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Orlando Magic and NBA News: Wednesday, August 10

By on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 | No Comments

Earl Clark is likely headed to China to play for Zhejiang of the CBA. (Joshua C. Cruey/Orlando Sentinel)

After months of speculation that Dwight Howard might play overseas during the lockout, a couple other Magic players have been linked to foreign countries: Both Earl Clark and Hedo Turkoglu are in talks with teams across the pond. We delve into those rumors and more in today’s links.

1. Earl Clark considering signing with team in China, Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

The Buzz: Clark is in talks with Zhejiang of the Chinese Basketball Association. The deal would not include an NBA-out clause, reportedly.

2. Clark agrees to deal to play in China, Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

The Buzz: Here’s the original report from Yahoo!

3. Here’s Stan Van Gundy as a college basketball player (photo) Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

The Buzz: Ever want to see the Magic coach as a college hooper? Here’s your chance.

4. What do Magic have up their sleeves? ESPN.com

The Buzz: Five NBA writers take aim at the biggest questions surrounding the Magic.

5. Turkish Team Chasing Turkoglu, Philip Rossman-Reich, OrlandoMagicDaily.com

The Buzz: Turkoglu is in talks to play in his home country of Turkey during the lockout.

6. The EOB Elite 100, 61-70: Buy or sell, Matt Moore, CBSSports.com

The Buzz: An Orlando Magic player is in the 60s in this list of the top 100 players in the NBA.

7. Top 100 NBA Players — Nos. 61-70, Zach Lowe, SI.com

The Buzz: The same Magic player is on Zach Lowe’s list of the top 100 guys.

8. Dwight Howard is ‘upset’ by quiet Magic fans, Ben Golliver, CBSSports.com

The Buzz: Here’s some commentary on Howard’s claim that the Magic’s crowd was weak during the regular season.

9. Howard for Bynum, Kevin Pelton, BasketballProspectus.com

The Buzz: Let’s say this: I don’t agree.

10. Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade must opt for rest, not risk, Greg Cote, Miami Herald

The Buzz: Wade said he’s going to pursue playing overseas, something this Miami columnist disagrees with.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic and NBA News: Monday, August 8

By on Monday, August 8th, 2011 | No Comments

Dwight Howard is already one of the best centers of recent history.

Where does Dwight Howard rank among centers over the last 30 years? Does Andrew Bynum have big-time trade value around the league? Which Orlando Magic player besides Howard has some drama around Basketball Wives? We answer these questions and more in today’s links.

1. Andrew Bynum offers L.A. biggest trade chip, Brian Schmitz, Orlando Sentinel

The Buzz: Does anyone actually believe the media reports that Jerry Buss refuses to trade Bynum? Please.

2. Magic Use Howard Plenty, Others’ Usage Is Concern, Philip Rossman-Reich, OrlandoMagicDaily.com

The Buzz: Hakeem Olajuwon thinks Howard should shoot more. PRR disagrees.

3. Arenas hopes to block former girlfriend from VH1?s ‘Basketball Wives’ Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News

The Buzz: Royce Reed, who had a baby with Dwight Howard, is on Basketball Wives but can’t mention Howard or their son. Now Arenas is trying to keep his ex-fiance — and mother of his three children — from joining the show.

4. The 10 best centers of the past three decades, Dennis Velasco, TheBasketballJones.com

The Buzz: Howard, as you might expect, makes the rankings of the best centers of the past 30 years.

5. NBA Player Skill Rankings – Post Play, Sebastian Pruiti, NBAPlaybook.com

The Buzz: Howard isn’t mentioned on this list of the best post players in the NBA.

6. Stan Van Gundy Could Get Into Politics, John Karalis, CrossoverChronicles.com

The Buzz: The American President is the authority on national security decisions, and Van Gundy’s basketball philosophy — which includes many long-range shots — would translate to foreign affairs, says Karalis.

7. ‘Chocolate Thunder’ name came from Stevie Wonder, Matt Moore, CBSSports.com

The Buzz: Stevie Wonder’s career has some parallels with Gilbert Arenas.

8. Rookies taking loans to survive lockout, Matt Moore, CBSSports.com

The Buzz: These rookies haven’t made any money yet.

9. Heat need quality, not quantity, in reserve, Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Buzz: The Heat signed a whole bunch of veterans last summer, a strategy that didn’t totally work out.

10. Rejoice! New Hawks’ owner means end of Atlanta Spirit, Jeff Schultz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Buzz: They seem pretty happy about the team’s sale in Atlanta.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic and NBA News: Thursday, August 4

By on Thursday, August 4th, 2011 | No Comments

Is Hedo Turkoglu one of the NBA’s best 100 players? (Julio Cortez/Associated Press)

Stan Van Gundy’s crossover went viral yesterday. We have that, his political aspirations, lockout news and more in today’s links.

1. Stan Van Gundy not worried about players tuning him out, Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

The Buzz: Van Gundy was in a light-hearted mood at the Magic youth camp, but don’t expect that come the real season.

2. Stan Van Gundy considering career in politics after coaching, Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

The Buzz: Van Gundy is considering a career in local or state politics after coaching.

3. Shaq used cop pals in frame-up try, says lawsuit, Mike Clary, South Florida Sun Sentinel

The Buzz: Shaq is being accused of a complex framing attempt.

4. NBA season likely to be canceled, union chief says at seminar, Jeff Barker, Baltimore Sun

The Buzz: This is mostly a negotiating ploy, but the player’s union head isn’t confident a season will be played.

5. Top 100 NBA Players, Pt. II: Nos. 81-90, Zach Lowe, SI.com

The Buzz: A couple of Magic wing players made the top 100 of Lowe’s player rankings.

6. Dwight Howard is in love with China, Tiffany Greene, BHSN.com

The Buzz: If Howard plays overseas — a big if — it will be in China.

7. Dwight Howard Sings For The Kids, Sean Highkin, HardwoodParoxysm.com

The Buzz: Highkin provides an entertaining — if not a bit tardy — review of Howard’s kids album.

8. NBA General Manager Rankings: David Kahn, Pat Riley, And Everyone In Between, Mike Prada, SBNation.com

The Buzz: Where do you think Otis Smith should place in a ranking of the league’s GMs?

9. Magic Campers Get Authentic Van Gundy Coaching Experience, John Denton, OrlandoMagic.com

The Buzz: Here’s the team’s release on Van Gundy’s camp appearance.

10. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame immune to NBA lockout, Lacy J. Banks, Chicago Sun-Times

The Buzz: The lockout’s rules are being temporarily lifted for the hall of fame induction.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Top Magic and NBA news: Sunday, August 29

By on Friday, September 10th, 2010 | No Comments

Chauncey Billups (right), shown here during the 2009-10 NBA season, scored 12 points for Team USA on Saturday (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Team USA started well in the world championships, defeating Croatia 106-78 in Istanbul.

We look at the Americans’ victory in today’s morning links, which also include a look at parking at Amway Center.

Here we go:

1. Parking at Orlando Magic’s new Amway Center plentiful, not cheap, Orlando Sentinel, Dan Tracy
The Buzz: There are about 7,400 parking spots within a five-minute walk of the new arena.

2. U.S. defense, perimeter shooting lead rout of Croatia, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann discusses Team USA’s opening-game victory.

3. Gordon impresses, helps U.S. by Croatia, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: Eric Gordon played well for the American team.

4. France beats defending champ Spain, ESPN.com, Wire services
The Buzz: France’s upset victory leads off this digest of scores from the tournament’s first day.

5. Ricky Rubio at 19: The prodigy is coming of age, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: Here’s a look at the Spanish point guard the Minnesota Timberwolves selected early in the 2009 draft.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers’ new up-tempo offense can’t arrive soon enough for Daniel Gibson, The Plain Dealer, Mary Schmitt Boyer
The Buzz: The Cavs’ new coach, Byron Scott, will employ an offense that should suit Gibson. 

7. 76ers boss has seen it all before, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Mike Jensen
The Buzz: Here’s a profile of Rod Thorn, the Sixers’ new president.

8. Confessions of an NBA scoring champion, Slam, Rodger Bohn
The Buzz: Here’s a Q-and-A with Jerry Stackhouse.

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Top Magic and NBA news: Monday, August 30

By on Thursday, September 9th, 2010 | No Comments

Kevin Durant starred for Team USA against Slovenia on Sunday (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

Kevin Durant showed why he’s the heart and soul of Team USA on Sunday.

Durant scored 22 points as the United States defeated Slovenia 99-77 in the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

The Americans will face Brazil today.

Let’s jump right into our daily links:

1. Kevin Durant scores 22 to lead U.S. past Slovenia at worlds, The Associated Press
The Buzz: The Americans are 2-0 in the tournament.

2. Durant delivers despite limited minutes, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: Sheridan notes that Team USA struggled after Durant was subbed out in the first quarter.

3. Two wins, too early to get excited, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: The tournament’s eventual winner ultimately will have to play four knockout games. “You can’t go too crazy about anything,” U.S. Coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “You have to keep calm in these situations, as it’s just one game and you’re out.”

4. Once again, U.S. defense carries the day at Worlds, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: The Americans’ ‘D’ played a big role on Sunday.

5. Notes from FIBA day 2, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann recaps Sunday’s games and looks ahead to the Americans’ matchup against Brazil today.

6. USA faces test against banged up Brazil, FanHouse, Chris Tomasson
The Buzz: “Team USA gets its first real test Monday,” Tomasson writes. “But it might not be as much of one as originally thought.”

7. Hawks’ Crawford won’t discuss future, The Boston Globe, Gary Washburn
The Buzz: Jamal Crawford declined to talk about his future with Atlanta when contacted by the Globe. Atlanta’s talented guard is not signed beyond the 2010-11 season, and he reportedly wants a contract extension before this season starts.

8. Another Hawks dilemma: Pay Jamal Crawford or dump him?, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mark Bradley
The Buzz: “Crawford must be taken seriously,” Bradley writes. “Given that these are the Hawks, who are so cheap they haven’t yet fleshed out their roster, he shouldn’t hold his breath.”

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Top Magic and NBA news: Monday, August 31

By on Thursday, September 9th, 2010 | No Comments

Team USA defeated Brazil on Monday — thanks largely to Kevin Durant (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)

For weeks now, we’ve heard pundits say that Team USA would encounter challenges at the world championships in Turkey.

The experts said the team is young. They said the Americans don’t have much of a low-post presence. They said the Americans have little experience playing under international rules.

Well, those dire warnings gained some legitimacy Monday, as the Americans eked out a 70-68 victory over Brazil in group play. Kevin Durant, whose popularity is surging these days, scored 27 points.

Analysis of that game dominates our daily links this morning.

Let’s jump right in:

1. US survives test, holds on to edge Brazil 70-68, The Associated Press, Brian Mahoney
The Buzz: The Americans will earn their group’s top seed if they defeat either Iran or Tunisia or if Brazil loses another game.

2. The U.S. team stays undefeated, if underwhelming, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: Thamel writes that “skeptics will point out that the stretches of listless effort and a sputtering offense exposed the United States team’s immaturity, inexperience and vulnerability.”

3. Learning experience for Team USA, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: Sheridan notes that the Americans will have another week to work on their weaknesses before they face another opponent close to Brazil’s caliber.

4. Win against Brazil reveals key flaws in U.S. team’s game, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann writes: “Flaws were exposed. Lessons were learned. Character was tested.”

5. Notes from FIBA Day 3, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: This wrap-up of the day’s events includes a video interview with Durant.

6. Kevin Durant’s popularity is worldwide, The Oklahoman, Jenni Carlson
The Buzz: Carlson notes that Durant is becoming a global star.

7. Former Cavs teammates clear the air, Akron Beacon Journal, Jason Lloyd
The Buzz: LeBron James and Mo Williams met at Hopkins airport on Sunday and had what Lloyd refers to as a “clear-the-air type of discussion.”

8. Heat sign second-round draft choice Da’Sean Butler, Sun Sentinel, Ira Winderman
The Buzz: Miami now has 18 players under contract.

9. Casspi, Israel qualify for EuroBasket 2011, The Sacramento Bee, Ailene Voisin
The Buzz: Voisin writes that the Sacramento Kings will try to get into the mix on any possible sign-and-trade involving Carmelo Anthony.

10. Mikhail Torrance walks without assistance, upgraded to stable, FanHouse, Tim Povtak
The Buzz: Povtak offers this update on the former Alabama Crimson Tide point guard.

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Orlando Magic News for August 31st: Another Carmelo Anthony Trade Scenario, D-League Musings, and More

By on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 | No Comments

Photo

More photos »

Steve C Wilson – AP

Browse more photos »

  • SLAM ONLINE | Trader’s Market: Melo Pt. 2 – Southern Hospitality

    Sandy Dover says the Orlando Magic are contenders to land Denver Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony via trade because they can offer salary relief (Vince Carter’s partially expiring contract) and solid talent (Mickael Pietrus, whom Dover calls the “real treat” for Denver in the deal). He believes pairing Anthony with Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis could help the Magic “go to the NBA Finals.”

  • Grading NBA Teams’ Usage of the D-League: Southeast Division | D-League Digest

    Four well-respected experts agree: the Magic earn an F for their non-use of the NBA’s D-League so far. Eddy Rivera points out that the Magic don’t have much need for the D-League, since they’re a contending team, but Matt Hubert counters with this bit:

    Sure, they’ve been successful on the court the past few seasons, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Other top teams like the Lakers, Celtics and Spurs have made much better use of the D-League as a developmental tool than Orlando.

  • Dwight Howard to visit Haiti and host charity event for Haiti – Orlando Magic BasketBlog

    Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel passes along word that Howard will support earthquake relief for Haiti in a variety of ways.

  • charitybuzz | Test Your skills with Superman Himself, Dwight Howard

    As we posted in this FanShot earlier, Howard is also supporting Usher’s New Look, another charity, by auctioning off a game of HORSE.

Orlando Pinstriped Post

Top Magic and NBA news: Monday, August 31

By on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 | No Comments

Team USA defeated Brazil on Monday — thanks largely to Kevin Durant (Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press)

For weeks now, we’ve heard pundits say that Team USA would encounter challenges at the world championships in Turkey.

The experts said the team is young. They said the Americans don’t have much of a low-post presence. They said the Americans have little experience playing under international rules.

Well, those dire warnings gained some legitimacy Monday, as the Americans eked out a 70-68 victory over Brazil in group play. Kevin Durant, whose popularity is surging these days, scored 27 points.

Analysis of that game dominates our daily links this morning.

Let’s jump right in:

1. US survives test, holds on to edge Brazil 70-68, The Associated Press, Brian Mahoney
The Buzz: The Americans will earn their group’s top seed if they defeat either Iran or Tunisia or if Brazil loses another game.

2. The U.S. team stays undefeated, if underwhelming, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: Thamel writes that “skeptics will point out that the stretches of listless effort and a sputtering offense exposed the United States team’s immaturity, inexperience and vulnerability.”

3. Learning experience for Team USA, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: Sheridan notes that the Americans will have another week to work on their weaknesses before they face another opponent close to Brazil’s caliber.

4. Win against Brazil reveals key flaws in U.S. team’s game, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann writes: “Flaws were exposed. Lessons were learned. Character was tested.”

5. Notes from FIBA Day 3, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: This wrap-up of the day’s events includes a video interview with Durant.

6. Kevin Durant’s popularity is worldwide, The Oklahoman, Jenni Carlson
The Buzz: Carlson notes that Durant is becoming a global star.

7. Former Cavs teammates clear the air, Akron Beacon Journal, Jason Lloyd
The Buzz: LeBron James and Mo Williams met at Hopkins airport on Sunday and had what Lloyd refers to as a “clear-the-air type of discussion.”

8. Heat sign second-round draft choice Da’Sean Butler, Sun Sentinel, Ira Winderman
The Buzz: Miami now has 18 players under contract.

9. Casspi, Israel qualify for EuroBasket 2011, The Sacramento Bee, Ailene Voisin
The Buzz: Voisin writes that the Sacramento Kings will try to get into the mix on any possible sign-and-trade involving Carmelo Anthony.

10. Mikhail Torrance walks without assistance, upgraded to stable, FanHouse, Tim Povtak
The Buzz: Povtak offers this update on the former Alabama Crimson Tide point guard.

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Top Magic and NBA news: Saturday, August 28

By on Monday, August 30th, 2010 | No Comments

Kevin Durant, shown here during the 2009-10 regular season, is leading Team USA into the 2010 FIBA World Championship (John Raoux/Associated Press)

The 2010 FIBA World Championship will get under way today in Turkey, with Team USA opening against Croatia.

The tournament takes center stage in this morning’s NBA links.

So does the Denver Nuggets’ ongoing drama. The Nuggets have a new player personnel executive who will face plenty of challenges in the days and weeks ahead.

Here we go:

1. Orlando Magic ticket prices to vary based on day of week, quality of opponent, Orlando Sentinel, Josh Robbins
The Buzz: The Magic will use variable pricing for all single-game tickets during the 2010-11 regular season.

2. 2010 Worlds: Team USA is gold worthy, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: The Americans play their first game in the world championships at noon today.

3. Plenty at stake as U.S. team heads into World Championship, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann sets the scene.

4. Canada gives U.S. unlikely assist, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: Jay Triano, a Canadian, is an assistant coach for the U.S. squad.

5. New Nuggets VP Ujiri’s top priority: Melo, The Denver Post, Chris Dempsey
The Buzz: Masai Ujiri, Denver’s new executive vice president of basketball operations, has a daunting to-do list.

6. Ujiri in Nuggets’ jungle, The Denver Post, Woody Paige
The Buzz: Ujiri has this to say: “I love this opportunity. I would have taken the job if I had been offered . Who could say no to this great challenge?” Which leads Paige to write, “A few people — including one who wanted more than 0,000 — did.”

7. Wizards contacted Denver about Carmelo Anthony, The Washington Post, Michael Lee
The Buzz: Lee writes: “Denver has told league executives that it is seeking a package of expiring contracts, future draft picks and young prospects in any deal for its franchise cornerstone.”

8. Sources: Jamal Crawford to seek trade, ESPN.com, Chris Broussard
The Buzz: According to this piece, the Hawks guard is frustrated the team hasn’t given him a contract extension.

9. Jamal Crawford wants trade if Hawks don’t extend his contract, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Michael Cunningham
The Buzz: Here’s the same story from the perspective of the AJC’s Hawks beat writer.

10. NBA suspends Evans one game for speeding, The Sacramento Bee, Ailene Voisin
The Buzz: Tyreke Evans, last season’s top rookie, will miss the Kings’ season opener after he pleaded no contest to driving up to 130 mph on an interstate. Two other players, Indiana’s Brandon Rush and Miami’s Kenny Hasbrouck, also received suspensions for separate infractions.

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

Orlando Magic BasketBlog – Orlando Sentinel

Top Magic and NBA news: Sunday, August 29

By on Sunday, August 29th, 2010 | No Comments

Chauncey Billups (right), shown here during the 2009-10 NBA season, scored 12 points for Team USA on Saturday (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Team USA started well in the world championships, defeating Croatia 106-78 in Istanbul.

We look at the Americans’ victory in today’s morning links, which also include a look at parking at Amway Center.

Here we go:

1. Parking at Orlando Magic’s new Amway Center plentiful, not cheap, Orlando Sentinel, Dan Tracy
The Buzz: There are about 7,400 parking spots within a five-minute walk of the new arena.

2. U.S. defense, perimeter shooting lead rout of Croatia, NBA.com, John Schuhmann
The Buzz: Schuhmann discusses Team USA’s opening-game victory.

3. Gordon impresses, helps U.S. by Croatia, ESPN.com, Chris Sheridan
The Buzz: Eric Gordon played well for the American team.

4. France beats defending champ Spain, ESPN.com, Wire services
The Buzz: France’s upset victory leads off this digest of scores from the tournament’s first day.

5. Ricky Rubio at 19: The prodigy is coming of age, The New York Times, Pete Thamel
The Buzz: Here’s a look at the Spanish point guard the Minnesota Timberwolves selected early in the 2009 draft.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers’ new up-tempo offense can’t arrive soon enough for Daniel Gibson, The Plain Dealer, Mary Schmitt Boyer
The Buzz: The Cavs’ new coach, Byron Scott, will employ an offense that should suit Gibson. 

7. 76ers boss has seen it all before, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Mike Jensen
The Buzz: Here’s a profile of Rod Thorn, the Sixers’ new president.

8. Confessions of an NBA scoring champion, Slam, Rodger Bohn
The Buzz: Here’s a Q-and-A with Jerry Stackhouse.

Follow Josh Robbins on Twitter at @JoshuaBRobbins and e-mail him at jrobbins@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.

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