Post by Orlando Magic on Dec 29, 2007 18:11:14 GMT -5
March 10th
An Evening with Orlando's "Mad Scientist"
As the classic Disney saying goes, "It's a world of laughter, a world of tears. A world of hopes and a world of fears." As I sat down with the Orlando GM this past Sunday, I got an in-depth look at just how this often heard Disney slogan mirrors the "Mad Scientist's" modus operandi when it comes to managing an NBA franchise.
After many weeks away from the Orlando compound, I decided it would be nice to head back and check up on one of my favorite GMs. However, since things have calmed down, I figured it would be interesting to pick at the GM's brain for awhile and see his thoughts on the franchise, the future and important global concerns. In the interest of typing space, I refer to the GM as John Doe. Why you ask? It is faster to type, and it is always nice to have a little sense of mystery as well.
- Thank you for having me tonight John.
- Why don't we just get into things then and see where it takes us? First question I have to ask obviously concerns the current status of your team. I haven't spoken to you since your trade to bring both Jameer Nelson back to the Magic and your acquisition of Big Al about 3 or 4 weeks ago. So, with the team gelling over the past 10 games and a 7-3 record to show for it, are you pleased?
- You talked about player roles on the team. And I would like to talk more specifically about Jason Terry. Since your acquisiton of Al, Jason has really stepped it up for you guys. He is putting up all-star stats and appears to have taken the reigns as a team leader and role model. What are your comments on both his role for your team and the MVP talk that is beginning to surround him
- Great stuff coming from this guy and I as well can't wait to see what else he has in store. Shifting focus now for a bit. It appears that you carry high spirits for this season, but now that the season is about half over, you can't help but look to the future. You hold three first round draft picks in what should be an incredible draft this summer. What are your plans for the future of this franchise and more specifically, those picks?
- Okay fine, so speculate with me for a bit. Who are some guys you are looking at and/or what positions will you be trying to fill?
- Well I appreciate you playing along with me. And as a reward we will finish on this question. Hillary or Barack, who have you got? Off topic certainly, but an important question never-the-less.
- Thanks again for your time and as always I look forward to seeing where you take the franchise next.
Reporting from Orlando HQ in Florida, this is Midway Monster
ESPN
Dec. 29th - And on the seventh day...
Orlando, FL - Can you hear that? That is the sound of silence over Orlando. I have never truly appreciated the phrase "Silence is Golden" until I stepped foot in Magic camp yesterday following the blockbuster deal between Orlando, Phoenix and Utah. I needed to double check the address because I could have sworn I stumbled into the wrong building. Most believed it impossible to actually find the Magic's offices in a state of tranquility but pigs must be flying because not one person was running, not one phone stirred and not one reporter, namely myself, needed to fear for his own safety amidst the normal chaos that reigns in the office.
I actually sat down with the "Mad Scientist's" new alter-ego Mr. Hyde to ask him about his feelings on his latest three way deal. He said, barely audible over the soothing meditation music in the background, "I am in a very nice place right now. I don't want to jynx things here, but it truly feels like we have it right. The lineup is finally solidified and everyone is happy with their spots on this team. Our bench is deeper than ever with Jerry filling in the new 6th man position and our greatest young prospect Danny learning from the amazing things Leandro is doing on the court. Shawn is finally comfortable at his true position and Z and Carlos are ready to take on any front-court we come across. And how can I forget the 'Jet' as I believe you all call him. He is shooting very well and is really going to take off some of the newly acquired pressure that Leandro now has to deal with, considering his outstanding performance lately.
Most importantly I feel great as well. Believe it or not, I actually let my secretary get the day off today. I have been relaxed all day today and I think everyone in the office here is really liking the new aura around here."
To borrow from every cheesy sitcom in the history of television, Who is this GM and what has he done with the real Mad Scientist?
Whatever the reason for his new-found tranquility, it appears that for once he is truly happy with his team and did not even hint at making any changes in the near future. Of course this can always change if the right deal comes across I am sure, but from what I can see, the Magic have now entered a period of much-needed rest and relaxation.
So with nothing new or juicy to report this time, I think it's time for this reporter to head to the beach himself and order up a few mojitos before the day ends.
From the sandy beaches of Orlando,
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 25th - 'Tis the Season of Giving
It truly 'tis the season of giving with the recent fury of trades around the league. Whether 'tis presents that have already been "opened" to the league or presents that will "opened" in time, the spirit of giving is alive in the air.
Newcomer GMs Denver and Sacramento have been among the most active with their respective blockbusters. Denver's acquisition of Bosh has propelled him and his team into playoff contention in the truly "Wild West" while Sacramento hopes to propel himself out of obscurity and into the limelight with T-Mac.
However, on the other side of the coin, the price of these superstars could be the real gift! The rich seem to be getting richer as Canada's #1 team recieved two of Denver's most lethal weapons in Martin and Melo.
My pick for the real winner here is New Jersey. The already solid combination of Okur, Howard and Harris just keeps growing with David West and Rip Hamilton. Once Harris returns from his minor injuries, there are few who will stand in Jersey's path to the Eastern conference title. Not to mention their extremely promising 08 1st round pick from Sacramento that projects to be a lock for the lottery.
Now, with the Christmas atmosphere still lingering, it appears that many more teams wish to get in on this giving.
Recent reports indicate that Amare is in the Holiday spirit as trade talks with Milwaukee are nearing completion that could send a combination of Okafor, Artest or Martin to the deserts in Phoenix. The Milwaukee GM mentioned in an exclusive interview that he was not happy with the performance of his team thus far and blamed some of the weakness on sporadic performances from some of his star players.
By the looks of things, Amare is already in the spirit himself as he reportedly asked Santa for a new winter coat. That could come in handy in the tundras of Milwaukee!
Another report out of Florida that should surprise no one indicates that the "Mad Scientist" could be at it again. As many predicted, the King's stay with the Magic may be nearing an end due to his lack-luster performances so far this season. Rumors are flying as to the eventual destination of James, with names like Garnett, Iguodala and Kobe thrown about. However, one of the more reliable sources shows that both the Denver and Orlando organizations have been in close contact since their acquisition of stud Chris Bosh and might be sending the Toronto superstar and young PG Jameer Nelson on a permanent Christmas vacation to Disneyworld with the Magic.
A final rumor circling the news wires recently has yet another blockbuster in the works for a certain Agent Zero. Although details from Washington have been very hushed, it appears that trade talks have been initiated with Cleveland, Utah and Memphis for several packages including such names as Tony Parker, Elton Brand, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Pau Gasol. When asked about the new rumors surrounding his shortened stay in the nation's capital, Gilbert had this to say, "I nor my agent have been clued in to what has been happening in the front offices recently. Right now all I need to focus on is the next game, and the one after that and the one after that. I can't be bothered right now with that business. If they decide that dealing me is the best move for their franchise then that is unfortunate but also a reality of this game. You can never be sure where you might play on any given week and therefore all we can do as players is just play our game."
Well it is clear that despite the inevitable end of this very special day, the spirit of giving will continue to linger. It will be interesting to see how these all play out in the coming days but if one thing is for sure, some big names will still switch hands before 2008 is rung in.
Merry Christmas
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 22nd - A Royal Welcome
Orlando, FL - With the season opener less than 24 hours away and the dust from the latest whirlwind of trade talks clearing, the Magic have emerged with quite possibly their strongest team yet. The King has arrived.
Although it cost the Orlando GM an arm and a leg in Parker and Brand to acquire Lebron, Big Z and young gun Gibson, Orlando's squad has never looked better. Through his relentless pursuit for the perfect deal, he has now acquired one of the best duos in the Eastern conference and possibly in the league with Shawn Marion and Lebron James.
A positively gitty Orlando GM had this to say, "I am really excited to see the results of this latest trade with Cleveland. I got my true center in Z who had an incredibly productive offseason and has improved his field goal shooting drastically from last season. He will play an important part in our success as a basketball team. Our bench is even looking solid now with Gibson competing for the sixth man spot. I was very concerned after all the roster cuts and moves we made to resign Vince this offseason, but I think we have recovered very well. And as for having Lebron on our team, I couldn't be a happier man. He and Shawn worked very well in their first practice together and I think they should be ready for several amazingly successful years alongside one another. I may be biased here, but I can feel the winds of change blowing into the league and I think we are poised to take over."
After talking with the Orlando GM, it seems like Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde here. It seems unfathomable that just months prior, this same GM was throwing coffee cups and computer monitors around his office in frustration at his team's performance from last season. But I like the new feeling around camp and I can't help but get caught up in the infectious optimism around here.
There are some really good things to come for this team.
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 20th - Brand New Deals
Fresh from Magic camp, things appear to be in the final stretch of roster moves before the season opener. It seems that with the recent acquisition of stud Shawn Marion from Phoenix along with the incredibly talented upcomer Leandro Barbosa, the aptly named "Mad Scientist" may be nearing actual satisfaction with his team. The surprisingly calm GM had this to say,
"The Magic will certainly have a new look coming into the next season. Shawn and Leandro are doing great with the first team in practice and they are incredibly excited to begin competition. Both these guys are some serious talents that have extremely bright futures in our organization. However, with this being said, we would love to see Shawn at the small forward position come opening day. Unfortunately, the only way we can actually achieve this is through one more deal this offseason."
Although he did not mention further as to what or who might be involved in this final deal, through process of elimination with the FA trade restriction, it must be either Brand or Parker spending their last days in Orlando.
Knowing the GM's earlier thoughts on dealing Parker, it appears that unless an incredible deal comes through for Tony it will be Elton Brand that leaves this playoff-bound team.
When further questioned about the prospect of dealing Brand, all he had to say was "No one is out of the question and that is all I have to say."
As usual we can expect big things from this organization and its management, and if he holds true to his word we can expect something big very soon.
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 9th - What's that sound?
That is the sound of beakers and bunsen burners bubbling in the lab as the mad scientist gears up for yet another stunning trade. Reports from Orlando indicate that big names are changing hands again, as if he would have it any other way. Phoenix and Orlando are in the closing stages of a deal that could send both Carter and Jamison to Phoenix for unknown pieces. What could he possibly be hatching this time?
Dec. 4th - Storm Clouds on the Horizon again in Orlando
Back from a MUCH needed vacation in Spain for this reporter, the Magic camp appears to be in much the same situation as I left it. Although the sense of urgency is lost, the same overly-caffeinated staff are answering the constantly ringing phones. It appears that the Orlando GM's press release regarding the potential trade of stud talents, Vince Carter, Elton Brand and Antawn Jamison, have sparked an enormous explosion of new trade offers.
Although current sources can not validate whether any of these rumors are true, super-star caliber talents like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James AND Carmelo Anthony have all been mentioned.
Combine these huge names with a GM that refuses to rest until a championship is safely resting in his hands and you have the makings for another highly stressful situation in the "Sunshine State."
The only words I could squeak out of the "Mad Scientist", as he is beginning to be known around camp, were "I need depth, I need more talent, I need a ring. I am not done yet!" Quite ominous words from a man who already holds Elton Brand, Vince Carter, Tony Parker and Antawn Jamison in his starting lineup.
The possibilities are endless here and I can't wait to see what turns out.
for ESPN News - The Midway Monster
Nov. 29th - Chaos in the South
Upon stepping foot inside the Orlango Magic management facility this morning, it feels as if you are stepping inside a war room. The sound of ringing telephones and frantic yelling of coffee-fueled staff fill the air as people scramble to solve their franchise's most urgent issue. All this comes in the wake of tonight's FA resign deadline where no amount of number crunching can bring Magic stud Vince Carter back to the sunny confines of Orlando.
Missed communications between Orlando and Washington over the pending trade for cap space and Antawn Jamison have given the Orlando GM minor heart attacks for the past 24 hours.
The GM had this to say, "It is about to be a fire sale here! We need to bring Vince back to our team if we even have the slightest chance at making a legitimate title run this season. Expect some LOW BALL offers from us because we are dedicated to bringing him back."
The only advice this columnist can give is to take a deep breath and hope that some team takes pity on this chaotic franchise for some cap room, because if not, the proverbial shit WILL hit the fan. For the safety of this reporter and the job security of those currently employed by the Magic, some holy intervention is certainly needed!
For ESPN,
Midway Monster
Nov. 13th - Restructuring needed in Magic Frontcourt?
Sources are reporting that Magic are toying with the idea of revamping their frontcourt with Brand and Nene in a deal for a great center and 1st round picks in the upcoming draft. It appears that the Magic are going to be making some big moves in the offseason to turn this team into a title contender for the next season. The Magic GM had this to say, "We are currently accepting offers from teams for some quality centers who will be able to dominate better than our current frontcourt is. This by no means we are dealing them for certain, however."
It sounds like the Magic are only entertaining the idea of changing things up but none-the-less it could be an intriguing storyline this offseason.
An Evening with Orlando's "Mad Scientist"
As the classic Disney saying goes, "It's a world of laughter, a world of tears. A world of hopes and a world of fears." As I sat down with the Orlando GM this past Sunday, I got an in-depth look at just how this often heard Disney slogan mirrors the "Mad Scientist's" modus operandi when it comes to managing an NBA franchise.
After many weeks away from the Orlando compound, I decided it would be nice to head back and check up on one of my favorite GMs. However, since things have calmed down, I figured it would be interesting to pick at the GM's brain for awhile and see his thoughts on the franchise, the future and important global concerns. In the interest of typing space, I refer to the GM as John Doe. Why you ask? It is faster to type, and it is always nice to have a little sense of mystery as well.
- Thank you for having me tonight John.
"Not a problem at all MM (Midway Monster). You know if it weren't my tendency to overreact to press, we might be good friends. So for now at least, you are more than welcome"
- Why don't we just get into things then and see where it takes us? First question I have to ask obviously concerns the current status of your team. I haven't spoken to you since your trade to bring both Jameer Nelson back to the Magic and your acquisition of Big Al about 3 or 4 weeks ago. So, with the team gelling over the past 10 games and a 7-3 record to show for it, are you pleased?
"Well, I must say that if I had a 7-3 record to begin the season, this place would be in crisis lockdown mode right now. If there is one thing I hate more than anything in the world, it is losing. Flat out hate everything about it. However, I recognize that to introduce an incredibly talented and dominant presence inside like Big Al in the middle of the season when things appeared to be clicking with Caron, and expect immediate results is asking alot from my guys. And although I can get irrational at times, I never cross over to being unreasonable. So what do I think of the 7-3 record we have. It is slightly dissappointing, but like I said, I realize what I had to ask of these guys and I think they are starting to come around. Everyone seems to know their role and they are playing them perfectly. That's all I can ask right now, the chemistry will be there very soon, if not already."
- You talked about player roles on the team. And I would like to talk more specifically about Jason Terry. Since your acquisiton of Al, Jason has really stepped it up for you guys. He is putting up all-star stats and appears to have taken the reigns as a team leader and role model. What are your comments on both his role for your team and the MVP talk that is beginning to surround him
"Wow. I don't even know where to begin on Jason's performance. I'll tell ya, he has really surprised me in the last 10 games. He has been playing some outstanding ball that exceeds any of my expectations. I just checked his numbers from the last 10 and he is dropping an average of 33 points and 8 assists. An Average!! I don't care who you are, or who you play for, those are incredible figures to keep up. As far as his role on the team is concerned. Invaluable. If I could describe his role for our team in one word, it is invaluable! The kid plays his heart out for us every night, inspiring, leading and taking over games for us. It has been a true joy to see his progression for us over the past few weeks and I can only imagine the things he will accomplish for us in what should be a long career as a Magic. Now if being invaluable to a team and dropping unheard of stats on a regular basis is the qualities of an MVP then so help me God I think we found may have it!"
- Great stuff coming from this guy and I as well can't wait to see what else he has in store. Shifting focus now for a bit. It appears that you carry high spirits for this season, but now that the season is about half over, you can't help but look to the future. You hold three first round draft picks in what should be an incredible draft this summer. What are your plans for the future of this franchise and more specifically, those picks?
"Well I will tell you one thing right off the bat, something I have been extremely wary of over my short tenure as the Orlando GM, is looking to the future before it is time. Now I can't and won't begin to speculate about free agent pickups this offseason or what my anticipations are for our team's record, season, playoffs, et cetera. And that is because anything can happen in this league. We unfortunately had some pretty serious injuries earlier this year, namely to Jason, and you never know what roadblocks are on the horizon. Every team needs to take things one week at a time in my opinion. Now as far as the draft is concerned, again you can never tell what kind of players these young guns out of college are going to turn out to be. Injuries, hot streaks and cold streaks happen. So the best thing for me is to try and take in their performances as a whole and speculate."
- Okay fine, so speculate with me for a bit. Who are some guys you are looking at and/or what positions will you be trying to fill?
"You are starting to cross that line here MM but I'm gonna bite. I really try to stay away from the guessing game. But since I am in a good mood, I can let you in on some of the things I hope to find in the draft. First off, salary-wise, I know that we will need to decline some of our team options this off-season. With this in mind, I believe that we might have holes in both the F and PG slots. I am not talking starting roles here though. We have an incredible starting five and I don't anticipate tampering with them at all. Some of the guys I have been watching on ESPN and such are as follows. I really like the way Jerryd Bayless holds himself. He is an incredible talent in my eyes and his athleticism could be a great asset for us off the bench behind Jameer. I also like the look of UCLA's backcourt. Both Westbrook and Collison look like the kind of athletes that I can picture in Orlando uniforms. All three of those guys have incredible floor vision and would make great future leaders. A bigger guy I have had my eyes on is Donte Green from Syracuse. A Syracuse man myself, I have obviously recieved all the 'Cuse games on my satelite package and I must say that this is one talented prospect. I don't know if he is quite ready for the league yet though. He can be pretty streaky and at times immature. But there is no denying his athleticism and raw talent. Other big guys I have been eyeing are both Blake Griffin and Arthur from Kansas. Both of these guys have some serious potential, but in my mind they are in the same boat as Donte. Possibly unprepared for the rigors of the NBA. But if presented with the opportunity to draft them, hesitation would certainly be minimal.
- Well I appreciate you playing along with me. And as a reward we will finish on this question. Hillary or Barack, who have you got? Off topic certainly, but an important question never-the-less.
Ah, a valiant effort at trying to rope me into that mess. If I had to guess I'd say Obama, but that is a guess and I will leave this matter alone until further notice.
- Thanks again for your time and as always I look forward to seeing where you take the franchise next.
Not a problem, and you escaped unscathed. Which is always impressive to me. Take it easy.
Reporting from Orlando HQ in Florida, this is Midway Monster
ESPN
Dec. 29th - And on the seventh day...
Orlando, FL - Can you hear that? That is the sound of silence over Orlando. I have never truly appreciated the phrase "Silence is Golden" until I stepped foot in Magic camp yesterday following the blockbuster deal between Orlando, Phoenix and Utah. I needed to double check the address because I could have sworn I stumbled into the wrong building. Most believed it impossible to actually find the Magic's offices in a state of tranquility but pigs must be flying because not one person was running, not one phone stirred and not one reporter, namely myself, needed to fear for his own safety amidst the normal chaos that reigns in the office.
I actually sat down with the "Mad Scientist's" new alter-ego Mr. Hyde to ask him about his feelings on his latest three way deal. He said, barely audible over the soothing meditation music in the background, "I am in a very nice place right now. I don't want to jynx things here, but it truly feels like we have it right. The lineup is finally solidified and everyone is happy with their spots on this team. Our bench is deeper than ever with Jerry filling in the new 6th man position and our greatest young prospect Danny learning from the amazing things Leandro is doing on the court. Shawn is finally comfortable at his true position and Z and Carlos are ready to take on any front-court we come across. And how can I forget the 'Jet' as I believe you all call him. He is shooting very well and is really going to take off some of the newly acquired pressure that Leandro now has to deal with, considering his outstanding performance lately.
Most importantly I feel great as well. Believe it or not, I actually let my secretary get the day off today. I have been relaxed all day today and I think everyone in the office here is really liking the new aura around here."
To borrow from every cheesy sitcom in the history of television, Who is this GM and what has he done with the real Mad Scientist?
Whatever the reason for his new-found tranquility, it appears that for once he is truly happy with his team and did not even hint at making any changes in the near future. Of course this can always change if the right deal comes across I am sure, but from what I can see, the Magic have now entered a period of much-needed rest and relaxation.
So with nothing new or juicy to report this time, I think it's time for this reporter to head to the beach himself and order up a few mojitos before the day ends.
From the sandy beaches of Orlando,
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 25th - 'Tis the Season of Giving
It truly 'tis the season of giving with the recent fury of trades around the league. Whether 'tis presents that have already been "opened" to the league or presents that will "opened" in time, the spirit of giving is alive in the air.
Newcomer GMs Denver and Sacramento have been among the most active with their respective blockbusters. Denver's acquisition of Bosh has propelled him and his team into playoff contention in the truly "Wild West" while Sacramento hopes to propel himself out of obscurity and into the limelight with T-Mac.
However, on the other side of the coin, the price of these superstars could be the real gift! The rich seem to be getting richer as Canada's #1 team recieved two of Denver's most lethal weapons in Martin and Melo.
My pick for the real winner here is New Jersey. The already solid combination of Okur, Howard and Harris just keeps growing with David West and Rip Hamilton. Once Harris returns from his minor injuries, there are few who will stand in Jersey's path to the Eastern conference title. Not to mention their extremely promising 08 1st round pick from Sacramento that projects to be a lock for the lottery.
Now, with the Christmas atmosphere still lingering, it appears that many more teams wish to get in on this giving.
Recent reports indicate that Amare is in the Holiday spirit as trade talks with Milwaukee are nearing completion that could send a combination of Okafor, Artest or Martin to the deserts in Phoenix. The Milwaukee GM mentioned in an exclusive interview that he was not happy with the performance of his team thus far and blamed some of the weakness on sporadic performances from some of his star players.
By the looks of things, Amare is already in the spirit himself as he reportedly asked Santa for a new winter coat. That could come in handy in the tundras of Milwaukee!
Another report out of Florida that should surprise no one indicates that the "Mad Scientist" could be at it again. As many predicted, the King's stay with the Magic may be nearing an end due to his lack-luster performances so far this season. Rumors are flying as to the eventual destination of James, with names like Garnett, Iguodala and Kobe thrown about. However, one of the more reliable sources shows that both the Denver and Orlando organizations have been in close contact since their acquisition of stud Chris Bosh and might be sending the Toronto superstar and young PG Jameer Nelson on a permanent Christmas vacation to Disneyworld with the Magic.
A final rumor circling the news wires recently has yet another blockbuster in the works for a certain Agent Zero. Although details from Washington have been very hushed, it appears that trade talks have been initiated with Cleveland, Utah and Memphis for several packages including such names as Tony Parker, Elton Brand, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Pau Gasol. When asked about the new rumors surrounding his shortened stay in the nation's capital, Gilbert had this to say, "I nor my agent have been clued in to what has been happening in the front offices recently. Right now all I need to focus on is the next game, and the one after that and the one after that. I can't be bothered right now with that business. If they decide that dealing me is the best move for their franchise then that is unfortunate but also a reality of this game. You can never be sure where you might play on any given week and therefore all we can do as players is just play our game."
Well it is clear that despite the inevitable end of this very special day, the spirit of giving will continue to linger. It will be interesting to see how these all play out in the coming days but if one thing is for sure, some big names will still switch hands before 2008 is rung in.
Merry Christmas
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 22nd - A Royal Welcome
Orlando, FL - With the season opener less than 24 hours away and the dust from the latest whirlwind of trade talks clearing, the Magic have emerged with quite possibly their strongest team yet. The King has arrived.
Although it cost the Orlando GM an arm and a leg in Parker and Brand to acquire Lebron, Big Z and young gun Gibson, Orlando's squad has never looked better. Through his relentless pursuit for the perfect deal, he has now acquired one of the best duos in the Eastern conference and possibly in the league with Shawn Marion and Lebron James.
A positively gitty Orlando GM had this to say, "I am really excited to see the results of this latest trade with Cleveland. I got my true center in Z who had an incredibly productive offseason and has improved his field goal shooting drastically from last season. He will play an important part in our success as a basketball team. Our bench is even looking solid now with Gibson competing for the sixth man spot. I was very concerned after all the roster cuts and moves we made to resign Vince this offseason, but I think we have recovered very well. And as for having Lebron on our team, I couldn't be a happier man. He and Shawn worked very well in their first practice together and I think they should be ready for several amazingly successful years alongside one another. I may be biased here, but I can feel the winds of change blowing into the league and I think we are poised to take over."
After talking with the Orlando GM, it seems like Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde here. It seems unfathomable that just months prior, this same GM was throwing coffee cups and computer monitors around his office in frustration at his team's performance from last season. But I like the new feeling around camp and I can't help but get caught up in the infectious optimism around here.
There are some really good things to come for this team.
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 20th - Brand New Deals
Fresh from Magic camp, things appear to be in the final stretch of roster moves before the season opener. It seems that with the recent acquisition of stud Shawn Marion from Phoenix along with the incredibly talented upcomer Leandro Barbosa, the aptly named "Mad Scientist" may be nearing actual satisfaction with his team. The surprisingly calm GM had this to say,
"The Magic will certainly have a new look coming into the next season. Shawn and Leandro are doing great with the first team in practice and they are incredibly excited to begin competition. Both these guys are some serious talents that have extremely bright futures in our organization. However, with this being said, we would love to see Shawn at the small forward position come opening day. Unfortunately, the only way we can actually achieve this is through one more deal this offseason."
Although he did not mention further as to what or who might be involved in this final deal, through process of elimination with the FA trade restriction, it must be either Brand or Parker spending their last days in Orlando.
Knowing the GM's earlier thoughts on dealing Parker, it appears that unless an incredible deal comes through for Tony it will be Elton Brand that leaves this playoff-bound team.
When further questioned about the prospect of dealing Brand, all he had to say was "No one is out of the question and that is all I have to say."
As usual we can expect big things from this organization and its management, and if he holds true to his word we can expect something big very soon.
Midway Monster - ESPN News
Dec. 9th - What's that sound?
That is the sound of beakers and bunsen burners bubbling in the lab as the mad scientist gears up for yet another stunning trade. Reports from Orlando indicate that big names are changing hands again, as if he would have it any other way. Phoenix and Orlando are in the closing stages of a deal that could send both Carter and Jamison to Phoenix for unknown pieces. What could he possibly be hatching this time?
Dec. 4th - Storm Clouds on the Horizon again in Orlando
Back from a MUCH needed vacation in Spain for this reporter, the Magic camp appears to be in much the same situation as I left it. Although the sense of urgency is lost, the same overly-caffeinated staff are answering the constantly ringing phones. It appears that the Orlando GM's press release regarding the potential trade of stud talents, Vince Carter, Elton Brand and Antawn Jamison, have sparked an enormous explosion of new trade offers.
Although current sources can not validate whether any of these rumors are true, super-star caliber talents like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James AND Carmelo Anthony have all been mentioned.
Combine these huge names with a GM that refuses to rest until a championship is safely resting in his hands and you have the makings for another highly stressful situation in the "Sunshine State."
The only words I could squeak out of the "Mad Scientist", as he is beginning to be known around camp, were "I need depth, I need more talent, I need a ring. I am not done yet!" Quite ominous words from a man who already holds Elton Brand, Vince Carter, Tony Parker and Antawn Jamison in his starting lineup.
The possibilities are endless here and I can't wait to see what turns out.
for ESPN News - The Midway Monster
Nov. 29th - Chaos in the South
Upon stepping foot inside the Orlango Magic management facility this morning, it feels as if you are stepping inside a war room. The sound of ringing telephones and frantic yelling of coffee-fueled staff fill the air as people scramble to solve their franchise's most urgent issue. All this comes in the wake of tonight's FA resign deadline where no amount of number crunching can bring Magic stud Vince Carter back to the sunny confines of Orlando.
Missed communications between Orlando and Washington over the pending trade for cap space and Antawn Jamison have given the Orlando GM minor heart attacks for the past 24 hours.
The GM had this to say, "It is about to be a fire sale here! We need to bring Vince back to our team if we even have the slightest chance at making a legitimate title run this season. Expect some LOW BALL offers from us because we are dedicated to bringing him back."
The only advice this columnist can give is to take a deep breath and hope that some team takes pity on this chaotic franchise for some cap room, because if not, the proverbial shit WILL hit the fan. For the safety of this reporter and the job security of those currently employed by the Magic, some holy intervention is certainly needed!
For ESPN,
Midway Monster
Nov. 13th - Restructuring needed in Magic Frontcourt?
Sources are reporting that Magic are toying with the idea of revamping their frontcourt with Brand and Nene in a deal for a great center and 1st round picks in the upcoming draft. It appears that the Magic are going to be making some big moves in the offseason to turn this team into a title contender for the next season. The Magic GM had this to say, "We are currently accepting offers from teams for some quality centers who will be able to dominate better than our current frontcourt is. This by no means we are dealing them for certain, however."
It sounds like the Magic are only entertaining the idea of changing things up but none-the-less it could be an intriguing storyline this offseason.