Of note, the previous year he had just 978,007.
When you talk big numbers, you talk orlandomagic.com. The team's website ranked in the Top 10 in three major traffic categories on nba.com. As of the end of the regular season, the Orlando team site was the eighth-most viewed in the NBA this year, with more than 26 million hits, while Howard's player page ranked seventh among all players. Hedo Turkoglu's player page also hit the top 10 in international player page views, landing the Magic forward in eighth place among all international players in the league. Turkoglu also earned the NBA's Most Improved Player Award by a vote of national media. Orlandomagic.com has established new all-time monthly traffic records in eight of the last nine months and has already set a new record for page views in a single season. The Web site, which was re-launched in October 2007, is currently on pace to welcome more visitors this year than any other in franchise history.
From a community standpoint, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation Black Tie and Tennies Charity Gala held on March 29th raised a total of $501,000 -- a five percent increase over the previous year.
TV ratings for your Magic were up also. Orlando's Game 2 win over Toronto in their first round NBA Playoffs series April 22 on Sun Sports produced the highest rating for a Magic game telecast on Sun Sports since 2005 and was the top rated cable program for the day in the Orlando TV market. The game posted a 3.8 average Nielsen household rating in the Orlando/Daytona Beach/Melbourne market making it the most-watched Magic game on Sun Sports since a 3.8 rating for game versus the Philadelphia 76ers on January 22, 2005. An average of over 54,000 TV households tuned to Sun Sports for the April 22 game. From 8:30 to 8:45pm, that telecast peaked at an impressive 4.9 average HH rating (over 70,000 households).
The buzz is back.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 1:13 PM
Keys To Toronto Series
With the Raptors coming to town Sunday, here’s a six pack of keys to the series:
1) Orlando’s
transition defense will be important. Toronto point guards Jose Calderon and T.J. Ford can really get out and go. The Magic will have to work hard to get back and slow the Raptor attack.
2) The Magic must work to
contain Chris Bosh. You can’t stop him, but have to give him a number of looks defensively.
3) The Magic must
limit Toronto’s penetration into the lane. Once again, we are talking about Calderon and Ford. They are a tough cover in the pick-and-roll and can also break you down and then kick out for three (not unlike your Magic).
4) The
Magic’s inside-outside attack. It has worked all season. Throw it into Dwight Howard for the dunk, or if that’s covered, kick it out to the likes of Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
5)
Take care of the ball. This covers two areas for your Magic: a) offensively limit turnovers; b) defensive rebounding. Securing the ball will be important.
6)
Shooting the three. Again, this has been a key for Orlando this year en route to a record-setting season from three-point land. Look for the Magic to shoot it often after good ball movement, while also combining the pop-a-shot offense with opportune drives to the basket when available. The combination has and can be deadly.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 3:12 PM
Three Keys
With just a handful of games to go before the playoffs, here’s a triple-play of keys the Magic will be focused on down the stretch and en route to securing the Southeastern Division title, winning 50-plus games and setting the franchise record for road victories:
1) Defense. Whether its transition defense, protecting the paint or closing out on shooters, Orlando will continue to work on strengthening its defense in games and in practice sessions. The Magic have proved to be very good when they focus and play with energy on the defensive end. Also, remember every defensive possession ends when the Magic secure the ball. Rebounding will continue to be important.
2) Continue Inside-Outside Attack. Orlando’s offensive attack has proved to be a menace for the opposition. Pick your poison: You load up on Dwight Howard and the three-point attack led by Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis will hurt you. Try to take away the Magic’s three-point shooting and here comes Superman to dunk on you. It’s been effective all season, as the Magic have set a franchise record for three-pointers made, while Howard has taken another leap forward in regard to his development. He should be an All-NBA First Team honoree. Other keys offensively: the Magic need to take care of the ball and look to push the tempo. Getting out and running equals easy baskets.
3) While the team will continue to push, look for head coach Stan Van Gundy to find spots for the team to get some rests. This will look like a few more days off between games, yet practice sessions and games remain intense. The Magic will continue to work hard and ramp up leading to what should be an exciting playoff push.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Monday, March 17, 2008, 2:49 PM
Just Some Notes
Most Improved Player – How about Hedo Turkoglu?
* Averaging career-high 19.7 pppg., 6.4 ppg. more than last year and 9.2 over his career average
* Has recorded two triple-doubles and set game career-highs in rebounds (15 rebs. vs. Toronto, Nov. 7) and assists (13 asts. vs. Dallas, Feb. 4 and vs. Atlanta Mar. 10)
* Leads the Magic in fourth quarter scoring with 431 points (average of 6.3 points per fourth quarter), while notching 10-plus points in the fourth quarter alone 15 times
* Named NBA Player of the week twice (back-to-back weeks Jan. 27th and Feb. 3rd)
All-NBA First Team – Superman Dwight Howard
* Has seven 20-point/20-rebounds games this year, a league-leading 59 double-doubles and an NBA-most 237 dunks
* Won NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors in both November and December
* Is looking to join the exclusive company of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal to accomplish all of the following in a single-season: Average at least 20 points per game, average at least 10 rebounds per game, and shoot 60 percent from floor.
* Looking to become youngest player to lead the league in rebounding.
Coach of the Year – Why Not Stan The Man?
* Orlando was two games under .500 last year (40-42). Today, the Magic sit 20 games over .500 at 44-24
* Orlando is 23-12 on the road this season, tying with Boston, and just ahead of Detroit and the L.A. Lakers for the most road wins. Orlando is 14-6 vs. the East away from home and 9-6 against the West on the road
* Orlando has its largest lead in the division since March of 1996, when the Magic led the Atlantic division by nine games. Today, Orland leads the Southeast Division by 9 ½ games
* Orlando has defeated Boston and Detroit twice each
Posted by Glass Half Full, Friday, March 14, 2008, 9:28 AM
Playoff Format
Once again, I present my Glass Half Full idea to change the NBA playoffs. I say numbers 1-7 make the playoffs in each conference and the eighth spot in both the East and West is decided by a one-loss-and-your-out elimination tournament.
So, here’s how it works. If the playoffs started today, Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Cleveland, Toronto, Washington, Philadelphia would be in from the East, while the Lakers, Houston, San Antonio, Utah, New Orleans, Phoenix and Dallas would make it from the West.
With the remaining 16 teams you have a NCAA-style tournament to decide the final two playoff teams. The teams could be seeded by record and it takes three wins. I say end the regular season a few days early and play the play-in tournament. Maybe for a little added spice, the two teams remaining get the first and second picks in the draft.
The tourney would be great, while the fans in the bottom feeder cities would have some hope come April. It doesn’t diminish the regular season because who wants to play three more games to get in the playoffs, and this could possibly reward the last two teams to make it regardless of what conference. Of the final two, you give the team with the best record its choice to join the East or West playoffs.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 1:10 PM
Why Not Stan The Man?
Talking NBA Coach of the Year today and here’s my Glass Half Full question: Why Not Stan The Man?
Here’s by back-up:
* Orlando was two games under .500 last year (40-42). Today, the Magic sit 17 games over .500 at 41-24
* Orlando is 22-12 on the road this season, tying with Boston, Detroit and the L.A. Lakers for the most road wins. Orlando is 13-6 vs. the East away from home and 9-6 against the West on the road
* Orlando has its largest lead in the division since March of 1996, when the Magic led the Atlantic division by nine games. Today, Orland leads the Southeast Division by 9 ½ games
* Orlando has defeated Boston and Detroit twice each
* Orlando has had to adapt to key loss of true power forward Tony Battie.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, March 5, 2008, 11:24AM
Tuning Up For Playoff Run
While it’s no time to relax, as the Magic are tuning up for a memorable playoff run, take a moment to take the following in:
* The Orlando Magic currently lead the Southeast Division by 8 ½ games with a 39-23 record. Just Boston and Detroit are ahead of the Magic in the Eastern Conference standings.
* This is Orlando’s largest lead in the division since March of 1996, when the Magic led the Atlantic division by nine games.
* Orlando will look to make its 10th playoff berth in the last 15 years and with three more wins is guaranteed its first winning season since 2002-03. Orlando is on track to record 50 victories for the first time since 1995-96.
* The Magic have sold out 25 of 29 home games this season.
* The Magic has showed its resiliency and toughness on the road by going 21-12 away from home. The 21 road wins is tied for the most in the NBA this season (Detroit, L.A. Lakers). It will be only the second time in franchise history that the Magic have finished above .500 on the road.
* Dwight Howard made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and first start Feb. 17th in New Orleans. Howard, who won the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest during All-Star Weekend, garnered 2,066,991 fan All-Star votes – trailing only Kevin Garnett and LeBron James. Howard, also a member of Team USA, was just one of four players to have more than two million fan votes (Garnett, James, Kobe Bryant).
* Dwight Howard won the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors in both November and December, while the Magic have won four league Player of the Week Awards (Dwight Howard twice, Hedo Turkoglu twice).
* Dwight Howard, who has seven 20-point/20-rebounds games this year, 53 double-doubles and a league-leading 220 dunks, is looking to join the exclusive company of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal to accomplish all of the following in a single-season: average at least 20 points per game, average at least 10 rebounds per game and shoot 60 percent from floor.
* Orlando currently ranks sixth in the NBA in scoring (104.3 points per game). Orlando has made at least five three-pointers in 63 straight games, dating back to last season, the longest such streak in the history of the NBA.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 4:24 PM
Cookie and Mo
How about Brian Cook and Maurice Evans Magic fans?
While some armchair GMs were clamoring for a move at the recently passed trading deadline, realize in essence the Magic made a key move ahead of the crowd when they acquired Brian Cook and Maurice Evans from the Lakers for the now-injured Trevor Ariza.
Cook, who has gotten into better shape and has learned the nuances of the Magic’s defensive scheme, has provided some instant offense off the bench, while Evans is Mr. Energy, not unlike the supercharged Keyon Dooling.
The bottom line is that the deal has worked out very well.
Some living in chat rooms need to remember you often don’t get a certain piece of the puzzle for nothing. You have to give something to get something. Magic GM Otis Smith determined that he had to give up to much to get another piece, so he decided to stay the course with a team that is now 14 games over .500 and in first place in the Southeast Division. Last year, after 58 games Orlando was 28-30.
There’s still room on the Magic bandwagon, currently running third in the Eastern Conference. The Glass is Half Full.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, February 14, 2008, 11:17AM
DWIGHT NEEDS YOUR VOTE
Ok, Glass Half Full, on behalf of Dwight "Thunder" Howard, is asking loyal readers for ideas for the upcoming Dunk Contest. Send them in, quickly.
For the first time ever, fans will help decide the winner of the 2008 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest (Sat., Feb. 16, 8 p.m. ET on TNT) at NBA All-Star weekend, and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard needs your help to take home the slam dunk crown!
Howard will face off in the contest against defending champion Gerald Green of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Memphis Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay and Jamario Moon of the Toronto Raptors on NBA All-Star Saturday Night. For the first time, fans will have the final say in deciding the winner of the Sprite Slam Dunk competition. Following the concluding round of dunks, fans will be able to cast their votes via SMS TXT message and at NBA.com to determine this year’s winner.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 9:44 AM
Sweet Lew’s Sacrifice
The scene: Rashard Lewis’ introductory press conference back in July.
The question: What position would he play?
Lewis, versatile enough to play shooting-guard, small-forward or even a tad at power forward, paused, and gave a sly smile. “It’s all up to the man right here,” he said, motioning toward new head coach Stan Van Gundy.
Power forward a few months and that’s where you find Rashard Lewis collecting most of his minutes, at power forward.
While he no doubt would be better served playing his natural small forward position, Lewis has been on a season-long sacrifice for the good of the team. When Tony Battie, Orlando’s 6-11, 240-pound, lunch bucket power forward, went down with a torn rotator cuff, in stepped Lewis.
Lewis’ unselfishness arguably cost him an All-Star bid. But, as Lewis, a 2005 All-Star selection, said on Day One, he just wants to win.
“Rashard has made a huge sacrifice from the personal (and statistical) side off things that has helped elevate somebody like Turk (Hedo Turkoglu, who is having a career year from the small forward postion),” says Van Gundy. “I think it’s been unselfish and helped our team. If he were incapable or unwilling to make the move to the point he fought it, then we’d have a problem as a team. It pains me a little bit that his name didn’t come up in the all-star discussion because he basically gave that up for the sake of the team.”
Adds Turkoglu, “He is in a tough situation because he has to play against bigger guys, and he has a mismatch and has to battle with those guys down inside. He is really tough and I think he has been great for the team.”
Lewis, who grew six inches between the eight and ninth grade and thus traded his football cleats for a pair of basketball shoes, entered the NBA out of high school, but wasn’t drafted until the second round. A clue to his unselfishness and willing to sacrifice can be found in what he wanted to be while growing up…A firefighter.
He has certainly fought for the Magic this season, no matter what he has been asked to do.
GOT A QUESTION FOR GLASS HALF FULL?
I look forward to hearing from you, whether you have a Magic-related question, comment or alternative opinion, or an NBA question, or question about something else.
E-mail me here. Also, check out
Orlando Magic: Did You Know?
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, February 6, 2008, 9:44 AM
From Mike (2/06): I as a season ticket holder and many others that I have talked to all have the same question: Why are we not making a move for a Power forward? Please don’t say that Lewis is a 4. We are so deep with guards and attractive expiring contracts. A defensive and rebounding presence along with Dwight will help tighten up a team that is supposedly built around defense. It would then help ease the fact that we are sometimes weak in the point position as well. With the way Hedo plays, he is more a big 2 than a small forward. He often runs the offense and controls the ball. The starting lineup can be Dwight C, newly acquired PF, Lewis SG, Hedo SG, one of our options PG.
Another question, why do they not try to utilize J.J. as a point guard. If he is as good as his hype, he should be able to take on such a role and possibly find a new place on the team that doesn’t involve either the bench or the corner behind the arc that he is glued to when he is on the floor. Just a thought. Use your tools when you have a weakness. Thanks.
GHF: Thanks Mike....We are certainly in need of a power forward. GHF remembers the morning he found out that Tony Battie would be lost for the season. Yes, it was little more empty than full. As has been detailed here, we agree Rashard has sacrificed and is playing out of position. But, rest assured. As always GM Otis Smith is certainly looking for and evaluating options to improve the team. In regard to JJ at point, that might be a stretch in regard to his skill set. However, GHF still contends JJ will play a role in the future. Thanks for your support as as season ticket holder.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Monday, January 28, 2008, 11:44AM
From Deb (1/24): What's with Garrity? Do you think they will continue to carry him next year? He hasn't played much for the past 3 years....when is his contract up?
GHF: Pat is a true professional who keeps himself ready for whenever his number is called. He works extremely hard in practice and is a valuable member of the team on and off the court. His contract is up after this season. As we have seen many times in this league, everyone on the roster is needed at some point in what is a long, hard season. You just never know when you are going to need one of those patented Pat Garrity trifectas. One other side note, Pat is in the best condition of any player on the team based on regular testing done by our strength and conditioning staff.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, January 17, 2008, 9:13AM
THE HALFWAY MARK
After last night's tilt at Charlotte, your Magic have hit the halfway mark.
With a 24-17 mark, playing a road weary schedule (Orlando is 16-9 on the road and 8-8 at home), the glass is certainly half full.
So what do we know about this edition of the Magic? First, playing that road-heavy schedule, this team has developed some toughness, some resolve.
Offensively, the team has certainly developed an identity. Its inside-outside attack is built around Dwight Howard. Smother Howard and opponents get hurt by the Magic's three-point spread attack; Let the All-Star starter-to-be rome free in the paint and it's double-trouble. The Magic have the luxury of three go-to guys in Howard, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis come crunch time.
Defensively, the squad has shown flashes, but as Head Coach Stan Van Gundy says, this is the area where the Magic will go from good to great.
Boil it all down and your Magic are on the way to hopefully playing its best basketball come March, April, and beyond.
If you were told that you would be playing 25 of your first 41 on the road (not to mention a preseason trip to China) and you would be seven-plus games over .500, you would be thrilled. The ever-changing expectations cloud us from time to time, but this has been a nice start to this season's magical marathon.
From Veronica (1/17): Why? Why are the magic losing games that they should win, especially when there is a tremendous lead into half. The game plan needs to be changed, because the magic playing is so predictable. I know if the magic is leading by the half they will lose the game. The magic is such a good team to be losing against these team. If only they can take burst of energy in the 1st half to the end, they would not lose these types of games to teams that are non contenders. Their game is so predictable, as die hard fan, I can even predict the ending, and if I can do that coaches can also. The magic play so hard at the beginning of the first two quarters, by the time it is the 3rd quarter the players start to fizzle. Take your starters out when there is reasonable lead, and let them rest for some minutes, and put them back in the game in the fourth quarter. They will have a renewed energy to pull the games to the stretch for the win. There is no reason that the starters should be playing the whole game unless you’re playing against a top contender. Their mistake is the starters are fizzling out when they are needed the most at the stretch.
GHF: Thanks for your input, passion and points. I still contend that at 24-17 after 41 games (while playing 24 away from home), we are in a good place. And, we haven't played our best basketball yet.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, January 10, 2008, 2:04 PM
Potential Headline: Paint By Numbers
In this his fourth year in the NBA, Orlando Magic man-child Dwight Howard is learning that there is more to his impact on the game and subsequent wins and losses than statistics. But, having said that, his numbers are becoming quite astounding.
Dwight Howard By The Numbers:
2... Two, as in twice, as in the number of times Dwight Howard was named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Month in the first two months of this season. En route to garnering the league’s monthly honor in November and December, Howard also earned two Player of the Week accolades.
15... For 15 straight games between December 3rd and January 2nd, Dwight Howard tallied a double-double (double figures in points and rebounds in the same game), just three shy of the Magic record held (for now) by none other than Shaquille O’Neal (18 straight). Howard is on pace to beat Shaq’s Magic seasonal record of 68 double-doubles set in 1992-93.
30... Double 15 and you have 30. Howard became just the second Magic player (see Shaq) to tally back-to-back 30-point/15-rebound games. On December 14th he had 33 points and 18 rebounds against Charlotte and then posted 31 points and 20 rebounds on December 15th vs. Memphis. Howard has nine 30-point/15-rebound games, the most in the NBA and also on pace to top Shaq’s 15 30/15 games in 1994-95.Howard also has more 20-20 games than any player in the league this season.
133... Howard has 133 dunks, more than 50 more than the player in second place (Andrew Bynum with 81). Howard’s dunk total is more than approximately 26 teams. He has nearly 800 dunks over the course of his career.
.600... This may be the most amazing number. Only four players in NBA history have had seasons where they averaged at least 20 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, while shooting .600 (60 percent) from the field. They are Wilt Chamberlain (1966-67), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1979-80), Charles Barkley (1989-90) and Shaquille O’Neal (2004-05). Howard, who is the only player in the league to be in the Top 10 this season in points, rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage, is on pace to join that exclusive quartet.
1,456,898... Howard, who is getting ready to suit up for his second NBA All-Star Game in what should be his senior season as a collegiate, has 1.4 million-plus fan All-Star votes. The number ranks third among all NBA players (trailing only Kevin Garnett and LeBron James; ahead of the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Carmelo Anthony, Yao Ming and Dwyane Wade).
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, January 9, 2008, 9:10AM
From Dan (1/9): There's something more here than meets the eye, and its hard for people who are fans outside of the Orlando area to hear the buzz. Redick's not playing. Why? Is he in Van Gundy's doghouse? Is he still battling injuries? Is he not getting along with his teammates? I don't understand what the deal is here. Orlando struggles with free throws, shooting percentage, and three pointers.
This is liked being mugged every night with a taser in your pocket you refuse to use. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Redick could be that SPARK the Magic need.
GHF: As GHF has said all along, J.J. will get an opportunity before it is all said and done, and in fact he played well late last night in Sacramento. I see a bright future for J.J. As Orlando raced to a 16-4 record, it is hard to argue that the players playing in front of him weren't doing well and giving the Magic what they needed out of the two-guard spot. His time will come though. Keep believing in Magic.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, December 19, 9:52AM
From Deb: Looks like we are down to losing games because of free throws.... I was amazed at how many free throws Dallas made...almost all of them. Our team fought hard but to late in the game. Lewis has been a disappointment ...and certainly not worth 20 million a year. Am I seeing things or does Lewis look like he's lost out on the floor most of the time? It looks as though he doesn't know where his place is on the team. He seems so unsure of himself.
GHF: This is certainly not Glass Half Full material, but I do appreciate your passion. Not to make excuses, but Rashard is battling a very stiff and spasming neck. He is continuing to get treatment and has made a few visits to a chiropractor. This has impacted his play, but make no mistake this guy will be back. He continues to be a match-up nightmare for opponents and will undoubtedly knock down many, many more big shots as we saw early on.
Here's what Rashard said yesterday, "I'm not as mobile as I want to be. It has taken a little of my athleticism. Sometimes I run down the court, I can only look over my left shoulder." He added that he felt he needed to play because his team needs him with the Magic going through a tough part of the schedule (e.g. Texas two-step at Dallas, at Houston, home vs. Utah and at Boston).
As for free throws, we will keep working on them.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Friday, December 18, 2007, 3:33 PM
After a 2 a.m. Eastern time arrival into Houston, the Magic were back at practice Tuesday afternoon.
The message of the day was "building habits which win games."
While there is vast amounts of praise when things are going well, and biting criticisms when not, the coaching staff continues to work to keep the crew on an even keel. Developing a daily focus which will sustain the Magic for the long run is the goal at this point.
Playing well at both ends of the floor is perhaps the most import aspect, as opposed to just getting caught up in the results. Play well and hard and the wins come.
At the start of the season if you were told the team -- with its demanding road schedule -- would be 17-9 after 26 games, you would have taken it. There were plenty of floor burns to go around Tuesday at practice, always a good sign that this team is sacrificing to get better.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Friday, December 14, 2007, 10:08AM
From Mike (12/13): I’m probably not the only person who is thinking this… Did the Magic forget that if you live by the three you die by the three? Why is there a problem in making adjustments with our offense. We have lost three straight to notably weak teams defensively and while we are shooting poorly, we either toss up air balled three pointers or dish it to a triple teamed Dwight. Why doesn’t the rest of the team attack the rim and draw the foul?
GHF: Thanks for your thoughts. The coaching staff will certainly work on some adjustments, but having said that we need to continue concentrating on our core principles which were successful: 1) Run and attack more offensively; 2) Make free throws; 3) Take care of the ball better; 4) Defend. Those were the four categories we talked about prior to the season. GHF and the coaching staff also adds the fact that we need to start games better. In regard to the three-pointer, it will continue to be a key. It still spreads the floor. Head Coach SVG clearly made the point early on that we wouldn't look as pretty when the shots aren't falling. But, this little speed bump isn't all about the three pointer. It's about defense, taking care of ball and effort also. GHF does not believe this three-game streak is all bad. We weren't going to go the whole season winning 16 of every 20. The league is better than that and this is part of the process. Adversity toughens you up.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, December 13, 9:16AM
ANOTHER TOUGH ONE
Another tough one for your Magic in Milwaukee Wednesday night, but as Head Coach Stan Van Gundy alluded to after the game: When the shots aren't falling and we are not as crisp offensively, the Magic need to jump- start themselves with defense, rebounding and effort. Look for that to happen as Orlando heads to Charlotte for a Friday night tilt, before returning home Saturday against Memphis. Teams are game- planning against Dwight Howard and the Magic will continue to work on offensive adjustments and getting back to what worked early on: Running, taking care of the ball better, making free throws, and spreading the floor. But, collectively we need to channel defense and effort, and better starts to games. As mentioned before in Glass Half Full: Tough times don't last, tough people do, and adversity does build character.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, December 12, 3:10 PM
From: FLALOANS (12/12): 1. Why so little improvement in seating capacity?
GHF: The new arenas these days are not so much about the actual number of seats, but the amenties available for all segments of our population and building in maximum flexibility to host future events, including events like major political conventions, concerts, family shows and NCAA events - including March Madness- which seats as much as 20,000, Orlando's new events center will have all that. From kid and fan zones to restaurants to gathering places in all shapes and sizes, you will be proud of your new home. Realize this: The current Amway Arena is 367,000 square feet. The new facility will be 800,000 square feet.
2. What will be done to make this a Green building?
GHF: While sustainable design specifics will be finalized in the coming months, designers will focus on the opportunities to create an environmentally friendly building in various categories. The design and construction team will focus on creating a sustainable site; providing water efficiency; optimizing energy and atmosphere protection; conserving materials and resources; monitoring indoor environmental quality and health; and selecting environmentally preferred operations and maintenance. These elements will combine to create one of the most environmentally friendly, high performing professional arenas in the country.
3. Will we still have to sit in each others lap to see the game or will the seats be worth the price?
GHF: Glass Half Full believes you will have a great spectator experience in the community's new building. Wider seats, wider concourses and a wider number of available options, from $5 seats to a private suite and everything you can imagine inbetween at a wide number of price points. GHF travels the country with the Magic and you wouldn't believe the options for customers available. This building will have the best of the best, while still being unique for Orlando.
From Deb (12/11): LAST NIGHTS GAME....Reminds me of the old team .... Looks like we need a whole lot of practice instead of relying on Howard all the time.... Why doesn't that coach put redick in when no one else is shooting!!!!!
GHF: Thanks for your passion. The Magic were hard at work yesterday, working on countering the double- and triple-teams coming at Dwight. It's really part of our growing process. First, realize we have to learn to play with a target on our back. We have gone from the hunter to the hunted. Second, we need to continue to run the floor to get easy baskets, move the ball better offensively inside and out, take care of the ball a little better and make the open shots we are getting. Glass Half Full sees everyone contributing, including JJ, as we move forward. But, realize Keith Bogans and Keyon Dooling have both played well out of the two-guard position. No time to panic, though. This is a speed bump. All are on board and we will get out of it with everyone contributing.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, December 5, 9:51AM
From Kirtan (12/04): Hey GHF, The victories have been impressive but the most impressive thing so far has been the effort of the players, especially on the road and on the second night of back to backs. I love the fact that we no longer take nights off, proven by last night's win against the warriors. Just wanted to thank the Magic players for the tremendous entertainment they have provided thus far. Here's hoping the players continue to put forth the same kind of effort on the floor every night, even when faced with adversity. O-town is ready to rally behind the Magic and hopefully pull off something special this year.
GHF: What, are you trying to take Glass Half Full's job? Thanks for the kind words.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, December 4, 9:15AM
FIRST QUARTER OF THE SEASON
Thirty-four days, 20 games, including 13 on the road, and 16 victories, against four defeats.
There you have it. The first quarter of your Magic season is in the books, and what a quarter it has been.
Words that come to mind after flying home all night following the Magic's 123-117 OT victory over Golden State in Oakland are: Toughness, resiliency, three-pointers and thunder dunks.
Head Coach Stan Van Gundy told his team after last night's win that he isn't often impressed being the gym rat perfectionist that he is. But in the Magic's West Coast finale he was impressed. The Warriors were red hot and had won six straight and nine of ten. The Magic, on a back end of a back-to-back, found themselves down in the final moments, but fought back to force overtime before claiming the prize.
There's a long way to go - three quarters in fact - but the Magic are winning in all types of ways and getting all types of contributions.
The team was granted a rare day off after the redeye flight which saw them land at 8 a.m. Tomorrow (Wednesday) it's back to work. The second quarter awaits.
Send in your questions. The Glass is Half Full.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Saturday, December 1, 11:08AM
TOUGH ONE IN PHOENIX
Tough one for the Magic men, dropping a 110-106 decision in Phoenix. The Glass Half Full positive was that the Magic fought back from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit and Dwight Howard was again a beast with 30 points and 23 rebounds (video game number as radio analyst Richie Adubato says). Unbelievably, Howard has more dunks than 25 teams this year.
The not so Glass Half Full fact is that there are no moral victories and the Magic didn't play well enough to win.
So it's off to LA and a meeting with the Lakers. The beat goes on.
Starting with Phoenix, the Magic are in the middle of playing a string of three games against the top three scoring teams in the league. Golden State, Monday's opponent, is No. 1, Phoenix is 2 and the Lakers are 3.
Send in your questions. The Glass is Half Full.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 7:03PM
WIN NUMBER TWO SECURED
With win number two on the trip secure, the Magic headed from Seattle to Phoenix.
The team had a Noon optional workout and then met together for a film session later in the afternoon.
While that confident, winning feeling prevails, everyone knows a tough test awaits in the Valley of the Sun. Making matters more interesting is the fact that the Suns have lost two straight games.
But your Magic have seemed to have had a shift in its mindset from the recent past of playing not to lose to playing to win.
It's a subtle difference, but definitely a difference.
The players will grab a meal together tonight, while the coaches will continue to burn the midnight oil by watching and breaking down game tape.
The team will have a Friday morning shoot-around, meet the Suns, and then head to LA after the contest.
From Second Class Petty Officer USN Antwaun (11/27): Have we (Orlando Magic) given up on Fran Vasquez?
GHF: First of all, thank you for your service to our country. No, we have not given up on Fran. He continues to play and develop overseas and as you know we retain his right indifinitely. Time will tell what happens, but we stay in contact with him and the GHF prediction is that he will end up in a Magic uniform at some point down the line and everyone will say what a great pick he was.
From Tyler (11/27): The magic have started off great this year, and as a fan for many years i'm finally able to enjoy all aspects of the season, however I want to know how you feel realistically they will cap the remainder of the season off. I know there is a lot of games left and injuries can occur, i'm just trying to save myself from the disappointment of last year's strong start and horrendous finish.
GHF: I think the key to the early success to your Magic is that we don't look down the road that far. It's next game and next possession. That's the focus. This team has developed some toughness which has served it well. The offensive attack (surround Dwight with shooters, push tempo) has worked well and as we saw the other night our defense was key when the shots weren't falling. A sign of a good team is winning in all different ways and I think we've seen some of that. The bottom line: Coach Van Gundy won't let the team look that far ahead. Next game. Next Possession.
From Deb (11/27): How's Keyon doing? Will he be playing tomorrow night? Or is he still sick with the flu? We sure missed his explosive presence against Portland.... and it showed. Wasn't that a great game with the Cletics and the Cavs? Did my heart good to see the Celtics play against a GOOD team... now we'll see how well they do on the road. Come on MAGIC...we're better than the Celtics!
GHF: Thanks...Keyon was still under the weather yesterday and couldn't practice. We will just have to see how he feels when we have our morning shootaround (10 am pacific time)
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, November 27, 2007, 5:38PM
Fish at Seattle's famous Pike Place Public Farmer's Market
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ON TO SEATTLE
On to Seattle, home to the Space Needle, Pike Place Public Farmer's Market, Microsoft, Starbucks, and the Seattle Sonics, for now.
The Magic took the short flight from Portland following the game.
Stan Van Gundy told the team after the game that it was a good step from the aspect that they didn't play their best game against the Trailblazers, but still came away with a victory. His overiding message continues to be: have confidence, but respect each and every opponent. Play the next game and the next possession.
The team worked out for two hours in Seattle. Following practice the Magic loosness came out, as Hedo Turkoglu and Coach Van Gundy had a impromptu, two possession, one-on-one game. An ESPN Classic it wasn't.
Also of note, both USA Today and Sports Illustrated have come calling. Soon, the Magic won't be able to sneak up on anyone anymore.
From Deborah (11/26): Why can't our guys hit their free throws??????? Again, looks like we are going to be in the bottom as far as FT's go. How about MORE practice in that area or someone who can TEACH this simple act of throwing.
GHF: Thanks Deborah...We'll keep working on them, both from a mental and physical standpoint. As Coach Van Gundy reminds his team often: Even though you are 13-3, and 8-1 on the road, there is room for improvement.
Posted by Glass Half Full, November 26, 2007, 1:10PM
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Willie Nelson's hit "On the Road Again" seems to be the appropriate ballad as the Magic men arrived in gray and chilly Portland for the first of five games in eight days away from home. With the culmination of this trip, the Magic (12-3 overall, 7-1 away) will have played an NBA-most 13 of their first 20 games on the road.
The trip will take the team from Portland to Seattle (Rashard Lewis return) to Phoenix (second meeting of season with Grant Hill and the Suns) to L.A. (so Brian Cook and Mo Evans can gather a few things as they were on road in Indiana with Lakers when acquired by the Magic) to Oakland (Adonal Foyle homecoming against the Golden State Warriors).
Keyon Dooling's wife's sweet potato pie was the hit of the cross country flight, while many grabbed some much deserved shut eye. Upon landing, the team went directly to the Trailblazers' practice facility to get a quick sweat and loosen up after nearly five hours in the air.
Dwight Howard did a quick photo shoot upon arriving at the team hotel after the Sunday afternoon shoot-around and then most of the team headed to dinner together where the activity of choice was to talk in Adonal Foyle's Caribbean accent.
"I didn't realize my accent was so universally appreciated," said Foyle with a smile.
The team is full of confidence and loose, but fully has head coach Stan Van Gundy's "keep working and get ready to play every single night - don't get too high or too low and don't get caught up in the 12-3 start-we have a looooooong way to go" message top of mind.
From Dave (11/21): No Bo. It’s a sad day in Orlando without Bo Outlaw on the team. Everyone loves to see his hustle on the floor, but even more so his outwardly friendly nature with everyone in the community. What a great role model!
GHF: Thanks Dave. We all love Bo. Stay tuned, there is the possibility he remains with organization. There's the Glass Half Full Scoop of the Day.
Posted by Glass Half Full, November 16, 2007, 1:00 PM
Next week, November 19th, the Magic will meet the Hornets in New Orleans, as professional basketball has returned to the Crescent City. With that in mind, Glass Half Full got to thinking of the Magic’s relief trip to the Katrina-stricken area back in September, 2005. Here is a portion of my blog entry from the trip:
With 6,000 pounds of supplies aboard the Magic team jet, we landed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Sobering is the first word that comes to mind, as there seems to be an obscene number of helicopters at and hovering above the airport. We unload the team plane, forming a human chain, transferring boxes one-by-one. I hand diapers, baby wipes, canned foods, books, underwear, soaps and shampoos to the person next to me - Orlando Magic and NBA All-Star Grant Hill.
We drive 20 minutes, our bus with 38 Magic staff members and invited guests, followed by our supply truck. This was supposed to be our annual leadership retreat. The staff decided as a group to take the money we would've spent on the retreat and our transportation - the 737 team plane - and take a real leadership retreat. Our first stop is a Salvation Army distribution center where we unload our supply truck and help the workers there organize the incredible amount of supplies that are rolling in. We are in a hollowed out grocery store. Think your local Publix minus the air conditioning, fancy point-of-purchase displays and bright lighting.
It is sticky hot. Grant Hill thanks the workers, while simultaneously unloading boxes, posing for pictures and signing autographs. I unload canned foods with an army reservist and reorganize items by category - vegetables, fruits, meats. The army reservist from Virginia looks like he hadn't slept in a week, but answers all my questions on where to put boxes with a yes sir, no sir. He tells me he is headed to Iraq in a month. War zone to war zone. We're off to a local shelter now. The goal will be to lift spirits and pass out candy to the kids. I think our group is being helped more than we are helping.
Headed to the shelter you feel the fact that Baton Rouge, just 120 miles from New Orleans, has swelled to twice its population. Traffic is turtle-like. Some of the New Orleans Hornets staff joins our group. They, and others we meet, all same the same thing: you know the pictures you see on the evening news - it's much worse. We arrive at the shelter - the Istrouma Baptist Church - and it's busting at the seams. The main sanctuary serves as the bedroom. Each family has a little square of space. It has capacity for 500, and 600 are here. The air, though chilled, is musty. The residents will live here side-by-side for 30 to 120 days, but to be honest no one knows for sure. The residents spill out of the sanctuary on to the front steps. Grant Hill is again the star, signing autographs, taking Polaroid’s, handing out books, shooting hoops with the kids, holding court. A young woman asks Grant if he can help her find a relative.
One little girl seeks out Grant's wife, recording star Tamia. She can't believe Tamia is in her makeshift home. The little girl sings a Tamia tune. The staff unloads the supply truck more, hands out Magic t-shirts and Armstrong-esque rubber bracelets with a Magic logo and the word "Commitment". I hand four to a young mother for her kids. It's as if I gave her a diamond ring. We are humbled with this hefty dose of reality. We make one last round through the shelter visiting as many as possible - us touching them, them touching us more. We head up the stairs to the second floor of the shelter. "It looks like a college dorm room," says Grant Hill, as room after room is filled to the ceiling with supplies looking like the end of the block game Jenga.
Up here is where some of the most tedious work is done and done far from the news cameras. Volunteers, joined today by Magic staff, endlessly sort through supplies in an effort to gain further organization. It seems when supplies are sent from around the country, everything - clothes, food, underwear, books - is mixed together in bulging boxes. GMs Otis Smith and Dave Twardzik do the numbing work with the Magic team. Upstairs is also the home to many young families with infants. Kids from downstairs sneak up to continue to hang with Grant and Tamia. A volunteer worker tells us that this is a great disaster, but quickly adds, "We're going to make some good from it." We can only hope. We head home changed.
Posted by Glass Half Full, November 12, 2007, 1:00 PM
Armed with a “no excuses and do what we do approach,” the Magic have opened the season with five wins in seven games in 11 days. And now the squad gets ready for an eight game in 12-day stretch which comes just before a five-game West Coast Trip. While this will certainly be a November to remember, what the Magic will keep doing is this:
1) Spread the floor by shooting the three-pointer. The Magic enter this week shooting 40 percent from three-point land, averaging nearly 10 three’s made per game.
2) By spreading the floor, the Magic have opened up room for Dwight Howard to operate. “Thunder” is averaging 21 points per game and 15 boards. He averaged 25 and 16 last week.
3) Continue to rely on its big three – Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Lewis is averaging nearly 21 points per game, while Turkoglu comes in just under 20 points per game at 19.4 ppg.
4) Continue working on taking caring of the ball. The Magic are averaging just 13.1 turnovers per game, four less than last season when the squad ranked at the bottom of the league.
5) Continue to work hard on the defensive end. This is what will make your Magic go from good to great.
USA Today’s Top 10 teams in its power ranking this week was this: 1) Boston; 2) Houston; 3) San Antonio; 4) Phoenix; 5) Detroit; 6) ORLANDO; 7) Utah; 8) Dallas; 9) Denver; 10) Los Angeles Clippers.
Head Coach Stan Van Gundy will continue to keep the squad working hard and not letting it get to high, or to low.
“What I said to them in the (locker) room (after Saturday’s game) was quite honestly that people will hype you up when you’re winning, and will tear you down when you lose,” said Van Gundy. “What we got to do is just stay realistic about where we are. We’ve made some good steps here, early in the season as a team. We are going to have to raise our energy level and raise our level of intensity to play with the best teams in the league. I’ve said before, I think we have taken great steps and we have a chance to be very good, but were not their yet. As long as we are realistic, understand that, and work toward it, we’ll be OK.”
From Davis (11/8): What's up with Redick? Why is he not playing when he was playing so well pre-season?
GHF: Thanks...The day after our win in Washington to start this trip, J.J. came down with severe back spasms. The medical staff felt it would be better for him to return home from the team's week-long, four-game trip to calm things down. Hopefully with a little rest, and not having to fly from city to city on this trip, J.J. will be back on the floor soon.
Posted by Glass Half Full, November 5, 2007, 10:34AM
Nice Start to Road Campaign
Your Magic had a nice start to its road campaign, posting a 94-82 in Washington's home opener Saturday night.
Winning on the road is going to be important for the Magic, especially considering the team will spend 19 days on the road in November. In all 13 of Orlando's first 20 games are away from home. One key to the season will be the play of Orlando's big three -- Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu. Saturday night the trio did not disappoint. Turkoglu scored a game-high 25 points, including 16 in the second half, Lewis went for 18, all in the first half, and Howard was double-trouble again with 17 points, 15 boards and three blocks. The three-point shot was big again, as Orlando hit 10 trifectas. "The Big Three", as is Dwight-Rashard-Hedo and the three-point shot, will certainly be a common theme this season.
A couple colorful moments from the road: The team practiced at Georgetown U Monday morning. As the squad walked in the practice gym, head coach Stan Van Gundy was quick to point out assistant coach Patrick Ewing's 1984 National Championship banner to the team. Also stopping by Magic practice Monday morning was legendary Georgetown head coach John Thompson to observe.
The Turkish prime minister/president was staying in the team hotel in D.C. There was plenty of Turkish secret service around, and I believe Turkey national hero Hedo Turkoglu was invited to his suite. We will depart Washington this afternoon and head to frigid Minnesota, followed by Toronto.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, October 25, 2007, 3:50 PM
As we steam toward Orlando’s regular season-opener Oct. 31, here are a few “Glass Half Full” thoughts:
1) The point-guard play has been outstanding. Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo have done a great job in regard to assist-to-turnover ratio, getting the Magic organized and on the attack offensively, while also committing to working hard on the defensive end of the floor.
2) The three-point shooting, which is and has to be a strength for the Magic this year, has been solid. The Magic have many three-ball weapons and they are using them to spread the floor, which helps the inside attack.
3) As a team the Magic have rebounded well. This will remain a point of emphasis, as the Magic will have to play small ball (see Rashard Lewis at power forward). But, the Magic have worked hard to be a good team rebounding squad.
2007 CHINA GAMES - Adonal Foyle Takes Over Glass Half Full!
Posted by Adonal Foyle, Friday, October 19, 2007, 9:20 AM
I think someone described Macao as "Las Vegas on steroids". It's certainly a booming city. It's not quite Vegas yet, but it is getting pretty close. Certainly The Venetian (where team is staying and where 15,000 seat arena is built into hotel) here is a magnificent spectacle. It's ridiculous how big it is, probably two times the one in Vegas and I thought the one in Vegas was ridiculously big. It's just extraordinary.
We took a team photo at the Ruins of St. Paul this morning and it really made me pause because no matter how much we change or modernize we still have traces of our history. The traces of the St. Paul Cathedral and evidence of Portugese influence in this region is a beautiful thing. It was just a beautiful thing to see. No matter how much we run from it, our history leaves a DNA and today the picture we took reminded us of that.
We are going to do a basketball clinic today for some kids and then I will probably sneak off to Hong Kong in the afternoon as I have never been there. After Saturday's game we head home.
It's a pretty amazing thing to come this far across the world and to really expose the players to the global aspects of sport. I've been in the league for 10 years and basketball is a global sport, a global phenomenen. Guys see the impact they have. This is a unique opportunity for the players to really get a sense of how big our sport is and the potential for sports.
I commend Commissioner (David) Stern for this trip becuase it really opens up the guys' (players) eyes and gives us a different kind of perspective. I've seen the kids and the excitement that basketball brings and how much people know about us and the impact we have, not only on the basketball court, but in our communities. To do that here, and to take on issues like Aids or what Yao (Ming) has impacted here (in China), and to be able to be vocal about issues is truly inspiring. At the end of the day we are truly a global community and the ability to understand that is a gift in itself.
It has been an amazing trip and I've enjoyed sharing some observations. We look forward to seeing all the fans back at home.
Posted by Adonal Foyle, Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 1:00 PM
The crowd was very excited when we were scoring, but they clearly had a favorite (LeBron James and Cleveland). Maybe we need to come in more often so we can have a crowd favorite. At one point they were screaming while we were shooting a foul shot. But, the fact that we won may move them over to our side (laughs).
Dwight (Howard) had the most attention besides LeBron James tonight. There's no denying that. People love him and I think the more our team becomes visible as the Cavs have over the last year Dwight will be even more recognizable around the world. He's such a likeable commodity.
Now we play the Chinese National Team and it will be three games in four nights and a back-to-back - the first of many to come. It's a good thing for us. It gives us the opportunity to work when we are tired. The first part of the season we have something like six back-to-backs so it makes us get the experience to play when we are tired and still have to show up the next night and play.
I look forward to reporting from Macao, our next stop on the trip.
Posted by Adonal Foyle, Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 10:00 AM
I think one of Mr. (David, NBA Commissioner) Stern's plan has been to spread basketball to countries all over the world. This (China) is one of the places where he feels we can have a major influence and to that end these trips are designed around that concept. We are here to spread good will and also spreading basketball and giving access to people who want to know what a real NBA team looks and feels like. They can see it on TV, but when you are this up close and personal there's something to be said for that kind of closeness. So, you are not just seeing it on television, you are seeing it for real and that has a real impact in selling the sport internationally.
I went to Jade Temple which was interesting. You see where this country has come from and the old school spirituality. When you see that it's amazing to see the history of this country (Shanghai) and see the historical treasures of this place.
We took a team photo at The Bund this morning prior to practice. When we arrived people were gathering to see us. There is such interest in NBA basketball and there is such a thirst for it internationally. That speaks to how much people love this sport and the potential for this sport. We did the photo in a historical place that is both in the middle of Shanghai and yet represents the modernization and greatness of this city.
On the floor we also have been working hard. It seemed like we were at practice for six hours yesterday, and we were (laughs). Practice was not only physically tough, it was also mentally challenging. It was a long, long, long day. Obviously the travel took its toll and being in the plane that long you felt like a pretzel. Tough love (laughs), and this will help us in January.
2007 CHINA GAMES - Adonal Foyle Takes Over Glass Half Full!
Posted by Adonal Foyle, Tuesday, October 15, 2007, 10:00 AM
I came here (Shanghai) this summer with (the NBA's) Basketball Without Borders program to counsel young kids. That was pretty amazing because we had the opportunity to travel around and visit some of the sights and weren't on as set a schedule.
Every time you come here there is more and more construction and there's more and more building and more and more skyscrapers. You can't help but admire the economic boom that is taking place here, especially when you think of the economic downturn in Florida and the housing market. It's not something that quite connects, but it is pretty extraordinary the economic boom and growth that this place is experiencing.
It's (also) an interesting blend of modernization (growth) with traditionalism (people riding bicycles, scooters in streets, some small shops, people practicing Tai Chi.). It's pretty incredible. There is an incredible juxtaposition between the two. Somehow they have been able to experience modernization and yet still kept a pretty tight lid on the culture and still hold on to their cultural experiences too. It's a pretty amazing place. Some people say you can't have moderization and traditionalism, but Shanghai is a city that epitomizes both.
(After 18 hours of travel and 12-hour time difference) We don't know really what day it is. We had 18 hours on flight and watched every movie there is and you read and you sleep and you think about what else is there to talk about and you are still in the plane. I don't think anyone can get use to that. I'm still sore and my joints are frozen. I think we (as a team) got a lot closer because we had no one else, but each other.
I look forward to continuing checking in during our adventure.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, October 9, 2007, 10:45 AM
You have to love head coach Stan Van Gundy. He’s down-to-earth, honest, and to the point. Case in point, his post-game press conference last night: Take it away Stan:
“We said from looking at our team last year there were four areas we need to improve. Turnovers, and the numbers weren’t awful in terms of that. I thought it was great that Jameer played without a turnover. But at the end we had a huge one. Dwight still ended up with five even though he played the game solid. J.J. had three turnovers. Those numbers aren’t great, but they aren’t awful. The other area was that we had to cut our fouls. The second half was a ridiculous display of defense, undisciplined, not great effort. Our free throw shooting has to improve. We go 14-of-25 and our two centers go 7-for-10, and our other guys go 7-for-15. We did not make much progress there. The big question, quite honestly, and I just posed it to them in there (locker room), (was that) our team did not look like they wanted to run. They look like a team to me that wants to walk it up. I did not see energy. I did not see much of anything we had worked on offensively the first week (of training camp). I think that’s the major decision and I said to you guys before I came (about) all these guys talk about wanting to run. It’s hard to run. It requires a lot of effort. I did not see a team that wanted to run. We got outscored 20 to seven in fast break points. Part of that is you can’t run when they’re sitting on the free throw line the whole time, but we didn’t want to run and we didn’t want to play with freedom. (The) first one (game) is under our belt. We have a lot to work on. We’ll keep trying to go forward with the style of play we talked about, but we’re going to find some guys that want to get on board. The only real disappointment tonight was our energy level was not good. They can make whatever excuses they want, but it wasn’t good. It’s going to have to improve and we’ll get started on that tomorrow.”
The Magic will be back at work at Noon Tuesday, working to correct Monday night’s errors and getting ready for Wednesday night’s preseason game two. One big positive was Dwight Howard flashing a Duncan-esque jump shot. “Thunder” worked real hard on his shooting over the summer and hit a couple of nice bank shots, while making four-of-six free throws en route to a 30-point night. His jumper will be double-trouble for the opponents. Get up on him, and he uses his quickness and athleticism on throw one down. Back off, here comes the jumper.
From Lee (10/06): Greetings,
It is with a very heavy heart that I have to sit here and compose this e-mail.
After all these years of supporting The Orlando Magic, even through our toughest heartbreak seasons of losses and injuries, I now find myself shut out of what could be the best ever team we have put on the floor.
While I usually manage to see 1 or 2 games a year at the O-rena, my work schedule does not allow for me to attend Magic Games so I am forced to watch on TV. Now that The Orlando Magic have switched to FSN, I can no longer watch The Orlando Magic, my home team, on my own TV. As you know all to well, FSN is not on Brighthouse , but Brighthouse is what the majority of your loyal fans have in our homes.
We (fans) have been chomping at the bit all summer to see the new team you have surrounded our Dwight Howard with. Please get involved with the negotiations between FSN and Brighthouse. Be BOLD, Don't make US, BLUE.
You can make it happen, it's your team. You decide who watches. Don't forget the home team. We never forgot you.
GHF: Thanks Lee...It is fans like you who are important to us. Like you, the Orlando Magic is hopeful that Brighthouse and FSN/Sun Sports can come to an amicable resolution which will provide fans continued great coverage. We will continue to monitor the situation and we thank you for your passion. At this point, it is our understanding that Brighthouse and FSN are in continued conversations and seeking a resolution. Again, we have confidence they will come together to serve you.
Please know, the Orlando Magic is committed to this community, whether it’s donating millions of dollar ($60 million in charitable giving to community endeavors over the last seven years) to making as many affordable ticket options available as possible (this year we have a record number 8,417 seats priced $25 or under) to providing staff to volunteer in our community to the tune of 3,400 volunteer hours this past year. Thank you again for your passion and understanding.
From Randy (10/04): Mr Glass, Are you ever planning on changing your introduction? I'm over the ex Mayor of the Big Apple by the way he is running for President now. Plus for older gentlemen like myself it's hard enough to read the small print online these days and now some young man like yourself has added dark background....A little help here. I still enjoy your article and I am looking forward in reading your GHF this year. Keep up the good work keeping us informed. Remember this: It's about the pizza not the slice.
GHF: Thanks Mr. Popcorn. Haven't heard from you in a while. In regard to the intro to GHF: If it's not broken, don't fix it. I can almost smell the buttery aroma wafting through Amway now. See you Monday. The first tub is on me.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Wednesday, October 3, 2007, 5:00 PM
“Let’s go, let’s go…get back…run…run…let’s go!!!!!!!….”
Head coach Stan Van Gundy’s message was loud and clear Wednesday morning. With the team in the middle of its eighth practice over a five-day span, naturally things were a little sloppy; sloppy offensively, sloppy defensively. The hours on the floor are starting to add up.
During a quick break in the action, Van Gundy, and I paraphrase, told the team things were getting sloppy. He said he knew they were tired. He understood that, but they needed to push through as if it was the fourth quarter of a game.
Van Gundy and his staff will continue to hammer home a clear message: The Magic need to continue to develop physical and mental toughness.
* * *
During a break in the morning scrimmage beloved Magic Team Operations Manager (fancy name for Equipment Manager) Rodney “Sid” Powell came under a little friendly fire from the head coach. Van Gundy asked Sid how much time he was giving for timeouts. “Give less, not more,” said Van Gundy, wanting to keep the team working. Powell, who comes from West Virginia and went to more than a few colleges, said he was doing timeouts like a national TV game so they were a little longer. “Give them 100 seconds,” said Van Gundy, adding “If you can count that high.”
Sid, who is always quick with a line, once said, “Folding towels is my calling.” He also always asks why people workout. “You’re not going to die healthy,” he says.
* * *
A new piece of equipment mandatory for all players during practices is Patrick Ewing-esque knee pads. The reason: to try to prevent unnecessary bumps and bruises. The way the Magic are working, helmets and shoulder pads can’t be far behind.
* * *
Keith Bogans continues to play well. He’s a solid defender and has been shooting the ball nice…Dwight Howard continues to improve when facing double-teams. During one two-minute stretch this morning he had three nice passes out of double-teams. He has been focused at working to improve that part of his game, is seeing the floor well and keeping the ball high so those pesky guards can’t get it.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 5:31PM
P.A.T.
Sometime ago Magic bionic man Bo Outlaw tagged Pat Garrity with a nickname.
P.A.T. he called Garrity. Why? "Because he gives you an extra point when he makes a three-pointer, like a point after touchdown," Outlaw said.
Garrity is being reincarnated in the Magic offense. Why? Because the new system is built for shooters. It encourages shooting, especially the three ball in order to make the defense have to cover more of the floor.
The net result will be Dwight Howard having more room to operate down low.
Garrity spent the summer traveling to Africa in the NBA's Basketball Without Borders overseas community program, fly fishing in Idaho, putting in miles and miles on his road bike, and of course, shooting the basketball.
"What I really like with the offense is that everyones' role is clear," said Garrity. "You know what your role is, and you know what everyone else is suppose to do. It allows you to play your game."
And PAT's game is shooting.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 10:51AM
You May Know, But…
You may know that
Trevor Ariza was named to the All-Pac 10 Freshman team at U.C.L.A., but did you know that his father Kenny McClary played college basketball at the University of Florida in the mid-80s?
You may know that
Carlos Arroyo scored 24 points to lead Puerto Rico to a 92-73 win over the United States in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics, but did you know he feels the weight of a country on his shoulders every time he plays? Arroyo says, “Seeing those (Puerto Rican) flags (at the arenas) helps me understand that every time I step on the court I’m representing a group of people who really support me. I’m sort of here by myself in the NBA, but I’m trying to accomplish more things for Puerto Rican athletes and open more doors. I consider it my job to keep getting better so that I can continue to open doors for other kids in Puerto Rico who love basketball.”
You may know that
James Augustine became the first player in Magic history to be assigned to the NBA Development League, but did you know that Augustine, the first player in University of Illinois history to record 1,000 career points and rebounds, has a uncle who played professional baseball in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, a uncle who played football at Miami and a cousin – Nick Sorensen – in the NFL? His dad played football at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, while his mother was a collegiate swimmer.
You may know that blue collar power forward
Tony Battie has played 680 games during his 10-year NBA career, but did you know he majored in communications at Texas Tech, loves the TV show the Sopranos, the movie “The Green Mile” and his favorite super hero is Batman?
You may know that
Keith Bogans finished his college career as the fourth-leading scorer in University of Kentucky history behind only Dan Issel, Kenny Walker and Goose Givens, but did you know he was the only player in legendary DeMatha High School history to earn a varsity letter all four years other than former NBA great Adrian Dantley?
You may know that Fort Lauderdale, Fla, native
Keyon Dooling majored in business at the University of Missouri, but did you know he says his mother Brenda is his inspiration? Brenda, a former English teacher who has counseled wayward teens in jail and cocaine-addicted pregnant teens in a South Florida drug center, recently published a new novel called “The Diamond Cage” about her own mother’s experiences surviving a 1926 Hurricane. The 500-page novel is a guidebook for dealing with adversity.
You may know that
Adonal Foyle did not play organized basketball until he was 16, but did you know the Colgate grad has founded “Democracy Matters,” a non-profit political organization that encourages grass roots involvement in campaign finance reform?
You may know that
Pat Garrity finished his college career at Notre Dame as the Irish’s third all-time leading scorer with 2,085 points, trailing only Austin Carr and Adrian Dantley, but did you know his father, Kevin, played football at Air Force? Pat sold ice cream at Air Force games while growing up.
You may know that
Marcin Gortat has played with the Polish National Team, but did you know he was a soccer goalie growing up and his father was a professional boxer?
You may know that All-Star, All-NBA and Team USA member
Dwight Howard (a.k.a. Thunder) enters 2007-08 with six career 20-point/20-rebound games, but did you know he loves to play paint ball, bowl and would like to do movie preview voice-overs and animated films?
You may know that
Rashard Lewis was named to his first NBA All-Star team in 2005, but did you know that when he came back from his recruiting visit to Orlando this summer another team had placed a jersey with his name on it on his front door? Lewis, who entered the NBA out of high school, grew six inches between eighth and ninth grade and traded his football cleats for basketball shoes. Growing up, he always wanted to be a firefighter.
You may know that
Jameer Nelson was the consensus College Player of the Year in 2004 while leading Saint Joseph’s to an undefeated regular season and a top ranking, but did you know for the last two summers he has gathered all his Magic teammates in Phildelphia for a bonding/basketball training session?
You may know that
Bo Outlaw was undrafted out of college, but did you know prior to the 1998-99 season Sports Illustrated named him one of the five players “who represent the best of what the (NBA) could – and should – be.” In 1997-98, TNT’s Hubie Brown named Outlaw to his “All Floor Burn Team.”
You may know that
J.J. Redick finished his college career as the ACC’s all-time leading scorer, but did you know he enjoys writing poetry.
You may know that
Hedo Turkoglu is the first Turkish-born player in NBA history, but did you know that during the summer of 2005 he completed his mandatory military service for his country?
You may know that Head Coach
Stan Van Gundy and his brother Jeff became just the second set of brothers in NBA history to coach against each other (Larry & Herb Brown were the first), but did you know Stan is huge baseball fan? One of his all-time favorite players of all-time is Willie McCovey.
You may know that General Manager
Otis Smith was a member of the inaugural Orlando Magic team in 1989-90, but did you know he is an avid reader and usually gives books to players to read before long West Coast trips? Last year he gave the traveling party, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni.
Posted by Glass Half Full, Monday, October 1, 2007, 1:29PM
Some Glass Half Full Thoughts -Training Camp Day 3
* It hasn’t taken Rashard Lewis long to show his stuff. Give him the ball and let him go make a play. If his first few training camp practices are a precursor for the season, watch-out. He is without a doubt the scorer/playmaker the Magic longed for last season. If the shot clock is winding down, give it to him, and watch him go to work. He’s big and long, but has the quickness and shooting range of a two-guard. He brings great versatility, as he’s able to play power forward, small forward and shooting guard.
* Stan Van Gundy is a bundle of contagious energy when he is on the floor coaching. One player said this: “He’s relentless with energy and passion and that makes you pick-up your game.” Van Gundy is a straight-shooter who is constructive with his criticism, but has a nice blend of positive reinforcement. He's a heck of a teacher also.
* Monday's morning session was intense. The offense was attacking and playing at a hard-charging pace. Speaking of charges, a few hard ones were taken by defenders. Floor burns and flying around offensively and defensively was the order of the day.
* A nice sight: 11-time All-Star and Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing working with one-time All-Star Dwight Howard on his jumper after practice. Howard will have another weapon to use once he masters the move in which he faces up to the basket and then depending on the defense uses his quickness to get to the rim and throw down a thunderous dunk, or if the defense plays back a little to bury the 10-footer like a guy named Duncan.
* The Magic coaching staff keeps track of players when they don't get back on defense. For every time they don't, they have an extra sprint to run after practice.
* If you absolutely have nothing else to do and are board out of your mind, tune into the new, first-of-its-kind internet show “Dante & Galante” on Orlandomagic.com. It makes its debut Oct. 4.
Posted by Glass Half Full, September 30, 2007, 1:06PM
The Bright Orange Construction Cone
The first training camp practice of the day was complete. Three hours in the books. And that’s when it came out: The bright orange construction cone.
Assistant coach Bob Beyer placed it just outside the lane. J.J. Redick started from the baseline, made a tight curl as if coming off a pick, caught the feed from Beyer, and tickled the twine. A set from the right. A set from the left. Do it again.
Redick is right back where he belongs: healthy…on the floor working…re-constructing his game.
It was a painful year for the Dukie a season ago. He missed his rookie training camp due to injury, was stagnant for almost four months, and then couldn’t really get on the floor once healthy.
Now, after a summer of work, first on the Magic summer league team and then guarding and listening to a trash-talking Kobe Bryant during Team USA workouts in Las Vegas, Redick is working on regaining his patented swagger.
He longs to be in the Magic rotation, to contribute, and you can just feel his presence as he is truly back in his element.
During training camp practice, the sharp-shooting Redick says his “focus and intensity is on defense” – which in the long run is what will buy him the game minutes he desires.
After team practice, he works on his picturesque jumper and recreating plays which will be his when his number is called.
There is no doubt he will make an impact this season. After all, he has a high basketball IQ, determination and desire, a growing confidence, and an orange construction cone.
Posted by Glass Half Full, September 29, 2007, 10:21AM
Glass Half Full @ Magic Training Camp
At precisely 9:28 a.m., the "Time became Now."
Orlando's Magic hit the floor for the opening of training camp 2007, and the first of two practices. The players and coaches will spend the next six days together. They will share breakfast and lunch, learn new offensive and defensive concepts, watch practice film (er DVDs), get treated for normal training camp bumps and bruises, hit the weight room, and run countless and appropriately named "suicides."
Veternan Pat Garrity punctuated what the work ahead would be like when he showed up with a pillow as he entered the Magic practice complex.
There would be no time to go home between practices and he, along with his teammates, will try to find a quiet space for a classic power nap prior to the 4 p.m. afternoon session.
New head coach Stan Van Gundy is all about energy. "Let's go!" he shouted to start the initial practice session. And off they went.
He's also all about accountability. This will be a "no excuse" team. No excuses about the tough early season schedule. No excuses about injuries. No excuses about a trip halfway around the world to China midway through the preseason. Hey, no one really cares anyway.
On the floor, accountability will also be the order of the day. While offensively the Magic will be given the freedom to just play the game, that freedom comes with a certain responsibility. Responsibility to make good decisions and responsibility to be in an attack mode. Defensively, the Magic men will need to be accountable as well, both individually and in a team concept. Every coach knows while the fans want to talk "O", it's "D" that sets teams apart.
In baseball the optimistic saying at the start of any season is "hope springs eternal."
In Magicland, "The Time is Now."
Posted by Glass Half Full, September 29, 2007, 10:21AM
Season Preview: The Time Is Now
Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith is crystal clear: The time is now.
“The goal is to win an NBA Championship, and anything else is a failure,” says Smith. “You want to give yourself the best opportunity to do that, and with that said you are going to have some rocky roads and you are going to have some good times. But, that is what we are going to keep talking about – how are we going to be a championship team.”
Coming off its first playoff berth in four years, the Orlando Magic will look to continue to move in the right direction in 2007-08.
“(The playoff experience) is really going to help them,” said Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups, a former NBA Finals MVP. “They have some really good guys with some really good talent all across the board. That team is dangerous.”
Named head coach back on June 7, Stan Van Gundy takes over the reins of the Magic. Van Gundy served as head coach of the Miami Heat for two-plus seasons from 2003-05, posting a regular season record of 112-73 and a postseason mark of 17-11. In 2003-04 he led Miami to a 42-40 record, an improvement of 17 wins from the previous year. In 2004-05, he led the Heat to a second 17-game improvement, as Miami finished 59-23.
Said All-Star guard Dwyane Wade just prior to the Magic’s appointment of Van Gundy: “You would love to see coach back. If we have to face him, that would be exciting to go against a coach that helped me develop. There's a respect factor involved."
Van Gundy will look to build on the Magic’s defensive tenacity, while playing a system offensively that maximizes the talents of the players. Flexibility, versatility, creativity, youth, energy and athleticism will be buzz words for 2007-08.
“My basic philosophy is, number one, you’ve got to be strong defensively, and then at the offensive end you’ve got to fit the system to the talent that you have and not the other way around,” says Van Gundy. “I think when you look at our team we have youth and athleticism. We’ve got to utilize both the athleticism and energy of the young players and I think that means playing a more up-tempo, attacking style. I think sometimes that gets presented as just running fast breaks, but it’s more than that. It means that we should always be on the attack and we should be getting to our options quicker. It should be a style of play that is fun for the players to play and exciting for the fans to watch. But the most exciting thing to watch is when you are winning and I don’t think we want to forget that.”
Orlando’s backcourt in 2007-08 will feature: Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans, Keyon Dooling, Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick.
Orlando’s frontcourt in 2007-08 will feature: Trevor Ariza, James Augustine, Tony Battie, Adonal Foyle, Pat Garrity, Marcin Gortat, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu.
Dwight Howard, a first-time NBA All-Star last year and a member of Team USA, is looking forward to taking the next step.
“Making the playoffs last year motivates me to come back and play even harder,” says Howard. “I need to be more focused and ready to attack. We need to have a concentrated effort as a unit and work on the things that hurt us. We have to take every game seriously. You have to watch other successful teams and learn how they respond to challenges.”
Says the San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan about Howard: “He is so talented. He is so developed. He has so much promise and I am just glad that I will be out of the league when he is peaking.”
Adds Chicago Bulls Head Coach Scott Skiles, a former Magic player: “He’s great. I mean, he’s one of the best big men in the league. He plays with force. He plays with energy. He rebounds it and he plays above the rim. He’s got nice moves around the basket and he’s becoming a complete player.”
Says Magic newcomer Rashard Lewis, a 2005 NBA All-Star, “We are a young, talented team. I feel like I can grow with this group of guys and we have a chance to compete for an NBA championship."
Posted by Glass Half Full, September 21, 2007, 5:39PM
Getting Set for Training Camp
As the Magic get set for training camp (first practice Sept. 29), here are four areas where improvement is needed to get the Glass Half Full:
1) Free Throw Shooting: The Magic ranked 28th out of 29, shooting at a .702 clip. This is always a tough one, as it is both mental and physical/routine oriented. The bottom line is that the Magic need to be better.
2) Turnovers: The Magic were last a year ago, averaging 17.0 per game.
3) Three-Point Shooting: While the Magic shot at a relatively good clip last year (35 percent), they didn’t take enough. Three-point shooting makes the defense cover more of the floor, thus creating space for Dwight Howard to operate.
4) Fouling Less: The Magic ranked in the lower third in the league in fouls committed, ultimately leading to the opponent shooting more free throws, thus getting easy points.
Posted by Glass Half Full, September 4, 2007, 1:13PM
Stan & Otis
On September 7th, Head Coach Stan Van Gundy will have been on the job for exactly three months. Here’s a snapshot of what Glass Half Full has witnessed:
1) Stan is an outstanding communicator. The players will without a doubt appreciate his straight-forward, down-to-earth, open, and honest communication abilities.
2) For those of you who have met him at various events around town, you know he is extremely personable.
3) He brings a great amount of contagious energy to everything he does, whether watching film, working with players individually or guiding his staff.
4) He comes from a coaching pedigree, and is an absolute gym rat. He’s here at RDV early, and stays late.
General Manager Otis Smith had some influence on the Orlando Magic’s new “The Time Is Now” theme for the coming season.
Smith has not shied away from expectations and is crystal clear.
“The goal is to win an NBA Championship, and anything else is a failure,” says Smith. “You want to give yourself the best opportunity to do that, and with that said you are going to have some rocky roads and you are going to have some good times. But, that is what we are going to keep talking about – how are we going to be a championship team.”
Posted by Glass Half Full, August 24, 2007, 2:24PM
Welcome to Orlando Adonal
What do you get in Adonal Foyle?
A solid shot blocker, great post defender, a high basketball IQ, quality citizen and veteran experience.
He brings girth and is a great guy. He fortifies the Magic front court.
The Glass Half Full bottom line: He’s the type of player you have to look beyond the box score to see his true value.
Here’s what the New York Times once wrote about him: “He will stand up at 6 feet, 10 inches for the right to be heard. Most of all, Foyle, a poetry-loving Colgate University graduate with a history degree, will encourage peers to get involved…”
Welcome to Orlando Adonal.
From Kenneth (8/17): Does this mean the Coach is actually gonna play JJ Reddick this year? And not do what Hill did with him only play him when we r way ahead.
GHF: Glass Half Full thinks Head Coach Stan Van Gundy has been very clear on the popular topic of J.J. Redick and playing time. J.J. will be given every opportunity to play and compete for minutes, but at the end of the day it will be up to J.J., who relishes this opportunity before him. J.J. has had a productive summer, first leading the Magic summer league team and more recently practicing with Team USA. He’s competed hard, especially at the defensive end. There’s no doubt J.J. can shoot it and help the Magic offensively. The challenge is how can he hold his own as Van Gundy says, “against the great offensive players in the two-guard position.” GHF thinks the coaching staff will look at the entire body of work – what J.J. brings offensively and defensively – and at the end of day it’s hard to keep a player with his basketball IQ and skills off the floor. GHF predicts he will find his way on the court and significantly contribute for your Magic this season.
Posted by Glass Half Full, August 14, 2007, 1:38PM
Now That's Professionalism
Glass Half Full wandered down to the Magic practice court this morning and saw Trevor Ariza, Tony Battie, Keyon Dooling and Pat Garrity all inside working on their games.
You have to love it. August 14th…Not much off/vacation time left before the start of training camp and the marathon of a season…and this foursome – a veteran foursome at that – working to get better. That’s professionalism.
Gym rat Dwight Howard has been around a lot and now is headed to Vegas, along with teammate J.J. Redick, for the start of Team USA Training Camp tomorrow (Aug. 15th).
Carlos Arroyo is getting ready to suit up for Puerto Rico, and you know Jameer Nelson is pumping iron today somewhere in Philly.
Battie looked like he was in great shape. He’s slimmed down a little to take the pressure off his knees. He’s said he’s done it by eating right – a lot of fish and chicken – and pushing away from his favorite dishes and the big breakfasts prepared by his mother.
Battie said he did cheat a little the other day by having a piece of bacon.
“It was turkey bacon, though,” he quickly added. While Battie says it has been a challenge, he’s says he’s glad “his face isn’t looking fat anymore” and feels a little less weight will help him play extended minutes.
From Paul (8/3): GHF, i thought we were going to sign gortat but he's not showing on the roster, was this more missdirection on the magic's part?
GHF: Thank you for your interest. We are still working out Marcin's contractual obligations with his team overseas. We hope to have him in uniform prior to the start of training camp which starts Sept. 29.
Posted by Glass Half Full, August 1, 2007, 12:56PM
Checking in on the USA Senior National Team, Glass Half Full sources said that Dwight Howard was a monster on the boards, in terrific shape, and just continues to improve.
J.J. Redick also participated and continued to gain valuable experience. GHF sources said J.J. had a good mini-camp, had his best practice of the week the final day, and gained confidence playing with the assembled All-Stars as the mini-camp went on.
Team USA concluded its mini-camp July 22nd in Las Vegas with a Blue-White scrimmage. Dwight went nine-for-nine from the floor and had 21 points and nine rebounds in the contest. Team USA will regroup in mid-August in preparation for the FIBA Americas Championship. The tournament – August 22-Sept. 2 in Vegas – will include 10 teams. The top two finishers will earn 2008 Olympic Qualifying berths (Aug. 8-24, Beijing, China). The third through fifth place finishers will qualify for the 12-team 2008 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament which will qualify three more teams for the Olympics. Countries competing in the upcoming championship include: Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico
