Mr Charisma

I'm in. Now everyone else can join in without worrying about coming in last.

quote: Originally posted by SmackDaddy:I think it's interesting that B Hill, G HIll and Battie are the individuals that stood up and spoke during this meeting. I don't care what the numbskull coach and aging vets have to say. I'm curious about what our young players think. Were they even allowed to vent? Were they given the opportunity to contribute? I've read 3-4 aqticles about this team meeting so far and not one article mentions JJ, Diener, Ariza, Darko, etc. Battie and Grant might be good locker room guys but they are not leaders on the court. Who's going to lead thie team in years to come? That's who should be standing on their soapbox during these team meetings. So very true. But that is how Brian Hill runs his locker room. Only opinions of those over the age of 30 matter to him. Of interest to me in the article is that Dwight lost his temper after practice, yet the meeting was before practice. It sounds to me like he was venting his anger over the meeting. Especially when he quips later that "we don't need more meetings". It sounds to me like he wasn't impressed with what took place in the meeting. D12 will do his talking at the contract table.

That is definitely one of Bianchi's better efforts when it comes to the Magic. While this is not an acceptable excuse for the players, I understand that many of them are still college age, and they act like kids because they ARE kids. Money doesn't make you a man. Hopefully the criticism they are currently receiving will help them to grow up. I respect Otis on several levels. One, he acknowledges that he has no one that is taking the lead in actually leading these young guys into manhood, and into responsibility and accountability. He isn't, the coaches aren't, and the veteran players aren't. Secondly, the fact that he is willing to 'own it' is refreshing. Again, this is one of my biggest gripes about BHill. Has he come out and acknowledged any responsibility for this? If he has, I've not heard it. Based on Grant Hill's comments after the team meeting, the coach pulled out film to prove that he was right and everyone else was wrong. Why? Because that is ALL that matters to him: Being right. Not winning; being right. Not making use of the athleticism on the team; being right. Not determining what his youth can contribute; being right. Not re-evaluating his offensive and defensive schemes; being right. It's not that he is wrong about everything, it's just that he has no ability to objectively self-evaluate.

quote: Originally posted by Undisputed4:Nobody wants to fight an old man. It looks bad if you kick his *** and even worse if he kicks your *** Good point. Ask Robin Ventura.

quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:Just posted from the Sentinel: "Guys were really upset. Not only that, Coach had the film to back up everything he said in the meeting." Here, let me translate that for you. Napoleon: I'm right and you're wrong. Meeting is adjourned. Thanks, coach.

quote: Originally posted by Undisputed4:Dwight doesnt look for JJ at all. JJ is open alot when Dwight has the ball, he is calling for it but Dwight just isnt very good with the ball. Then Dwight just throws a brick off the backboard. Sadly, I must agree with you here. Dwight's court vision is still... well..... horrible. By the way, great post fishy !! They always run that stupid play where the ball goes in to the post, then they run the PG (usually) outside of Dwight, and Dwight always fakes a hand-off to the cutting PG. Unfortunately, he NEVER hands it off, so the fake is pointless. Often the player actually has a step on his defender, and could easily go in for a reverse layup, but instead Dwight keeps the ball. By the way, if you are wondering why I say it's a stupid play: why are you running a defender toward Dwight? Especially a quick guard that can strip him of the ball. Absolutely idiotic. Love D12, but those that say he has a high basketball IQ are mistaken when it comes to how to play the post. He will eventually learn and become virtually unstoppable but, until then, some of these things are painful to watch.

Latrell Sprewell. We need our coach eliminated.

quote: Originally posted by LarryEtt:The fan had nothing to say and just looked away. You gotta be kiddin' me. A guy that is knee-high to a grasshopper that you've been yelling at walks up to you, and you just look away ?!?! You've got him hooked !!! What was he scared of? Afraid Napoleon might bite his kneecap ?!?! The guy had Brian exactly where he wanted him, then walked away !!! If he eggs him on and Brian goes Artest on him, our worst troubles are over !!! Alright, Knappy, your assignment is to push this guy over the edge. He's obviously vulnerable.

Homer Simpson would be an improvement.

quote: Originally posted by lavell12:Just looked it up the Magic rank 6th in the NBA in team defense but 28th in offense. This is a very, very deceiving stat. I would not say we rank 6th in team defense. I would say that maybe we rank 6th in least points allowed per game (assuming that is what that stat is based on; my apologies if I'm wrong). If you run an offense that consistently uses up 18-24 seconds of every possession, it greatly reduces the number of possessions by both teams, thus greatly reducing the Points-per-game by the opposition. Not because of good defense, but because of a stalling offense. The only game in recent memory that I can say that I thought the Magic played better than mediocre defense is the Bulls game. 6th in the league? We're not 6th in the East, I don't care what all the stats say. By the way, Lavell12, I'm in no way attempting to critcize your post.

quote: Originally posted by Adam_Magic:Posted by The Last Don I know everyone thinks Vince Carter is the best fit for the Magic, but with a dominant inside force like D12, we need people to space the floor and play their roles. I feel Ray Allen is the best fit because he has the 2nd most 3's in NBA history and has the personality to fit into a team. Their is no way that Vince fits because he has to be the No.1 option and the team wants D12 to that option and I know Vince would not want to be the 2nd option. Personally, I think Chauncy Billups would be the best fit out of FA. With him and Jameer on the floor at the same time, you basically have several guys who can function in the PG role, varying by possession. And I think he would be a great instructor for Jameer. After all, the only veteran example Jameer has had is Steve-O. And it shows in his game. Do I think there is any chance he leaves Detroit? No. But you've gotta try....

quote: Originally posted by The Solution:They also said the team did well in the early part of the year because the other teams didn't know what to expect. The competition made adjustments and have us figured out. We haven't made adjustments to counter act this. I have mentioned several times on this board that MJ said the EXACT same thing about Brian Hill the year that the Bulls swept the Magic in 4 games. Before game 4 he was asked what kind of adjustments the Bulls were anticipating to make in game 4. Michael LAUGHED at the interviewer, stating that they had handily beat the Magic in the 3 previous games, but the Magic (i.e. - Brian Hill) still had not made a single adjustment, so why should they? It floors me that Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkely all recognize that Brian Hill is incapable (or too bull-headed and arrogant) of making any adjustments. I will continue to repeat this phrase: Brian Hill would rather lose doing things his way, than to win by doing things any other way. It is more important to him to be right than to be a winner. So, again, how does our ownership not see what everyone else, from us lowly fans to the greatest players this game has ever seen, see ?!? Asia #1, please forgive me for saying something bad about your dad.

quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:I'll tell you another key stat, when our opponent scores over 100 points we have only won "3" games all season. Give up over 100 points then look for a Magic loss. Junkie, I gotta tell ya, these kinds of stats just strike me so hilarious at times. In your example, it's reasonable because you are using a relatively reasonable number (100). But so often I've heard announcers say things like 'This team really struggles when it's offense isn't clicking. It's record is 1-37 over the last 10 years when the team has scored less than 80.' Makes me want to kick the TV. Of course they have a bad record in that scenario. This is the NBA !!! If you can't score 80, you're probably gonna lose !!! I don't need a statistician to tell me that !!! Of course they do this in every sport. Magic woes? I heard Will Perdue this morning on the radio (by the way, why does he have his hair cut so short; with ears like that, he can't roll down the windows in his car cause his ears will beat him to death), and was asked about Otis and Brian. He was immediately willing to give Otis a free pass, but he wasn't quite as much that way with Brian. While he acknowledged the turnovers belong to the players, he stated that he and Dennis Neumann were just like the rest of the fans and sit back in wonder at the reasoning of some of the lineups out on the floor. Considering he is a Magic employee, I'm guessing that is about as far out on the limb as he was willing to publicly go.

For those going to the game tonight, could you take a picture of Skiles and place him on a poster with the words: This is what a REAL coach looks like !!

quote: Originally posted by ball junkie:Hey guys. Yes I am really, really bummed out right now. I'm watching ESPNews and they're talking some NBA stuff on the HotList. I will tell you this, Ric Bucher says that after Wade's injury last night that it helped Rod Thorn make up his mind to stand pat with his team. He thinks Jersey can now make the playoffs. I hope we can find out some way all the details of how everything panned out in the negotiations. I guess before I start ponding on Otis I at least owe him enough respect to hear his side of the negotiating story before I start ripping him. Problem is, we will never hear it from Otis. He isn't going to come out and say what he was offering because he doesn't want to send the message to any current players that he was trying to dump them. We will never know.

quote: Originally posted by Marc Acres 3:16: quote: Originally posted by SmackDaddy:Marc - speaking of venom...It's a good thing we don't play at home until Friday. Can you imagine the fans reaction if there was a game tonight and Otis doesn't make a move? Friday will still be pretty bad I imagine though. Especially at the end of the game if we get blown out again. Between that and the comment about free agency, I don't imagine that the reception is going to be too warm. I just don't get it, what are they seeing that is leading them to believe that this team just needs time? Sure Dwight and Darko and Trevor and Jameer are going to develop but that still doesn't address the scoring problem, or the effort issue. Unfortunately, the vast majority of fans at the game have never read a sports page, and couldn't even tell you the GM's name. They won't react negatively because they are completely oblivious to what is going on. Many of them are just a bunch of corporate big-shots, or their kids, who haven't the slightest clue as to what is going on. They may 'boo' when the team plays badly in a particular game, but they don't know enough to 'boo' the performance of the organization. Proof? They still cheer when Brian Hill is introduced. Enough said.

quote: Originally posted by chosen12: quote: Originally posted by Soul Bro:I am blown away at how many of you are contorting Otis' remarks. He never said VC is fools gold. He said what GMs are offering is fools gold. He never said the fans are unknowledgable. Rather, he said he can't just go by polls and make a trade that won't benefit the team. And yes, he did ask Jerry (740 am) if he (Jerry) would trade a 21 year old big for a 30 sg. Fair question, imho. Moreover, he DID say that he, the coach, ownership, and the team DOES have to answer to all of the criticism. My point: Many of you are projecting your anger to anything and everything Magic and it is starting to distort reality. Soul Bro, you are correct, that statement was completly distorted. I heard the entire interview and hed said people were wavinig fools gold, although he said it in the same breath, rushed if you would! This is sad!!! I too heard the interview, and I totally agree. He was complaining that he was getting low-balled on every offer. What I did get from the interview is that he sounded totally disgusted with Hedo. Again, he did not SAY he was totally disgusted with him. He did say that his 'flu-like symptoms' was not a medical issue, but was between his ears. Not exactly a glowing compliment.

I agree. I don't think Otis SHOULD be talking about what he is working on. Which is another reason I hope he's a no-show. He's not going to tell us the truth anyway.

quote: Originally posted by The Solution:I understand Otis Smith will be on 740 The Team 5:00 PM today. Should be another exciting moment-NO. I'm hoping he has someone fill in for him because he is too busy finalizing the ravaging of the Nets, Suns, T-Wolves and/or Grizzlies. If he shows, I think I'll be depressed.....

quote: Originally posted by RU4 The Magic: quote: Originally posted by Mr Charisma: quote: Originally posted by RU4 The Magic:If he is willing to take table scraps for a one or two year deal before he recieves some big payday then I'm all for it. Vince is 30 years old, and you honestly expect him to wait a couple of years before making a big payday? Nothing personal, but that is ludicrous. That's like telling a guy in the real world that is in his mid-70s that, if he works for less pay for a couple of years, you'll pay him more later. There is a good chance that there IS no 'later' !!! Millions of dollars is still 'millions of dollars', even if you already have millions of dollars. To suggest that any player should 'sacrifice' his potential income is preposterous. Funny how the rest of us are willing for others to sacrifice millions on the basis of 'principle', or 'obligation', or whatever. To pretend that we would 'take the high road' is laughable. We would all take the big payday, and get it as soon as possible. Hey, watch your tone while quoting my post. My post is indicative at all on how I feel. It is indicitive of the way things are. It is obvious that Otis isn't gonna budge and I'm not liking it at all. I wan't VC here, but the way Otis shows a lack of obvious interest makes the point in my previous post. I agree that it is ludicrous to expect that from VC, but can you explain Otis's lack of interest? Actually, we are on the same page concerning making the deal now. As long as the deal doesn't include Dwight, Darko or Trevor, I say do it now. I was just questioning your specific statement about Vince taking less money; that's all. As far as Otis goes, I agree with many of the others that Otis hates the media, and refuses to tip his hand. Anyone that has ever listened to him on 740 The Team on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM knows this to be true. Of course, if I was being interviewed by O'Neil and Shot, I'd probably be a little testy too. What makes it frustrating is, if nothing happens, we won't know if it's Otis' fault, or if Thorn stone-walled him.

quote: Originally posted by RU4 The Magic:If he is willing to take table scraps for a one or two year deal before he recieves some big payday then I'm all for it. Vince is 30 years old, and you honestly expect him to wait a couple of years before making a big payday? Nothing personal, but that is ludicrous. That's like telling a guy in the real world that is in his mid-70s that, if he works for less pay for a couple of years, you'll pay him more later. There is a good chance that there IS no 'later' !!! Millions of dollars is still 'millions of dollars', even if you already have millions of dollars. To suggest that any player should 'sacrifice' his potential income is preposterous. Funny how the rest of us are willing for others to sacrifice millions on the basis of 'principle', or 'obligation', or whatever. To pretend that we would 'take the high road' is laughable. We would all take the big payday, and get it as soon as possible.

quote: Originally posted by Drain-O:Now you never really know with any athlete but where there appears to be smoke there is probably fire. Well, either fire or a Portland Trailblazer...

quote: Originally posted by fan for too long:One thing that has not been mentioned is that Vince has already worked with Brian Hill as he was an assistant coach with New Jersey when Vince was brought there. So if he still wants to come here, he will know what he is getting into with the coach we have. Hopefully that is a positive aspect of trading for him. Don't know that I agree with the thought that he knows what he is getting in to. When Brian was an assistant for the Magic prior to his 1st head-coaching stint here, the players all liked him and thought he would be fine. Why? Because Brian understands roles. As an assistant, he controlled his temperment, making sure not to step on the toes of the head coach. I'm not sure VC has seen the personna of Brian Hill, head coach.

If Thorn doesn't move Vince by the trading deadline, then he moves into the same list with Isiah Thomas and Don Nelson as the dumbest GMs to ever grace the NBA planet.