Less talk, more post work…
Dwight Howard has recently had a quiet word with coach Stan Van Gundy regarding his negativity. Ok, I get it. When Stan yells, everyone feels a little sensitive.. I can understand that. I think it's a little soft that these players are upset with being asked to perform tasks that reap them millions of dollars, albeit with a raised voice... but I get it. I've moved on.
The thing I can't understand in Orlando is why the hell Dwight Howard only gets 5 field goal attempts in a game against the Miami Heat???!?!
Who is going to stop Howard in the post?
That is... if he has any moves down there.
As Ryan said to me earlier today:
"He’s very mechanical in the post. The only move he has from the block is a spinning jump hook into the middle of the lane.
He is pretty good when he gets the ball just inside the elbow coz he can take one hard dribble and just elevate. His quickness lets him get past most opponents when they do that, but he can rack up offensive fouls doing it so they don’t go to it often.
That’s my 2c on it anyway."
Orlando need more of this...
I have to agree, as I've not seen too much in the way of a post-move repertoire from Howard. But there's one thing that is certain, Orlando will not get too far with their current three-point barrage and no inside presence. The game against Miami on Wednesday night saw Howard take 5 of the teams 77 field goal attempts. That is just stupid.
I'm not sure if it's the coaching philosophy or maybe Dwight's lack of confidence, but it cannot continue if the Magic want to emulate last season's success.
So far this season, (after 15 games) Dwight Howard has taken 133 of the teams 1174 shots, that is just over 11%. Other big men across the league are taking a lot more shots and at a higher percentage...
- Chris Bosh - 269 shots at 20.7% of team shots
- Dirk Nowitzki - 302 shots at 23.8$ of team shots
- Andrew Bynum - 164 shots at 13.3% of team shots
- Jermaine O'Neal - 135 shots at 12.3% of team shots
- Tim Duncan - 145 shots at 13.8% of team shots
You get the idea. Basically, all of these players are getting more shots than Dwight Howard. Even Andrew Bynum and Jermaine O'Neal!
It's not even about how many they make, it's just that they are a preferred option to score on their team. If Dwight Howard is to become the "great" big man that everyone seems to think he will, then he needs to develop a post game and then convince his team/coach to get him the ball. Or maybe it's the other way around?
Less talk, more post work.
Cleveland Steamrollers!
Here at 2SOTH we'd like to give a warm welcome to the Cleveland Cavaliers who arrived, albeit 7 games late, for season 09/10 last night. I for one am not getting too carried away, as the Cavs will have to do a lot more than this to convince everyone that their early season form has been nothing but a minor hiccup. But it was nice to see them back in full flight.
The Cavaliers were led well by the incredible LeBron James and the often criticised Mo' Williams. The ball movement for Cleveland was impeccable, Shaq dominated Dwight Howard inside and Orlando was forced into way too many mid-range jump shots. The three-ball was dead, which is always a massive problem for the Magic.
Orlando looked flat all night and Dwight Howard looked as though he was more interested in convincing the crowd he was right about criticizing the referees recently than actually winning the game. Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter played really well but were the only bright sparks for Orlando. Brandon Bass almost looked as though he was scared to make an open layup at one stage. It's safe to assume he was thinking more about LeBron trailing him than making the shot himself.
Dwight Howard was determined... to whinge in Orlando last night.
The most impressive thing I saw all game from Cleveland was their ball movement and their seemingly endless patience on offense. Runner-up in the impressive stakes was the Cavs smothering defense. They chose when to double-team Howard and Carter really well and left Orlando searching for answers often.
Once again Orlando's three-ball party went missing and they were beaten badly. Don't let the box score fool you, they were done before halftime.
No three's equals no Orlando it seems.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Paul Pierce kills Bulls on Halloween
The Celtics rolled to a 28 point victory over the Bulls at home today as their hot start to season 09/10 continues. In scenes reminiscent of the C's strong start last season, the Celtics dominated throughout the game, with Paul Pierce scoring 20 points in the third quarter to completely ensure victory.
Paul Pierce, 3rd quarter killer
The Lakers are also looking strong with Bynum especially active on both ends, which adds significantly to their defensive ability over last year. Orlando too look to have taken a leap with the additions of Brandon Bass, Vince Carter and Jason Williams. Let's hope Cleveland and San Antonio sort themselves out after their rocky offensive starts to the season so we have some real depth to that upper crust, because at the moment it's looking thinner than the paper skeleton hanging on my wall.
Lakers & Celtics… 16-0?
In the midst of everyone foolishly losing their collective minds regarding Cleveland's shaky start, plus the fact I'm not a big fan of Orlando, I thought I'd do some day-dreaming...
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics are potentially poised to break a 15 year old record this year. The record is for the best undefeated start to a season. The record is 15-0 and it is co-held by the Washington Capitols in 1948–49 and the Houston Rockets in the 1993–94 season.
When you look at both teams' schedules for the first 16 games, there are a couple of danger games but nothing that would suggest it's impossible for Boston and/or LA to claim the prize.
First we have the Celtics, who are playing some great Basketball already this season and look extremely deep and talented. Of the first 16 games, the Celtics have already taken care of the Cavaliers quite brutally in Cleveland and have quite a favorable run. Currently sitting at a perfect 2-0, lets take a look at their schedule for the next 14 games:
- Chicago
- New Orleans
- @ Philadelphia
- @ Minnesota
- Phoenix
- @ New Jersey
- Utah
- Atlanta
- @ Indiana
- Golden State
- Orlando
- @ New York
- Philadelphia
- Toronto
Of the games shown here, there are obvious danger games. For example the Toronto, Orlando, New Orleans & Chicago games will be tough. But they're all home games! There is a genuine chance for Boston to go 16-0 to start the season.
Now let's take a look at the Lakers schedule for the next 15 games:
- Dallas
- Atlanta
- @ Oklahoma City
- @ Houston
- Memphis
- New Orleans
- Phoenix
- @ Denver
- Houston
- Detroit
- Chicago
- Oklahoma City
- New York
- @ Golden State
- New Jersey
Again, as with the Celtics, the Lakers have some danger games such as Dallas, Atlanta and a road trip to Denver but these match-ups certainly aren't lop-sided against them. It's safe to say the chances of going 16-0 are higher for the Celtics and in fear of sounding like a Laker fanboy I'm happy to admit that. But imagine the hoopla around the League if both of these teams managed to make it to that magical mark?
It certainly wouldn't do Cleveland, Orlando and San Antonio any harm to be shoved under the radar.
Good times ahead...
Orland-OH!
If you've read this blog at all, you'll know that I'm not a massive fan of Orlando. In fact, I don't like them. I'm not 100% sure why but it's mainly due to their fortunate run in last year's Playoffs accompanied by an existence of mediocrity. I can hear you thinking "Hey, they were pretty good when Shaq and Penny were there!" and you would be right. But we all know that if Michael Jordan hadn't retired, the Magic would've been making their first NBA Finals appearance last June, not their second.
In my perfectly happy little world, Orlando would've been pushed by Philadelphia last night and suffered an embarrassing loss or a marginal, nerve racking, hollow victory.
Not to be.
Orlando violated the Sixers in a way that I for one certainly didn't expect. By half time they were shooting over 60% from the field with 10 three-balls for a more than impressive 70-47 lead. Jason Williams was playing more like his Sac-Town days than a 34 year-old fresh out of retirement.
By 3/4 time the Magic had opened up a 31pt lead and never looked back. At this stage they were 14-23 from downtown. Samuel Dalembert was no match for Dwight Howard inside committing 5 fouls and only clocking 7 minutes at that stage as a result.
A good friend of mine Oaks recently dropped Marcin Gortat in our Fantasy League in favor of Ryan Anderson. I supported him on the surface but secretly laughed and processed a Waiver claim. It seems after one game at least, Oaks' move had been well vindicated by Anderson's performance, and I may be the goose.
The Magic, whilst running the standard "we don't want anyone getting hurt" lineup to finish off the game, eventually closed out the Sixers 120-106.
Dalembert didn't log another minute.
This was about the only time Philadelphia was infront Orlando all night.
This performance tonight serves as just as bigger statement as Boston made last night in Cleveland. The standard of the opposition was different, (although the Cavs going 0-2 with their collective tails handed to them in Toronto wouldn't suggest it) but the message was the same. We are here and we will contend.
It's early days yet, but a statement is a statement. And Orlando made a clear one tonight.
Might, Magic and Electronic Myth?
With the 2010 additions of our favorite NBA video games about to be released, I have been as excited as the next diehard fan. However, a terrible coincidence has come to my attention and I wish to share the horrible news. A quick scan of the historical NBA LIVE video game covers brings me to the conclusion that Orlando's season could be in even more danger than I had previously thought. Let's take a look at the results of my research...
NBA Live 2009: Tony Parker (injured for most of last season)
NBA Live 2008: Gilbert Arenas (injured for two years)
NBA Live 2007: Tracy McGrady (injured ever since his cover)
NBA Live 2006: Dwyane Wade (significantly injured for 2007 & 2008)
NBA Live 2004: Vince Carter (severely cramped in his first game post cover)
NBA Live 2002: Steve Francis (missed 25 games that season for Houston)
NBA Live 99: Antoine Walker (missed 40 games that season for the Celtics)
NBA Live 98: Tim Hardaway (missed 34 games the following season for the Heat)
NBA Live 97: Mitch Richmond (missed 30% of his games over his final 5yrs of his career)
NBA Live 96: Shaquille O'Neal (missed 28 games in '96 & 31 in '97)
NBA Live 95: Houston Rockets/New York Knicks (we all know what has happened to the Knicks)
With all of this coincidence in mind... Orlando better hope that Dwight Howard doesn't succumb to the NBA Live cover curse.
Will the NBA Live curse strike Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic?
Orlando fans, don't say you weren't warned.
Rabbits, Hats & the 2010 Playoffs…
Orlando? In my opinion, the Magic could add the real superman and would still fail to make the NBA Finals this year. They've peaked... and it's over. The only way they'll make the Conference Finals this year is if Boston and Cleveland meet in the opposite half of the bracket. Even then, I'd probably take the Hawks in the Conference Semis over Yawn-lando in 6. The addition of Vince Carter does not produce the NBA Championship rabbit that Orlando left strangled in a purple and yellow hat last June. Bring on the real deal... Boston vs Cleveland, LeBron vs Pierce, Shaq vs K-Perk and Rondo vs West and his guitar case!
Orlando... where finishing 3rd in the East happens!
A Dwight Howard sized arms race
The divide between the upper class and the lower class is getting further and further apart in the NBA. Reading the always interesting John Hollinger's season previews on ESPN.com has put me onto an amazing fact.
The Orlando Magic are in the position of being able to add players worth 15M to their team this season!
They have the trade exception acquired during the Turkoglu trade and the desirable contract of this years Ike Austin, Marcin Gortat. Granted these two facts can't be combined due to the rules surrounding trade exceptions (a trade exception may only be swapped for one player, although it may be split into smaller trade exceptions), but this still means that Orlando can get some amazing pieces.
The race in the East between Orlando, Boston and Cleveland will be epic. Washington could even make an appearance given how they've loaded up this year.
Ring the bell, I'm ready for the season opener please!
2010
As far as predictions go, I realize this is practically impossible to get 100% correct. A full scale prediction of every team's win-loss record for the upcoming season. And worse yet, it's only September! However, I thought this would be interesting to look back on in June 2010.
Eastern Conference W L
Western Conference W L
Cleveland 60 22
Boston 56 26
Orlando 54 28
Atlanta 50 32
Toronto 45 37
Chicago 43 39
Miami 42 40
Charlotte 39 43
Indiana 38 44
Washington 37 45
Detroit 34 48
Philadelphia 32 50
Milwaukee 28 54
New York 27 55
New Jersey 24 58
LA Lakers 62 20
San Antonio 56 26
Dallas 54 28
Denver 50 32
Portland 50 32
Utah 48 34
New Orleans 42 40
Oklahoma City 41 41
Houston 38 44
Phoenix 37 45
LA Clippers 36 46
Golden State 35 47
Memphis 31 51
Minnesota 28 54
Sacramento 15 67
In making these predictions, I've taken into account all roster changes up to and including the 13th of September 2009. As soon as a blockbuster deal goes down, I may have to edit these figures.
I'm excited to see what Blake Griffin can do for the Clippers, what Allen Iverson can bring to the Grizzlies and how Amare Stoudemire will handle being stuck on a 37-win team. But most importantly, it will be interesting to see who can secure home court advantage throughout the entire Playoffs. This one fact alone may determine the Champion this year.
As always, time will tell and bring on the upcoming season!!!