According to Andre Miller the Orlando Magic are a better team with Dwight Howard. He said no disrespect, but the Magic are better without Howard because they can run the ball more effectively. He said last night was the best team the Magic used against them in this series. Obviously Howard is not going anywhere, but should the Magic use Gortat more in the playoffs to put a faster pace unit on the floor? Especially if they find themselves behind in a game, it might be a nice unit to have out there to get the offense going. Thoughts?
Only 7 guys in Howard's draft class ran a faster 3/4 court sprint. He had the same time as Jameer Nelson. If the Magic want to play a faster pace, then they have the best center in the league for it. Van Gundy just needs to get him to run the floor.
That's what I'm thinking, he'd be unstoppable if they decided to run b/c he'd get deep position every time down court running to his spot.
Teams don't pay as much attention to Gortat which creates more space in the paint for drive and kick opportunities. When Howard is in the game there's one guy cheating over for the double and another player hedging for a possible triple team. At somepoint Howard will need to learn how to pass better off of double teams. Also how is Jameer at pushing the basketball?
Jameer is definitely no Steve Nash, lacks the difference making speed, and doesn't have the vision to be as effective IMO. Orlando was arguably the 3rd or 4th best team in the NBA when Jameer was healthy b/c they have 4 guys that could shoot 3's with Dwight & 4 of their 5 starters were all-star potent type talent. Their style now is fine, but their bench unit should definitely run more next year since Redick, Gortat, Rafer, and Pietrus all succeed in that type of environment if you ask me.
