I don't know fans, the Magic don't look very good without Grant Hill. THe Magic lose another stinker to the Miami Heat, 104-90. Other than the first few minutes of the game, the Magic posed no serious threat for the Heat the entire night. Though I have listened to the games on the radio this year, this was everyone's first opportunity to see the Magic on TV.
It is only the preseason, so I'm sorry if I am a little harsh with my take - but this team has a lot of work to do in the next couple months. I'll start with the defense. Honstely did not see any improvement over last year or any year in recent memory. Two things the Magic need to learn. The first, get in front of your opponent. Yes, that means moving your feet. The second, learn how to foul. When I see three white shirts around the basket and Dwayne Wade gets a tip-in - there is a problem. You have to let the other team know they cannot sneak in for easy baskets.
As for the offense, it just looks horrible. There does not seem to be any consistency or organization in any of the plays they run. The players look uncomfortable and even confused at times. I have the funny feeling they might be trying to do too much in the beginning. Maybe they need to simplify things a little and start by working the ball inside to Dwight Howad.
Speaking of Howard, he looked good at times, but appeared to be out of sync with the team. Steve Francis is Steve Francis. He looks to be about the same with a little less dribbling. I imagine with Grant Hill or Keyon Dooling on the floor, the dribbling will decrease even more.
I just don't know about this year. I have not heard or seen anything that has given me a reason to get too excited. Other than it's the Magic and the beginning of the year, I'm feeling like a .500 year, maybe. What do you think?
I posted in my preview months ago that the Magic will be lucky to make the playoffs simply due to the variety of injury-prone players they have. It's certainly nothing to do with a lack of talent. Hedo's gonna play alot of minutes at SF for the next few months, and when he needs a breather, who comes in at that point?
Here's to a speedy recovery for Grant, tho. They need him back ASAP.