Monday’s Magic Word
- Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel: “Marcin Gortat should be in good playing shape when he reports to Orlando Magic training camp in late September. The 6-foot-11 center is spending this month playing for Poland’s national team as it attempts to qualify for the 2011 EuroBasket tournament. Poland lost to Bulgaria 74-70 on Sunday in Sofia, which is Bulgaria’s capital city. Gortat scored 10 points, collected 12 rebounds and blocked two shots in the defeat. The loss dropped Poland to 1-2 in its qualifying group, which also includes Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia and Portugal. Each team will play a total of eight games this month.”
- Does Jeff Van Gundy have a hidden agenda against the Miami Heat?
- Dwight Howard has landed in India.
- Josh Cohen of OrlandoMagic.com: “I decided to conduct a mathematical analysis to determine who would win a game between the all-time best Orlando Magic against the all-time best Miami Heat. Although we can never truly know what the results would be if these two hypothetical squads clashed on the court, I simulated the outcome by using a number of statistical and scientific variables. Some of the math included, for example, career averages with the Magic and/or Heat and performance expectancy against certain opponents. Some of the data was based on personal judgment. [...] I, subsequently, simulated a box score which includes point, rebound, assist and blocked shot totals for each player. I also added shooting lines from the field, 3-point range and free throw line. Keep in mind, this was just for fun. I was not trying to prove any legitimate points. It would be extraordinary if we actually witnessed a contest between these two outstanding teams, however.”
- Jeremy Bauman of SLAM ONLINE: “[Daniel] Orton will barely see the court this year in game time situations. The Magic have a deep and talented frontcourt with Dwight Howard, Marcin Gortat, Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson, not to mention that they often play Rashard Lewis at the 4-spot. Kentucky is going to seem a world away for Mr. Orton. The key for him will be to learn and get better for the future and not think about playing time.”
- Sebastian Pruiti of NBA Playbook takes a look at Rashard Lewis’ shooting form.
