Orlando Magic News for September 30th: the Impressive Mickael Pietrus, Desirable Chauncey Billups, Chatty Matt Guokas, and More

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports that small forward Mickael Pietrus has impressed Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy the most of any player during training camp:

"I’ve been happy with everybody, but he’s probably stood out more than anyone. He’s making unbelievable efforts defensively. He’s making more solid plays with the ball offensively. His energy has been good. He’s been unbelievable."

Entering his third season in Magic blue, Pietrus will likely battle free-agent signee Quentin Richardson for the starting small forward job.

Steve Kyler of HOOPSWORLD has more information about the Magic's rumored trade inquiries to the New Orleans Hornets regarding Chris Paul and to the Denver Nuggets regarding Carmelo Anthony this summer. He says both were more serious than the team will admit publicly, and that there's a twist to the Denver discussion:

Sources said while Carmelo Anthony was indeed a target, the Magic were not interested in Melo alone. The Magic wanted Chauncey Billups in the deal and would have parted with almost anything on the roster not named Dwight Howard to make it happen.

Eddy Rivera posts the first part of his interview with Magic television color analyst Matt Guokas. It touches on subjects ranging from the Miami Heat to the chances Rashard Lewis plays more small forward this season.

John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com profiles Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, who is as always eager to prove his doubters wrong on the court this season. For me, though, what stands out in this article is the information about Nelson's strong relationship with GM Otis Smith. It's another indication of how seriously Nelson takes his co-captaincy duties.

Marty McNeal talks to former Magic point guard Anthony Johnson, whom the team did not re-sign this summer after employing him for two seasons as a reserve. Johnson says he's "staying in shape" and that he wants to "go out on my own terms."

Brian Schmitz calls Johnson "the perfect guy" for the team to sign as a third point guard while Jason Williams recovers from knee surgery.