The Magic's new D-League Affiliate is the Bakersfield Jam

Image from Chris Creamer's Sports Logos Page (sportslogos.net)

• The NBA Development League, commonly and affectionately referred to as the D-League, released its list of team affiliates for the 2008/2009 season. The Magic's affiliate is now the Bakersfield Jam; previously, they were affiliated with the Anaheim Arsenal. Matt from Ridiculous Upside doesn't think the switch bodes well for Bakersfield:

  Oh, this just makes me sad. A D-League team that needs some help playing in the toughest division in the league. Two teams that desperately need to develop young talent. And yet, this is going to be a waste.

  [....]

  Orlando needs whoever they draft to help in the frontcourt. Conversely, the Magic should have been looking to pick up rebounding help from the D-League last year. But the Magic have yet to exhibit a knowledge that the D-League even exists. Bakersfield was the worst team in the league last year. Expect that trend to continue.

  The four conference finalists this year -- the L.A. Lakers, the Spurs, the Pistons, and the Celtics, all make extensive use of their D-League systems. Hell, L.A. and San Antonio own their own teams. There appears to be a correlation between D-League participation and team success. James Augustine stayed on the inactive list for much of his rookie season, and ended up playing seven minutes in two games. Why the heck wasn't he in Anaheim more often? Beats me.

• The Magic want Keyon Dooling to stay in Orlando. We want Keyon Dooling to stay in Orlando. Keyon Dooling wants Keyon Dooling to stay in Orlando. But money talks, and Keyon will listen, says Tim Povtak:

  "There is a personal side to this, and a business side. I've enjoyed Orlando. It's a great place to raise a family, but when the stakes are this high, you have to consider all options," he said. "You play this game to win a championship, but it's also our livelihood. This is a way you can set up your family for generations."

  [....]

  Neither Dooling nor Pelinka [Dooling's agent, Rob Pelinka] would speculate on potential contract offers, but there are several teams that are expected to show interest, including the Miami Heat, the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz.

  Keyon would be a great fit with any of those teams, and with Utah especially. Whether or not the Jazz are interested is an entirely different issue. I don't want to think about the possibility of the Magic playing without Keyon Dooling, but it may indeed become a reality. We hope Keyon stays, but we'll wish him the best if he decides to leave.

• Dooling's future with the team remains uncertain, but we know this much: Keith Bogans doesn't plan to go anywhere. From John Denton's write-up of Adonal Foyle's decision to opt-out (and with thanks to MME at MagicMadness):

  Smith [Magic GM Otis Smith] said he's been given "full assurance" Bogans plans to stay in the final year of his contract that will pay him $2.9 million. Bogans doubled his career best in 3-pointers made (148), ranking 22nd in the NBA. He averaged 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in the regular season and 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in the playoffs.

  I like Keith okay, and I think he can contribute to this team... off the bench. I'd much rather Maurice Evans stick around, but with Bogans' decision to stay and Evans' relatively high asking price, that much seems unlikely. Then again, if Keyon gets an offer he can't refuse, the Magic just might have enough money to throw at Evans.

• Matt from Orlando Magic Blog posts his report card for Otis Smith, Stan Van Gundy, and every Magic player. I think he's a little harsh on Jameer and not harsh enough on Keith, but I agree with his assessments in general.
• Speaking of evaluations, I've delayed Hedo's until tomorrow. I originally planned to post it today. Sorry.

Happy birthday, Mom.