Orlando Magic News for December 1st: Featuring Throwback Uniforms, Stan Van Gundy, Van Gundy's Whiteboard, and More
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The Orlando Magic will wear their classic black, pinstriped, throwback uniforms 10 times this year as part of the NBA's Hardwood Classics program. Below are the dates on which they'll wear those uniforms:
- Wednesday, December 2 vs. New York Knicks – 70s Night
- Thursday, December 17 at Miami Heat
- Thursday, January 28 vs. Boston Celtics – 80s Night
- Sunday, January 31 at Detroit Pistons
- Sunday, February 7 at Boston Celtics
- Wednesday, February 10 at Chicago Bulls
- Thursday, February 11 at Cleveland Cavaliers
- Friday, February 19 vs. Dallas Mavericks – Honoring Darrell Armstrong
- Thursday, March 11 vs. Chicago Bulls – 90s Night
- Saturday, March 13 at Washington Wizards
The press release mentions that the uniforms will be available for purchase at www.orlandomagicshop.com.
Also, how excited are you for that game against Dallas? The ovation for Darrell Armstrong could be the loudest in Amway Arena history, and I mean that.
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As Eddy posted earlier, the NBA named Magic coach Stan Van Gundy the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for November. Congratulations to him.
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Game Notes: Magic at Knicks
I neglected to post this link to Jake Appleman's and Russ Bengston's collaborative game notes from Sunday's Magic/Knicks tilt yesterday, so here it is today. They're impressed with Van Gundy's whiteboard usage, among other things.I’d seen the beauty and complexity of the Van Gundy dry-erase board before—in fact, the last time I saw it I believe it was still being written—but never before had I taken such a close look. Three colors—black, blue and red—and two sections atop one another—offense and defense—surrounded by carefully diagrammed plays. Taking in the thoroughness of it all, I can’t help but think Van Gundy would notice at a glance if a single word, maybe even a single letter, was changed. The temptation is almost too much. Instead, I simply revel in the context-free phraseology: "Lock & Trail on Singles & Staggers," "Play Dribble H.O.’s the Same," "Expect The Slip," "Late Show & Get Back" and wonder aloud whether erasing random words and phrases would produce a kind of Naismithian poetry.
There's no hyperbole in that account. I've seen SVG's whiteboard before, and it is indeed as immaculate as Appleman and Bengston make it sound.
- Courtney Lee Has Been Better As A Net
Sebastian Pruiti Nets Are Scorching says former Magic guard Courtney Lee has improved since Orlando shipped him to New Jersey in the trade that netted it Ryan Anderson and Vince Carter.
When watching Courtney Lee, you can tell that he is a smart player, who knows what he is doing out there, and when he is out there, he does show a lot of poise. All of that is reflected in the numbers. It is crazy to think about it, but Courtney Lee’s PER is higher this year in New Jersey than it was in Orlando. It has increased from 10.04 last year to 12.01 this year. Granted, this is still below average (average PER is 15), but I like to think the numbers I have highlighted above show the well-roundedness of Courtney’s game and I think as the shooting percentage starts to take its natural course and increase, you should see this number go up even more.
I'll add that Anderson's PER has increased from 13.6 last year to 20.6--second on the team only to All-Star center Dwight Howard--this year.
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Tune in to Fox Sports Florida after tomorrow night's game against the Knicks for the debut of Inside the Magic: Mickael Pietrus:
This edition of "Inside the Magic" joins Mickael Pietrus as he returns to his home island of Guadeloupe.
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Mickael takes viewers to the recreation center where his dream of becoming an NBA player all began. He fell in love with basketball after watching Michael Jordan play on television. He also talks about how he turned the tragedy of losing his mother at the age of nine into motivation to accomplish his dream.
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Mickael also chats about his return trips to Guadelupe each year to hold a week long basketball camp. He talks about how he enjoys the opportunity to teach the game that he loves, and to give other children the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
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As viewers will see, the trip home wasn’t all work, as Mickael takes time to enjoy himself as he goes boating, fishing, repelling, and takes a tour with the winners of the Discover Guadeloupe Islands with Mickael Pietrus.
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39 comments
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Comments
Good to hear they will wear the black jersey 10 times and on a lot of great games, 1 Cavs game, 2 Celtics game, etc.
by derekk on Dec 1, 2009 7:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I cant wait to buy a black Carter one...
by magictitansfan on Dec 1, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What about Anderson? You can get away with saying it’s Nick’s or Ryan’s haha. I donno which one I want yet, Carter, Nelson, Lewis, Pietrus are the final four.
by derekk on Dec 1, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if I would be quick to say Courtney has improved.
Granted, I haven’t watched many Nets games this year so perhaps I could be wrong but these numbers are flat out terrible – TS% (44.5%), eFG% (36.0%), Offensive Rating (96). Yeah, his PER has increased (due to an increase in Lee’s usage %) but that’s a metric that doesn’t penalize heavily a player for shooting inefficiently.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He’s in a completely new team and style of play, from the best to the worst. That takes adjusting and he’s not going to force errors. Then he got a whopping extended injury before he could get remotely comfortable. 11 games is a very small sample. He is their best defender, and he got his minutes against LA because he was finally healthy and produced a great individual game that is a better indicator- if I even had to pick an indicator of the small sample of games. But Im kind of hoping he keeps from forcing risks and errors, it’ll keep him from scoring 15+ on average and make it easier to trade back for someday. :P He has the consistency needed for a contender.
by derekk on Dec 1, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I understand.
I just rather wait until more games are played before saying he’s improved or not.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
First of all...
much respect for the link, it is always appreciated. His shooting numbers are down yes, but I tend to believe it is more of a fluke than due to his usage increase, which is why I am not worried. I think his PER is up though, because his assist rate is up, his turnover rate is down, and just about every defensive metric is up as well. All while playing the same amount of minutes. That being said, it is a small sample size, and I will probably be revisiting this at the mid-way point/end of the year.
by SebastianPruiti on Dec 1, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
His defense has improved, yeah.
Looking at BasketballValue and 82games, I see an improvement in the numbers there. But that doesn’t really surprise me. I don’t know, I just think it’s too quick to make a judgment either way. Just my opinion.
That being said, it was a well-written piece.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 9:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
That really does mean a lot. And you are probably right about it being too soon, but I had to do some sort of Nets-related positive post or I would have hurt myself…
by SebastianPruiti on Dec 1, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL, hey, I don't blame you.
Magic fans were with you a few years ago. The night is darkest before the dawn.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dang, We still got to hear some positive Magic related stuff from time to time too, esp. with SVG and all the other contenders out there right now.
And I think CLee is always going to be needed for them, at worst he is just one of their best defenders and a solid starter/6th guy.
by derekk on Dec 1, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Love the black pinstripes! Classic!
Although I did laugh at the idea of us rocking them for a 70’s night when the franchise didnt even exist that decade.
"Don't wait to say Im gone to say I was the best"-NaS
Kristin Kreuk is the love
Still miss em: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvgVn0gg1E
by Wasabi Steak on Dec 1, 2009 7:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
wow andersons PER is 20.6 pretty impressive.
i see why i was wrong when i was saying bass should get more minutes.ryan is just plain out good on offense.
by magicman775 on Dec 1, 2009 7:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Bass probably SHOULD get more minutes.
It’s just that Ryan definitely shouldn’t get fewer. It’s a rough situation…
Bo Outlaw's name is Charles. Chucky Atkins' isn't.
by 3.3seconds on Dec 2, 2009 1:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
*Voice from the Matrix * .. Mr. Anderson… :D
by derekk on Dec 1, 2009 8:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
quick question
where can i buy the throwback jersey because i went to the orlando magic store but i dont see it and i cant wait to see ice-o and vince in black…..
by doublettoluca on Dec 1, 2009 9:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They'll probably be available tomorrow, or sometime before the holiday.
Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."
by Ben Q Rock on Dec 1, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
okay yeah thats what i figured and thanks
by doublettoluca on Dec 1, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rashard's should be interesting
I always found the 9 numeral to be strange on those old uniforms. Though I wish we still had them, they were so unique.
Rumor is that our alternate black jersey next year has some variation of that script.
by TheRevTy on Dec 1, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So they're bringing back the black finally?
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm trying to dig it up
But a poster on RealGM talked to his ticket rep and was told that info.
It has also been said that they had the black unis all ready to go, but the NBA denied their request to introduce 3 uniforms, so they chose the blue and shelved the black for the required 2 years.
Hence the ‘Back in Black’ section on the Magic store.
by TheRevTy on Dec 1, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right, I know the rules on uniforms.
I’ve been asking around the Magic organization if they’re bringing back the black next season and no one knows, at least the people that I’ve talked to, so that’s why I asked.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
According to RawLewD12 at RealGM
The new alternates will have the same uniform template we currently wear, but in black, with the original script and numerals from the Shaq and Penny days.
by TheRevTy on Dec 2, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Which color with the section on the sides be, since they are currently black on the white and blue unis?
Will it be all black, or will they sport a blue or white in that section instead? I’d like to see all three options, but I don’t see any of the three looking bad!
NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!
by malars on Dec 2, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, that link to orlandomagicshop.com is broken.
It takes me to sbnation.com/orlandomagicshop.com which generates an sbnation page error.
NBA Championship or bust in '09-10!!!! GO MAGIC!!!!
by malars on Dec 2, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Any ballplayers or just knowledgeable basketball-heads decode Stan's whiteboard?
“Lock & Trail on Singles & Staggers”
“Play Dribble H.O.’s the Same”
“Expect The Slip”
“Late Show & Get Back”
by bandrewg08 on Dec 1, 2009 11:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Late Show and Get Back
Reference to double teams. Teams do this against Dwight all the time. It means wait until he dribbles to double, then move back quickly to your man.
Slip = Slip the screen? That sounds familiar, not sure what it means.
by TheRevTy on Dec 1, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Dwight literally gets that every time he goes one-on-one
Don’t really recall us using that on anyone yet, though.
by bandrewg08 on Dec 2, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not always Dwight either tho I bet. Turkoglu started getting more and more Late Show and Get Backs just like VC is getting some now too, I think it (also) applies to those PnR defenders that both show on the ball handler up top, completely denying them anything but a dribble backwards and I don’t see much good passes out of it in the good Late Shows because the defenders are also very tight and blocking the passing lanes somewhat.
by derekk on Dec 2, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Translations.
- single and stagger refers to screens being set by a player
- dribble hand-offs
- slip, short for slip screen
- show means hedge the pick & roll
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Basically, they're references in one way or the other to pick & rolls.
Slipping the screen, for instance, means a player fakes like he’s about to set a screen, then cuts to the basket. As for show/hedge, that’s a way to defend the pick & roll. The player that defends the picker briefly steps out into the ball handler’s path, so that he slows down enough that the player defending the ball handler has time to recover, and the player that defends the picker recovers to his original man.
I write for Third Quarter Collapse and have a Twitter account.
"The second unit is kind of crazy because the second unit is only white guys." - Marcin Gortat
by erivera7 on Dec 1, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ahh, nice
Pick & roll seems to give us the biggest problems defensively. Good to see he’s shoving it in their heads. I can only see this team getting better and better on D as the season progresses. I mean, you already put up the thing about us being Top 5 in D-efficiency already.
by bandrewg08 on Dec 2, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting thing is, the Lakers were one of the two least prolific pick-and-roll teams in the NBA last year.
More interesting thing, perhaps? The other one was the Jazz.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/sports/basketball/20pick.html?_r=1&th&emc=th
Bo Outlaw's name is Charles. Chucky Atkins' isn't.
by 3.3seconds on Dec 2, 2009 2:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Black Pinstripes?
Didn’t the Magic have a streak of “bad luck” last time they dusted off the black pinstripes a few years ago?
It was a different team, and of course nobody’s superstitious in pro sports, but I’m just sayin’…
Then again, I’m getting kind of old & my memory might be shot.
Shortest off-season ever!
by rightnow! on Dec 2, 2009 9:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Last time they wore the black ones was 06/07
Off the top of my head, they beat the 76ers at home in them (the Sixers had just deactivated a petulant A.I., and would trade him to Denver a week or 2 later) and also lost to Detroit after going about 8 minutes without a 4th-quarter field goal. Or something. I forget when else they wore ’em that year.
Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."
by Ben Q Rock on Dec 2, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

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