What They're Saying Before the Orlando Magic Face Off Against the Cleveland Cavaliers

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 8:00 AM EST in News Comment 42 comments

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Cleveland Cavaliers at mercy of diva LeBron James
Brian Schmitz comments on the threat of LeBron James leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers via free agency in the summer of 2010 and reveals sign-and-trade possibilities, assuming the Cavs wanted to receive compensation if it were to lose its superstar. Here's a scenario involving the Orlando Magic:

--- LeBron to Orlando for Vince Carter. (Sorry Vince). It's far-fetched, as the Cavs wouldn't want to turn Orlando into a title favorite from the East for the next decade. But they would receive an eight-time all-star whose contract expires after next season. The Magic would have to dump some serious salary down the line to sign James and pair him with Dwight Howard. (Here's the Rashard Lewis contract albatross at work). This could be a terrific route for James --- and Orlando --- to a title if he'll play for 89 cents. What if the Magic threw in center Marcin Gortat with Carter and. say, took on another Cavs' contract to complete a deal for LeBron? Hmmmm?
Will Cleveland Cavaliers' marriage work out?
George Diaz wonders aloud whether or not the Cavaliers' new marriage with former Magic player Shaq will work out this year.
How does Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard stack up against Shaquille O'Neal?
Josh Robbins takes a look at how Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal stack up to each other during their first six years in the NBA. Click here to take a look at the comparison with the use of advanced statistics, if you'd like, at Basketball-Reference
Off-day fun: The time I ranted about Kuester
John Krolik of the excellent Cavs: The Blog explains how the loss of former assistant coach, and current Detroit Pistons head coach, John Kuester isn't the reason why the Cavs have been off to a slow start, offensively (20th in offensive efficiency, so far). Instead, it has more to do with the big fella.

The issue has been incorporating Shaq, not the loss of Kuester’s sets. The argument for Kuester would be that he was such an all-around offensive genius that he would be able to solve the issue of the lack of weak-side movement when Shaq’s on the floor, despite the fact Kuester’s offense revolved around bigs on the perimeter and drive-and-kick basketball during his Cleveland campaign.
Today at 3:00 p.m. EST, Ben and I will chat with the aforementioned John Krolik at his site to preview tonight's game between Orlando and Cleveland. If you want to drop by, ask us some questions and read along, feel free to do so. We'd be happy to have your company.
Stan Van Gundy Can Mince Words with the Best
UPDATE: Bethlehem Shoals of The Baseline takes a look at some quotes from Dwight Howard and head coach Stan Van Gundy.

The Magic are this season's underdogs. A friend said there are basically two kinds of basketball experts: Those who thinks the Magic will be in the Finals, and those who don't even mention them seriously as contenders. This is the kind of thing that can motivate a team, make them especially sensitive, or both. So far, it seems like both are taking place.

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trading for rashard lewis would be a great idea

but it will never be this exciting if we hav LBJ.hehehe

what we do in life echoes in eternity

by Hbkid on Nov 11, 2009 8:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

What's the status of Ryan Anderson?

I expect only a win tonight. I don’t want any excuses from fans or players why we lost a game we shouldn’t be losing. Do not let Shaq get the best of you.

Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.

by KingJafi on Nov 11, 2009 9:17 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Ryan is out.

It's not a dunk unless your hand makes contact with the rim. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, "Superman..."

by ben_gleicher on Nov 11, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Anderson won't be available until next week, at the earliest.

I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account. Like us? Please vote for 3QC in the Orbbies, Orlando's Rockin' Blogs, hosted by the Orlando Sentinel. We're nominated for the best Sports and Overall blog.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A win tonight, or we wont stop hearing it how the Cavs now are better prepared against the Magic.

I hope that, since the Magic will be playing one of the “elite” teams, they will bring their A game, adjusting to the opponent.

I’m sure LeBron and Co. have been looking foward to this game since the season schedule was announced.

Magic Fan since the 1992-1993 Season.

by North of the South on Nov 11, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You couldn’t have echoed my thoughts any better. This is one of those playoff/statement games that occur ever so often during the regular season. I really hope the Magic understand that. They need the victory for piece of mind.

Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.

by KingJafi on Nov 11, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll see what happens.

I know Orlando will be prepared, but the question is, can they win? We’ll find out, tonight.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As weird as it sounds, I'm not sure I'd want LBJ

His presence seems to make other players give less effort, because of his aura of greatness. He doesn’t have the Jordan-esque ability to both take over a game on offense and get teammates to give 100% – he has the former, but not the latter. I’d rather have a couple lesser stars that are good motivators/glue guys.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Nov 11, 2009 10:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Also, he can't shoot.

But he can get into the paint and finish with the best of ’em.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."

by Ben Q Rock on Nov 11, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Perception is that he's gotten better each season with his outside shooting. Do the statistics not match the perception?

NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!

by malars on Nov 11, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

His eFG% on jump shots last year was 0.427

Rafer Alston’s eFG% on jump shots was 0.447. Even Gortat, who we (gently) mock for his awkward shot, managed a 0.380 eFG% on jump shots, so LBJ’s not a great outside shooter.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Nov 11, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

.365 from 3 this season, bout average.

It's not a dunk unless your hand makes contact with the rim. Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, "Superman..."

by ben_gleicher on Nov 11, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Decent.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

heartbeat.

I would take LBJ in heartbeat.. Won’t happen

What he lacks in shooting he makes up for it in D, rebounding, and assist.. He is the all-around basketball player in my opinion.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Nov 11, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I blame Mike Brown for that

When your team stands around, it’s not any one player’s fault.

by Jwoey on Nov 11, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would take LeBron on my team 10 times out of 10.

As others have said, what he lacks in shooting, he makes up for it with everything else. Literally, everything.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I conerned about this game.

We’re coming off a game last night on the road to the Bobcats, who hung with us here and there during that game. Meanwhile, the Cavs are coming off a 4-day vacation. Hopefully, Magic legs aren’t too tired to run tonight.

by pjlawrence81 on Nov 11, 2009 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

me 2

Good thing Clev isn’t clicking either.

I would love to see a dominate performance by D12 tonight. We need it.

Bass needs to go for his early..

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Nov 11, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm a little worried, too, but for different reasons.

One of the Magic’s most effective weapon – the stretch four – isn’t in use, right now, which gives the Cavaliers one less thing to worry about on the defensive end. That’s why I think it’s imperative that Stan Van Gundy utilizes the pick & roll A TON tonight to make up for it. We’ll see how it all goes down.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*I'm concerned...

by pjlawrence81 on Nov 11, 2009 11:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's the life of the NBA.

by HustlerInc on Nov 11, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Indeed, it is.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait this is tonight?

“Oh Snap! I forgot”

"My features are that of a god, its not a facade these rappers wanna be NaS"- Nasir Jones QB's Finest

Founder and only member of the Kristin Kreuk Appreciation Society, and future Husband

Still miss em: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvgVn0gg1E

by Wasabi Steak on Nov 11, 2009 1:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yup.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Magic isn't playing great D right now,

that said, if Vinsanity can avoid “stepping on opposing players’ feet” then Lebron and Shaquilicious will be going to the locker room with shaking hands with Magic…

"Put it on Film" (not on the glass)

by chiefs_55 on Nov 11, 2009 1:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's going to have to be more than that.

Orlando needs to be sharp on both ends of the floor, tonight, if the team wants to beat Cleveland.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

BTW you have my Orbbie Vote, and I don't even live in Central Florida anymore!

Besides what else is there to read in Orlando online? wdw?

"Put it on Film" (not on the glass)

by chiefs_55 on Nov 11, 2009 5:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

oh God we're so going to lose this game DDD:

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on Nov 11, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pessimist

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Nov 11, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

~realist~

I'm a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on Nov 11, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Meh. Go eat Yappy Dog

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Nov 11, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL @ the Bynum for James idea Schmitz threw out

There’s no way that would work under the salary cap. Unless the Cavs gutted their entire team to trade LeBron. Why do that?

I love how this stuff makes writers antsy.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 11, 2009 4:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No comment.

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 11, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Schmitz missed that Bynum's Base Year Compensation

He’s only worth $6.25m in a trade, not $12.5m

LA could do it by trading Bynum, Vujacic, and Farmar to Cleveland, but I can’t imagine either team actually pulling the trigger on that one.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Nov 11, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep Dark I know

That’s why I laughed. I just think Schmitz was throwing mud against the wall. I wonder if he really thought any of what he actually put down would make anybody do anything but laugh.

Quite honestly, it seemed to have a tone of mockery to it.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 12, 2009 2:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat

by erivera7 on Nov 12, 2009 4:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping by you saying that you mean you agree

You can’t honestly tell me you thought that was 100% serious.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Nov 13, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs