<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">3. ORLANDO The big problem: The Magic are doing well because of a stifling defense, a deep bench, the best rebounder in the league (Dwight Howard), an underrated point guard combo (Jameer Nelson and Carlos Arroyo, averaging a combined 25/8 every night), an effective center combo that protects the rim (Battie and Darko), and the veteran leadership and all-around play of the great Grant Hill. Unfortunately, the words "Grant" and "Hill" are in this paragraph. He played 135 games in the previous six seasons and cracked the 30-game mark only once (two seasons ago). I hate to be a party pooper, but, well ... Most interesting subplot: If Hill ends up going down, they could easily flip his expiring contract ($16.9 million) with Darko for an impact player on a team looking to dump salary. If he stays healthy, they have another $11 million in expiring deals (Battie, Bo Outlaw and Pat Garrity) to move. And they still have a major trading chess piece with the rights to Fran Vazquez. All right, that's not true. But everything else is. Lots of roster flexibility here. That's a good thing for a potential 50-win team. Why not make a run right now? (By the way, there should be a mandate that every positive article written about the Magic this season includes a reference to Isiah single-handedly turning their fortunes around by taking Steve Francis off their hands. I'd even consider voting him "Executive of the Year" if the Magic gets a top-three seed. Seriously, what exec had a bigger impact on a team than Isiah had on the Orlando Magic? Can you name one? Didn't think so.) Random thought: The only thing keeping Dwight Howard from becoming the next Moses Malone -- and there's a 80/20 chance it's happening -- will be a lack of a mean streak. He's just too nice a guy. Ever seen him interviewed? He makes Mario Lopez seem hostile and combative. Just a little too much David Robinson in him right now. Worst-case scenario: When they're playing in the playoffs this spring, Hill is working for ABC's studio crew. Best-case scenario: When they're playing in the playoffs this spring, Hill is working for ABC's studio crew with Doc Rivers. Prognosis: Impossible to say because of Hill's health and the trading possibilities ... but let's give them 47 wins to be safe. I like this team. They play well together. </div> Also, here is how he opened the article: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">You couldn't even call the Eastern Conference an apocalypse -- it's more like a poopocalypse. Consider the following things: A. We're hitting December in two days and the Orlando Magic are leading the East by two games. You heard me. The Orlando Magic. The Magic of Orlando. </div> Source He ranked us #3 in the East and gave some insight on our team. Thoughts?
Sounds about right to me Regardless of how much you like the team, it's a complete stretch to say that you thought we'd be on top of the east And while I dont think the Magic are relying on Hill as heavily as Simmons or a lot of writers seem to think, if he goes down I think the team could suffer a morale hit that would cost them more than a few games.
i guess that could hold up at the end...although if we continue to play this good, we have a shot at the best record in the east...which brings up the question...can dwight win MVP?
<div class="quote_poster">d-money12 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">i guess that could hold up at the end...although if we continue to play this good, we have a shot at the best record in the east...which brings up the question...can dwight win MVP?</div> If he moves his scoring average up to about 20-22(while keeping rebounds around 14) then it's possible for him to win it. Especially if he continues to get 20 20 games. (LIke if he gets 10+ of them this season). I think it's pretty much determined that someone in the 03 class has to win it though, either Lebron or Melo and probably Lebron.
wait, what? lebron, melo and probably lebron??? you excluded wade...and i think dwight does have an outside shot at it...doesnt need more 20 points, i think 20/14 and 2 bpg would do it, if the magic can get around 55 wins and the cavs around 45...also i see dwight getting like 8 more 20/20's
<div class="quote_poster">d-money12 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">wait, what? lebron, melo and probably lebron??? you excluded wade...and i think dwight does have an outside shot at it...doesnt need more 20 points, i think 20/14 and 2 bpg would do it, if the magic can get around 55 wins and the cavs around 45...also i see dwight getting like 8 more 20/20's</div> Sorry, I meant to say Lebron, Melo, or Wade and it'd probably be Lebron. If we win 55-60 games(which I think is highly unlikely, i'm still picking around 42-45) with Dwight leading the NBA in rebounding and having 10+ 20 20 games, I don't see anyway that you can't mention him in the MVP voting.
