Nighty-Night, O-Town
by Steve Weinman on May 14, 2008 2:38 AM EDT
in NBA
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In case this wasn't made painfully clear on Saturday when it became all but official, the Orlando Magic's season is now over -- officially.
Which means that so is their quest for respect -- at least for 2007-08.
This was an Orlando team that spent an entire season talking about how it wasn't getting enough love from the media, about how it belonged right up there with the rest of the Eastern elite.
Then reality hit.
That reality hit in the form of a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Pistons in the conference semis.
It hit in that the Pistons played the last two games and three quarters of this series without point guard Chauncey Billups, and the Magic could still win only one of those three contests.
It hit in the hollow echoing of Jameer Nelson's guarantee that there would be a sixth game in this series.
This Magic team simply isn't there yet.
The boys in Orlando have some fantastic pieces (see: Howard, Dwight and Turkoglu, Hedo), but they still have quite a ways to go.
A ways to go until they earn the wins. And until they earn the so-called respect they desire.
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Steve, I just want you to know, they lost because they didn’t make that trade in mid-season.
They were so close to winning this series. Games Two, Four, and Five could have all just as easily gone to Orlando.
Now that 12mil of expiring contracts is going to come off their books and they’re only going to be able to use their mid-level exception. Talk about a downgrade of options and limiting the future of your team. Again they lost because they didn’t make the trade.
Imagine if they had that extra role player or two, or quasi star. Imagine if he were in the backcourt and could have taken Mo Evan’s job. Imagine if he were a backup point so you didn’t have to live with Dooling’s madness. Imagine if he were that extra big man needed when Detroit were beating them on the backboards. Does the series still go to Detroit?
by Who on May 14, 2008 9:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What Orlando lacks is a backcourt to guide them. They had the worst backcourt out of all 16 playoff teams. They’re lack of creativity and understanding of the game limits the Magic offense hugely.
They need a backcourt player that can create off the dribble, score and/or create plays. That’s an all-star level player. The minute they get that they’re the frontrunner in the East.
Orlando is a whole different animal when Nelson is penetrating often and freely. SVG has to keep working with the kid, he’s the variable that defines their success until they land that all-star.
by Who on May 14, 2008 9:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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