July 2003 Archives

The Orlando Magic have released the schedule for the upcoming season. We will see Darrell Armstrong in the second game of the year and Lebron James on Christmas. It looks as if the end of the season will be easier than the previous two season. We play some good teams, but a lot of them are at home (7 of the last 10). By the way, in case anyone cares about my opinion - I really do not like the fact they put these teams on the road for 4, 5 and even 6 games at a time. One would think the NBA could schedule these games out so the most they play on the road at a given time is 3. Anything more than 3 is absurd and does not even resemble how the post season might affect a team.

Here is the link for the schedule:
Magic Schedule

The Orlando Magic have released the schedule for the upcoming season. We will see Darrell Armstrong in the second game of the year and Lebron James on Christmas. It looks as if the end of the season will be easier than the previous two season. We play some good teams, but a lot of them are at home (7 of the last 10). By the way, in case anyone cares about my opinion - I really do not like the fact they put these teams on the road for 4, 5 and even 6 games at a time. One would think the NBA could schedule these games out so the most they play on the road at a given time is 3. Anything more than 3 is absurd and does not even resemble how the post season might affect a team.

Here is the link for the schedule:


Magic Schedule

Bogans, a second round draft pick acquired from the Bucks, has signed a deal with the Magic. With this move, the Magic have taken another step in the direction of younger, more talented players. Keith Bogans played extremely hard during the summer league and I cannot wait to see him in training camp. Bogans is going to surprise a lot of people by the time preseason begins. You heard it here!

The Orlando Magic have signed "Zaza" Pachulia to a contract. This guy is going to be a great addition to our team. He plays very hard and aggressive. He should give some much needed size to our defense now.

Andrew DeClerq has officially signed with the Orlando Magic. This was a good move on Orlando's part. DeClercq has been a reliable big man throughout the years he has been with the Magic. In fact, he is really the only one that has contributed to the team each year in a significant way. I hope that he continues to improve. The upcoming year could be a big one for him and his career.

Anrew DeClercq is close to resigning with Magic. I think this is a good move to solidfy a good backup center. There are opinions that he will be our starting center - but I just don't think that is the case.

The Magic have made it official and have signed Reece Gaines to a 3 year contract with an option on the fourth year. I cannot wait to see this guy at training camp and the start of the season. I think Gaines is going to be a perfect fit in our team.

Well, as much as I hate to see it happen, it looks as if Darrell Armstrong is on his way out. I cannot say that I disagree with the decision. I think it will be great for Armstrong to play for another team. I also believe that this team could not go any further with him starting or backing up our point guard position. Armstrong is a terrific player - and one player that I feel will deserve a going away party - or maybe just a dinner.

No surprise here. I think it was a good effort to apply - but I never thought that we would get the exception. It would have been great to get, if even only to trade for a good reserve. Nevertheless, here we are again - heading into another year of uncertaintity. I just hope the Hill sits out most of the season until he really feels good. I rather have him for the last 20 games of the season, rather than the first 20 - even if it was just off the bench to buy T-Mac some time.

Let's all hope that Grant Hill gets better as the season progresses and he can play like he was at the beginning of last season.

Welcome to Orlando Mr. Howard. We are happy to have you join our team.

The summer league games were interesting to attend. I have been to a lot of season games and the open practices during training camp but this was a lot different. I was probably one of the very few in the building that came to see Reese Gaines play. Our new rookie did a pretty decent job handling the ball. Outside of counting the points and assists, I saw a couple things that really impressed me. The first, he was looking to get everyone involved. In some instances, he looked for someone else when I think he could have penetrated and dished out. This leads to the second thing that impressed me. Gaines has some impressive moves and great ball handling skills. Even though this was the summer league game, I thought he did an excellent job and keeping his dribble alive when he was bumped working the ball around the floor. I will save my thoughts on his driving skills until I get to see more of him, but he has a lot of quickness and he can play short or tall at the point guard position.

For the past year we have heard nothing but how great this Lebron James is going to be. All the hype so far on Lebron is ridiculous. I watched the kid play, and honestly - he was ok. He walked up and down the floor and stood around. I would imagine he will get in shape and become better - but in my mind Keith Bogans was the best player out on the floor. Bogans completely shut down Lebron in one stretch forcing 3 turn overs and one of those lead to the dunk heard around the world. Welcome to the NBA Lebron. I actually feel bad for the kid. I mean, Yao Ming really only had to face Duncan and O'Neal, Lebron will be facing some of the best players every night at his position.