Orlando Magic News for June 23rd: Reminiscing On The NBA Finals Appearance, A Quick Look At A Conference Rival, and More

by erivera7 on Jun 23, 2009 3:00 PM EDT in News

Did you ever think it would happen this soon for Dwight Howard?
Zach McCann of Orlando Magic Daily reminisces on the first time he envisioned NBA Finals possibilities with Dwight Howard leading the way.
Suicide lines: Draft green room, Shaq rumors, Ime Udoka ...
Jameer Nelson with some kind words for draft prospect, Tyreke Evans.

Fellow Chester native Jameer Nelson, who played in the NBA Finals last week with the Orlando Magic, said Evans will do well in the league. 'He has good people around him. I know he is a hard worker,' Nelson said. 'Going into your rookie year, you don't know what to expect. But I know one thing about him: He can shoot the ball.'"
Celtics shop Rondo, Allen
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports broke news yesterday of a trade allegedly in the works between the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons. Interesting, no? This proposed deal is too big to ignore, even if it's a trade idea that shouldn't be taken seriously right now. Given the ramifications this deal would have had for the Boston Celtics, a team that will compete with the Orlando Magic for the Eastern Conference Title, it's worth making note of it.

Kelly Dwyer of Ball Don't Lie has additional commentary for your reading pleasure.
Draft Projection
If you want a comprehensive breakdown of the NBA Draft, I suggest reading up on Bradford Doolittle's team overviews and forecast of the first round at Basketball Prospectus. A mock draft, even if Brad doesn't want to call it that.
BDL 2009 NBA Mock Draft
Or if you want to catch up on SB Nation's mock draft hosted by Ball Don't Lie, you can check that out too when you have free time.
The third and final part of my three-part series examining the performances of Orlando Magic players in the playoffs will conclude tomorrow. The subject?

Dwight Howard.

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Deep PG class.

My Rankings
1-Tyreke Evans
2-Johnny Flynn
3-Ty Lawson
4-Ricky Rubio
5-Stephen Curry
6-Brandon Jennings

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

by Wmillion on Jun 23, 2009 8:17 PM EDT reply actions

I kinda like what I see outta him. Amazing court vision, long wingspan, 18 years old, playing with men since 14 (sounds weird)… I guess the knock on him is that he can’t shoot and is too skinny, but he can definitely improve that with time. He is only 18.

I hope the Thunder take him at 3 if available. I’m a fan of KD and Russ and I think with Rubio they can contend in the West for a long time along with Portland.

by bandrewg08 on Jun 23, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't shoot and is too skinny?

Isn’t that basically what they are still saying about Rondo. He may not be able to shoot well now, but he’s got plenty of time to develop that facet of his game. Not to mention he is the only one of the top group of guards to have Olympic experience. He won’t make the immediate impact that maybe some of these other guys can, but I think any team that is patient with him will be paid off big-time in the long haul.

by Lee for three on Jun 23, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope

I think he is going to be good, but I think their are some guards in this draft that will make an immediate impact, and continue to improve.

Rubio reminds me of white chocolate.. They say pistol Pete, but Pistol pete could shoot the lights out in high school.

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

by Wmillion on Jun 24, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions

There will be player that make an impact now ..

.. but in the long run, Rubio could be a guy that stands out from the crop of guards in this draft.

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 Jun 24, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes he could..

I am interested to see how far Ty Lawson falls. the fall will cost him money, but he is going to end up on pretty good team. I think he is perfect fit for the Blazers.

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

by Wmillion on Jun 24, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Doubt Lawson falls that far ..

.. I think he’s a lottery pick, easy.

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 Jun 24, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I was thinking the blazers may package something to move up. I saw a mock draft with him going to the 76ers

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

by Wmillion on Jun 24, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Doubt that.

I hear rumblings that the Blazers are looking to trade for Hinrich, which .. if that happens, makes the threat of them signing Turkoglu almost neutralized.

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 Jun 24, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions