Mr Charisma

Great question. I've got to think this is priority #1, but the problem is timing. With Darko being a restricted free agent, that means that both he and the Magic will likely take time to wait and let the market establish his value. If the Magic want to make any draft moves, they will have to do that first, which may include the moving of other players/salaries. When free agency opens up, the Magic will want to pursue other free agents, but will have to do so with one hand tied behind their backs because of the uncertainty of the salary cap hit that Darko will cost them. This is going to be a very complicated off-season for Magic management, and they are in a position where they will have to take risks in making some moves, HOPING that they can complete certain other moves later into the off-season. Risky business. To reduce the risk, the Magic may choose to make a major offer to Darko and possibly overpay him to get him signed and out of the way so that they can move forward with a much better grasp of their options/limitations. By the way, you didn't express an opinion yourself, understandably so as to keep it as objective as possible. Hopefully you will share your thoughts on this as the thread develops.

quote: Originally posted by Fern1960: quote: Being called the best PG on this team is like being called the tallest Munchkin in the land of Oz. You're still shorter than 99.9% of the rest of the population Yeah, I can see you are one of those "Who can't handle the truth"!!!!! And is blind to the fact that this team needs a make over starting with the coach and it's starting PG (AKA turn over machine AKA the most selfish player on the magics). Like I said the best "PG" on the team. End of story...... Geez, Fern, sorry you didn't grasp the essence of my warped since of humor. The title of the thread is 'Carlos Arroyo you are the best POINT GUARD'. My point was that every one of our PGs are horrible, so to be called the best of a horrible group does not mean you are a good player. I expressed no opinion as to the accuracy of the thread title. So feel free to scrape yourself off the ceiling now.

Being called the best PG on this team is like being called the tallest Munchkin in the land of Oz. You're still shorter than 99.9% of the rest of the population.

quote: Originally posted by Detroit Magic:You guys are wasting your time. Here is what Nelson said (Orlando Sentinel): Nelson, meanwhile, said his lack of recent success will not deter him from wanting the big shot. He failed in recent overtime losses to Boston and Minnesota. But he hit the big, late-game shots to win games against New York, San Antonio and much earlier against Sacramento. "The next game, if I have to take the last second shot, I'll do it again," he said. "I like that situation. If I get the next one, I'm going to take the next one." And thus the issue. Any coach would want a player with an attitude like this. Actually, any coach would want a team FULL of this attitude. The problem is, the coach needs to decide which of those players are going to take the shot. When the same player is chosen over and over and over, running the same play over and over and over, grade school coaches could teach their players to defend it. So Brian probably wants a team FULL of players with this attitude. Unfortunately, he is currently too FULL of himself to make room for doing anything different unless he receives a direct edict from upper mananagement.

Welcome to the forum, Siriusns. I do not believe fans have much of a voice in the USA, as compared to what you described in Europe. The media, however, does have a strong voice. Unfortunately, our media has the egotistical view that they speak for the fans; that they are the voice of the fans. That's such garbage. What the media actually tries to do is to direct the fans as to how to think and, unfortunately, many fans get caught up and buy in to the media. For example, if the Magic cared about what the fans thought instead of what the media thought, Brian Hill would have been fired a month ago. Actually, I'll take that a step further. If the Magic cared about what the fans thought instead of what the media thought, Brian Hill would not have been re-hired. And now the team won't fire him unless they HAVE to because it would be an acknowledgement that they made another error in judgment (i.e. - drafting Fran 'The Senorita' Vasquez). The relationship between fans and clubs in the USA is usually directly proportional to the success of the franchise, and how the fans perceive the team's management desire and progress toward actually winning.

quote: Originally posted by ball junkie: quote: Originally posted by Mr Charisma:Absolutely. Dwight is not, nor can never be, Shaq. He would have a much better shot a being an Amare, if they would allow him to learn those other skills. To be a one-dimensional player, and still be a super-star, you have to be so much better at that 1 skill than anyone else. Dwight can never be THAT dominant as a post-up player. Shaq can be because he is physically unstoppable. Sadly, BHill is not only doing this to Dwight, but he's doing it to Darko, too. Junkie, instead of the 'Cats letting Tubby Smith walk away on a greased plank, couldn't you guys at least have offered us a Tubby-for-Brian trade? Are you sure you'd want him?(lol) Now that I think about it those two are like two peas in a pod. Pick your poison!(lol) Who you got tonight Charisma, Gators or O.S.U.? Also, who's gonna be Kentucky's next coach? I have the Gators over OSU tonight. It's been a pretty good year for me, bracket-wise. I had this as the final game, and also had UCLA in the Final Four. If UNC doesn't choke away to Georgetown, I would have had all four. For bragging rights, I'm tied for 1st in the Orlando Magic Forum Yahoo brackets. As far as Kentucky's next coach, I don't believe for a minute that Donovan is leaving, so I don't know where they will end up. Maybe Mark Few (if I have the name right) from Gonzaga? Who knows. If they don't get Donovan, they may go for a stop-gap, which might very well mean Larry Brown. Back on topic, Big J mentioned someone like David Robinson teaching him. From a skills perspective, that's not too bad of an idea, but he needs someone to teach him to play fierce. Mr. Robinson, for all his talent and great teamwork, was very passive.

The key to having our 'own' beat writer is that he/she can provide information based on the 'hot topics' in the forum. If the forum is excited over an issue, yet the Slantinel has no interest in pursuing that area, the forum would have someone that would ask questions that are being posted on the forum. For example, I would love for someone to ask Otis, "Do you have complete say in who the coach of the Magic is, or does that choice belong to VanderWeide (or some combination)?" Don't know if we'd get an honest answer, but I want someone asking the questions that are being asked by the fans, not by a select few sportswriters that have their own personal agendas.

quote: Originally posted by mongoose:That would solve a lotta problems that have come up all year. I thought Grant Hill was gonna be running the point when the year was beginning. PG - Grant Hill SG - JJ Redick SF - Trevor Ariza PF - Dwight Howard C - Darko Milicic Sounds like a **** fine starting lineup to me. Yep. And just which who are you going to have guard Steve Nash, Mike Bibby, Andre Miller, Allen Iverson? There is more to this game than offense. I'm not defending any of the current PGs, as we can trade them all during the off-season and that would be fine with me, but don't pretend like there is a PG in this league that Grant can guard. He doesn't even guard the SGs very well; he has no shot at guarding a PG. But then, you already knew that since you're not an idiot.

quote: Originally posted by jack daniel 999:I think Dwight needs to stay at home this summer and work on his game ... and the hell with what anyone says. Exactly, JD. And if I'm a free agent after this upcoming year, that is EXACTLY what I do. Part of Dwight becoming a 'man' is when he takes personal responsibility for the development of his game from a career stand-point, instead of what a particular coach or franchise wants out of him. He has the opportunity to be a super-star, or he can be just another Ben Wallace. If I'm him, I don't care what the Magic ask me to work on over the off-season. I'm going to work on what I know I need to do to improve my overall game and my career.

Absolutely. Dwight is not, nor can never be, Shaq. He would have a much better shot a being an Amare, if they would allow him to learn those other skills. To be a one-dimensional player, and still be a super-star, you have to be so much better at that 1 skill than anyone else. Dwight can never be THAT dominant as a post-up player. Shaq can be because he is physically unstoppable. Sadly, BHill is not only doing this to Dwight, but he's doing it to Darko, too. Junkie, instead of the 'Cats letting Tubby Smith walk away on a greased plank, couldn't you guys at least have offered us a Tubby-for-Brian trade?

quote: Originally posted by Drain-O:In regards to the coach it should never be up to a player who they want as the coach. Conceptually, I think we pretty much all agree with this statement. But the fact is, some players DO have that kind of leverage. So my question to you is, if you are Magic Management (is that an oxymoron?), and Dwight Howard walks up to you and says that either Brian Hill goes or he will not re-sign, what would YOU do? I can't really answer that question in good conscience because I've hated Brian Hill as a head coach since his first stint here, so I have no objectivity in this.

Interesting that he takes a blatant shot at BHill, then when he lists all the changes that need to happen during the off-season, BHill is not mentioned. Makes me wonder where he truly stands on Brian Hill? I am so sick of watching the same tired play that so many teams run at the end of a quarter where the PG (usually) is isolated at the top of the key and dribbles away until there are 6 seconds left, then tries to play Superman. Geez, coaches, run your offense !!! In the Magic's case, it's even more painful to watch because the other 4 players never move. Ever. Why? Either because the play does not call for them to, or they know that Jameer is never, ever going to pass them the ball anyway. This is painful....

quote: Originally posted by barnettej: Yes, because at that time he let the Magic know that HE wanted to stay on the West coast. Things have changed. But I don't think he wants to leave Detroit now, so I expect it's a moot point. quote: 2.) Do you think Detroit will make the same mistake with Billups as they did with Wallace? I'm not convinced they perceive letting Wallace leave a mistake. They seem to be doing just fine without him. Having said that, I do not expect them to let Billups go. He is much more vital to their success than Big Ben was. quote: 3.) Do you think Billups is willing to take a pay cut? Absolutely not. It would have to be a sign-and-trade. quote: 4.) Why would we do the same thing the Clippers do year after year and that is get rid of our young talent? Not sure what you are specifically referring to here, as I never referenced giving up any specific player. But the actual answer to your question is because our ownership seems to have the same level of basketball intelligence as the Clippers. Honestly, the point of my post was to say that I'm not sold that VC is the answer, but it's fun listening to the arguments from his supporters.

First, let me say that I was one that was not exactly enthralled when the Magic chose JJ in the draft. What I've learned that I didn't know: 1) JJ has excellent court vision. 2) JJ makes excellent decisions with the ball; the safe pass is better than the fancy pass. 3) JJ seldom forces things; he let's the game come to him. That speaks to his confidence. 4) JJ is a decent defender; a better defender than Nelson, Arroyo or Denier. 5) JJ can shoot. Well, alright, I kinda knew about the last one.....

I'd like to see us make a run at Chauncey Billups first. Once it becomes apparent that he is no longer an option, then we look elsewhere. VC? This is a tough one for me. I will argue that he has never really won anywhere he has been, but then I can say pretty much the same thing about most everyone on the free agent market. I love Rashard Lewis, but he hasn't won anything either, so why necessarily give him a pass that I won't give VC. Keep talking, VC fans, and you might talk me into this. Of course, talking me into it gets you.........

I agree, DOM. If we can't win 6 out of the next 8, we really don't deserve to be there. But here is believing that we are pulling it together. In a long season where it seems that every bounce, or every loose ball, or every tough call, go against you, players (and coaches) can get mentally warn down and start believing that the Tooth Fairy hates them, too. No Karma in the Magic Kingdom. Well, last night's win was, in part, assisted by the non-call on D12's block, so I'm hoping that the players and coaches build on this, thinking that maybe some of the 'luck' aspect of the game is turning in our direction. Confidence can be a beautiful thing, and here's hoping and believing that this group of men will rise to the challenge facing them over the remainder of the season. At this point, anything worse than a 7 seed would be devastatingly disappointing.

Reminds me of how the Cubs fell apart, then blamed Steve Bartman for it. These players and coaches are supposed to be professionals. Get mad when something bad happens, then get over it and close out the game. Unfortunately for the Knicks (and the Cubs), this requires some level of intestinal fortitude, of which both organizations are greatly lacking. Was it a bad non-call? No question. Not even close. D12 got by with one. But the Knicks chose to whine and cry the rest of the game instead of re-focusing and taking the game in their own hands. Zeke and team had a right to be mad and complain, but they have no excuse for self-destructing from that point forward. Lastly, thanks Steve-O for playing in such a way to remind us all why we are better off without you.

BEST: Pat Riley. It pains me to say that, but he is the only one that has proven that he can compete and win while completely changing his style of play based upon personnel (i.e. - Lakers showtime; Knicks/Heat - slowtime). WORST: Paul Westhead. Scott Skiles had 30 assists against his team. Enough said. (Thought I'd say Brian Hill, didn't ya !?!?!?!) MOST OVERRATED: Don Nelson. Would somebody please tell me what this guy has ever won?

quote: Originally posted by emory889:Why was there a coach that needed to be fired? I couldn't resist... LOL. Good line. But my opinion is that Penny did not get Brian Hill fired; Brian Hill got Brian Hill fired. And his encore performance is as titillating as the first.

As for me, Shaq can buy this team any time he wants. Let's see, without Shaq how much success has this organization under DeVos had? Shaq is a proven winner; DeVos is a proven loser (when it comes to the NBA). Shaq is probably lousy at selling soap, but I can live with that. It wouldn't guarantee success, but it would guarantee that the family that has been a complete failure as owners would be out of the picture. A Shaq/GHill ownership group would create a brand new level of interest in the Orlando area again. Who knows, Shaq might even bring in a coach that actually has experienced some success other than in grade school.

Longdfan, I did not see last night's game, so I was not referring to anything I saw in this particular game. It's just a general observation from what little we've seen of him during the year (thank you for that, Napoleon). I agree that his defense is much more solid than was originally advertised, so I don't see that as being a major issue. I'm hoping and believing that he is going to be a solid player for us for years to come. I was voicing a concern, not a prediction.

quote: Originally posted by Nyce_1:I want JJ to shoot the ball more than anyone but teams are plotting for him. His defender doesn't let JJ leave the sight, and that's what you should do vs. shooters. To get him more involved, we gotta set good picks to set him up off the screen. Hopefully we'll see some in the next game. This is the primary flaw in JJs game that concerns me. He does not have the ability to free himself of his defender on his own. That is a major problem. I love his game, his team-first attitude, etc., but I've seen many great shooters not make it in this league simply because they can't get open. The best example I can think of is Rick Mount (best shooter I've ever seen), but that is before many of you were born. But this part of the game hasn't changed. It doesn't matter how good of a shooter you are; if you can't get open to receive a pass and take your shot, your primary skill becomes nullified. Running screens for him is a good idea, but if he requires a screen to get open, he is going to have very limited success at this level.

I can't help but wonder who made the decision for Keyon and JJ to play. It is very much unlike Brian to make these kinds of changes. He hasn't shown any inclination all year to use Dooling at PG, and has obviously despised the times where he has been forced into a situation to play JJ. Now he suddenly chooses them as his backup guards? I'm not buying it. I'm thinking Otis laid the law down. For the portion I heard last night on 740, Otis sounded genuinely angry. Of course, I would be angry too if I had to answer some of the idiotic questions that he was being asked, especially by Shot. When 740 let Daniels go, they let go of the only guy on their staff who could actually hold a decent interview. O'Neil is an awful interviewer, too. How bad is it when the best interviewer you have now is Sileo? Sad. Unfortunately, I can't handle listening to Terry Bowden. It sounds like I'm listening to 'The World of Sports According to Gomer Pyle'.

quote: Originally posted by emory889:No well established coach will take a team in the middle of the season. I can't even think of one example where that has happened. Larry Krystkowiak (sound familiar?) as the interim head coach. I thought Larry Brown did it, but I may be wrong. In baseball, it happens more often, with Jim Leyland being an example. It seems to me that it would be more logical to come in and have 10-20 games to evaluate the talent that you have so that, based on your plans, you can determine what personnel you would like your GM to keep, or to send elsewhere. You wouldn't have the opportunity to implement your style, but at least you could get to know the players, not to mention the existing coaching staff to see if any of the assistants would be worth retaining.

quote: Originally posted by EnFuego:A quote from SI's Chris Mannix "Long-term, the Bucks join a growing group of teams with coaching vacancies with a thin talent pool from which to choose. Larry Brown's name will almost certainly come up, but he will have no shortage of suitors this summer. Fratello, Lenny Wilkens and Rick Adelman will also warrant consideration, but, again, there will be a number of teams lined up for their services. And let's not forget Milwaukee isn't as geographically desirable as, say, Charlotte or Orlando, which could fire Brian Hill if the Magic continue to stumble down the stretch. So Milwaukee will likely have to overpay for a big name or a high-profile college coach." I'm all for going into that dark unknown and overpaying for a high profile coach. This is my concern with waiting until the off-season to fire Brian. Teams like Milwaukee that fire their coach now can go ahead and sign a guy like Rick Adelman before we even have a shot at him. That leaves us with the guys who got fired and a bunch of assistants to choose from.