ball junkie

quote: Originally posted by The Solution: quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:I'm sorry but I gotta say this. How do you guys know it was Brian that wanted to draft him cause I never saw anything in the media before, during or after the draft that implicated him. Also, Otis has a mind of his own. He was in charge or the boss so to speak. I know if my boss doesn't feel comfortable making a decision in my school he won't do it. Unless you guys that are blaming Brian for this pick can prove it with something other than pure speculation I think it is an undeserved crticism. I am disappointed in you junkie. This matter has been discussed several times and you have been apart of those discussions. The Ghost of Gabriel gave satisfactory answers showing Brian Hill was the one that made the Vasquez pick and that Otis did not have the authority needed at the time. The Ghost went on to explain how Otis has taken the rap even though Brian made the decision. Brian also went public at the time of the pick stating that the fans would see that Vasquez was the right pick. I think you are crossing the line and being argumentive with this Brian Hill Vasquez matter. The reason you accepted the notorios S.A.C.'s friend surgeon story is because you already knew Brian Hill was responsible. Come on, let's be on the up and up. The Ghost is cool. I enjoy reading his posts. Can you get the Ghost to re-post his thoughts and his sources? I want links and facts. I don't want somebody's opinion. If you can prove it I'll be happy to give credit where it is deserved.

quote: Originally posted by the notorious S.A.C.:LOL you act like we hired phil jackson or jerry west as a gm....yeah i can see it now otis is going to make waves as the new gm and tell our ownership to kiss his *** as his first move. whatever brian wanted thats what van der weide and devos wanted....its what they owed him for firing him the first time...otis went from janitor to gm as fast as chris jent went from head coach to high school coach and he wasnt going to say a thing. Otis is smart enough to know he could blame brian and get a few more years as gm, fire brian, then milk another year or two of his gm salary...which is more than he made as a player. S.A.C. you can spin it any way you want, the bottom line here is Otis and Dave are responsible for the pick. I can "garuntee" you if I'm in the same postion as those two I would lean on my own instincts after gathering all the information. "Especially" if success and my reputation as a GM were on the line. If I don't feel comfortable, I'm not making the pick. Bottom line.

Those are interesting articles Emory and I appreciate you researching them. But those articles don't even resemble Brian making the comments that many people on these boards have accused him of when he was quoted as saying Mike Bibby would not be a good player. It sounds like Brian was doing some experimentation here looking for something to help the Grizzlies get a win. Something that I think everyone on these boards wanted him to do this year. Try something different!

quote: Originally posted by the notorious S.A.C.:One of my best friends is a surgeon who did surgery on Otis' daughter and asked him point blank.,..whats up with fran...Otis shook his head and said, "that was brian's hand picked player on recommendation from frans euro coach...most of the staff wanted Sean May"....then shook his head again. You can be blind to Hill and his stupidity if you want but what otis said was fact....period..end of story. If brian stays prepare for a bigger dose of garrity next year! If you love brian Im sure you love garrity too! It will be another 30 win season of nirvana for you... Then Otis is not very smart because being the person in charge he has to listen to the advice of his co-workers but ultimately the decision is his. After gathering up all the information Otis can garner he must decide with his "own" brain the best choice. That's what my boss does.

quote: Originally posted by emory889: quote: Originally posted by ball junkie: quote: Originally posted by emory889:I dont think it was Otis that was influencing the Jameer situation. Otis wanted JJ to play and we saw how that worked out. Emory, in your opinion, why did Brian continue to play him and when the season ended the first words out of his mouth was we need an up-grade at the point? I'm sure you are aware of VanderWeide himself saying we need to re-think how we use a 5'10 point guard. I believe it was because Brian Hill is incapable of change. He never made a single adjustment to his starting lineup the entire season except when injuries forced his hand. Hill is saying the point guard position needs improvement but if the new season started today Hill would still have Jameer in the starting lineup. Have you noticed that throughout the season when Hill did make adjustments to his rotations (who came off the bench) he never stuck with the adjustments more than a few games? It didn't even matter if the adjustments worked or not he just didn't feel comfortable sticking with them. I lend no credence to Hill saying he wants a new point guard. This is the same guy that wouldn't start Penny Hardaway until Skiles was traded and the same guy that said Mike Bibby would never be a good point guard. Jameer might not be the answer but I'll wait to see how he does in another coaches system. Knowing Hill he probably doesn't like any of his point guards. LOL, great minds think alike Mr. Charisma. On the adjustments from the point guard position I tend to agree with you. I actually felt Arroyo was playing much better basketball after his benching. I didn't understand why he didn't play more because he was helping the team more by just not making so many bad decisions. That is why I made the earlier comment about the possibility of Otis forcing his hand. VanderWeides comments were fact. I in fact started a thread about it. Now, in reference to your comments about Brian's point guards and his early days with the Magic and his stint at coaching in Vancouver. I remember the team you are talking about with Skiles and Penny. I went to quite a few games that year. During Penny's first season I don't remember anyone crticizing Brian for starting Skiles. Skiles was one tough SOB! He also was fantastic at facillitating an offense! My memory from that season was most people knew Penny was a far superior athlete and would eventually be the man. Everyone knew that Skiles job was to teach Penny all the tricks of the trade. I think Scott did a darn good job too. I don't see anything wrong with that coaching decision. Now, your other reference was Mike Bibby. First off, that franchise was doomed from the start. For obvious reasons. You are not the first person I have seen post that Brian said he(Bibby) wasn't ever going to be any good. Is it possible with the help of a computer to search old archives from that far back and show me a quote where Brian Hill said Mike Bibby was never gonna be any good? I'm 45 years old so I remember those days fairly well. I don't ever remember seeing that quote.

Marc, I want to respond to just one part of your post because know matter what I say about the rest it wouldn't matter cause your mind is already made up. You think Rafer Alston is a good point guard? You know where Houston got him or the player himself came from? I used to watch him on those And1 Mix Tape shows ESPN showed for entertainment. That my friend is not basketball! There's a lot more to playing competitive basketball in the NBA then what you do in an And1 Mix Tape. Those guys are hilarious. Maybe Houston needs to up-grade their point guard position too. Marc, one more thing. If Magic management decides to bring Brian back there isn't anything I can do about it or anybody else for that matter. What good does it do to keep re-hashing the same things over and over. I happen to believe we are gonna have a much better record next year cause we'll have better players and our young players will be another year older. Regardless of the coach!

quote: Originally posted by emory889:I dont think it was Otis that was influencing the Jameer situation. Otis wanted JJ to play and we saw how that worked out. Emory, in your opinion, why did Brian continue to play him and when the season ended the first words out of his mouth was we need an up-grade at the point? I'm sure you are aware of VanderWeide himself saying we need to re-think how we use a 5'10 point guard.

quote: Originally posted by EnFuego: quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:You guys kill me with the constant hate the coach stuff.(lol) It's becoming comical. You know junkie? I agree with you. It does get old to talk the same thing up and the jokes are mostly not that good. quote: Besides, I do agree with Brian on one thing. We played this entire season with a starting point guard who is a shooting guard. I actually like Arroyo better than Nelson at the point. We need a true point guard with size. Here you say something that merits attention. When you say you agree with Brian, are you saying he's on record saying this? Because if he is, this is comical. He is the coach, he started Nelson almost every game. Word is he did not follow Otis suggestions on who to play (Darko) and how to play (uptempo). So how can he complain about the point guard HE chose to play all season? The reason the fire Brian brigade stays on this subject matter is the common belief that until we move Brian, no real progress will be made and that the longer he is there, the higher the chance we will regress and lose the good players we have now. I like your posts junkie, and I do believe you support your team above all. Do you agree that if you saw something you felt was imperative for the success of the team, you would be passionate about it? No, Brian is not on record saying those things En Fuego. Those words are all my opinion. The Jameer situation is really a quandry with his performance and Hill's penchant for playing him. I think most of us would have probably benched him some this year. Which begs the question, "was Otis forcing Brian's hand to play him"? Everyone knows Jameer is Otis boy and Otis was responsible for drafting him. You think Otis wanted him playing up-tempo to make his draft pick look better? As far as Brian is concerned En Fuego I'm willing to give him one more chance with an improved roster. As everyone knows our roster has many faults too. If he starts off struggling I'll be the first one to march into Bob VanderWeide's office and say fire him. As far as being passionate about something if I felt strongly about it? No doubt! That's me. I love the game of basketball. To much I'm afraid.(lol) En Fuego, is there something you are referring to about this team that you feel passionate about? Also, thanks for the compliments.

I see now. My post came after you guys had posted. I did see that his agent was setting up discussions or something while the Suns were still playing. I know I read that somewhere. Did you guys see it?

I agree Marc. I drew the same conclusions. The Magic management better get off their butts and start pursuing this guy(Ivaroni). They need to stop spinning their wheels with Brian and make a decision one way or another.

quote: Originally posted by WPMagic:I guess you're right. After turning down UK, he would have to be paid the big bucks. One of the top recruits in the nation, Patrick Patterson, on Wednesday chose Kentucky over Billy and the Gators. It was a nice win for UK in a recruiting battle with Donovan. He(Billy) doesn't lose to many recruiting battles. Patterson, when he signed on Wednesday cited location as to why he chose UK. He said it was only 2 hours away and Gainesville was much further. This morning I saw a Gator blog at the Sentinel that said he(Patterson) chose Kentucky because he feared Donovan may bolt for the NBA. Then again this morning in the Sentinel, Jeremy Foley refuted the notion that an agreement has been reached with Billy yet. The plot thickens. Draw your own conclusions.

quote: Grant Hill will listen to free-agent offers, undecided about future Swingman says his preference would be to return to Magic if he plays, but he doesn't know their plans Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted May 17, 2007, 3:01 PM EDT Orlando Magic shooting guard Grant Hill told the Sentinel on Thursday that he would listen to free-agent offers this summer, even though he has yet to decide whether he will play again or retire. "Yeah, if somebody knocked on my door, I'd answer it," Hill said. "I think you hear them out in terms of making a decision. We'll see." Hill said his preference is to play for the Magic if he returns, saying, "I'm rooted in this city, but I don't know what their (the Magic's) plans are." The Magic said after the season that they would welcome back Hill, who turns 35 in October. Hill became a free agent after his seven-year, $92 million-plus contract ended this past season. He left the Detroit Pistons as a free agent after the 1999-2000 season, arriving in Orlando in a sign-and-trade. Injuries hampered him throughout most of his career with the Magic. But last season Hill finished his first season since he signed with the Magic, playing a total of 65 games and averaging 14.4 points. Hill also made it to the playoffs for the first time in Orlando, but the Magic were swept by his old team, the Pistons. He never has won a first-round playoff series in his 13-year career. He could opt to sign with a contender. "I would love to stay," Hill said. "I can't say what the future will be. If I put myself in Darko's shoes (Milicic is a restricted free agent), I'd see what is out there." Hill doesn't know when he'll make a decision to play again but is leaning toward later in the summer. He will serve as a guest analyst Sunday on ABC's pregame show during the NBA playoffs. He also will work the Western Conference game in the studio on May 26 and for The NBA Finals, all on ABC. "I'd have to decide before training camp," Hill said, then added, half-jokingly, "but it could be November. "I don't know. I'm in my evaluation period. My feeling is I want to work these two weeks and in the Finals. I'll watch the games and everything and do the job for ABC. Then I'll get away from it and see where I am in July, see where my head is at, if I want to continue. "I know if I'm still wavering, I won't play." Hill said his wife, recording artist Tamia, is on board with whatever decision he makes. She is expecting the Hills' second child this summer. "My wife is cool with whatever I decide -- if I continue to play or if I decide to stay or go elsewhere," he said. Hill said he has no idea whether Coach Brian Hill will return or not next season. Magic President Bob Vander Weide said more than two weeks ago that Hill and the basketball operations are being evaluated. Grant said he chatted briefly with Hill at a Mother's Day brunch and has not spoken to General Manager Otis Smith since the day after the season ended. "I have no idea what's going on," Grant said. "I guess I'm out of the loop." Wow! Even Grant Hill doesn't know what's going on behind the doors of Magic management. At least if he knows he's not letting on. I'll be interested to see guys posting if they say, "let him go" or "I hope he stays". http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-hill180...orl-sports-headlines

I put unsure. For an up-grade in coaching I say yes. For a re-tread like some of the names I see being mentioned I say no. Just my opinion.(smiling)

A.) Grant Hill B.) Penny Hardaway C.) Shaquille O'Neal D.) Tracy McGrady E.) Steve Francis Pick one and give your reasons if you wish. I copied this from another Magic site and thought it was interesting whom garnered the most votes. Wanted to see if this board felt the same.

quote: Originally posted by New Managment Please:Shut up Junkie! I'm tired of your Pro-Hill attitude. I have no problem with crticizing coaching or wanting a coach fired. It goes with the territory. I've done it many times myself this year. But the "hate" that fumes from the mouths of the Fire Brian crew is really disturbing. It is ruining this board. Guys, even if Brian Hill comes back the Magic have a lot to build on with a young team. All is not lost, yet.(lol)

quote: Originally posted by God hates Magic fans: quote: Originally posted by ball junkie: quote: Originally posted by bhnole:But Brian Hill's friend told him he was the next "Dirk" and we all know Brian is right about EVERYTHING! I thought Twardzik was the overseas scout and Vasquez was chosen mostly because of his suggestions? Nope Brian made the pick, we could've had Monta Ellis, Sean May, Danny Granger, but Napoleon just had to take some euro who we never set up an individual workout with. I'm sorry but I gotta say this. How do you guys know it was Brian that wanted to draft him cause I never saw anything in the media before, during or after the draft that implicated him. Also, Otis has a mind of his own. He was in charge or the boss so to speak. I know if my boss doesn't feel comfortable making a decision in my school he won't do it. Unless you guys that are blaming Brian for this pick can prove it with something other than pure speculation I think it is an undeserved crticism.

quote: Originally posted by emory889:BJ as a coach you should know that a good coach molds his coaching style around the talents of his team not the other way around. How many wins would Phoenix have if they played a halfcourt game? How many wins would Detroit have if they played a run and gun game? Like Dave said one style isn't necessarily better than the other its the players that determine which style is successful. I also don't think Otis necessarily wants the squad to run like Phoenix but the Magic clearly need to pick up the pace. The Magic were last in scoring and field goals attempted this year. Not even the Pistons or Spurs could win consistently playing that way. You know what kills me BJ, its the fact that almost all season you have complained about how the team has underachieved right along with the rest of us. You have questioned the coaching right along with the rest of us. I could pull up your previous posts to prove it if you don't remember. Now you have completely changed your tone because Brian Schmitz says Hill is a good coach. Its completely silly to me. Emory, every coach makes mistakes. Shoot Phil Jackson is getting questioned in Lakerland. Sure, I have questioned Brian. That's part of the equation when it comes to coaching. I still say the guy deserves another chance with a better and more mature roster. Also, I'd like a new coach like Adelman or Ivaroni but I'm not gonna hang myself if Magic management doesn't do it. Emory, how do you know a faster tempo would work with our roster? I'm not convinced and "definitely" not with Jameer Nelson running the show. Emory, if the Suns lose to the Spurs all of the teams left would be defensive, grind-it-out teams. Maybe not if Jersey wins. Look at the Pistons, Cavs, Spurs and Jazz. All teams that play well in the halfcourt and only run when opportunity presents itself. I was really curious to see if an up-tempo team like the Suns could win it all. Time will tell. Actually, I can't think of any level of basketball where a team has shot 3's like the Suns and won a championship. Coaches all have a saying, "live by the 3, die by the 3"! Pitino at Kentucky didn't win it until they quit jacking up so many 3's. Billy Donovan had the same problem in his beginning years at Florida. Good defensive teams will always find ways to take teams that like to play up-tempo from playing that way. Just like the Jazz did to Golden State. Anyway, if we had a better point guard on our team it would certainly work better(up-tempo). Nelson is not a point guard. Doesn't see the floor well, makes to many mistakes, doesn't make good decisions on the floor. Even the experts are lamenting the Magic point guard woes. Going up-tempo with our roster as is would be taking a big chance. I actually would like Arroyo more in the up-tempo. I also don't undertand why Otis is being so stubborn about it either. I'm talking about the mistake of drafting Jameer as point guard. Start pulling my posts good buddy. I have no idea how you brought Brian Schmitz into this discussion and certainly not with me. I've never said Brian was a great coach. What I have said and I'll repeat it for umpteenth time, "Brian deserves a chance with an up-graded roster". That is one thing that I have posted over and over. Our problems are just as much personnel as coaching, 50-50. My opinion.

quote: Originally posted by bhnole:But Brian Hill's friend told him he was the next "Dirk" and we all know Brian is right about EVERYTHING! I thought Twardzik was the overseas scout and Vasquez was chosen mostly because of his suggestions?

quote: Grant Hill will listen to free-agent offers, undecided about future Swingman says his preference would be to return to Magic if he plays, but he doesn't know their plans Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted May 17, 2007, 3:01 PM EDT Orlando Magic shooting guard Grant Hill told the Sentinel on Thursday that he would listen to free-agent offers this summer, even though he has yet to decide whether he will play again or retire. "Yeah, if somebody knocked on my door, I'd answer it," Hill said. "I think you hear them out in terms of making a decision. We'll see." Hill said his preference is to play for the Magic if he returns, saying, "I'm rooted in this city, but I don't know what their (the Magic's) plans are." The Magic said after the season that they would welcome back Hill, who turns 35 in October. Hill became a free agent after his seven-year, $92 million-plus contract ended this past season. He left the Detroit Pistons as a free agent after the 1999-2000 season, arriving in Orlando in a sign-and-trade. Injuries hampered him throughout most of his career with the Magic. But last season Hill finished his first season since he signed with the Magic, playing a total of 65 games and averaging 14.4 points. Hill also made it to the playoffs for the first time in Orlando, but the Magic were swept by his old team, the Pistons. He never has won a first-round playoff series in his 13-year career. He could opt to sign with a contender. "I would love to stay," Hill said. "I can't say what the future will be. If I put myself in Darko's shoes (Milicic is a restricted free agent), I'd see what is out there." Hill doesn't know when he'll make a decision to play again but is leaning toward later in the summer. He will serve as a guest analyst Sunday on ABC's pregame show during the NBA playoffs. He also will work the Western Conference game in the studio on May 26 and for The NBA Finals, all on ABC. "I'd have to decide before training camp," Hill said, then added, half-jokingly, "but it could be November. "I don't know. I'm in my evaluation period. My feeling is I want to work these two weeks and in the Finals. I'll watch the games and everything and do the job for ABC. Then I'll get away from it and see where I am in July, see where my head is at, if I want to continue. "I know if I'm still wavering, I won't play." Hill said his wife, recording artist Tamia, is on board with whatever decision he makes. She is expecting the Hills' second child this summer. "My wife is cool with whatever I decide -- if I continue to play or if I decide to stay or go elsewhere," he said. Hill said he has no idea whether Coach Brian Hill will return or not next season. Magic President Bob Vander Weide said more than two weeks ago that Hill and the basketball operations are being evaluated. Grant said he chatted briefly with Hill at a Mother's Day brunch and has not spoken to General Manager Otis Smith since the day after the season ended. "I have no idea what's going on," Grant said. "I guess I'm out of the loop." Wow! Even Grant Hill doesn't know what's going on behind the doors of Magic management. At least if he knows he's not letting on. I'll be interested to see guys posting if they say, "let him go" or "I hope he stays". http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-hill180...orl-sports-headlines

You guys kill me with the constant hate the coach stuff.(lol) It's becoming comical. It's time to move on if the Magic decide they want him back. It's not my decision if management decides to keep him so don't take it out on me. I've already said I'd like to have one of the top coaches being mentioned with regard to the Magic like Ivaroni or Adelman. Who wouldn't? I'm not gonna commit suicide like some of you act like if Brian comes back. Besides, I do agree with Brian on one thing. We played this entire season with a starting point guard who is a shooting guard. I actually like Arroyo better than Nelson at the point. We need a true point guard with size. Maybe we get that this summer, maybe we don't. Regardless, our roster should be much improved next season. I'm willing to give the guy a chance with a better team that hopefully meshes better. If he starts the season struggling with the same problems then I'll lead the charge to VanderWeide's office. Brian would have no more excuses then. I can promise you one thing, I will always back my team regardless of the choices management makes and would never pull for them to lose like some of you have. Either way, it's time to move on. Whatever coach we have I'm sick to death of discussing it. I'm ready to plunge into the summer upgrade session! Hey Miami, Van Gundy is a second string coach!(lol) You can keep your ex-Miami coaches down there as far as I'm concerned. Rather have Brian than a second stringer or going from one second stringer to another.

I was just wondering what all the guys that continually bash brian are gonna do if he comes back?(lol) This board could get real interesting. (Silence)

I'm ready for next season to start now Mr. Year! Your post sent chills down my spine!! All aboard........., the Carter train is pulling into Amway Arena!!

quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:I think you can cross Billy Donovan off the Magic's list if you haven't done so already. The Florida Today paper ran a story this weekend stating that if 2 bigtime prep hoop stars sign with the Gators then that would be proof that Billy Donovan isn't going anywhere but Gainesville next season. Jai Lucas, the son of former pro player John Lucas just signed with the Gators a little while ago. The other stud, Patrick Patterson, from West Virginia will announce on Wednesday where he is attending college. If he chooses Florida, Billy will have the nation's top rated recruiting class if he doesn't already. Doesn't sound like Donovan is going anywhere. Here's a shocker fresh from the ticker. Patrick Patterson, the prep star mentioned in the above post by me just committed to play college at Kentucky. That's great news on two counts! 1.) That means my favorite college team(where I'm from)Kentucky is gonna be back real quick into the elite teams in the NCAA. Billy Donovan just might have some revenge butt-kickings coming next season. 2.) That could "possibly" mean he might consider moving to the NBA. You never know as I am just speculating. A little advice from the Junkie. Get out of Florida Billy before the going gets rough!(lol)

I'm really, really, really starting to wonder about Brian Schmitz!(lol)

You would be surprised by the other poll. The leader was Penny followed by Grant. Here's a sampling of the comments: quote: Signing Grant Hill to a multimillion dollar deal with a cast on his leg at the time was a horrible decision. Grant is such a fighter he would not retire and give the cap space back. Finally, we are released from 7 years of being lost in "Capland".... quote: Penny and his bad attitude hurt more than anyone.