NBA chat with a Coach(Mike Moreau)...not a writer(12:00)

[ball junkie]

Nothing against writer's...a lot of them are good friends of mine...coaches are a little more in the trenches and see things maybe a writer can't.

 

Anyway, the earlier you get your questions in the higher the probability it gets answered...I've read this guys stuff before and he is pretty likely to tell it like it is.

 

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Chat.asp?CHAT_TOPICS_ID=77

[ball junkie]

Nothing against writer's...a lot of them are good friends of mine...coaches are a little more in the trenches and see things maybe a writer can't.

 

Anyway, the earlier you get your questions in the higher the probability it gets answered...I've read this guys stuff before and he is pretty likely to tell it like it is.

 

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Chat.asp?CHAT_TOPICS_ID=77

[gporter]

I asked ilke 5 magic related questions. Hopefully one gets answered, at least.

[ball junkie]

quote:

Matt in Orlando, FL:

Last chat you said Orl couldn't get past Cle or Bos, they live by the 3/die by it. Same chat you said "the Magic should make a run at it the way they are." Why stay as is if we can't get to the finals? What would we need to get past Cle or Bos?

 

Mike Moreau:

My point was they have their team built a certain way, certain strengths in certain areas. They are poised to take another step. I think they are better, just not better than those two. Better defense, more rugged toughness is what is needed. They can either develop those from within or import. You can make things worse by totally changing course - look at Phoenix. The Magic could get there in a year or two by tweaking. I don't think they should overhaul. Make a run at it as you are, then assess at the end of the year.

[ball junkie]

quote:

Paul in Gainesville, Fla.:

J.J. Redick has gotten many minutes lately. First, give an honest asessment of his game(shooting, defense etc.) He has now been replaced as a starter for our Western trip, how do you see his role the rest of the season? His future with the Magic?

 

Mike Moreau:

We've been around and around on this one for the last two weeks, Paul. Honest assessment? Can shoot, can't guard, won't change, small role, no Magic in his future.

[ball junkie]

quote:

Jim in Orlando, Fla.:

Can the Magic win a championship as currently constructed? If not, who would you like to ship out and who would you like to see Otis bring in to enhance our chances? If you can't name players, what position's now need an upgrade?

 

 

Mike Moreau:

I think they are better than last year, but they have to find a way to win when they don't shoot well. That means defense and toughness, which Detroit used to oust them last year. I don't think this roster has enough of either. The Lewis / Turkoglu combo is impressive on the offensive end, but a beastly, rugged power forward of the Maxiell, Powe variety - defense, rebounds, offensive boards, and a bodyguard for Superman is their biggest need to me. Can Tony Battie be that guy? They also need an assist oriented, veteran point guard to compliment Jameer, which they attempted to solve with A.J. Until everyone is healthy, it's hard to judge their chances. I think they can beat everyone but Cleveland or Boston, and although that isn't winning a championship, it's a step forward from last year.

[Berto]

quote:

Dwight Howard in Orlando:

Can I please get some help in the paint?

 

Mike Moreau:

Hard to see all the way down in there from way out at the 3 point line. Signed, Your teammates

 

LOL, I should of asked a better question...

[Berto]

quote:

Geoffrey in Orlando, FL:

Hey coach, do you think the Magic could be any more overlooked? It seems they come from behind every game they win.

 

Mike Moreau:

They came back and beat a really bad team last night - man, do the Clippers stink. The Magic can score in bunches, and go on droughts as well. They live and die with their jumpshooting. Rest assured the Blazers, Suns and Jazz will not be overlooking the Magic this week.

[Berto]

quote:

Geoffrey in Orlando, FL:

Can the Magic beat the Cavaliers or Celtics in the playoffs?

 

Mike Moreau:

 

Not in a best of 7 series. No way. No how. No chance. Geoffrey, you must let go of this fantasy right now.

[Berto]

quote:

Derek in Palm Beach, FL:

With Hedo Turkoglu performing like a crack head playing for a dime piece, what does it do to his value as an impending free agent?

 

Mike Moreau:

 

Everyone in the league knows what he can do. He has great value as a shooter/scorer. That's baskets, Derek.

 

DO IT OTIS.

[Marc Acres 3:16]

I think we are better defensively than he gives us credit for but we do need help on the glass. I don't see any reason why we need to wait till the end of the year to assess that, it's plain as day, we need a 4..badly.

[Jareth Cutestory]

quote:

Originally posted by Kberto:

quote:

Geoffrey in Orlando, FL:

Can the Magic beat the Cavaliers or Celtics in the playoffs?

 

Mike Moreau:

 

Not in a best of 7 series. No way. No how. No chance. Geoffrey, you must let go of this fantasy right now.

Might as well tank the season.