Orlando Magic News for May 6th: Dwight Howard Named To All-NBA Defensive First Team, Talks Of Courtney Lee's Return, A Writer Marvels At Stan Van Gundy's Handiwork, and More

by erivera7 on May 6, 2009 3:00 PM EDT in News

Congratulations are in order for Dwight Howard, who was named to his first All-NBA Defensive First Team. He is the first player in Magic history to be so honored. He earned second-team honors last season, while Horace Grant also earned second-team honors in the 1994/1995 and 1995/1996 seasons.
Brian Schmitz states that Courtney Lee may suit up tonight. Make sure to drop by 3QC member OllieGator's FanPost to comment on the news.
Today, ESPN.com holds a roundtable discussion concerning a number of subjects - is it time for the Boston Celtics to panic, how far will the Orlando Magic go in the playoffs, etc. Click on the link to check out the full article.
Henry Abbott of TrueHoop marvels at the dry erase board head coach Stan Van Gundy uses to prepare the Magic before every game:

The mainstay of "the board" in the NBA is a list of the opposing roster, with various notations like who can shoot the 3, who will crash the offensive glass, and who needs to be trapped on the screen and roll. There are also usually some opponents' plays diagrammed.

A typical NBA board looks like it would have a helpful reminder or two for young players, and a hint of strategy.

Then there is Orlando.

You walk in to the Magic locker room pre-game, and head coach Stan Van Gundy mans the dry erase marker himself. And that board ... it's beautiful. It just is. His penmanship is meticulous. The colors are vivid (is it possible he has better pens than everybody else?). The information is intense -- every square inch of the board is thick with insight.

This board is vastly more than helpful reminders. It's a multi-faceted plan of attack.
Mike Moreau of Scouts, Inc. breaks down Game 2 and picks a winner:

Boston cannot afford to come out flat in Game 2, as it is once again on the verge of going down 2-0 but against a much more formidable opponent. More aggressive offense and better defensive intensity can be expected from the champs.

Orlando will not be satisfied with just stealing a win and gaining home-court advantage. It has a real opportunity to bury the Celtics, and expect the Magic to smell the kill. The Boston faithful know their team needs them, and expect the home crowd to pull their team through.

Prediction: Celtics Win Game 2

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Congrats to Dwight.

.. kid has been having a special season.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 6, 2009 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

Got to admit, I’m loving that dry erase board article.

by 3.3seconds on May 6, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, when I get back to Orlando to cover the team, I need to check it out.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 6, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Reading that article, I started to think about the nature of coaching. Speaking strictly as a spectator and student of basketball, it seems to me that coaching inevitably involves a balance between Xs and Os—abstract basketball theory; and management of players’ emotions—getting your guys to play with heart and mutual trust. Much of what I’ve read about Van Gundy seems to suggest that he has a brilliant strategic mind, almost reminiscent of an army general, but a complete neglect of the emotional aspect. The press and Hollywood seem to have a preference for hot-blooded coaching, as it makes for the most entertaining stories. so it may be that the importance of inspiration and emotional guidance in coaching is largely overstated. Still, I look at our team and their various temperments, and I have to wonder if a little fervent from ol SVG wouldn’t improve the team.

by kerem on May 6, 2009 9:57 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I would agree that coaching is a combination of X's & O's with player management.

I think Stan’s emotions get overblown sometimes because the media likes a personality like his. It really comes down to whether or not the players react positively to the coach .. in this case, the Magic do.

Granted, a few players complain about Van Gundy’s antics but still can’t deny the results, so far.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 6, 2009 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Some great insight above on SVG's coaching methods.

Something i have noticed in the last few games is Svg. trying to be calmer on the floor. Is it my imagination or is he having a transformation?

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on May 8, 2009 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he's just trying to respond appropriately to his team.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 8, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

this series provides a nice contrast in coaches, with SVG the taskmaster/tactician, and Doc the motivator/manipulator

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics Playoff Central

by Evan Dunlap on May 6, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Word.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on May 7, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

What a joke!!!

Howard… an All-NBA Defensive First Team?

This is a joke; a travestry, a fake!

Howard can’t even guard Boston’s Perkins, who is slower than a turtle. Net points for the first two games: 16 and 12… and this from a guy who scored 31 and 39 in the first round! Plus, he is allowing EVERYONE to come in and either dunk or, lay up without even jumping!!!

“Orlando can smell the kill…” Get REAL! Howard and this team don’t even know what the killer instict is; they don’t have it and never will… To think that I’ve waited 14 years… for THIS? Get rid of the baggage!!!

by manny55 on May 7, 2009 3:58 AM EDT reply actions