It's time! The season is here. Before we get started, I just wanted to let you know that we will be updating the site with new software and a new look soon. If you have any problems, please email me and I will correct any problems.
Now, on to the Magic. We have a lot of new faces this year. It's about damn time. I know it is early, but I like what I am hearing so far. The biggest difference I have noticed, attitude. Usually the media is falling over each other trying to decide if Tracy McGrady is going to have a good enough year to carry the Magic to the playoffs. This year, they are talking about how good Grant Hill @ESPN" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=2626" target="_blank">Grant Hill looks, the promise of rookies Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson and of course, the new leader of the team, Stevie Franchise. I like what I am hearing in the paper so far. Francis was quoted as saying, “I'm not guaranteeing anything but that they will get max effort out of me every night.” That is all that I have ever asked from this team. Max effort, every night (see Keith Bogans @ESPN" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3746" target="_blank">Keith Bogans).
For the real fans out there, practice is open to the public at 6:30pm at the University of North Florida. I have gone many times for the open practice - it is well worth the price to get a sneak peak of the team (cost is free, by the way).
So, let's get the year started off right. Francis at point or shooting guard? If shooting guard, does Jameer start? Does Howard starts at power forward? At small forward, is Hill back for good this time? What about Pat Garrity @ESPN" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3262" target="_blank">Pat Garrity? I really miss holding my breath as he launches another three.
In my opinion, if nothing else - we got rid of a bunch of lazy players. We have an athletic team with depth. We should see a fast, slashing style of play that will keep a lot of other teams grabbing their shorts.
3 Comments on "Training camp starts today!"
Good to see the new RSS entry. I check every day! I also attend all scrimmage games and I have a theory that I'd like to run by you all. I get a feel for the type of season the Magic will have with a simple formula. If the combined score of the scrimmage game is over 80 then it looks like the Magic is fielding an offensive-minded team. And conversely, if the combined is 80 or below then they are more of a defensive-minded team. I'm kind of torn with this theory because there is a good chance they are just taking the breaks off and putting on a show for the crowd. I posted the question to Pat Garrity when he was taking questions for his blog but I didn't hear back from him. But over the years it seems to have some merit. Scott
I don't know if that really works. For example, there is a good chance that Johnny Davis will emphasize his up-tempo style offense during camp. So we may see more scoring than any other year. However, this is by far, one of the best defensive teams we have had, IMO. At least we'll get our first glimpse on Saturday. But I think we have some really tough guys on this team. I feel like I could get behind this team and pull for them even if they lost all 82 games. Last year was hard, because the guys kept giving up. I don't think this team will. They have a chip on their shoulder and something to prove.
P.S. Sorry about the lack of updates. I've been keeping up with everything but just have not posted lately. Now that the season is here, check back often.