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State of the Magic: A look at the Orlando Magic after the season's first month
11/28/09 | by Zach McCann ![[mail]](img/envelope.gif)
| Categories: Analysis
| Categories: Analysis We’ve learned a lot about the NBA throughout the first month of the season.
If Boston is healthy, they’re Orlando’s toughest competitor in the East. Even without Mike D’Antoni, the Phoenix Suns are a team no one wants to play when they’re running. Brandon Jennings is freak nasty. The Toronto Raptors can’t play defense. The Charlotte Bobcats can’t play offense. The New Jersey Nets might be the worst team in NBA history. Joakim Noah has made the jump and is playing like an all-star. The Cavaliers have no idea how to integrate Shaq into their offense. The list goes on and on.
But the Orlando Magic? They’re good; there’s no question about that. The question is how good. Are they better than last year? Are they better than Los Angeles? Are they better than Boston?
You’ll hear a hundred different opinions about the Magic, ranging from “they were stupid to give up Turk” to “they’re a lock to win the NBA Finals.” The truth lies somewhere between those two statements. Here’s what we do know:
The Magic are 12-4 through the first month of the season, including wins over Boston and Atlanta, who are both tied with Orlando atop the Eastern Conference at 12-4. The Magic, even while not full strength, can play with and beat the NBA’s best teams on a consistent basis. They’re legitimately one of the premier teams in the NBA and, whether most Magic fans will admit it or not, the Magic are respected and revered right up there with the other foremost teams in the league.
What’s equally confiding and worrying is that virtually every player on the Magic is having a worse statistical season than last year. Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis are all averaging fewer points than last season. Howard’s blocks and rebounds are down. Lewis is shooting 20.6 percent from three-point range. Those numbers will go up, and as those numbers deviate toward the mean, the Magic should put up some pretty memorable offensive games.
On the same token, the supporting cast is stepping up. Ryan Anderson, Jason Williams and JJ Redick have been outstanding. Matt Barnes, while inconsistent and a little flaky at times, has been a solid utility man. Marcin Gortat is the best backup big in the NBA.
The biggest reason for optimism is the way Orlando has subtly improved over the last couple weeks. They were 21st in the NBA in defensive rating a couple weeks ago, drawing ire from Stan Van Gundy as he lamented the team’s effort and focus defensively after a loss to Cleveland. And while Van Gundy’s grumblings ultimately led to a closed-door meeting with Howard on ways to create a more positive atmosphere, the message was clear: the Magic need to get better on defense. The team has responded — as of today, the Magic are sixth in the NBA in defensive rating.
The Magic have the pieces in place for an unforgettable season, and all Magic fans can hope for our subtle improvements like that one. While we all want to see victories, individual wins and losses don’t matter as much as how the team looks and the way everyone comes together and finds their role. The Magic’s complete team hasn’t played a game together yet, and it will be some time until that happens with Jameer Nelson out with an injury. When the final team does come together, these guys are going to be good. How good? We’re all excited to find out.
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19 comments, 58 trackbacks
Comment from: Dallas [Visitor] · http://facebook.com
One thing i noticed , When Orlando has all their pieces they have the best bench in the NBA and we have so much talent i have to commend van gundy for getting the minutes around. We are finally playing defense we played close out defense against atlanta and that's the kind of defense we need to play for the rest of the year. Dwight Looked Possessed in the 3rd and 4th Quarters Blocking shots and getting to the rim. The Key spark here was Anthony Johnson , that Ole Fart was penetrating to the hole forcing atlanta to switch and he made lay ups when he got their. This is something Jameer struggles on time to time instead of using quickness and geting to the bucket he will settle for jump shots. When we settle for jumpers this allows the other team to put more bodies on dwight taking away offensive rebounds. When the magic work inside out we are a deadly team and dwight is also learning how to pass when he has nothing , he's becoming intelligent under the basekt dont force when you have 4 shooters on the floor. once R lew finds his stroke were going to be ready to challenge the Best in the NBA. GO MAGIC !!!
11/28/09 @ 11:45
Comment from: 2loud4nba [Member] 
I think it still tough to get a handle on this team with all the injuries and Rashard's suspension. SVG has also thrown us many different line ups and looks which also makes it tough to get a handle on how good our team is and where we need help.
I do like this team more than last years team however it seemed that last year we played defense alot better. This team seems to have a "we will simply out score you" mentality at times which won't get us wins over the better teams every night.
I do think we have the deepest team in the league and when we gel completley whatch out!
The Atlanta game was a great example of the MAgic putting on the hurt when they at will....
I'd like to see how we rank at the All Star break...
I do like this team more than last years team however it seemed that last year we played defense alot better. This team seems to have a "we will simply out score you" mentality at times which won't get us wins over the better teams every night.
I do think we have the deepest team in the league and when we gel completley whatch out!
The Atlanta game was a great example of the MAgic putting on the hurt when they at will....
I'd like to see how we rank at the All Star break...
11/28/09 @ 12:24
Comment from: Paul [Visitor]
It's hard to complain with 12-4, but I've noticed myself rarely being satisfied with what I see from the Magic ala SVG. I know you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but why does Vince Carter shoot the ball so damn much?! Also, I think it's inevitable we'll need Brandon Bass to step up at some point, how is he handling ZERO minutes on the court over the last several games?
If we play like we did in the second half against Atlanta, I really like our chances. However, the overall inconsistency worries me a bit.
If we play like we did in the second half against Atlanta, I really like our chances. However, the overall inconsistency worries me a bit.
11/28/09 @ 14:50
Comment from: NicollBag420 [Visitor]
We still need to get AI if we are serious about Competing for a title. Even when healthy i dont see jamir starting on any other team in the league. JDub is outstanding when his legs are fresh. To keep his legs fresh he has to come off the bench. The type of play the magic got from AJ against the Hawks is great but if he could do that alot ,SVG would be using him alot more. The Fact is AI can give you those shots for 30 minutes a game . Creating an actual threat. Dwight will not be dominant again until we can make them fully respect the penetration.
I am born and raised in Orlando and have enjoyed the years being a fan.
Otis get AI, you can not ignore the piece to put us over the top. Or find a way to get Monte Ellis.
I am born and raised in Orlando and have enjoyed the years being a fan.
Otis get AI, you can not ignore the piece to put us over the top. Or find a way to get Monte Ellis.
11/28/09 @ 15:37
Comment from: Caleb Johnson [Member]
If we get AI we'll be headed for the 7-seed. And Jameer was scheduled to start in the All Star game last year 420, so your statement that he wouldn't start on any other team in the league is a bit off.
11/28/09 @ 19:13
Comment from: MagicMark [Visitor]
Don't need to listen to whoever said to get AI. We will be getting Nelson back in a couple weeks and from there on out, we will not need him (hell we don't even need him right now).
11/28/09 @ 22:23
Comment from: NicollBag420 [Visitor]
The all start game is a popularity contest holmes. AI is better at his age at every skill Jamier has.
11/28/09 @ 23:24
Comment from: Mikeyho [Visitor]
True. I just hope Jameer can play better defense. How about when Calderone just ran by him several times for layups. I guess he's still trying to get the habits on track. He has missed a lot of time. I just hope this injury is his last. I also think it's incredible that we can go without any or all of our starters and still have the best record in the east.
I just watched the Spurs game with Dwight's winner a couple years ago. I remember when it was exciting just to win any big game on our way to missing the playoffs. I do want Orlando to win it all real bad though. I'll miss the old building and think it would be great to get a championship there.
I just watched the Spurs game with Dwight's winner a couple years ago. I remember when it was exciting just to win any big game on our way to missing the playoffs. I do want Orlando to win it all real bad though. I'll miss the old building and think it would be great to get a championship there.
11/28/09 @ 23:31
Comment from: Mikeyho [Visitor]
Oh, and just in case you don't know or it's been a while, I've included some highlights of the game I'm talking about. Best Orlando game since T Mac's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2EzZTpW1Pk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2EzZTpW1Pk&feature=related
11/28/09 @ 23:35
Comment from: 420reality [Visitor]
They day I take post seriously from someone wuith the name NICKLE BAG and a reference to pot is the day I start rooting for Miami. What a joke! Iverson? Is the reason you want Iverson is so the two of you can get lit? Sheesh
11/29/09 @ 12:07
Comment from: wtf101 [Visitor]
AI is better than who??? Yeah, it's beed a real bid war for AI? hahaha! No one wants that cancer.
11/29/09 @ 12:10
Comment from: 2loud4nba [Member]
I love it...I pot-head lobbying for AI.
Hey stoner, Jameer was not voted as an All Star by the fans, he was picked by the coaches of the teams he beat.
What happened to the "Daily" part of the Orlando Magic Daily?
Hey stoner, Jameer was not voted as an All Star by the fans, he was picked by the coaches of the teams he beat.
What happened to the "Daily" part of the Orlando Magic Daily?
11/29/09 @ 15:19
Comment from: boonard [Member]
NicollBag420 pull your head in............AI would destroy this team.
11/29/09 @ 22:31
Comment from: Zyn [Visitor]
Yeah.. Allen is such an a-hole that's why he's been kicked out of teams. He WAS great. Maybe Jameer will never be able to be as great as he was but the AI now? Sheesh! And check AI's numbers from last year and compare it to Nelson's.
Jameer is far better than Allen is now. Allen is trash, a cancer that destroys a team. He's like Shaq. Whatever team they go to, becomes a losing team. And besides, Dwight and Meer are close friends and they work well together. No one with a big ego is allowed on the Magic, only funny guys can get in. At least that's what I read somewhere.
And 2loud4nba is right. Only the starters get voted by the fans. The rest of the All-Star team is selected by the coaches. So you're wrong NicollBag420, Jameer can start on other teams.
@Paul
I think Bass won't see a lot of PT against the weaker teams. His role right now I think is the role that Tony Battie had last year. He simply doesn't fit the 1-in 4-out configuration that makes our team a beast. A beast inside because they can't handle Dwight 1-on-1. That's why we need 4 snipers outside to exploit double teams. Bass would simply clog Dwight's space especially now that's he's inconsistent. I bet, he'll see more PT against the Lakers and when the Magic trainers gets done on Project: B-Bass like they did on Project: Gortat.
Jameer is far better than Allen is now. Allen is trash, a cancer that destroys a team. He's like Shaq. Whatever team they go to, becomes a losing team. And besides, Dwight and Meer are close friends and they work well together. No one with a big ego is allowed on the Magic, only funny guys can get in. At least that's what I read somewhere.
And 2loud4nba is right. Only the starters get voted by the fans. The rest of the All-Star team is selected by the coaches. So you're wrong NicollBag420, Jameer can start on other teams.
@Paul
I think Bass won't see a lot of PT against the weaker teams. His role right now I think is the role that Tony Battie had last year. He simply doesn't fit the 1-in 4-out configuration that makes our team a beast. A beast inside because they can't handle Dwight 1-on-1. That's why we need 4 snipers outside to exploit double teams. Bass would simply clog Dwight's space especially now that's he's inconsistent. I bet, he'll see more PT against the Lakers and when the Magic trainers gets done on Project: B-Bass like they did on Project: Gortat.
11/30/09 @ 02:33
Comment from: Bob Ross [Visitor]
We dont need AI. He will ruin the team. He is a cancer.
11/30/09 @ 07:10
Comment from: A.J. [Visitor]
Rashard's suspension and all the other injuries are the best things to ever happen to the magic. They legitimately have 11 rotation guys how do you find all those minutes. With all the injuries the time the backups see is priceless. The best thing right now is happening the bench players have made a few starts due to injury to boost confidence and gain experience. Jameer can come back right before the all-star break get his groove then allow the team to take off after the AS break for a monumental run. The size and versatility the Magic can play with is ridiculous. The key will be everyone getting healthy at about the 60 game mark and going on a roll with this team anything is possible indicated by there record using 9 different starting lineups this year.
11/30/09 @ 09:52
Comment from: Dallas [Visitor] · http://www.facebook.com
The only thing AI will do is come in and shoot the ball to much, as much of a competititor and warrior he is he just would not fit our Gel in the orlando Lineup. He has a Shoot first mentality which doesnt work to well in our offense. Our offense is at its best when the PG's penetrait and Kick and then the ball movement finds the open shooters. I see AI just penetraiting and throwing up Shots. AI hasnt played Effective Defense for the last 5 years of his career. all AI would do is do the same thing he did to denver, Go there help them get their scoring avgs up and play no defense. We are ok without the likes of his Services. STAY RETIRED AI your CAREER was Hall of FAME BUT ITS OVER NOW ! Go Coach in the D LEAGUE !!
11/30/09 @ 09:55
Comment from: MagicMan101 [Visitor]
Ha ha ha a stoner who "thinks" he knows what he's talking about, but can't even spell... What a joke. The problem I have is the dang blind refs. We are getting called for fouls we didn't even commit (the 2 3 pointers D-Wade got when MP didn't even foul him). That's what's really costing us these games. Why is it that when Shaq is in the post and runs, or ran now, over people that he was NEVER called for a foul. Now that #12 has taken over the painted area he can't even establish position without someone flopping, and don't even let me start on the defensive fouls when he standing still with his arms straight up in the air and the offensive player initiates contact. I mean don't these refs know the rules? We might as well have the temps back or start charging the refs for bunk calls. Maybe they should be investigated on betting on the spread... As for VC throwing up shots so much... well he is only doing what SVG wants from him... drive the dang gone ball and get it up on the rim for #12. Turk who? VC is way better and it's only a few games in to the season. You people really think when a team goes through so much change that they gel as soon as they step on the court. Wake up and use your brains and stay away from that 420 guy cause it's effecting your judgement. We haven't even played our starting 5 yet and we are number 3 in the leauge? What do we have to do to get some fricken R-E-S-P-E-C-T? Maybe when we get those rings this year it may just happen, or maybe all you guys are just jelious that your teams aren't and won't be as good. Anderson was a steal and SVG has done a damn good job at giving minutes to the players that should be on the court. Bass will get his minutes when the matchups call for it. Barnes is spunky and even though his shooting is off right now he does so many other things like rebounding, setting screens and putting the ball on the rim. The team is playing great but there is ALWAYS room for improvment. Every NBA great will tell you that. Yeah Howard is struggling from the line but it won't last, and the dunk is NOT the only thing he can do. I guess you guys only watch highlights because he has a great spin move (Anderson even uses the same one now) and the baby hook is looking way better then it ever has. The point is we don't have to blow people out by 20 points every night to be a great team, we just can't beat ourselves. Hell I'll take a 1 point win by any means because a win is a win and a loss is a loss. At least we arn't blowing leads to lose all our games anymore ala the past 20+ years! So all you haters... GET OFF DWIGHT'S BACK!!! but then again that's what haters do...
Ez
Ez
11/30/09 @ 20:29
Comment from: Dallas [Visitor] · http://www.facebook.com
I agree with you magic man i argue with ppl all the time about Dwights Offensive game , and it annoys the hell out of me when there is no real Center in the league who Scores at will. The only Center who has that potential is Yao Ming, other then that Dwight is the most well rounded Center in the game. He plays Defense, rebounds , etc. I can't stand dwight haters , AND WE STILL DONT NEED AI!
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