The word "Defense" and "Orlando Magic" together in a sentence?? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ORLANDO -- Tracy McGrady scored 43 points and shut down Utah All-Star Andrei Kirilenko Wednesday night, but Steven Hunter did something much more difficult. The 22-year-old center made the Magic look like a respectable defensive team in a 90-77 victory that snapped an eight-game losing streak before an announced crowd of 13,115. Hunter started for the first time since Dec. 2 on the eve of the NBA's trading deadline, which was probably not a coincidence. Nor was it a coincidental that the Magic (14-42) played their best defensive game in months just one day after their worst. They gave up 71 points in the first half of Tuesday night's loss at Milwaukee. Hunter believes he started Wednesday night because of what he showed late in a game that was described as a "fiasco" by coach Johnny Davis. "I think I showed him I cared about the game," Hunter said. "Even though we were down a lot of points, I still hustled and I was trying to play hard." He did did the same Wednesday, scoring the game's first four points on a pair of dunks. He finished with eight rebounds and five blocks. "Not only did he block shots, but he changed a lot of shots when people were driving in, and it's something we haven't had all year," Davis said. Kirilenko, defended by McGrady, shot 5-for-18 and scored 12 points. If nothing else, Hunter made the Magic think twice about trading him, although indications were they will make some kind of move before today's 3 p.m. deadline. </div> ah Finally JD saw Hunter!!! it took him having Declerq injured and losing by 20+ with Hunter playing nothing. haha that final paragraph is what I've always seen in those garbage minutes he always plays...I've been saying this since a LONGGGG TIMEEEE ago...ask Sportsrock , oh wait he is suspended well you can AIM him. T-Mac's defense didn't surprise me I know he is capable of doing that.
Hunter, sportsrock always spoke of him when he talked about good players and players who have potential on the Magic. He sounds really good if you ask me, like a rising star. He probably won't play too well this season but will pick up some great experience, having been used and actually playing in the league. Like Bogans, he'll go big eventually, just not yet. Glad to see JD finally making some sense, being nice and actually doing something right for once. Well deserved Hunter, if you stay, great for the Magic, if not, I see a very prosperous and blooming future ahead of you. Whichever path you take, it's all good.
Yeah Hunter did tremendously well. Bout time JD saw what the man can do. Looks like he's turning into that blocking machine me and sports described sooner then we thought.
Geez, you guys need to calm down with the Hunter love. This was against the Jazz! Anyone can have a good game every now and then. Let's see him do this in a few games in row. Personally, I hated when the Magic took him. That year was probably the worst draft they had. I know it's all after the fact but they could've had Randolph AND Parker.
^ Dude, given the choice between Declerq and Hunter, you gotta show mad love to Hunter. They don't have much choice. You gotta fully utilize what you currently have.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting InNETSweTrust:</div><div class="quote_post">^ Dude, given the choice between Declerq and Hunter, you gotta show mad love to Hunter. They don't have much choice. You gotta fully utilize what you currently have.</div> True. I can see him being a back-up Center for us but you guys make it sound like he should be our starter from years to come.
Well at least I've wanted him to be the starter this year over Declerq , or at least play respectable minutes.
He sure didnt play like a starter in the beinging.. But It sounds like he played for his job last night.. Which he should from now on, We know he can play good.. He just needs the confidence and will to do it every night...
Alright this is the low down on Hunter. He's a tremendous shot blocker, but he gets out of position to block some shots, which either he misses the block and gives up on the play or they pass to the guy Hunter is supposed to be guarding. He also rebounds horribly for a man his size. He is loaded with potential and is WAY WAY better than Declerq, but one game he plays great and with a lot of energy, the next game he seems like he doesn't care. He just doesnt' seem to have the desire to play good and improve night in and night out. I will agree with that draft being the worst. Hunter and Sasser, awful awful awful.
