I’ve heard that we're going to see several new faces in the coming year; the problem with that rumor scenario is that as long as John Wesbrod and especially John Gabriel are running the 'show', that it will likely be the wrong players being replaced! Steven Hunter, Drew Gooden, Tyronn Lue and Tracy McGrady should all hit the street; to be replaced with 'experienced' low salary players having the 'desire' to put forth a conscientious effort 110% of the time, and not only when their big toe isn't hurting or they are distracted by the opposing team's player's performance! Also, just because Johnny Davis gets along well with John Gabriel doesn't mean he is the coach capable of turning the present 'gaggle' or even a group of new faces into a competitive team! Anyone with any sensibility watching the player's demeanor during pre-game warm-up and on the bench during games, can surely surmise that most of these guys aren't interested in playing as a team or are easily distracted at the least. I read on one of the forums that "these love-fests before, during and after the games are beginning to wear thin"! I would also add that the Magic team needs a team leader and spokesperson who can talk 'intelligently' and discuss the 'finer-points' of the game of basketball, rather than hyping 'high-wire' antics and 'one-up-man-ship' contests with other hyped superstars! Tracy McGrady - take note of the likes of just a few real 'superstars' such as Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Allan Iverson, Jason Kidd, Reggie Miller and Jermaine O’Neil, and their 'coherent' interaction with sports interviewers and media representatives; and their ability to discuss the merits of the game! I’m so sure of my observations of the Tracy McGrady show; that once the All-Star game tip-off occurs, odds are that his physical woes will have dissipated one hundred percent! There is a huge difference in playing the game of professional basketball by one’s self and playing the game as a member of a team! Sure, one on one, Tracy McGrady is virtually unstoppable and is an outstanding 'performer'; however, in a 'contested' game and within the team environment I’ve witnessed so far this year – he stinks!

Lol Hunter dissapears on the Defensive End? Have you seen Juwan and Drew Play at all this year? I mean why are people attacking Hunter alone? He is the best defensive big man we have and we dont play him. Howard has 10 years to hunters 3 and Howard does jack shit to defend the basket. Hunter is undersized to other centers? He is two inches taller then our current starting center and the tallest member of the team but only Hunter is undersized? He is not as big as other centers but is better at guarding them then declercq or howard. For example against cleveland declercq got dominated by Ilgauskas but when Hunter was guarding him he got 2 blocks. Ilgauskas is 3 inches taller then Hunter. He isnt scared and we need that in the middle. Hunter didnt come from the weak side either he was guarding Ilgauskas one on one. Blocking Shots doesnt cut it? Do you expect us to win when Drew Gooden and Juwan Howard move out of the way when the other team comes close to the basket. The point is Hunter doesnt move out of the way and he puts his effort on the defensive end better then any big guy on the floor. And you just pointed out that defense wins games. So why are you against Hunter, our best defender of the basket? Get rid of Howard, Declercq and Zaza before Hunter. Zaza is hard working but all he can do is rebound. Rebounding just doesn't "cut it". Just dont say defense wins game when you are against someone who actually does play defense on this team. Again if Orlando gets rid of Hunter I hope the next team can use him properly. Most teams play their best shot blocker and I hope his next realizes that. I think thats just the Orlando curse though. Dont knock T-mac man. We wont get far without him he just needs more talented help.

I did not say that Howard and Gooden are our defensive answer. If you read above - it clearly states that Gooden is not playing defense and that our problems occur with BOTH these players on the floor. Hunter blocks shots - but often at the expense of leaving his man or the middle open. I said that he played a lot better in the New Jersey game than I have seen him play before. He still does not put a body on the defensive player when setting a screen (note: Watch Z for example). Hunter is undersized (note: not strong or heavy enough) at his position. I think he should have put on more muscle in his 3 years with Orlando (note: Tracy McGrady/Mike Miller). It all comes down to why they play the game. Some guys like to play basketball (note: Keith Bogans, Z) and some like the money. We need a better management and coaching staff to help develop our younger players. Hunter does have potential - but he does not seem to understand how to set a pick, rebound the ball or put back a shot from 2 feet away. The biggest point that I try to make is, we have given Hunter opportunity to play and start - a lot of games and got nowhere. I think Z should get some extra minutes to go out and play hard - see what we get. I picked two guys during the summer that would make a difference on this team. Z and Bogans - not Lue and Howard.

I dont know how many times you have seen Hunter miss from 2 feet away. I certainly have seen him shoot mostly a high percentage but his offense is not in question now. I wont disagree with you about his strength but your facts are a little off. Hunter did begin as a player at 220 and now he is 240. Lets not say he did no working out or strength training. Plus he may be undersized but still plays defense on the other teams bigs and he gets blocks. However Declercq at Center will get dominated and wont block any shots. I didnt say you said that Gooden and Howard are our defensive answer. The problem that they are our big men that have to guard the basket. I am simply comparing what Hunter does with the other big guys on the team, and I see him being more effective. But you guys have developed a stigma against Hunter when every other big guy on this team doesnt do his job defensively. Hunter did his job every game he started or played. For some reason people want this 20 point 20 rebound game every night. He is out their to defend the basket and thats what he does. And he got put on the bench for it. You cant name a better defender of the basket on this team.

I don't care about 20 points and 20 rebounds. I do care about the easy putbacks and the easy rebounds that he stares at. The past two games - he has been a lot better - but far from "good". As for better defenders - Rod Strickland and Keith Bogans can both keep their man in front of them. In my mind, much better defenders considering who they end up defending. We don't see what happens in practice and it has been noted that Hunter has yet to understand the Magic playbook. This could be the reason he spends most of his time on the bench. Fact remains - he has been given opportunity after opportunity - and he has yet to prove his worth. You earn what you get - nothing is handed to you. I said from the summer that Bogans was going to be a good role player for this team - but it took almost half the season for him to get that role. He was in and out of the lineup for awhile - but he worked hard and proved his worth. I don't anyone is down or against Hunter playing (we need a big center) - just proving that he deserves it and more than the other guys. Our main problem, regardless of who, is that we play two power forwards and they are obviously having a difficult time playing together (Gooden/Howard).

We live in UK and arrive International drive on 12th. My son a BB fan has ticket for game on 18th Any one out there who could give him a lift - he is 21 and studying Sports Science at uni plays BB for local club

I am coming to Orlando with my family on the 1st of July and we would love to experience a basketball game. Where could we go?

Roz Bennison Scotland