March 2004 Archives

Just kidding, but I will pretend that my little petition had something to do with John Gabriel's demotion. So, he is not entirely gone from the Magic - he will serve as a regional scout and advisor. John Weisbrod will take over as general manager. It was mentioned that he will be looking for an assistant general manager. I think this is a bad move. The Magic should be looking for a head coach that can serve as the GM as well, maybe a Pat Riley.

Oh, and check the poll on Orlando Sentinel - over 49% at the time of this writing suggests the Magic need to make more moves.

After meeting with team offiicials, his agent and doctors - Grant Hill will not return to the Magic this year. Instead, he will continue rehabbing over the summer and aim for a return at training camp.Doctors stated that the healing process has not gone as planned and that Hill still has a few months to go.

Desmond Penigar received an early release from his 2nd ten day contract. By freeing up a roster spot, the Magic resigned Britton Johnsen to the first 10-day contract. Johnsen played in 4 games at the beginning of the season, starting in 3 of those games. Those of use that attended the summer league games for rookies will remember him as the white dude that dunked on Lebron James, hardcore.

T-Mac = 62 points. Ok really, what else do you want me to talk about. McGrady was going nuckin futs on the Wizards. Some of the shots that he was knocking down were just unbelievable. I wish he would have hit more shots down the stretch and converted on the free throws - but I can only imagine what was going through his head at the time. Juwan Howard had a big time game as well, scoring 14 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. I like how Howard has picked up his game as of late. Steven Hunter is finally providing a little defensive presence and dropping in some good numbers as well. His numbers were slightly off tonight - but he still played decently with the time he was given. Maybe this is enough for him to get serious and really hit the gym this summer. I would like to see him pack on about 25 pounds of muscle and show up to training up fighting for the starting position.

Wow. 62 points. Ouch.

What the hell? I hate watching the team lay an egg in the last quarter of the game. Juwan Howard put together another great game. This time however, he complemented Tracy McGrady's solid all-around game. Andrew DeClercq put in some good minutes, pulling down 7 rebounds. And, if I mention that - I have to mention that Steven Hunter came in and collected 5 points, 2 blocks and 8 rebounds in only 16 minutes. These are the kind of numbers I want to see from him. The difference in attitude and energy is making a huge difference in his game and my confidence (and probably everyone else's) in him. Drew Gooden missed another game due to razor burn or whatever.

Ergh, again. I was hoping to see Chris Webber play - oh well. The whole team was just off tonight. They played well until the final 2 minutes of the first half. Tracy McGrady was not himself tonight - it looked like maybe Doug Christie was bothering him a bit. Juwan Howard had a huge game - and it was nice to see him pick up the slack. Andrew DeClercq and Sean Rooks provided energy and some good minutes tonight at the center position. Steven Hunter has seen decreased playing time - but he still came in and played hard. I like the change of attitude from him. Is it just me, or is Deshawn Stevenson turning into a nice little asset. I like that we can play him at point - although his shot selection is poor when he is running the point. I guess it can be hard to switch mindsets sometimes. There was a time or two when McGrady or Keith Bogans were wide open for shots and Stevenson pulled up for a jumper.

Effort was poor in the second half and this one just got away from them. I think the Magic are now something like 1-11 when I attend their games. Ergh.

Just like the Bucks have our number, we got Atlanta's. Tracy McGrady scored 28 points on a decent shooting night and Tyronn Lue showed up for a game with some really good numbers. Lue played a pretty good game tonight and contributed well when others were struggling. Deshawn Stevenson is getting more and more minutes. I like seeing him at different positions - it seems like he keeps the intensity up when we need it. Andrew DeClercq returned with a little playing time tonight. He looked a little sluggish - but it is nice to have him back. After a couple good games, Steven Hunter kind of disappeared. I hope he bounces back good for the next game. One more for the win column.

ERGH. Tracy McGrady and Deshawn Stevenson pulled most of the load tonight with Tyronn Lue dishing out 10 assists. I would have liked to see Sean Rooks play a little more than he did - and where is Big 'Z' as of late. Sheesh. Steven Hunter played some good minutes tonight. He almost looked like a veteran out there. Score was close, but the Bucks have our number for some reason. Team looked a little flat at times - could have used a little more energy.

The Magic hung in until the final quarter and then they laid an egg. Tracy McGrady missed most of the first quarter due to foul trouble and ended the night scoring 29 points. Tyronn Lue played one of his better games, but I like seeing DeShawn Stevenson at the point. This guy can create off the dribble and draws the defense in. I think he is a great compliment to McGrady. I think the team finally realized how much they miss having Mike Miller, even though Stevenson is a better fit for this role. Keith Bogans was out there playing hard again. His numbers don't always show the effort he puts into the game. Steven Hunter had another decent game but still had a few defensive lapses.

We are still weak in rebounding the ball. Sometimes we play really hard, but occassionally - it looks as if the players are standing around. Sean Rooks and Desmond Penigar are playing hard and they deserve more time on the floor. Drew Gooden started at power forward and had 4 points and 5 rebounds. That is pretty absurd considering what he has done in the past. I really hope that Gooden gets his act together soon - at least gearing up for next year. If not, expect him to be traded by training camp.

Juwan Howard did not play tonight because of food poisoning. Rod Strickland was also absent from the game and was waived after the game. Strickland asked for his release so that he could possibly sign with a playoff bound team.