If you were coach for the rest of the year, do you make any changes to the starting lineup? Winning like we have brings a lot of questions to the table about next year. Do we continue with the starting 5 we have now? Or do you make a change and try starting Darko Milicic? Where does Grant Hill fit into your plans for next year?
If it were up to me, I leave the starting 5 as-is. I also go into the summer and training camp next year planning on the starting group we have now. Grant Hill comes off the bench and his minutes are limited to 20 or so all year long. Then, if he makes it through the year - set him free in the playoffs and let him win you a couple games.
I'd make a few minor tweaks over the summer - but aside from getting a better scorer at the shooting guard position - I think we have what we need. Don't get me wrong, DeShawn Stevenson is an awesome player at the shooting guard position, but I think he'd be even better off the bench. Matt Guokas asked tonight why anyone would take a better offensive player over the consistency DeShawn Stevenson has shown this year - because a motivated player like Paul Pierce can win a game single-handed down the stretch if you just keep the game close. Basketball is definitely a team sport, but come playoff time - guys like Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Dwayne Wade can get you one when you need it.
And for anyone left wondering, I'd still trade Tracy McGrady for Darko Milicic, Carlos Arroyo, Trevor Ariza and cap space this summer. And being able to unload Tyron Lue, Reece Gaines and Juwan Howard - that was bonus. I just hate that we had to go through 1 and a half years with Kelvin Cato's lazy ass.
6 Comments on "If you were coach"
For me, I think it's time we move away from Hill. I like the fact we have a young, hungry team right now. I think the key is to keep lots of young guys injury free. Hill's a great guy and a great player, but he doesn't figure in my plans any more. Teams growing up together end up being more than the sum of the parts.
Nice take T.J. I also would try to upgrade the shooting guard position. I would let Tony finish the season as starter, but would open up next season with Darko. I would like to see P.G., Augmon,and a couple of others gone.it's ironic that it ended up Darko, Carlos, Arriza, and cap space for T-Mac, but I too like the way it turned out. keep up the good work. Ed.
Dude you are the biggest homer I have ever seen... I am a huge Magic fan also, but some of the things you say are ridiculous.
This team is far from a real contender. Yeah, they've shown some promise, but come on, they're still a 40 loss team. DeShawn Stevenson is NOWHERE NEAR a starting caliber SG, he's an AVERAGE backup, AVERAGE at best.
You'd rather have Darko, Arroyo and Ariza than McGrady? Are you freaking stupid??!?!?!?! That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. So you'll take three young projects over a BONAFIDE SUPERSTAR. I'm no McGrady fan, in fact I don't even like him, but I can't visit this site when you say stupid crap like this.
Big Chub - Thanks for the insightful comments. Can you tell me how many games Tracy McGrady has played in this year? Nevermind, I'll make it easy for you. 47.
Big Chub, can you tell me how many games the Rockets have won this year? Nevermind, I'll make it easy for you. 33. And that's with Yao Ming.
So, YES. I'd rather have Darko, Arroyo and Ariza than McGrady any day.
SUPERSTARS have class and play when injured. Jordan, superstar. Magic, superstar. Bird, superstar. McGrady, whiner.
What were we with McGrady in our last year? Oh, I remember clearly - like it was yesterday - 21-61. Worst record in the NBA. Thank god we got Dwight Howard out of that mess. McGrady finished the season on the bench - where he belongs.
So Chub, next time you post a comment - please do so with a little respect and some facts.
couple of things...
Stevenson is a good player, but i recently went to a game, and it seemed as tho he was "being a ball hog" so to speak. Rarely passing, making bad shots, id rather the magic move him during the summer.
As for the starting 5, althogh the 2 guard is the only position in question but until the magic get another SG in either a draft or a trade id have to go with stevenson
PG - Nelson
SG - Stevenson
SF - Ariza
PF - Milicic
C - Howard
Matt - Since Francis was sent packing, I have not noticed Stevenson holding onto the ball as much as he did in the past. I think the team is playing very well lately and no one individual sticks out. The only reason I replace Stevension in the starting SG spot - is for those nights when you need someone to take over the game.
As for the starting lineup - You'd have to be nuts to not start Turkoglu - especially the way he has been playing as of late.