tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42990433696829812562024-02-19T08:06:45.611-05:00Black and Blue's Orlando Magic BlogOrlando Magic News, Views, and Other Junk.Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-36722485612830740302007-10-24T23:03:00.000-04:002007-10-24T23:09:42.084-04:00<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"><strong><u>NOW REDIRECTING YOU TO </u></strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><u><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125105155908943362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLGLEXHoVa1bpUwfjcM1vVGDc2gLWceVO-AdgFptGEwSVWj203hW01hVSmR7KqN2aaZ70wRxqOz7jTLYjG1-9LYbAFihTZF8PuVhUDvaCzBI5BAxWCpIUSgHB_5tebWIjp4RsAUQsC9sH/s320/THF+Small+Logo+copy.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></u></strong></span> <strong><u><span style="font-size:180%;">THE HOWEVA FILES!</span></u></strong></p>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-64277701217516323702007-10-24T11:12:00.000-04:002007-10-24T11:28:00.256-04:00NEW SITE! The Howeva Files!Let the trumpets blare as there is a HUGE, magnificent announcement!<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LNr0wRluWI94ojDSv-g7PUHhL-Ls_DzpjqjY8wLRSuQC23xZJm_kVQT_YZP8vdfj-fD0Dz6wK8stRJKwlS6MlZ2wbDUW6WDr9J7rgctxpBGQxhd5qKoNOKoLXj9-m2UzmgPiOZBIILwx/s1600-h/THF+Small+Logo+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124923355805646050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LNr0wRluWI94ojDSv-g7PUHhL-Ls_DzpjqjY8wLRSuQC23xZJm_kVQT_YZP8vdfj-fD0Dz6wK8stRJKwlS6MlZ2wbDUW6WDr9J7rgctxpBGQxhd5qKoNOKoLXj9-m2UzmgPiOZBIILwx/s320/THF+Small+Logo+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a>Black and Blue's Orlando Magic Blog is merging with the New Basketball Humor Site<strong> "THE HOWEVA FILES"!</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>AS OF TOMORROW, OCTOBER 25, IF YOU GO TO THIS SITE IT WILL REDIRECT YOU TO THE NEW ONE.</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>PLEASE UPDATE YOUR BOOKMARKS TO <a href="http://www.thehowevafiles.blogspot.com/">http://www.thehowevafiles.blogspot.com/</a></strong></div><br /><div></div><div>There will still be plenty, and I mean PLENTY of great Orlando Magic news and half-assed commentary, but supplementing it will be great stuff about other teams in the NBA. To top it off, the new site is going to be updated with new posts far more frequently. Huzzah!</div><div></div><div> </div><div>That's about it...So <a href="http://www.thehowevafiles.blogspot.com/">check it out</a>, and let's continue to make sweet music about Stan Van Gundy's moustache, JJ Redick's DUI, and the Mobley-Francis love trist together!</div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-15577995064658146502007-10-23T16:15:00.000-04:002007-10-23T16:24:24.189-04:00Injury Update: You Have Got To Be F***'in Kidding MeUpdating my previous post, this comes from <a href="http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewtopic.php?t=55312&sid=c09683eba110ecd2dc2f07c8b7acd72f">Florida Today</a>:<br /><br /><br /><div><blockquote><a href="http://www.hughston.com/hha/ankle.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.hughston.com/hha/ankle.jpg" border="0" /></a>ORLANDO -- A day after the Orlando Magic finally got their full squad back on the court together the injury bug struck again on Tuesday. Rashard Lewis tried to practice Tuesday, but once again pulled up lame on his sore right ankle.<br />Shooting guard J.J. Redick had to sit out because of lingering pain in the right hand that he broke prior to training camp. And point guard Jameer Nelson was unable to practice because of a stomach virus.<br />On the positive side, Trevor Ariza and Keyon Dooling – who missed all three of the games the Magic played while in China – not only practiced Tuesday, but Van Gundy said they were two of the best players in drills. Ariza had been out with tendinitis in his foot, while Dooling had been bothered by pain in his groin and hip. </blockquote></div><br /><div>Just goes to show you can't be too quick to click your heels. Rashard, get it together. You are looking like one of the crash test dummies out there.</div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-2277158818591589092007-10-23T13:18:00.000-04:002007-10-23T13:36:42.195-04:00Injuries Sminjuries!/Redick Needs A Nap/Fox Sports Likee MagicMagic management is saying one thing today:<br /><br /><div><div><div>"Zippity-doo-dah! Zippity-yay! My oh my what a wonderful day!"</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/act_rashard_lewis.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/act_rashard_lewis.jpg" border="0" /></a>The reason is that yesterday the injury gang of Trevor Ariza, Keyon Dooling, and <a href="http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewtopic.php?t=55107&sid=e642897c1ca1b68ec9639d25433f496f">high priced free agent Rashard Lewis returned to the practice floor yesterday!</a> Stan Van Gundy said, "Rashard didn’t look real comfortable on (his sore ankle), but he got the whole practice in,’’ which is akin to "Rashard was playing like he had glass slippers on." Either way, it's spectacular news heading into the last preseason game of the regular season.</div><br /><div>The countdown has begun for Pat Garrity to kill one of these guys to get their playing time.</div><br /><div><a href="http://frankthetank.files.wordpress.com/2006/06/redickshotbig.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://frankthetank.files.wordpress.com/2006/06/redickshotbig.jpg" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile, JJ Redick has begun playing the blame game, saying that the flight was the reason for his shooting woes overseas. While most people will say this is a load of crap, I will actually side with Redick since I have trouble sleeping in planes or buses. I only seem to be able to get a good night's sleep at yo momma's house. Ohhhhh!</div><br /><div><a href="http://images.usatoday.com/sports/_photos/2006/11/28/dhoward.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.usatoday.com/sports/_photos/2006/11/28/dhoward.jpg" border="0" /></a>To further prove that the news surrounding the Magic of late has been of the super happy variety, <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7322608">Fox Sports is picking the Magic to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.</a> The article actually says things like:</div><div><blockquote>Indeed, Keith Bogans is the only starter who could conceivably be called a<br />stopper. He's a rough and ready performer who would be more effective on a<br />better-balanced squad.<br /></blockquote></div><div>-And doesn't even mention anything about Trevor Ariza. Garrity getting props and Bogans being mentioned as a key cog in the Magic attack? Look for those flying pigs any day people.</div><br /><div>Tomorrow will come the official announcement of the NEW SITE, so you're not going to want to miss it!</div><br /><div>I sound like a commercial...sigh, my worst fears are now realized.</div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-87183995622414688502007-10-22T10:47:00.000-04:002007-10-22T11:07:49.962-04:00Bogans The Starting SG?/Garrity Resurgance/Injuries LingerFirst off: New website announcement is still a little ways off since we still need to get our ducks in a row. Should be soon though!<br /><div><div><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/act_keith_bogans.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/act_keith_bogans.jpg" border="0" /></a>For now, some old news to start the week off: <a href="http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewtopic.php?t=54459">Bogans looks to have won the starting shooting guard spot...for now.</a> The complete implosion by JJ Redick, offensively and defensively, on the China reshaped the starting lineup and now it is Bogans' job to lose.</div><br /><div>Wow, for all of that "Who will start at shooting guard? Ariza or Redick?" preseason talk, Keith Bogans came out of nowhere and snatched the spot! While Redick has more potential that Bogans (will the word "potential" ever be the same after Darko?), Stan Van Gundy seems to be a fan of playing without mistakes.<br /></div><div><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/1998/weekly/980126/cb0126/images/CB01261.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/features/1998/weekly/980126/cb0126/images/CB01261.JPG" border="0" /></a>-That last comment makes the next one even weirder, but Pat Garrity just might have a shot at the starting lineup. Stan has been impressed with what he has seen from Garrity, and that leaves the door open with injuries to players like Rashard Lewis, Trevor Ariza, and Keyon Dooling. Garrity does seem to have recovered his three point shot, but I'm still skeptical. The use of my short term memory is thanks for that. I give it 10 days before we learn Garrity is pumped on HGH.</div><br /><div>These topics are nice, but what Magic fans are REALLY talking about today are the aforementioned injuries to Lewis, Ariza and Dooling. Lewis' ankle keeps swelling up, Ariza said he heard a "pop" (which in injury terms is the deathblow, although I think he was overestimating it), and Dooling's injury sounds serious although it has been vague enough to lead me to believe he is actually decapitated. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/ampt2003/images/ny_kenna_live.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/events/ampt2003/images/ny_kenna_live.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rashard's injury could be okay if he resumes practice today, so more news on that later. For now, I have to run to see a concert for the performer <strong>Kenna.</strong> If you haven't heard of him, check out his music. He's one of the few singers I actually can stomach!</div><div> </div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-56972958940938297442007-10-19T13:48:00.001-04:002007-10-19T13:50:32.149-04:00Exciting News Coming/Yahoo Predicts Magic Will Win SoutheastSorry in advance for the short entry today, but I am extensively with some cohorts on a new website that promises to rock your socks off. More news on that later.<br /><br />For now, <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgYHJQ3pmEG0vp0_Yuxzr5WLvLYF?slug=jy-southeastpreview101807&prov=yhoo&type=lgns">Yahoo is predicting the Magic will win the Southeast</a>. That love we were looking for all these years is allllllllmost here. Now we just have to win, which shouldn't be too hard right? Right?<br /><br />Good lord I hope Rashard's legs hold up.<br /><br />Have a great weekend everyone and hopefully by the next entry I'll have exciting news to share.Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-11400259612420316722007-10-17T12:28:00.000-04:002007-10-18T10:33:29.818-04:00A (Belated) Magic-Cavs Full Game Recap/Magic Beat China!<strong>Note: This was supposed to be posted yesterday, but as you know Blogger crapped out on everyone yesterday. Here it is in belated fashion:</strong><br /><div><div><div><br /><div><strong>--------------------</strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.hci-international.org/images/photoalbum/20/great_walls.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.hci-international.org/images/photoalbum/20/great_walls.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, it's official: It's easier to watch the Magic when they play in China then when they play in Orlando.</div><br /><div>I just got done watching the DVRed record of the Magic-Cavs game, and I saw some big pluses and minuses. While our team did great, looking like a better overall team than the Cavs, it was a shame not to see Marcin Gortat on the international stage. The only time I saw him, someone was yelling at him to move down on the bench (literally.)<br /></div><br /><div>Let's go through the game position by position, shall we?</div><br /><div><a href="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060328/nelson_84219.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060328/nelson_84219.jpg" border="0" /></a>-First off, at PG Jameer Nelson is a COMPLETELY different player. Sweet sassy mo-lassy. Even though the stat sheet doesn't necessarily reflect it, he was the best player on the floor by far besides Dwight. He was driving through the lane, making amazing passes, and reminding our sluggish squad to run the floor. The Cavs could only foul to contain him. Hello, contract.</div><br /><div>On the flipside, Carlos Arroyo looked like something Ira Newble shat out (apologies to the religious online Arroyo cult). He slowed the game down, he shot low percentage shots, and just looked rather lax on offense and defense. When Arroyo left the floor, the team seemed to come alive.</div><br /><div>-At SG, yes Redick had a bad shooting game, but he also seemed rather lost on defense too. He seemed best suited to be 'the guy who passes to Dwight', a role that many handicapped people could easily do. He wasn't good and he wasn't bad, he was just absent the whole game. </div><br /><div>Keith Bogans also had a so-so night, but he gets an "A" for effort in my book. He was hustling for rebounds, running the floor, and seemed like a man on a mission. The only thing that really killed his stock was that he was 3-8 for three pointers (not including 2 that he missed that were just inside the line). I know, I know, that is a good percentage, but when you take into account that every single shot of his was WIDE open, you can understand how difficult it was to watch that many shots clank off of the rim. Stan's system really allows for wide open threes, a great sign.</div><br /><div>-At SF, Turkoglu...my whipping boy...actually didn't play terrible. He made his shots and wasn't trying to force anything. What he DID play like was an 80 year old man. When he touched the ball, I had to make sure my DVR wasn't in slow-mo mode. He is only like 28, so he shouldn't be looking like that. No wonder Stan Van Gundy thought he looked sluggish in other games. I think doctors need to re-examine our boy Turk to make sure he doesn't have some advanced aging thing...seriously.</div><br /><div>The other tall white guy to play SF was Pat Garrity. Early in the game Hubie Brown was talking about how working with Stan Van Gundy could revitalize Garrity's career. Pat took this as his cue to suck...hard. Everytime the ball touched his hands, it was up for grabs and I'm convinced that one of his relatives must work for the NBA to have his statsheet only say 1 turnover. He held onto the ball like it was a red-hot piece of lava.</div><br /><div>-I really didn't get a chance to see poetry man Foyle or James Augustine much since they were in for so short a period (usually playing during lackluster Lebron highlights...damn you ESPN), but they seemed okay. Foyle played well all around and Augustine rebounded a good amount, despite not shooting well. Augustine will most likely make the team and contribute here and there when they are being outrebounded.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/dwight_300_071017.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/dwight_300_071017.jpg" border="0" /></a>-Which leaves us with Howard. I will give Patrick Ewing a pat on the back right now because he looks like a monster out there. Last year you could say he was a big guy with a lot of potential and a limited game. Well, this game he was just unstoppable everywhere (except his lone jumpshot, which still didn't look too bad). His free throws have improved too, making the Cavs actually regret it when they fouled him as opposed to using it as strategy. I can not express how impressed I was with him this game. Mark my words, this year is going to be his coming out party and Kevin Garnett would even say "Ooo-wee!" if he saw how D12 played today.</div><br /><div>For coaching, Stan could constantly be heard from the bench "RUN! GO!", especially whenever Arroyo was anywhere near the ball and watching it bounce like a yo-yo. His lone time that he was onscreen calling a play, he yelled, "O-C! O-C!" as loud as he could. He then proceeded to say, "UM, MY MISTAKE...I MEAN'T 3-5! THIRTY-FIVE!" I chuckled at this right up until the play unfolded into a spectacular alley-oop dunk for Dwight.</div><br /><div>That's our Stan for you: Laugh at him one moment and then shake your head at how good a coach he is the next.</div><br /><div>Overall, a promising game. While it is easy to say the team did well despite Lewis, Ariza, and Dooling being out, the Cavs were also without unsigned players Pavlovic and Varejao so they were a little short on talent too. I am sure Stan will have a lot to say about how slow the team looked out there, but they did just take a super long flight so it is understandable.</div><br /><div>Time to get some Lo Mein to celebrate the win. <a href="http://www.bongonews.com/StoryImages/ChineseBasketballTeam_2006-06-27.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.bongonews.com/StoryImages/ChineseBasketballTeam_2006-06-27.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>---------------------</div><br /><div><strong>Update: The Magic, after a slow start, are killing the Chinese National Team in their game today. Stan seemed to play some of the people he thought were lackluster yesterday, and there were mostly positive results: Carlos Arroyo redeemed himself after a poop game to go for 25 points and 7 assists and James Augustine (of all people) lit up for 14 points and 7 rebounds. Turkoglu had 17 points and Marcin Gortat had 8. On the flipside, JJ Redick's achilles heel remains the western hemisphere as he was 2-9, after an 0-6 start. For the boxscore, because yahoo hates Chinese people, go here:</strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20071018/ORLCHN/boxscore.html">http://www.nba.com/games/20071018/ORLCHN/boxscore.html</a></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-58822223881898845092007-10-16T12:21:00.000-04:002007-10-16T15:01:18.601-04:00One Of The Best Magic Posts Ever/PJ and Webber Still Possibilities?<a href="http://www.dvdbooty.com/images/killer-klowns-from-outer-space_220x316.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.dvdbooty.com/images/killer-klowns-from-outer-space_220x316.jpg" border="0" /></a>Very few things in this world make me laugh out loud: The movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095444/">"Killer Klowns From Outer Space</a>", Joe Namath trying to kiss Suzy Kolber, and the complete and utter annihilation of collar-poppers...yup that's about it.<br /><div></div><br /><div>But every so often I see something that just makes me lose it. On the Orlando Magic message boards, poster Thisistheyear wrote the following:</div><div><div><br /><div>Chris Sheridan reports:<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.nobodysells4less.com/images/bryant_kobe_oct20.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nobodysells4less.com/images/bryant_kobe_oct20.jpg" border="0" /></a>Los Angeles Lakes owner Jerry Buss has displayed an open mind to the idea of a<br />trade for their perennial superstar. Rob Pelinka, Bryant's agent, has stated that Bryant has expressed interest in a few teams thus far, the Dallas Mavericks, the Phoenix Suns, and the Chicago Bulls. Surprisingly, however, Bryant has told his agent that the East "intrigues" him, presumably two teams, the Chicago Bulls and the <strong>Orlando Magic</strong>."He says that the thought of playing alongside Dwight Howard has intrigued him." Pelinka said, a void that has been missing from the Lakers team since Shaquille O'neal's departure. "The idea of a trade, however, is of course still far too premature".<br /></blockquote></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBGIQ7ZuuiU">sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=Roundtable-Kobe</a></div><br /><div>What followed were more than a few people commenting on the good/bad aspects of Kobe Bryant coming to Orlando. With Kobe's trade demands as of late, it was only natural. </div><br /><div>Of course, when you click on the link, you get quite a different insight into the matter altogether. That is what made me laugh. Click it!</div><br /><div><a href="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2006/0605/heroes/nash0508.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2006/0605/heroes/nash0508.jpg" border="0" /></a>This began a big conversation revolving around how little links are actually looked at on sites. Someone else posted that <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1759043">Steve Nash was actually involved in the discussion</a>. You really can't argue with journalism like that. I think that water I was drinking actually came out of my nose when I saw that last link.</div><br /><div>Kudos to Thisistheyear and the gang at Magiczone for reminding readers to actually take the time to look at links. For people like myself who constantly post them, it is nice to have one or more people actually <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLg-zjvpTZc">check them out from time to time.</a><br /></div><br /><div>In other (actual news) news, John Denton is reporting that <a href="http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewtopic.php?t=53682&sid=75cf59a583c6e53567a39420d480cac7">PJ Brown and Chris Webber could actually be options still for Orlando.</a> This isn't much of a surprise as the Magic are mysteriously leaving a roster spot open going into the season, coupled with their hopes to get an injury exception (aka money) from Tony Battie's injury.</div><div></div><div>With today just devolving into madness, I leave you with a quote from the underrated show "How I Met Your Mother" from last night:</div><div></div><div><blockquote>Ted: "The fact that you slept with her. Ugh, I just couldn't get it out of my head, like that damn Chumbawumba song."<br /><br />Marshall: "Oh, which Chumbawumba song?"<br /></blockquote></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-27916932486793536202007-10-15T11:59:00.000-04:002007-10-15T12:47:35.409-04:00Magic Rock The Three-Ball/Guys Injured/China Time!<div><div><div><div>First off, I had to read the score from the Miami-Magic game twice: 102-69.<a href="http://www.nba.com/media/act_pat_garrity.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/act_pat_garrity.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Granted, the Heat were without Wade and Shaq, but they will be without those two for a while at least to start the season anyways. Granted, the Bobcats blew them apart the next night, but the Bobcats are improved and the Magic beat them too. Bottom line is that it was a great win and even Pat "The Punching Bag" Garrity played well...which occurs only once a year (he might have used up his good game).</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.baseballmusings.com/graphics/cast.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.baseballmusings.com/graphics/cast.jpg" border="0" /></a>There is a lot to be optimistic about with the Magic, although 3 players (not including swiss cheese rotator cuff) are injured: Lewis has a sprained ankle and won't play Wednesday, Ariza has an inflammation in tendon in left foot and won't play at all this week, and Dooling has some bizarre groin/pubic bone area pain and will play Saturday at the earliest. This isn't too big as these guys would probably play if it were the regular season, but Ariza and Dooling have to realize that their potential starting jobs are slipping between their fingers with the emergences of Redick and Nelson. There's no such thing as job security in the NBA.</div><br /><div><a href="http://cubiclemuses.com/cm/files/jt.org/wlsimages/cookiethree.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://cubiclemuses.com/cm/files/jt.org/wlsimages/cookiethree.jpg" border="0" /></a>The biggest difference between last year and this year's Magic squad appears to be the <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic1307oct13,0,4711980.story?track=rss">emergence of the trey</a>. The team has been throwing up anything beyond the line and for the most part they have been going in. JJ Redick has been shooting lights out from that range, and Hedo has been doing decently as well after being given a free pass to shoot from there as much as he wants. To me, this is a wonderful thing to see as the Magic seemed afraid to attempt three pointers in Brian Hill's fascist gameplan, despite the fact that the team was largely full of a bunch of long range guys. If Dwight Howard can refine his passing with Ewing's help, this team could be unstoppable from 3 point land. </div><br /><div>Wow, who would have thought I could write that last sentence...including Hedo Turkoglu no less?!...you gotta love Stan Van Gundy.</div><br /><div>On a side note, Yahoo Sports' NBA headline is a piece on <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmOLPvzv0A5I4yYDRvN4DG.8vLYF?slug=ap-darkosresurrection&prov=ap&type=lgns">Darko Milicic starting over again</a>. The pressure the media put on Orlando for not resigning him seems to have subsided a bit as every NBA preview I've seen has his stint in Orlando as average at best. Worth 10 mill? Puh-lease.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ahajokes.com/funpages/chinese01.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.ahajokes.com/funpages/chinese01.gif" border="0" /></a>This week, the team travels to China to play a few games. I set up my DVR to record the 8am game on Wednesday, although word is that Lebron might not be playing (he probably hurt his shoulder signing autographs). It will be a fun experience for our young guys, but an even better experience for Stan Van Gundy's stomach as there is so much to eat: Egg rolls, Lo Mein, Small Chinese children...the list goes on.</div><br /><div>For the Dolphins fans of the blog, here is my short <u>Monday Morning Dolphins Review:</u></div><br /><div>They suck. Cleo Lemon is not the answer. Put John Beck in at QB after the Patriots game next week. That is all.</div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-80469472208866077802007-10-12T12:06:00.000-04:002007-10-12T14:06:10.772-04:002007-08 NBA Pooptacular Preview: PACIFIC DIVISION<a href="http://dolshouse.com/queensmen/image/kobe3.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://dolshouse.com/queensmen/image/kobe3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tonight Stan Van Gundy and the evil known as "He Whom We Do Not Name" (Pat Riley) square off for the first of many grudge matches this season. With such an interesting story line, it's amazing that the NBA is not televising this game nationally...and instead televising the games in China at 8am in the morning. David Stern will truly never rest until the entire globe is under the control of his synthetic balls.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>Today we continue the season preview, going from the Atlantic to the Pacific:</div><br /><div><u>PREDICTED PACIFIC DIVISION STANDINGS:</u></div><div><u></u><u><br /></u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/njn.gif"></a><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/pho2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 84px" height="93" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/pho2.gif" border="0" /></a>1) Phoenix Suns</u></div><br /><div>Wondering if Phoenix will win this division is like wondering if the sun will rise (an unintentional pun there with the whole "sun" thing...God, I hate unintentional puns). Barring the explosion of the team flight or a season-long suspension for gambling, this team ALREADY has this division won and the season hasn't even started yet. The real question is whether they have the testicular fortitude to win it all finally. Every single person in the world is saying yes, but I am a little more skeptical...The team expected to win it all seems to never do it in the NBA.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/gsw.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" height="140" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/gsw.gif" border="0" /></a>2) Golden State Warriors</u></div><br /><div>Golden State and the Lakers had the same record last year, but I am giving the edge to the Warriors this season. Why? To be honest it has very little to do with their solid draft and amazing playoff run last year and everything to do with my complete hatred of the Lakers. There, I said it. Baron <a href="http://flowersite.net/flowers/logo_ftd_florist.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px" height="134" alt="" src="http://flowersite.net/flowers/logo_ftd_florist.gif" border="0" /></a>Davis could be decapitated and I would still pick them here because (like the Patriots in football) no one wants to be that douche that predicts good things for the Lakers. On a side note, what an amazing turnaround for a team with a futuristic FTD florist guy logo. That just goes to show what wonders getting rid of Mike Dunleavy can do for you.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/lal.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" height="90" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/lal.gif" border="0" /></a>3) LA Lakers</u></div><br /><div>It was reported recently that Jerry Buss has said he wouldn't mind trading Kobe. Everyone is on his back about it, but I will be the one person to say, "Jolly good show, old man." While talented, Kobe Bryant is just a damn child whose self-centered posturing does not translate into a winning team. He was obviously a different person during those championships, and you can see the timeline of when he transitioned from "hot-headed talent" to "complete dickhead" with the mass exodus of talent from the Lakers organization (Shaq, Rick Fox, Gary Payton, etal) If you want to shut your ears and sing to yourself while I write about how awful of a person he is, you can do so, but at least pick up Phil Jackson's book and leaf through it. While Jackson has quietly pushed a lot of his commentary to the side to work with Jerry Buss' daughter again, you can't ignore the things he wrote about how arrogant and crappy a person like Kobe was to work with. (Steps down off of soapbox)</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/sac.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand" height="104" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/sac.gif" border="0" /></a>4) Sacramento Kings</u></div><br /><div>The Maloofs have worked wonders with this team. -And by "work wonders" I mean "driven this organization straight into the ground". The once-proud Kings are a collection of scrap metal from when they were good, with the exception of Kevin Martin. While their fans and stadium are still some of the best in the country, I don't know how many more years they can abide by a rapidly declining "Kermit The Frog Voice" Mike Bibby. It has been a few years without incident, so this may be the year that Ron Artest finally snaps and just disembowels another player. At least that will be worth watching.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/lac.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" height="106" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/lac.gif" border="0" /></a>5) LA Clippers</u></div><br /><div>This franchise is back to its old crummy ways after seeming so promising for a while. I maintain that the bandwagon jumping by Lakers fans onto this team when they were good was one of the most shameless things I have ever seen (Jack Nicholson wearing a Clippers jersey? Are you kidding me?) Although they got Al Thornton in the draft, which was a pretty good move, they are playing Corey Maggette, Sam Cassell, and Cuttino "Steve Francis' Love Monkey" Mobley. Toss in the fact that Elton Brand (The executive producer of the Christian Bale movie "Rescue Dawn", no joke) and Shaun Livingston are crippled and you have the makings of a loooooong year. No bandwagoners for a while on the Clipper ship.</div><br /><div>There you have it. Hopefully SVG and the boys in blue kick the crap out of Riles' boys. Updates will be added as they come up and otherwise have a good weekend everyone.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-59629263856630550072007-10-11T13:35:00.000-04:002007-10-11T14:03:04.922-04:00Preseason Game 2: Magic Obliterate Bobcats<a href="http://www.varmintcaller.com/images/AlLuxBobcat_sm.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.varmintcaller.com/images/AlLuxBobcat_sm.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bobcats = Hunted and killed.<br /><div><div><br /><div>Before the game last night I said to several people that this could be a preview of the opening night starting lineup, with Foyle and Redick in the lineup and Hedo on the bench. </div><br /><div>Well, if the events that transpired were any indication, it would appear I was correct. Last night the Magic blew apart the Bobcats like Gallagher smashing a watermelon onstage with a mallet.</div><br /><div>The final score read 123-99, a decisive 24 point win, but the score didn't do justice to the complete onslaught the Magic brought on. For the second straight game, <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic1107oct11,0,3532328.story">JJ Redick played a TON on minutes</a> and the team shot a whopping .641 from the field. Even video games have preventative measures against teams shooting that well as to not seem too unrealistic.</div><br /><div>The stories of the game were almost all positive:</div><br /><div><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/f8/fullj.getty-76973663fm012_bobcats_magic.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/f8/fullj.getty-76973663fm012_bobcats_magic.jpg" border="0" /></a>-Mr. Fohawk (right) Redick once again proved he deserves the starting role for now with a ton of minutes, decent defense on Jason Richardson, and shooting a wonderful 5-8 from three point land.</div><br /><div>-The Foyle-Howard combo was incredible, totaling 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks in less than 30 minutes of time. Foyle opened things up for Howard, who suddenly had the freedom to exploit the defense with a (surprisingly!) offensive presence next to him.<br /></div><br /><div>-Jameer Nelson had 12 assists and 2 turnovers, something that was unthinkable all of last year. It seems he finally got it through his liliputian head that he needs to dish the rock if he wants an extension. He has looked amazing the past two games. I say give him 2 more games like this and Otis' wallet will open sooner than Sharon Stone's legs.</div><br /><div>-Rebounding concerns? This was the second straight game the Magic outrebounded the competition SUBSTANTIALLY. Fast break/effort concerns? The Magic blew apart the Bobcats in fast break points. Dwight Howard's turnovers a concern? He only had one. Really this game was almost perfect.</div><br /><div>...almost perfect.</div><br /><div>The lone shitstain on the night was Rashard Lewis getting injured for the second consecutive night. This time it was caused by him landing awkwardly on his ankle, causing a sprain that should keep him sidelined the next few games. It is imperative the Magic get Lewis involved so the offense can gel so these injuries are annoying as hell. It also goes without saying that such a highly paid player is now 0-2 for finishing games because of injuries. With that kind of money, you want someone who can be your go-to player at the end of a game and the Magic don't appear to have that right now.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/espanol/stan_van_gundy_200.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/espanol/stan_van_gundy_200.jpg" border="0" /></a>All in all, a great night for the Magic and a wonderful output by both starters and reserves. If the trends continue after these two games, we appear to have found something special in JJ, Foyle, and a reborn Jameer Nelson. Glasslegs Rashard better heal up soon or he is looking at even more Grant Hill comparisons than there already are out there. Best of all, we got our first glimpse of Stan Van Gundy basketball the way it is supposed to be played and it was pretty incredible.</div><br /><div>The magic is in the moustache.</div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-65621920441406965052007-10-10T12:51:00.000-04:002007-10-10T13:58:16.037-04:002007-08 NBA Pooptacular Preview: ATLANTIC DIVISION<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/415648076_1a9dc99abf.jpg?v=0"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/415648076_1a9dc99abf.jpg?v=0" border="0" /></a>Tonight the Magic play the Bobcats, a team that is also looking to make a splash in the Southeast Division with their acquisition of Jason Richardson. It will be fun to see Trevor Ariza play Gerald Wallace, a player most fans compare Ariza to. Similarly, Hedo will be playing against Sleepy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>More talk of the preseason game tomorrow. I have internet, which means I am feeling mighty and can once again continue the website's preview of the NBA season. Today we look at the ATLANTIC DIVISION, a division known for its big name players, Isiah Thomas sexual assualt/horrible father claims, and briny salt-water scent.</div><br /><div><u>PREDICTED ATLANTIC DIVISION STANDINGS:</u><br /><br /></div><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/njn.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px" height="92" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/njn.gif" border="0" /></a>1) New Jersey Nets</u></div><br /><div>I know, you just re-read my pick to win the division. Most people think this team is on the downswing due to their age like the Heat, but I am in the minority that sees them winning the division this year. Vince Carter had a crappy playoffs, but that doesn't erase the fact that he was (when he actually tried) fairly good last year. Throw in a rejuvenated Jason Kidd, who has his awful wife off of his back and a medal with Team USA, and Nenad Kristic returning and you have a solid core. Richard Jefferson being fully recovered from a season-long injury is just icing on the cake. To top it all off, these guys know each other and have something to prove after being written off this year. I would be lying if I didn't find Sly The Fox to be one of the greatest mascots ever (and Mini-Sly, his midget counterpart...yes, really there is a midget working for the Nets).</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/bos.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" height="90" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/bos.gif" border="0" /></a>2) Boston Celtics</u></div><br /><div>It's hard not to pick the Celtics with the addition of Ray Allen and Garnett, but if the majority of sportwriters took off their rose-tinted glasses for a second they would see that there are three primary scorers that have to mesh and almost no talent surrounding them. Behind the publicity smiles and friendly handshakes you KNOW that each of the three is thinking to themselves, "I'm going to be the primary scorer...these two just don't know it yet." In a weakened Eastern Conference, don't be surprised if Boston gets into the playoffs, but I do not see them being the best team all of a sudden because they have 3 legitimate players on an NBA team. Pencil them in as a 5-8 seed and watch an injury to one of the three slow them down late in the season. Next year is when teams should worry about these guys.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/tor2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 88px" height="100" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/tor2.gif" border="0" /></a>3) Toronto Raptors</u></div><br /><div>Colangelo is a genius for revamping this fallen franchise, but it will take a lot to get them to equal the win total from last year. The Raptors took advantage of a lot of games against a weakened Nets team, a crummy Celtics team, a hopeless Knicks team, and...well...the Sixers. Almost all of the teams (sorry Sixers) have substantially improved this season and the Raptors are no longer a team that opposing teams sleep on. While Bosh is a bona-fide star, and has officially replaced Dwight Howard as the guy who doesn't get nearly enough credit, the pieces surrounding him are not strong enough for a serious title run. Unless Bargnani improves a ton, something that could happen in the wild NBA, this team looks likely to suffer a setback.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/nyk.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 92px" height="108" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/nyk.gif" border="0" /></a>4) New York Knicks</u></div><br /><div>Living in New York, you'd think David Stern's favorite team had already won the championship when they got convicted sex offender and bells palsy sufferer Zach Randolph on their team. Anyone with half a brain knows that while they will probably improve with added confidence, this team is still on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Stephon Marbury is maybe the least fit person to lead an NBA team, including that guy Corky from <em>Life Goes On</em>, and the rest of the team looks like a who's who of underperformers for other teams in Crawford and Curry. David Lee is incredibly talented, and now he is relegated to the bench with the acquisition of Zebo (A guy who has much more trouble passing out of double teams than he does of ringing on the doorbell of everyone in his new neighborhood to tell them of his past). Mark my words, after a quick start this team will have trouble making the playoffs and will spend their offseason watch lottery balls drop.</div><br /><div><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/phi.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand" height="94" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/phi.gif" border="0" /></a>5) Philly 76ers</u></div><br /><div>I feel like in describing this team I am sitting across from a woman at a dinner table and breaking up with her:</div><br /><div>Me: Listen, thanks for meeting with me tonight. We have to talk.</div><br /><div>76ers: Uh oh. What is that supposed to mean?</div><br /><div>Me: Look, I was thinking you would improve yourself this summer. You know, find those missing pieces in your life. This hasn't been the case as you seem content the way you are. The bottom line is that you've let yourself go.</div><br /><div>76ers: I'm FINE the way I am. I have Andre Miller, Kyle Korver, Andre Iguo-</div><br /><div>Me: Stop it, just stop it okay? It's a sign of how bad things have gotten when you list Kyle Korver as one of your best traits. This is just going nowhere quickly and you have to admit that to yourself.</div><br /><div>76ers: We got Thaddeus Young in the draft! We traded for Reggie Evans! He likes to punch people in the balls!</div><br /><div>Me: Do you hear yourself? I can't fathom how you actually believe the words coming out of your mouth (Gets up to leave, throws napkin on the table)</div><br /><div>76ers: Don't leave. "Strength is derived from unity!"</div><br /><div>Me: Know what? That is a shitty team slogan...this is over. Have a nice season.</div><br /><div>76ers: (Sobbing) I should have never signed Chris Webber...</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-61285254141475465832007-10-09T14:36:00.000-04:002007-10-09T15:13:38.830-04:00Hawks-Magic Review...Eh, It Was So-So<div><div><div><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/2ndcallout_fibaphotos07.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/2ndcallout_fibaphotos07.jpg" border="0" /></a>The game last night had its high and low points. Most notably, Dwight Howard's play was the undisputed high point. The guy had 30 points, 11 rebounds and a bunch of blocks, and just simply dominated. Patrick Ewing's influence seems to be worth every cent at this juncture with Dwight actually not sucking at the free throw line and attempting (hold your breath) relatively outside shots. Ewing can take Howard to all of the strip clubs he wants if he gets that sort of production out of him. Clifford Ray, a super-popular Howard coach who was let go during the awful Brian Hill regime, might have just become an afterthought.</div><br /><div>Another great performance was that of resident Magic poet Adonal Foyle. Easter Island Head had 11 points and looked extremely solid in a short amount of playing time. It seems like that pickup is making Otis Smith look smarter and smarter by the second.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/pg_041807mia_sm.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/pg_041807mia_sm.jpg" border="0" /></a>-Oops, wait a second. Hold that last thought.</div><br /><div>Rashard Lewis, the BIGGEST Magic splash this offseason was mediocre at shooting and left the game with leg cramps. My biggest concern with Lewis is him holding up playing at power forward for a full season, and this game was not very reassuring. Every Magic fan was ready to commit suicide by way of homemade guillotine when they read on yahoo/heard on the radio that Lewis was injured in the game. Thankfully it was not a big blow, but scary nontheless. Lewis said that he had a lot of jitters and was trying to hard, which is fine so long as he can calm down and become the Ozzie to Dwight Howard's Harriet.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand" height="182" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg" border="0" /></a>Most Magic fans' (myself included) favorite part of the game was actually <a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/news/quotes_100807.html">Stan Van Gundy's Jim Mora-esque post game quotes.</a> Instead of doing the quiet, nonchalant press conference that Brian Hill and his mannequin-like predecessor did, Stan seemed to tear the team a new one. He called a few players out, most notably my least favorite Magic player Hedo Turkoglu on his lack of effort (Stan referred to it as 'seeming tired'). You can tell that Stan actually gives a damn about making the team better and has a real concrete plan on how to do so. He has become one of my favorite parts of the team, and not just for the dick jokes.</div><br /><div>As for the battle at shooting guard, JJ Redick looked decent out there and Ariza somewhat picked up where he left off (A ton of rebounds and an absolutely AWFUL shooting performance). Stan Van Gundy said Keith Bogans looked crappy out there so he gave the others a shot, which is a good thing. After one game, it would appear that Redick has the inside track simply due to how many minutes he played, which was the most on the team. We'll continue to monitor this as it still is anyone's spot to win (-including myself. I am not ruling that out.)</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/2ndcallout_kdmediaday07.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/2ndcallout_kdmediaday07.jpg" border="0" /></a>We saw a good amount of James Augustine, who didn't completely suck as he shot at a high percentage. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Marcin Gortat, who seems more raw but also more apt to run with his high energy level. The chances of both making the team is good unless we can bring in a Chris Webber or another player to help down low. The Magic clobbered the Hawks in post points, obviously mostly due to Howard's god-like abilities. You can almost hear the over-anxious Magic fans saying to themselves, "I'm totally taking Howard first in fantasy basketball this year! No one will see it coming!" These same people will be the ones saying in a huff at the season's midpoint, "Why did I quit the fantasy league? Who wants to play a stupid game where free throw percentage is so important anyways!" Their faces when they say this will resemble that of Keyon Dooling's in the photo above.</div><br /><div>In my opinion, this game was a pretty rough first one for a team undergoing what is looking like a major facelift. There were positives and negatives, but I have a feeling that things will really start to click once the team can get its minds around Van Gundy's gameplan. His gameplan MUST be good if he didn't even play Pat Garrity in the first game, right? </div><br /><div>I'm already looking forward to the next game, and hopefully the team can rebound (both literally and figuratively). Until then, you stay classy...planet earth.</div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-28070421308650364952007-10-08T17:20:00.000-04:002007-10-08T17:56:03.467-04:00The Preseason Cometh! Magic vs Hawks!Pardon the belatedness of this post, but the internet is garbage. On the upside, I should only have to wait until Wednesday for the high speed cable to be put in. I feel like I'm on a deserted island until then.<br /><br />Let's turn to the subject at hand: Rarely does a game featuring Sheldon Williams generate any sort of interest, but this is the first game of the preseason! The Magic take on the Hawks and we finally get to check out some of the new players Orlando will roll out.<br /><br />Here is a quick guide to what could be the starting lineups:<a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/orl2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand" height="112" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/orl2.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/atl.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand" height="112" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/atl.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Probable Lineups:<br /><u></u><br /><u>Orlando:</u><br /><br />C- Dwight Howard: We get to see our man-child grow another year. Sigh...they grow so fast!<br /><br />PF- Rashard Lewis: 8 billion dollar contracts and hype motivate people...right?<br /><br />SF- Hedo Turkoglu: Flip a coin and let's see if he is red hot or ice cold tonight!<br /><br />SG- Keith Bogans: Flex position should see a lot of changes, but Bogans has been working hard.<br /><br />PG- Jameer Nelson: Want that extension? How bad? (Dangles it above his head)<br /><br /><br /><u>Atlanta:</u><br /><br />C- Al Horford: Time to earn your stripes, rook. You get to play an All-Star in your first game.<br /><br />PF- Josh Smith: Looks like the monster from Young Frankenstein, but super talented.<br /><br />SF- Marvin Williams: Alright, he may never reach the lofty expectations, but he's improving.<br /><br />SG- Joe Johnson: The guy everyone will be looking at for scoring on the Hawks this season.<br /><br />PG- Speedy Claxton: Shifty guard who really has bizarre/wonderful team photo headshots.<br /><br /><br /><u>Key Thingamajigs To Watch:</u><br /><br />-JJ Redick's defense is the only thing keeping him out of being a starter. Will that improve, or will he just be one crappy DUI mugshot?<br /><br />-How will the combo of Dwight and Rashard (Or Dwashard for short) work in an actual game situation?<br /><br />-Who the F will rebound besides Dwight?<br /><br />-Will Carlos Arroyo or Keyon Dooling actually challenge for the starting PG spot? Jameer's agent might kill them with a shovel.<br /><br />-Hopefully all of our guys stay healthy, we see some promise out of our young guys (Gortat, Auggie), and some insight into who deserves that SG spot.<br /><br />Go Magic!Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-53711201889978190572007-10-05T12:40:00.001-04:002007-10-05T13:38:05.181-04:002007-08 NBA Pooptacular Preview: CENTRAL DIVISIONI'm excited for the Magic's first preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks like a schoolgirl who just found her first crisp 2 dollar bill under her pillow from the toothfairy.<br /><br />Alright, that analogy died about halfway through writing it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jenniefinch.net/images/pics3/lebron.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.jenniefinch.net/images/pics3/lebron.jpg" border="0" /></a>Still, the season is quickly approaching and that means it is time to continue the NBA Pooptacular Season Preview! This time, we'll be focusing on Lebron's Central Division.<br /><br />First, just to go through the daily Magic news, <a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071005/SPORTS/710050335/1002/SPORTS">JJ Redick is apparently doing well with his defense.</a> He better be, because Stan Van Gundy's hope for a defensive-minded guard make Trevor Ariza the favorite. I really hope that the D in DUI stands for "defense" so that JJ can play his way into the rotation. While my preference is still Ariza, I do worry about how much his shot has improved. We have a guy in JJ who is an amazing shooter and sucks and defense and another player in Ariza who is the exact opposite. I say we build a machine to combine them and call it a day. I'll leave that task up to you guys.<br /><br /><u>PREDICTED CENTRAL DIVISION STANDINGS:<br /></u><br /><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/chi.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand" height="114" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/chi.gif" border="0" /></a>1) Chicago Bulls</u><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br />Everyone and their mother is picking Cleveland to win this division, but those same people make their picks by looking at last year's standings. F' em, I say! Chicago is my pick to have the best record in the East because their promising young talent finally is clicking together. Gordon is good (albeit a bit streaky), but Deng is really the cool cat of the bunch with the all-star future. I kinda think that he looks like Hellboy with his exaggerated brow and wide smile. Anyone else? No? Well, alright then.</div><div><br /><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/det_3.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand" height="106" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/det_3.gif" border="0" /></a>2)Detroit Pistons</u> </div><div><br /><u></u>Detroit will never die, and since they are SOOOOO boring to watch I am going to silently hope for a big injury to one of their players. Perhaps Tayshaun Prince actually eats something for the first time in 10 years and it makes his insides explode? Maybe Rip Hamilton gets mistaken for Jason from Friday the 13th, or some other mask-wearer, and gets gunned down by the police? I don't know, but if someone would please break up this boring dynasty I would be very happy.</div><div><br /><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/cle_2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand" height="102" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/cle_2.gif" border="0" /></a>3)Cleveland Cavaliers</u></div><div><br /><u></u>This is one team that I think will experience a major downswing in wins. Lebron is amazing, but his supporting cast really overachieved last year and will come back to earth. Toss in the fact that Sideshow Bob (Varejao) could still leave and you have a possible recipe for disaster. This team and the Heat will be the subject of "biggest dissapointment" in multiple annoying Steven A. Smith segments on ESPN. Ugh...I'm dreading them already.</div><div><br /><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/mil_2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand" height="108" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/mil_2.gif" border="0" /></a>4)Milwakee Bucks</u> </div><div><br />Just how old IS Yi? A lot of people think he is actually in his mid-20s or older, but I will go even higher than that and say he is immortal. Why? Who else could have the power to refuse individual workouts against other players before the draft, post up a CHAIR for scouts, and still get drafted so high? I'm telling you that he is magical.<br />Besides Yi, this team is actually deceptively strong at a lot of positions, and they are a team that I am picking with an outside shot of making the playoffs. Redd, Mo Williams, Charlie Bell, Yi, Bogut...they have some firepower that could actually do something if it gels. The only thing that could ruin it is the soul-crushing crappiness of their team name.</div><div><br /><u><a href="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/ind.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" height="104" alt="" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/80x60/ind.gif" border="0" /></a>5)Indiana Pacers</u></div><br /><div>Speaking of crappy team names, the Indiana Pacers always struck me as a team with a minor league baseball name and logo. Unfortunately they are stuck with both since they've been around for so long and there really is nothing else you can use as a logo with such a bizarre ambiguous car name (maybe borrow that ugly horse with the muffler engines the Pistons had a while back?). This franchise and the Lakers have been my two least favorites over the year, so it's somewhat comforting to see them really struggling. Toss in the fact that they cut my boy Jasiki-VISCIOUS (I'm Lithuanian), have an upset Jermaine O'Neal, and little else and you have a team going down the standings at a quick...pace! Oh, what a delightful pun!</div><div> </div><div>More previews next week and updates will be posted as they happen. Have a great weekend everyone!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-49811576611524479332007-10-04T16:42:00.000-04:002007-10-04T17:15:41.098-04:00Magic Maybe Not Even Looking At Webber Or PJ?/Schmitz Says Magic Good With SVG/Random Stuff<a href="http://www.mediasavoie.com/images/internet_02.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.mediasavoie.com/images/internet_02.jpg" border="0" /></a>The fun thing about not having internet and going off of others' wireless networks? You are completely at the mercy of other people having their computers on! Fun, fun times are had by all as the blank webpage reads "Connection to the internet is not possible" all day. To make it even more enjoyable, Time Warner said they are unable to install television/internet in my new place until next Wednesday.<br /><br />There is almost too much joy to handle!<br /><br />Ah well, we'll keep today short because it's obviously already evening and nothing big seems to have come out today regarding the Magic. The only notable things came in HoopsWorld and Brian Schmitz's blog.<br /><br /><div>Hoopsworld is saying that the Magic likely won't pursue PJ Brown (no idea why) or Chris Webber (probably for the best). Hoopsworld has been wrong in the past, so I wouldn't take this as gospel but I would get read for a season with a whooooooole lotta FOYLE!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/thumbnails/columnist/2005-07/8741.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/media/thumbnails/columnist/2005-07/8741.jpg" border="0" /></a>In Schmitz's blog, <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2007/10/billy-d-would-h.html">he says that the Magic having Stan Van Gundy instead of Donovan will pay off better for the team in the end</a>. And...well...that's basically the article in a nutshell. I said the same thing about 4 months ago but I don't have a fancy moustache (which I will admit discredits me a bit).</div><br /><div><br /><div><br />With nothing really else to report, we will turn to some quick tidbits from my demented head: </div><br /><br /><div>-It's taking FOREVER to unpack in the new apartment, but there is a silver lining with this new place: The people who lived here beforehand left all of their outdoor furniture, which is super sweet because there is a table, grill, and other great stuff. If they try to come back for it I'm going to lie and say it all fell off of the terrace and smashed to smithereens...and then simultaneously combusted. Then I will feign an inability to understand English.</div><br /><div><br />-I just got the Athlon Sports NBA Preview guide and it has some interesting things I didn't know: The Ft. Myers Miracle, the Orlando area minor league baseball team, had "Billy Donovan Night" after he left the Magic in the lurch. They gave out free waffles to be ironic, and offered all fans the chance to leave and get their money back if they could convince the attorney they had at the stadium (no joke). Only one guy left. </div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/files/2006/11/1591-zach%20randolph.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/files/2006/11/1591-zach%20randolph.jpg" border="0" /></a>The guide also said Zach Randolph took off three games last year for bereavement over his girlfriend's cousin, who died 5 days earlier. On the third of his 3 games he missed, people spotted him at a strip club where he left without paying his $106 tab. Gotta love Zebo.</div><br /><br /><div>-Cam Cameron is simultaneously making this the funniest and worst season of Miami Dolphins football I have ever seen. So far, Ted Ginn hasn't started yet and seems like a waste. For those keeping count, the three players taken before AND after him are all starters for their teams. </div><br /><br /><div>-Before I left my old apartment to move I got on this weird kick where all I was watching was Survivorman and Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel. I have to say given the choice between the two, Survivorman is more authentic, but Man vs. Wild is SO much more entertaining in a silly Gordon Ramsey-esque way. I enjoy watching the guy eat live scorpions and describing what it tastes like in detail. Now THAT'S entertainment! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>More tomorrow if God wills the internet to be cooperative. </div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-36726740418425040762007-10-03T12:42:00.000-04:002007-10-03T13:52:46.701-04:00Back and Bloggin'I have online access again so the blogging will reconvene! <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://www.weatherby.info/shazam/generalrubbish/PirateDog.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.weatherby.info/shazam/generalrubbish/PirateDog.jpg" border="0" /></a>...Well, "online access" meaning that I totally don't have access at all, but opted to hop on to someone else's wireless network for a second. I should wear an eyepatch while I commit this unspeakable work of evil piracy. -Either that or do other pirate things like drink rum until I start to think manatees are hot and imagine them as mermaids. See, it's not all glamour, <em>Pirates of the Carribean</em> fans.</div><br /><div>Back to the subject at hand, a decent amount of info came out while I was killing myself with moving boxes.</div><br /><div><a href="http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/0a/00/44be6d53-00358-00195-400cb8e1"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://cdn.channel.aol.com/channels/0a/00/44be6d53-00358-00195-400cb8e1" border="0" /></a>First of all, as many of you heard <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mnotes0107oct01,0,1723733.story?track=rss">Chris Webber's agent expects the Magic to inquire about his client.</a> This sparked the usual internet frenzy of people wondering if Webber would come to the team that originally drafted him and traded his rights for Penny Hardaway. Practically hours after this came out, <a href="http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/48299/20071002/webber_says_no_to_greece_only_wants_to_be_a_piston/">Webber came out and said the only team he could see himself playing for was the Detroit Pistons.</a> You could hear the sound of Webber's agent smacking his forehead thousands of miles away, as an indication of interest in only one team is a negotiating no-no.</div><br /><div>Personally, I would be fine if Webber didn't come to Orlando. He wants a good amount of money and his legs are completely shot. On top of that, he doesn't seem to understand that his best days are behind him and that he doesn't command as much respect or clout as other players. If he wound up on our team, no doubt it would be a great pickup and would help, but it is also equally risky to pick up a player with injury concerns who is cocky (sleeping with Tyra Banks during her heyday will do that to you, so I don't fault him. While this is the case, sleeping with her now would be like doing it with one of the aformentioned manatees).</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.yaomingfanclub.com/images/gallery/05_03_15_vs_warriors.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.yaomingfanclub.com/images/gallery/05_03_15_vs_warriors.jpg" border="0" /></a>Let's see what else happened? Hmmm....Ah yes, <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic0307oct03,0,3991082.story?track=rss">Adonal Foyle said that he is looking forward to being the dirty player on the team</a>, the "guy in the trenches". He goes on to say he would take on the centers in the league, allowing Howard to abuse power forwards. In the article it says that Stan Van Gundy also is surprised at how good Foyle is offensively. </div><br /><div>I never thought I would say this, but Adonal Foyle's inclusion on the Magic is somehow proving to be as important as the Rashard Lewis signing. He was a super valuable safety net when Battie got injured, and sounds really eager to go out and murder some other teams wearing the Magic colors. I also am really encouraged to hear he has a mean streak since I thought last year's Magic (especially Dwight) were so soft out there that at times I thought they were trying to do ballet instead of basketball. FYI: Carlos Arroyo would look awful in a tutu, but surprisingly it would be an improvement for Pat Garrity.</div><br /><div><a href="http://pobladores.lycos.es/data/pobladores.com/an/dr/andros_drei/channels/streetball/images/3652899boozer.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://pobladores.lycos.es/data/pobladores.com/an/dr/andros_drei/channels/streetball/images/3652899boozer.jpg" border="0" /></a>In other news, <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mnotes0307oct03,0,2903385.story?track=rss">Stan Van Gundy has come into training camp with the hard-nosed approach that only two people on the team are guarenteed starting spots: Howard and Lewis.</a> Other people like Jameer Nelson and Hedo Turkoglu will have to fight to get into the starting lineup. Since I saw those two as our biggest underperformers last season, I took this news with a smile. You could almost see the situation develop like this:</div><br /><div><blockquote>Stan: Hey, Hedo. Get into the starting lineup in this practice.<br /><br />Hedo: Oh, I don't know coach. I think that weird phantom sickness of mine is acting up again...cough...cough...I better sit this one out (eats a handful of grapes).<br /><br />Stan: Fine with me. Don't let the splinters hurt your ass when you're sitting on the bench this season.<br /><br />Hedo: (Drops grapes) Wait, did I say sickness? I meant to say "Boy, I feel great." Let's play some basketball, heh heh...<br /></blockquote></div><br /><div>It's time to have a good evaluator of talent come in and assess what our team has, and Stan Van Gundy is looking like the right man for the job. Personally, and I know I'm in the minority here, I'd like to see Hedo coming off of the bench, Ariza starting, and JJ Redick spot-starting against players that won't kill him when he is playing defense. Hedo has quite a track record for making it into the starting lineup despite his inconsistency, so we'll see how it shakes out. <a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Spo...s/sptMAG01100307.htm">Stan says that right now Dooling has the advantage at point guard, since he actually speaks to his teammates when playing.</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/ppsl_gortatblog5_200.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/ppsl_gortatblog5_200.jpg" border="0" /></a>And lastly, Polish tall guy and <a href="http://orlandomagiczone.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8891029871/m/4621090044">Across the Universe fan </a>Marcin Gortat admitted that he is a bit overwhelmed in the Magic practices. This is no surprise as playing against Dwight is the equivalent of trying to catch a greased pig (or so the hicks say). More interesting and funny are Gortat's comments on America:</div><br /><div><blockquote>Gortat said he's also had to make a transition culturally. He did find a Polish restaurant near his home, but he's had to get used to "people being so nice to me." "I've had to learn to be more friendly and not so aggressive," he said with a chuckle. "American people are really nice. Everybody says to me, 'Hey, what's up?' And, 'have a nice day.' That doesn't happen much in Poland and you can forget about that happening in Germany.<br /><br />"Gortat recounted a story of going to a local movie theater recently and being floored by a random act of kindness. When the attendant asked how he was doing, Gortat ranted that he had a lousy day at practice and that he was tired. The attendant offered to super-size his popcorn and soda at medium prices.<br /></blockquote><br /></div><div>My goodness can we PLEASE make this into a movie? The idea of Marcin Gortat clotheslining and headbutting people on the street and then shrugging and saying "Sorry, that's the way we say thank you in Poland" is just too appealing. Toss in a scene where Gortat is sobbing about practice only to have his spirits lifted immeasurably by a super-sized popcorn and you have comedy gold. I say we get Vince Vaughn to shave his head, hop on stilts, and play this role right now!</div><br /><div>Glad to have internet back, albeit temporarily. Keep on checkin' in for updates and I'll see you on the flipside.</div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://upload.moldova.org/movie/actors/v/vince_vaughn/thumbnails/tn2_vince_vaughn_4.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-75974480523558387312007-09-30T22:46:00.001-04:002007-09-30T23:17:09.453-04:00Moving Day(s)!<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://users.adelphia.net/~jeffmcmillen/images/uhaul1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Yes, your old friend Black and Blue is moving on Monday. I am heading to the Central Park West part of New York City from the Upper East Side of NYC. For those of you readers who have no friggin' clue what the hell I'm talking about because you don't know Manhattan (and for those of you Native Americans who are still smarting over losing the island for a handful of trinkets), Central Park West is retardedly gorgeous and a ruffian like myself really has no business being lucky enough to live there. <a href="http://static.dailymotion.com/dyn/preview/320x240/941122.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://static.dailymotion.com/dyn/preview/320x240/941122.jpg" border="0" /></a>Me living there is the equivalent of that scene in the Beastie Boys' "Fight for your right to party" video when the snobs are having a nice party and they come in by kicking the door down. -but, you know, with more gold chains.</div><br /><div>For you see, if New York were a menu, Central Park West would be the lobster with 14k gold claws. If New York were a high school, CPW would be the cheerleader who every guy wanted to get with and did modeling/amateur porn on the side. If New York were rather insignificant injuries, CPW would be the rotator cuff injury requiring season ending surgery and leaving your team with a huge friggin' hole at the Power Forward position. -you know, figuratively. </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.shirtrocker.com/catalog/20069765_tp_29_1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.shirtrocker.com/catalog/20069765_tp_29_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Long story short, like Ron Burgandy, I...don't know how to put this....but....it's kind of a big deal.</div><br /><div>In fact, friends and family have been trying to figure out what could be wrong with this new place, it's so nice and is in my price range. Most are betting that it is ghosts, but there is a good chance that it's just in the same building as Stephon Marbury or something (aka fucked).</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.bustedtees.com/images/collarup.artwork.white.product_artwork.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.bustedtees.com/images/collarup.artwork.white.product_artwork.jpg" border="0" /></a>One thing I promise you readers is that although I am moving to a nice area, I will NOT become a collar-popping asshole. If you have been unlucky, like me (I have been SUPER unlucky going to college in Connecticut) you have come into contact with one of these monstrosities. They look down on poorer people. They dress in pastel colored pink, neon orange, and plaid pants. They most likely drone on about their yacht, and have bizarre parted haircuts. They use "Summer" as a verb (such as "I summer on Nantucket") and have at least one biological relative named Muffy. </div><br /><div>Yeah, that won't be me. I will be the guy controlling the collar-popping douchebag population though careful hunting and, if it is profitable enough, taxidermy.</div><br /><div>Wow, this was a pretty long entry to essentially say there WON'T be an entry for a little while because my internet won't be shut on in the new place. Anyhoo, as soon as I get internet again this week I wil have much to say about the goings on in the NBA and with the Magic. For now, catch ya later.</div><div> </div><div>B&B</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-60817074046505009162007-09-27T13:12:00.000-04:002007-09-27T15:55:24.347-04:002007-08 NBA Pooptacular Preview: Southeast Conference<a href="http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/images/big_slides/r_cuff.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.peterjurek.com/rbv_site/images/big_slides/r_cuff.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left"><u>UPDATE:</u> Ohhhhhhhhhh no. Being the jinx that I am, as soon as I posted that the Magic would win the Southeast it comes out that Tony Battie has a torn rotator cuff!</div><div align="left">All I can say is: "Stan and Otis, you mentioned that you wanted to play "small ball" with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. It would appear your chance has come."</div><div align="left">All we, as Magic fans, can hope for is getting Chris Webber for cheap or trading for someone like Kirilenko (doubtful).<br /></div><div align="center"><u></u></div>------------------------------------------------<br /><div align="center"><u></u></div><br /><div align="center"><u>SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE PREVIEW</u></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.terra.com/addon/img/deportes/baloncesto/nba/1424bd4arenas130p.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" height="228" alt="" src="http://www.terra.com/addon/img/deportes/baloncesto/nba/1424bd4arenas130p.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since tomorrow is going to be a bit nuts for me, and since the NBA is only a month away, I thought it seemed like a good time to kick off the big NBA season preview! Where else would I start, but the Magic's own Southeast division.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Before I start, I should point out that according to <a href="http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/">Brian Schmitz's Orlando Magic blog, the Sporting News has come out with its NBA preview</a>. As many of you already know, the Sporting News is one of the few publications I put a lot of stock in. Their writers usually are accomplished, and they aren't awful homers like Bill Simmons or...well...me. I was greatly looking forward to seeing how they rated the offseason moves and how the teams would stack up this upcoming season.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Well, let's cut the suspense short: They see the Magic as the second best team in the Southeast conference, after the Wizards. The Heat ranked a close third behind us with the Bobcats and Hawks following up. Even the crap publications seem to have the same thing.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>This got me thinking about how our team stacked up in the grand scheme of things in the Southeast (otherwise known as the 'wait...the Hawks and Bobcats are in the division?' division). Here is how I see it goin' down:</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong><u>PREDICTED SOUTHEAST DIVISION STANDINGS:</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>1) <strong><u>Orlando Magic</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://localareawatch.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/orlando_magic_logo.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" height="149" alt="" src="http://localareawatch.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/orlando_magic_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yes, yes, yes. Call me a homer. Call me blind. Call me anything you would like, but the fact of the matter is that the Magic (with their hiring of Stan Van Gundy and signings of Rashard Lewis, Adonal Foyle, and Marcin Gortat) have improved the makeup of their team more than any other team in the Southeast this offseason. On top of that, they don't have age concerns and their outgoing players were either chronically injured (Hill) or backups (Darko) last season. Not too shabby. Last year only 4 games seperated the top team in the division from the 3rd best team, so such improvement to the roster and coaching of the team is significant. Toss in the fact that the offensive system is changing to suit the younger players better, Grant Hill being gone allows the team can achieve continuity and familiarity on offense (without having to worry if he is healthy), and the lofty expectations and you have a team that will narrowly edge out the competition this season. Now I will retire to my castle before you storm it with pitchforks.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>2)<strong><u>Washington Wizards</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://logo.szuper.info.hu/pic/logo/w/washington_wizards_57712.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://logo.szuper.info.hu/pic/logo/w/washington_wizards_57712.jpg" border="0" /></a>They say to predict the future you look to the past. Well, if that's any indication then the Wizards will be sitting atop the division. This team was surging last year behind Gilbert Arenas and only came back to earth when he got injured. The problem is that the team sat on their hands this offseason while other teams in their divisions made a splash in the market. Gilbert and company will still be a force to be reckoned with, but with Arenas getting his body back in shape following a season-ending injury, the big man situation looking increasingly iffy, and a franchise biting its fingernails to hope Agent Zero returns next season this is by no means an invincible team. Don't get me wrong, they will be really good, make the playoffs, and contend early...but I see them waning as their season progresses and other improved teams like Boston, Orlando, and Charlotte start to gel. This one will come down to the wire between the Wiz and Magic.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>3)<strong><u>Miami Heat*</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.eurobasket.lt/images/teams/logos/heat_logo.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" height="199" alt="" src="http://www.eurobasket.lt/images/teams/logos/heat_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a>This prediction could still change drastically because the Heat are scrambling to make a move before training camp opens. I threw a Barry Bonds asterisk on it because depending on who they get they could jump up the standings. For now, they are what they are, in Popeye terms: A team build around Dwayne Wade, with a nursing home of players around him. I maintain that this is one of the more fun teams to watch simply because of Antoine "Black Brando" Walker. Antoine's inability to dribble, shoot, and (at times) clutch the ball into his hands without throwing it wildly out of bounds is one of my favorite things about the NBA. He is like the Charlie Brown of the league, and it is only a matter of time before D.Wade and Shaq hold him down and beat him with soap like that guy in Full Metal Jacket.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>4)<strong><u>Charlotte Bobcats</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.tweakyourpage.com/Images/Sports_Logos/NBA/images/Charlotte-Bobcats-logo.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand" height="147" alt="" src="http://www.tweakyourpage.com/Images/Sports_Logos/NBA/images/Charlotte-Bobcats-logo.jpg" border="0" /></a>This franchise could win multiple championships, reinvent the NBA, become "America's team" and I will STILL laugh about how silly their logo and colors are. -And I'm a Marlins fan! This team improved significantly with the acquisition of Jason Richardson and seem to be pointed in the right direction under Michael Jordan (I know, I can't believe I typed that either). They still have a ways to go since they finished 16 games under .500 last year, but no doubt they will be poised to play giant-killer to lot of teams expecting last years' Bobcats. Sam Vincent could sleep through all of the games and they still would probably improve their record by 7 games. I salute Vincent for being this year's "guy who is going to be at the right place at the right time" with Doc Rivers following closely behind.</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>5)<strong><u>Atlanta Hawks</u></strong></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/hawks/jerseypr_062107_1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/hawks/jerseypr_062107_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Josh Smith and Joe Johnson might as well be on a deserted island. -At least on a deserted island they could get some help from coconuts. This franchise absolutely loves drafting Power Forwards, and although getting Al Horford in this past year's draft was a smart move, it showed the world that Atlanta regrets getting Sheldon Williams the year before. Acie Law is still probably going to need time to get up to speed, so this team is almost certainly going to be relegated to the lottery again. On the bright side, they got shiny new uniforms which (despite what people say) are more often than not good for team morale. The logo, on the other hand, is crummy and they should just change it to the secondary logo that looks like a cardinal.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That's it for now. More NBA preview fun in the weeks to come. Tomorrow is going to be something of an extended weekend for me, so no new posts until Monday. I'll update if anything major happens (KEEP THAT BROKEN HAND HEALTHY, REDICK!).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have a great weekend everyone.</div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-32816393381645370452007-09-26T12:02:00.000-04:002007-09-26T13:15:53.238-04:00JJ Redick's Brother Gives Me A New Slogan Idea<a href="http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~kjbailey/jj%20redick.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~kjbailey/jj%20redick.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last summer was pretty tough on JJ Redick as he had a bunch of back problems right as he was making the difficult transition to the NBA.<br /><br />Now, just when JJ Redick thought he <em>might</em> have a summer that wasn't full of drama, September rolled around.<br /><br />In addition to having to heal up his broken hand, <a href="http://www.local6.com/news/14198931/detail.html">JJ Redick's former girlfriend is now pressing charges against his brother, David Redick</a>. Vanessa Lopez, a woman who I guess dated Redick during his wild, swinging days at Duke, said that David Redick called her repeatedly and said, "You will be sought after, and you should be scared."<br /><br />I am not one to advocate this sort of behavior. I had a girl stalk me at one point, and let me tell you it was exactly the opposite of awesome. David Redick sounds like he is something of a loser if this is true, which is no surprise since the younger brother who has to eternally live in his brother's shadow usually winds up messed up (I think about 90% of prisons are just chock full of these guys).<br /><br />That said, I have to say that David Redick's comments completely blow the Orlando Magic's slogan for the upcoming season out of the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.artybees.co.nz/bizarre-book-images/why-craft-fairs-are-scarry-and-crimes-in-the-kitchen/be-bold-with-bananas.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" height="207" alt="" src="http://www.artybees.co.nz/bizarre-book-images/why-craft-fairs-are-scarry-and-crimes-in-the-kitchen/be-bold-with-bananas.jpg" border="0" /></a>While <u>"The Time Is Now: Be Bold, Be Blue"</u> has a certain level of swagger and charm to it, you really won't see many people reacting to it. The closest they will come is probably a cracked-out <span style="TEXT-DECORATION: line-through">Eddie Griffin</span> Ricky Davis saying, "Yo, so this year the Magic think their time is now, or some crap. Whatever." Also, the whole "Be bold" thing is used by nearly every advertising campaign, including pots containing bananas and human excrement apparently (left). <div><div><div></div><div>I think that the Magic should adopt David Redick's slogan. In fact, I am making that the official slogan of the 2007-08 Magic henceforth on this website:</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><u>"The 2007-08 Orlando Magic: You will be sought after, and you should be scared."</u></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>BAM! How much punch does that pack? Ricky Davis just dropped his blunt and shat himself. I think if we had more of ballsy, intimidating slogan like that people would start to actually acknowledge this forgotten franchise. Even if we stunk, the sportswriters would have a field day with it and the team would get publicity. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know it would never happen, but I can still dream.</div><div><br /></div><div>-More than that, I can use the slogan on this website...where dreams become a reality. (cue tinkerbell flying over your computer and flashing you).</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114562036415832338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp5EouK_zBPJBjhcQQQ-E8doKaX3Odzdlitl0AMpJMl8tVhC74WkYZJVEfZENf5UQEBYkX7_lOb-qQaqQtNHnsJ6tcPqStZb25S-B6ZP9MiFYUvT1dz4KJlVikrzfKhXbZWTdviCxWT0F/s320/magiclogo.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div></div></div>Anyone can feel free to use the above image as a signature pic on their message board profile...actually you guys can use pretty much anything on my blog for your own personal use, because I really am too lazy to care about such things.Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-77221612418518287722007-09-25T11:14:00.001-04:002007-09-25T11:58:09.871-04:00NBA Season Coming Soon...Time For NBA.Com To Actually Write Stuff<div><div><div><div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="91" alt="" src="http://www.hoopsvibe.com/IMG/b_NBA_Trash_Talk_b_I_Volume_XII_I-arton21364-240x240.jpg" border="0" />The NBA season is a little over a month away, and now that the hype surrounding the beginning of the NFL season has died a bit, writers are starting to slowly and quietly turn their attention to basketball. </div><br /><div>To hop off topic for a second, I have to briefly talk about the fact that the NFL has COMPLETELY taken the "America's pasttime" title from baseball. These days it is actually a bit hard to find a person who lists baseball as their favorite sport, and if you do find someone they will inevitably be a Yankees or Red Sox fan (or another one of the 5 teams who actually have the money to compete), and thus they are insufferable. As a Marlins fan, I have enjoyed watching my team win two world series in my lifetime, but also maintain my dignity and overly manly demeanor. I can chop trees down with my mind and once tied Chuck Norris in ping pong.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bill_walton_sirius_satellite_radio.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" height="218" alt="" src="http://www.orbitcast.com/archives/bill_walton_sirius_satellite_radio.jpg" border="0" /></a>Anyhoo, getting back on topic...NBA hype is one of the best parts of the fall. As soon as you start seeing orange jack-o-lanterns, you can count on seeing similarly-shaped orange basketballs. Once you see the leaves changing, you know you will soon hear Bill Walton's bizarre goofy voice yelling "Throw it DOWN, big man!" and hawking NBA league pass with the horrifically bad actor Richard Jefferson (Stephon Marbury might be the best actor in the NBA simply because he is legally insane. Sorry to break it to you, Ray Allen).</div><br /><div>One such example of the public mindset slowwwwwly starting to look at the NBA is that NBA.com has published previews of all of their NBA teams, <a href="http://www.nba.com/fantasy/draft_kit/teampreview_orl.html">including their look at the Orlando Magic. </a>The article says a lot of stuff we already know, but have some input into the team's most interesting camp battle:</div><div><br /><blockquote><a href="http://images.news14.com/media/2006/6/13/images/01__jj_redick_mug.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.news14.com/media/2006/6/13/images/01__jj_redick_mug.jpg" border="0" /></a>The team will also look for big things this year from Trevor Ariza and J.J.<br />Redick, who will rotate at the shooting guard position...<br /><br />Trevor Ariza and J.J. Redick should see a boost in minutes this year and<br />will likely rotate as the starter at shooting guard. Ariza and Redick will be<br />fighting for about 40 minutes between the two of them at the position, with the<br />starter seeing about 20-25 minutes and the backup getting about 15-20 as well.<br />Ariza can play some forward due to his size, so he should find some extra<br />minutes there when the team wants to go small and run.<br /></blockquote></div><br /><div>The article goes on to state that they see Ariza as the starting shooting guard over Redick, and Battie ultimately starting at PF over Hedo Turkoglu. As I've written in the past, these are my picks at the position so good to see things leaning in that direction.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Catching_Up_With_the_Players-237351-800.html">NBA.com also had interviews with all of the Magic players</a>, including Torrell Martin, Kevin Kruger, and Bo Outlaw, about their offseasons. Since it was NBA.com, they were largely the typical fluff questions like "Did you go on vacation?" and "Do you like your new coach?", but some people had interesting things to say:</div><br /><div><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.nba.com/media/act_trevor_ariza.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/act_trevor_ariza.jpg" border="0" /></a>Q: What did you do for your off-season workouts?<br />Trevor Ariza: "Shooting, shooting, and more shooting."<br /><br />Q: How is the hand?<br />JJ Redick: "The hand is good. I am still doing rehab and getting it ready<br />for camp, but I'm resting it now so I will be ready come training camp."<br /><br />Q: What did you do for your off-season workouts?<br />Tony Battie: "I did a lot. I changed my diet and slimmed down a little bit.<br />I lost some weight and did a lot of conditioning. I did abdominal workouts and<br />some core training. I worked hard this summer because I want to prolong my<br />career. Keeping my knees and legs strong is going to play a big role in<br />that."<br /></blockquote></div><br /><div>So come this season, we should expect a healthy Redick, a more lean Battie, and Ariza to have a better jump shot to complement his athleticism. Not bad.</div><br /><div>I'll be sure to post more news as it comes in, and hopefully we get some more team previews. With every preview and interview there is something learned, and for now there aren't any red flags going up. </div><br /><div>I leave you with this: Is this really the best photo NBA.com could get of James Augustine? My guess is yes.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.nba.com/media/magic/Augustine_200_cuw_092407.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-5615671273165459372007-09-24T10:41:00.000-04:002007-09-24T11:01:42.577-04:00The World Wants To Know!...Should We Give Jameer The Extension?Well, Jameer Nelson is doing what most free agents do: Indicating his interest to stay with his current team.<br /><div><div><div><a href="http://i.tsn.com/i/o/cbasketball/preview/jameer_nelson.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i.tsn.com/i/o/cbasketball/preview/jameer_nelson.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/48152/20070923/jameer_nelson_wants_to_stay_in_orlando/">Jameer said yesterday that he wants to stay with the Magic</a>, and that he is happy with his role here. This would have been all well and good if the inevitable free agent speak didn't pop out afterwards, with him proclaiming that "business is business". I have yet to hear a classier way of saying "Show me the moneyyyyy!" The bottom line is that Nelson wants to be paid like a starting point guard who is also the leader for his team. -The problem is that last year Nelson wasn't exactly stellar in either of those roles, finishing the year with lackluster stats and presiding over a team implosion.</div><br /><div>Some players use adversity to their advantage, and Nelson has indicated that the much-publicized death of his father will allow him to have a career year. While this is a neat prospect, one thing that keeps drumming in the back of my mind is the fact that many scouts saw Nelson in college as a player who didn't have much potential for growth and would be a career backup. Right now those scouts are lighting up cigars with how right their assessments seemed to be (Note: I have no idea if scouts live a very plush life, following kid basketball players around, so cigars might be a stretch. Maybe they smoke something more spartan like rolled up newspaper...)</div><br /><div><a href="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060331/nelson_77155.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060331/nelson_77155.jpg" border="0" /></a>The problem with Nelson's contract negotiations lie in the fact that the Magic still can't properly evaluate his value to the team. There is going to be a new offensive system in place, as well as a second scorer to (hopefully) take the scoring burden off of Nelson's shoulders. In addition, Nelson was up and down all season long and the team has to decide if he is the leader who can be counted on to take the final shot or just a backup who happens to start on a team.</div><br /><div>Personally, after last season I am pretty skeptical. I was not a huge fan out of what I saw with Nelson, especially when I watched him play live. He has a penchant for driving to the basket without an idea of what his options are around him. This causes him to drive into the lane and run right back out again, passing wildly for someone to bail him out. It got so bad last year, that my friends and I named the move I described above "The Nelson". Many Magic-Nets games were punctuated with gaggles of cheers, "He's doing The Nelson! He's doing it! Wow, look at Dwight Howard roll his eyes!"</div><br /><div>For this reason I hope Otis Smith sticks to his guns and actually sees how Jameer does this upcoming season before giving him an extension and indicating to the team that he will be a vital cog in our future plans. There are just too many question marks to jump the gun in my opinion.</div><div> </div><div>Also, if Nelson winds up snubbing a future offer from us it won't be such huge news. -Not like he went back to coach Florida or anything...<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.realgm.com/images/nba/4.2/wiretap/photos/2006/Nelson_Jameer_orl_051031.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-55817339963778259752007-09-21T11:13:00.000-04:002007-09-21T12:31:29.613-04:00Do We Try To Get THE SCARECROW?!<a href="http://www.monteisom.com/html_port/athletesa/aa_images/kirilenko.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.monteisom.com/html_port/athletesa/aa_images/kirilenko.jpg" border="0" /></a>Many of you know him by a common nickname: AK-47. <div><div><div><br /><div>I know him by a slightly different name: The Scarecrow.</div><br /><div>Yes, ladies and gents, with the NBA season only about a month away there are are still rumors of big name players moving. This time, the subject of these rumors is Andrei Kirilenko. Apparently, <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_6956867">Kirilenko has been running off at the mouth about how much he wants out of Utah</a>, saying he will take a pay cut and play for a horrible team if need be. This lit up basically every fan in the NBA with the hopes that their team could add him to their roster.</div><br /><div>Magic fans were no exception. Faster than you could say, "Hey, let's trade for Shawn Marion!" trades were being batted around that could land Andrei in Orlando. While many people looking on will say "this is nuts...no way Utah trades AK-47 for nothing", the Magic actually could be contenders for his services should Otis Smith deem it so. The Magic have a lot of expiring deals to dangle, more than most teams can match, and they also have one thing that Utah covets: JJ Redick.</div><br /><div><a href="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/shure145/redick.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 194px" height="263" alt="" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/shure145/redick.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is no secret that Utah would have taken Redick in the draft had Orlando not gotten there first. Sloan is a sucker for white guys, gobbling up players like Stockton and Hornacek like they were candy (white m&ms perhaps). Also, the Magic could conceivably throw Turkoglu into a deal or, should Utah want a big man, Tony Battie. On TOP of this, Utah needs some cash to toss around to resign Deron Williams...so there actually would be someone who wants Pat Garrity's expiring deal. </div><br /><div>I thought I would never write that last sentence, but there it is.</div><br /><div>In return, the Magic would get a player who could really compliment Dwight well and give the team a well rounded presence at PF. Replacing Darko with Kirilenko would be like replacing a dirty diaper with a new one, but with more hair gel. Some say the Magic are one piece away from being a top team in the East, and this would have to be that opportunity.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.hillcity-comics.com/toys/hush_scarecrow.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.hillcity-comics.com/toys/hush_scarecrow.jpg" border="0" /></a>That being said, there are MANY knocks against Kirilenko. He is injured a lot. He is rail thin so he gets knocked around by more physical players. He is coming off of a year that can only be described as 'a disaster and a half'. He seems to be a bit emotionally unstable, having cried in one interview last year and now by badmouthing his team. There are a lot of things to consider, but ultimately he would be a major upgrade at our PF position over anyone who has been there alongside Dwight.</div><br /><div><a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/basketball/nba/10/29/bc.bkn.jazz.kirilenko.ap/p1_kirilenko.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/basketball/nba/10/29/bc.bkn.jazz.kirilenko.ap/p1_kirilenko.jpg" border="0" /></a>Going back to that whole 'nickname' thing I mentioned at the beginning of the article, I truly enjoy calling Andrei "The Scarecrow". When I first saw him play, I blurted out "Who is THAT?!" to a party of onlookers watching the game. My friends told me that the guy's name was Kirilenko, and that he was some super skinny shooter from Russia. Seeing as how my favorite character from Batman has always been The Scarecrow, I was amazed to find this perfect casting choice in front of me. "He's thin. His chin is pointy. He is pretty damn creepy looking...Goodness gracious this guy is perfect for the role of Scarecrow from Batman!" To this day, whenever anyone mentions the movie Batman Begins, I shake my head that they went with the casting choice of Cillian Murphy over Kirilenko. What a shame.</div><br /><div>Whether the Magic get The Scarecrow or choose to stick with their current team, I like their chances this year. Hopefully Otis inquires about his availability because it could really benefit the team. </div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-80299447183103800972007-09-20T11:58:00.000-04:002007-09-20T12:48:01.185-04:00Fantasy Basketball Time!/Sportswriters Like Magic?<a href="http://66.197.194.214/image/icon_basketball2.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://66.197.194.214/image/icon_basketball2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy">Fantasy basketball is here</a>! Yahoo officially opened up the floodgates to yet another season of tears, cheers, and jeers. <div><div><div><br /><div>While I usually choke in the playoffs in fantasy football (damn injuries), and really couldn't give a crap about fantasy baseball (I love the Marlins...so you can understand my disinterest), I usually either win or come in second in all of my fantasy basketball leagues. I'd like to brag that it is superior intelligence or some other load of crap that helps me win, but it really just comes down to one thing in the regular season: paying attention to injuries. With so many games over a season, players are constantly in and out of the lineup. If you actally take the 2 seconds to check the status of your players, you'll probably wind up in the playoffs. It sounds boneheaded, but it's just that simple. Once you get into the playoffs, it's all about having players on your team that play a LOT of games in that given week.</div><br /><div>There, my secret is out of the bag. I have easily just ushered in a decade of losing seasons now that those people in my leagues have read that. </div><br /><div>Ah well, win or lose it is just great. My friends and I have already created a fantasy basketball league for this upcoming season. As many of you know, picking a good team name is always the hardest and most fun part. I decided to stay topical and name it "Adonal Foyle's Poetry", with my smack talk being one of his poems:<br /></div><div><blockquote><a href="http://www.newhope-grief.org/teengrief/images/poetry.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.newhope-grief.org/teengrief/images/poetry.jpg" border="0" /></a>"I miss the cocks that shout out loud. Arise, arise you wretched sloth."<br /></blockquote></div><div>I sense good things for this team.</div><br /><div>In other news, it looks like the sports analysts are actually starting to like the Magic now that the NBA season nears. <a href="http://orlandomagiczone.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8891029871/m/4501057534">"Ball Junkie" on the Orlando Magic Message Boards </a>presented us with the news that David Thorpe on ESPN likes our chances:</div><div><br /><blockquote><a href="http://imgs.idnes.cz/nba/A050601_OT_STAN_VAN_GUNDY_V.JPG"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://imgs.idnes.cz/nba/A050601_OT_STAN_VAN_GUNDY_V.JPG" border="0" /></a>MagicDonJuan ( Mia,FL): Long time Orlando fan living in Miami...How strong<br />do you think Orlando will be, and do you think we have have done enough to give<br />us a chance at taking the Southeast division and finishing in the top 4....<br /><br />David Thorpe: Pretty strong, mostly due to SVG. Yes, and yes. But it won't<br />be easy. The east is deep and lots of parity. Health will be a major factor.<br /></blockquote></div><br /><div>And Ball Junkie also points out that John Hollinger, the guy who has been bashing the Magic all summer long after they acquired Rashard Lewis, had good things to say for once on Chad Ford's Daily Dish. Chad asked which team had improved the most after all of the summer moves and Hollinger actually said the Orlando Magic. He went on to say Orlando was young, had a lot of players coming into their prime, and that Adonal Foyle is really gonna help the team win. More than anything, Hollinger seems to really like Stan Van Gundy and thinks his defensive-minded approach will help the team succeed.</div><br /><div><a href="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0711/nba_a_rashard_275.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0711/nba_a_rashard_275.jpg" border="0" /></a>This turnaround doesn't really surprise me. Although a lot of teams did get better in the Eastern Conference, it is STILL the EAST and any team can really win it. The Cavs won it last year and every sportswriter had written them off as a team that was too one-dimensional to go anywhere. The Magic fortified their team in a few positions and got a really great coach, so ignoring that wouldn't be logical. On top of this, it would appear that the initial hatred over Rashard Lewis' hefty contract has subsided and people are actually starting to objectively scrutize the roster. While the team's lineup isn't perfect, it certainly is full of players that are capable of becoming something special if coached correctly.</div><br /><div>Hopefully the good vibes continue. Orlando doesn't get as much press as other teams, so I fully expect the NBA season previews to be pretty harsh on them due to a lack of homework. As long as the team's players and organization have their chins up and stay optimistic, it should be clear sailing to the playoffs.</div></div></div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4299043369682981256.post-21085187851992265412007-09-19T14:13:00.000-04:002007-09-19T14:38:23.580-04:00Magic Promotions Announced<a href="http://aol.nba.com/magic/promotions/promotions_011112.html">The Magic released their list of giveaways and theme nights for next season</a>. <a href="http://aol.nba.com/media/magic/0708giveaway_stuffsoap.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://aol.nba.com/media/magic/0708giveaway_stuffsoap.jpg" border="0" /></a>Topping the list of neat giveaways is a figure of Dwight Howard doing the sticker dunk from last season's All Star game and a Trevor Ariza autograph night. Rounding out the bottom of the list is a "Stuff Soap Dispenser". I love our demented-looking mascot as much as anyone, but this is just a horrible idea. Adults are the only people really to get excited by the prospect of a soap dispenser, and most of them would not want a Stuff one in their home. As for kids, they like Stuff the Magic Dragon, but it is not such a fun thing to play with a soap dispenser. Couple in the fact that this "toy" will cause little kids to chug soap and you have a bona fide failure (or success, if the Orlando Magic organization's objective is to murder children).<br /><div><br /><div>If I had to pick one night to attend, it would have to be the game on March 15th. This, dear <a href="http://www.njweedman.com/get_jesus.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.njweedman.com/get_jesus.jpg" border="0" /></a>readers, is "Gospel Night/Bahamas Night". I have NO idea how in the world they are going to marry these two things into one night, but it most definitely will be worth checking out. Maybe a rastafarian Jesus mascot? Perhaps a gospel choir dressed only in bathing suits? -Or maybe they go the safe route and will let you in for free if you have a crucifix and can sing the 4 opening lines of Bob Marley's "Get up, stand up" (I know Bob Marley is Jamaican, but this is nothing but a technicality to Magic brass). Either way, whomever approved the schedule with that on it had something in mind and it's killing me to find out.</div></div>Jordan Gearyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05634968515546955261noreply@blogger.com0