Orlando Magic News for January 13th: ESPN's Chad Ford Still Doesn't Believe In The Orlando Magic

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 4:47 PM EST in News Comment 23 comments

I ran across Chad Ford's chat wrap a few hours ago, and seeing that I'm a curious person .. I decided to check and see what he had to say. Needless to say, a certain Q/A exchange caught my attention.

Boon (Eastlake): What moves do the Magic need to make at the deadline to compete with the Cavs and the Celts come playoff time? Do they have the resources to pry Brad Miller out of Sacramento?

Chad Ford: You're moving down the right path. They need depth on their front line in the worst way. The problem is they don't really have any great assets to land a player like that. J.J. Redick isn't going to do it. Turkoglu might be able to, especially with his expiring contract, but I doubt it. With that said, I need to eat my words on the Magic. They are better than I thought they were. Not in the league of the Cavs or Celtics. But after that, the best in the East.

I wanted to bold what struck me in his answer. Maybe I'm crazy, but that statement reads a lot like a guy who's still not willing to give credit to the Magic when credit is due. Especially when evidence (a 30-8 record, 2nd place in the East), as well as praise from a fellow colleague (and other mainstream media outlets), lend credence to the fact maybe Orlando is in the league of the Cavs or Celtics.

What does everyone think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

One last thing, I'll add that he's wrong about the Magic's need for front-line depth. We all know what the team really needs (hint: starts with back-up, ends with point guard).

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Behind the times

A lot of the media are behind the times, haven’t seen the Magic play enough, and are just basing their opinions on last years playoffs and a roster sheet. They haven’t seen that Battie and Gortat have been pretty solid as big men off the bench for us. They may have noticed that Dwight has become a monster defensively, but they haven’t realized that our team is playing good team defense. They haven’t noticed that Jameer is on fire this year (and is a legitimate all-star candidate), or that no-neck is killing us.

It doesn’t surprise me that these people are hanging onto their views, since many of them had us ranked 5th or 6th in the East before the season started. If they had payed attention they would have realized that our best player has consistently gotten better every year (despite the fact that FIBA ball does not suit him at all), and that despite our problems against Detroit last year the playoffs were a big learning experience for us. Those issues alone trumped the shaky offseason acquisitions that caused them to rank others on top of us. But then, seeing a team upgrade by trade or signing someone is much sexier to write about than seeing a team improve just by getting better and playing more consistently.

by Swami Digital on Jan 13, 2009 5:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great points.

Clearly the issue here is that Ford (and others) isn’t in tune with the Orlando Magic on a more “intimate” level, which means he’ll make pretty outlandish comments from time to time because .. well, to be frank, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That comment is almost laughable to me. Ford says we need so much help in the frontcourt that trading Hedo wouldn’t even be able to get it for us?!? Who does he think we need, Amare Stoudamire or Tim Duncan? We MAY need a backup PF to play no more than 20 minutes a game. JJ or Bogans should be able to get that and IF we decided to deal Hedo we should be able to get that and our backup PG as well.

The fact he won’t put us in Cle and Bos league doesn’t really bother me, we’ll have plenty of chances to prove him wrong.

by Coup000 on Jan 13, 2009 5:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Even if the Magic were to get a big man, where would be the minutes be for him?

Howard/Gortat/Battie .. that’s three guys eating up minutes. Like GM Otis Smith said a few weeks back, what are the Magic going to do with another big man?

All in all, you’re right. The comment is laughable because Ford simply doesn’t know.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What. A. Clown. Clearly doesn't watch the Magic...

This team is going to trade away Turkoglu to improve their front court? Um, trade away Turkoglu and this team isn’t 30-8, even if they had one of the greatest PF’s in the league, no Turk, no ring.

http://sportspicks365.com

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jan 13, 2009 6:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Experts" and their CliffsNotes…

I think Swami Digital hit the nail on the head. I mean seriously, how many Magic games do you guys think a guy like Chad Ford has actually watched this season?

Ford thinks the Magic need to add depth to our frontline in the worst kind of way? I have to disagree. Battie and Gortat have been giving us exactly what we need, and when we’ve need it.

At the beginning of the season, our depth was shaky, most in part to a new bench. But because of injuries, players have gotten a chance, and stepped up big time. All of the sudden we have solid depth, and I say that while we’re still missing Pietrus. So while the “experts” will continue to criticize this Magic team, for past faults; the people who actually watch the Magic play, know otherwise.

As erivera7 already mentioned, the only position the Magic really could use an upgrade is at the backup point guard spot. AJ is obviously nothing to be thrilled about. Fortunately, we have Turk who can run the offense when AJ is on the floor.

Ford says that we’re “not in the league of the Cavs and C’s”. If you say so Ford…

But since Ford wants to talk about the need to add depth in the worst kind of way; how about the Celtics? As far as I’m concerned, they need to add depth to almost every position. They lost 7 of 9 to the likes of the Warriors, Knicks, Bobcats, Blazers without Roy, and Rockets at home without Tmac and Battier. I know one thing, if the Magic lost 7 of 9 the experts in the media would talk like they predicted it, it was only a matter of time, and throw us back down to the “average”.

Moving onto the Cavs; in addition to having the best player in the world, they actually have some depth to them. At the same time, after James, I don’t consider their talent equal to the Magic’s. Is Z really going to guard Howard? Who is going to guard Lewis? Wallace? Varejao? James can help out, but then who is going to check Turk? Good luck with that one… So while James is an obvious advantage for them, I’m still left questioning what they’re going to do to stop the Magic diverse offense.

In the end, I kind of enjoy the fact that everyone continues to sleep on the Magic. Orlando is one of the best teams in the league, and should be considered so. All anyone has to do is watch them, and it’s obvious that this team is pretty damn good.

Personally, after watching 20 years of Magic basketball, I really think we’re watching some of the best basketball we’ve ever scene played in Orlando. The Shaq and Penny team was great, a lot due to great individual performances. But this Magic team plays great team basketball. I think they’re mentally stronger, more confident as individuals and as a whole. I also think our depth is better. And lastly, this is the best system and coaching Orlando has ever had.

So let the rest of the NBA world sleep on Orlando. Let the so called experts say we’re not in the same league as the elite teams. I mean really, there is no reason we should care what most of them think. After all, these are the same guys who said the Pistons, 76ers, and Raptors would be better than the Magic. At least the Pistons have a winning record…

by OVERWADED on Jan 13, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Well said post. Totally deserves a 'Rec' for that.

The great thing about this team is the chemistry. It’s absolutely superb. All these players enjoy playing with each other. Plus Orlando is continuing to mature before our eyes .. they understand the regular season is simply a stepping stone to the post-season. Credit SVG for instilling that discipline and broad focus to the squad. It’s showing in their demeanor.

You couldn’t say that about the Magic teams in the previous “glory era” .. Shaq & Penny were both immature, and each wanted to be THE MAN. Also, the teams themselves were real young. The veteran on that team was Horace Grant and he was only 29 at the time of Orlando’s trip to the ’95 Finals. Finally, Stan Van Gundy > Brian Hill.

I totally agree with you .. we are currently watching one of, if not for the moment, the best Magic squad in franchise history. Given the differences I’ve quickly pointed out between the previous great Orlando teams, this current generation takes the cake .. easily.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

My responce? He's a BOOB

Seriously, he does not know what he is talking about when it comes to the Magic.

'Coach, Dwight is a nice guy. Dwight don't hit anybody. But Superman will knock the crap out of you.' - D12

by Eyriq the Red on Jan 13, 2009 6:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously though, about that point guard

I have a hard time seeing how we’re going to get a backup point guard. Our spare parts can’t look too attractive to any team with someone worth getting. If we had known how good Lee was going to be, and how JJ would emerge as a good backup, we could have kept Dooling and maybe signed someone a bit cheaper than Pietrus. Hindsight is 20/20 though. And I’m certainly not complaining about our record!

by Swami Digital on Jan 13, 2009 6:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it's going to be difficult.

You make a great point about Dooling, but as you said .. no one could imagine how good Lee would be (I knew he’d at least be decent, but not this good) and J.J. has really begun to put things together. Dooling surely would be the last piece, but that’s the way it goes. There were too many unknowns at the time.

At this point, if the Magic can offer Bogans (expiring)/Cook (could be expiring, he has a player option) and a 2nd .. maybe the team can find something. The team doesn’t need Devin Harris, just a SOLID back-up PG. You’d think given the package I just described the Magic could get what they need.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll add, the question is .. does Otis realize the team needs an upgrade at PG?

Also .. given how well the team is playing, this could be the best chance Orlando ever has (for now, you never know how the future will unfold) to win a championship. Will ownership realize that and maybe bend its resources a bit (i.e. exceed luxury tax) to put the Magic over the top?

Lot of questions.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt anyone would be willing to pay luxury tax in this economy if they can help it.

by Swami Digital on Jan 13, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True. Still a fair question to pose.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that he is wrong....

however. Who can really blame him? After watching years of the Magic have a couple of pieces but not the whole thing (McGrady, Franchise, Dwight, Darell, etc) and then continually dissapoint late in the season. They have had more early exits from the playoffs then the democrats do from their cabinet appointments. I just can’t blame the national media when they doubt the Magic. Heck, I still doubt them at times. Also, we play in a small market, who has failed to get national media attention and struggle to just be on tv in our own region. Let them doubt, and if we can, let our guys go prove them wrong.

I don’t play the “the media disrespects this team” game. You EARN respect.

by UNFNOLE on Jan 13, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Going to have to agree with Swami Digital.

30-8 record to me is respect earned. The team has done almost everything this year .. sans beating the Celtics or Cavs, but I’m sure that will come soon enough.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We all know that the regular season is nice.

But it isn’t the post-season. Unless your name is Lebron James, you don’t earn respect in the regular season (at least from the media. I think teams respect us quite a bit).

The question still remains. Can you really blame people for doubting the Magic? It happens in every sport to teams from smaller markets. It’s nothing new. The Magic have done nothing since 1996 to gain national attention. I think Dwight helps, but I still think we will need to win in the post season (at least make it to the conf. championship.)

by UNFNOLE on Jan 13, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

People can doubt the team all they want, still doesn't change the fact Orlando is a Title contender.

The entire point of everyone’s (so far) critique of Ford’s assessment so far is that he feels the team isn’t on the same level as Boston & Cleveland. Playoff resume not-withstanding, he’s wrong and the Magic certainly have done enough to merit being in the Title discussion.

You’re right, the regular season isn’t the post-season, but I’ll repeat, doesn’t change the fact Orlando is a Title contender. All post-season success does for a team is give a team the benefit of the doubt.

Hell, look at the Celtics last year. Where was their post-season resume? It didn’t exist, yet people gave them credit where it was due. I don’t see how it’s any different with the Magic this year.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Look

I said he was wrong. Boston is from possibly the biggest sports market ever. Thats how it’s a different story.

All I’m saying is I don’t expect anyone in the national media (though some are) to give the Magic credit. I am all about SVG’s quote, because it’s exactly right. In reality, it doesn’t matter.

I completely agree with you that we are Title contenders. However, it just sounds whiney when teams complain that they are getting the love and respect. Arizona, Baltimore, Tampa Rays, Atlanta Hawks, Anthony Kim, the list is a mile long of people who in recent times have or have had reason to complain about. I like SVG because he isn’t making a story of it. He understands that it happens all the time, you can’t force peoples opinions, and the media isn’t going to make a difference in winning and loosing.

by UNFNOLE on Jan 13, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree.

And you’re right, the sports market size is the main difference between Boston last year and Orlando this year. I was just presenting similar cases on face value.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll add I too love SVG's indifference with people's/media's perception of his team.

He really could care less.

Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

by erivera7 on Jan 13, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

“You EARN respect.”

30-8. That’s respect earned to me. But then, it doesn’t really matter what reporters think:

“If you don’t think we’re good, that’s fine.” -SVG

by Swami Digital on Jan 13, 2009 7:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Legit

The Magic are very Legit. Like win the Eastern Conference and maybe the NBA championship Legit.

"....It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can’t do it. I want winners!" - Mike Singletary

by DennardC on Jan 13, 2009 7:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs