Its_asdf's Orlando Magic: Intense Game Against Sacramento

[Its_asdf]

I won't be putting forth as much of an effort in this dynasty, but I'll still do a lot of things the same as my previous Warriors dynasty.

A few more minor tweaks with the roster and I'll be starting this one up, so expect updates a few days later.

[Its_asdf]

Scroll down for updates.

[Buckley]

Nice.........Good luck with this one. wondering if youre gonna sign any FAs. Maybe Qyntel Woods, Kedrick Brown, or Kennedy Winston would be a good addition to the team.

[z50bo]

or Fitzy's Ron Mercer
GL man ill be following this

[hova-]

Cool, I am playing with the new roster all the time, about 3 game with 7 mins.

But I dont think I want to put much effort in a dynasty.
So its very nice that you do one

Good Luck !

[Jing]

ooh congratulations on starting another one

[cklitsie]

Nice team choice, re-sign DeShawn but you know who I want you to make a star..

[CouchPotato94]

GL, I'll be sure to follow.

And yes, CK, we all know who you want him to make a star.

[Its_asdf]

Training Camp: The Battle of the Final Spot



As the annual training camp begins around the NBA, many teams not only want to push their players back into shape, but they also use it as a method to go through numerous of NBA hopefuls in an attempt to add a final player or two in an attempt to slightly bolster their roster and add more depth before opening night. Some teams try to find a player that potentially could be a hidden gem among those who are desperate in an attempt to persuit a job in the NBA or have been unwanted by other teams and kicked to the curb; sometimes never to come back to an NBA team ever again.

Seeing that last year's Orlando Magic team was one good shooting guard away from potentially entering the playoffs, the Magic have attempted to fix the problem by drafting JJ Redick; a near legendary college three point marksman that fits the Magic's need almost perfectly. Orlando has also acquired Keith Bogans, a tough slashing guard that can knock down a jumper or two if he's left open. These acquisitions patch up the Magic's wound, but Orlando still needs to add at least another perimeter threat before they are a legitimate inside-outside team.

That is why this year's training camp seems to hold slightly more significance to the Magic, as they have 4 potential candidates that are able to add that finishing touch to the roster before the regular season approaches. Kedrick Brown, Kennedy Winston, Qyntel Woods and Kareem Rush are all guards that are itching to play for a team. With only one roster spot remaining, the four players not only have to show that they can shoot the basketball, but show that they belong to play in the NBA.

A New Assistant Coach To Oversee the Newest Orlando Magic

View Fidel Barnard's Profile

Even though the biggest question in the Magic's training camp is who will make the final cut and be the final acquisition to the Magic roster, the Magic have already made their decision on hiring a new assistant coach, Fidel Barnard. Barnard is a 47 year old that was an assistant coach on the Canada national team and is currently the key figure in deciding which 3 players are packing their bags and which player is staying in Orlando.

"I'm excited to be given a responsibility like this," says Barnard. "The Magic organization not only showed confidence in me by signing me to coach on their team, but to evaluate the talent that is around us and pick who is most suitable to wear an Orlando Magic uniform."

[Its_asdf]

Evaluating the Players

View Training Camp Focal Points

Offence


1. Kareem Rush

Barnard's Analysis: "Rush has shown in the past that he can really score, and he didn't fail to impress in training camp. His understanding of offensive concepts is really his strongest point. His jumpshot is quick, accurate and has great elevation. He's probably the best player in terms of flat out putting the ball in the basket out of the four players we've brought in."

2. Kennedy Winston

Barnard's Analysis: "Another guy that really knows how to score. He has a diverse set of head and shoulder fakes, and his mid-range game is an absolute killer, probably even moreso than Rush. What gives Rush the edge is that Winston doesn't have as much range or arruracy from beyond the arc. He's also got that really smooth ball handling and first step that allows him to get to the rim."

3. Qyntel Woods

Barnard's Analysis: "First and foremost, a slasher, then a shooter. What the Orlando Magic need is a shooter, but Woods is also pretty capable of knocking down the long jumper, just not to the point where he can keep up with the likes of scoring machines like Rush and Winston. What intrigues me about Woods is not his shooting, but his overall game. He's got nice passing skills, really solid rebounding and silky ball handling skills that really make him sort of a point foward-esque kind of guy. Still, his jumper needs a bit of work before he can offensively match up with the previous two."

4. Kedrick Brown

Barnard's Analysis: "I was pleasantly suprised a bit with his long range shooting but it looks like he still needs some more refinement in order to erase that 'just a dunker' label that has plagued him for so long. Brown also needs to work on his dribbling skills, right now he's more of a 3 than a 2 guard."

Defence


1. Kedrick Brown

Barnard's Analysis: "Although Brown's offence wasn't as developed as the other 3 guys, he's hands-down the best defender out of the group. He's got the length and altheticism to really challenge a lot of shots, plus he's got really good bulk and strength so he can handle those pesky wing players that love to post up. Overall, he's got nice defensive awareness and doesn't need to gamble for steals to make a noticeable defensive impact. If he continues to improve his defence, I think he can honestly become one of the leagues better lock-down defenders... But someone needs to pick him up off of free agency first..."

2. Qyntel Woods

Barnard's Analysis: "Like Brown, Woods has a lot of length and can jump out of the building, but he doesn't utilize these physical tools to his advantage and he tends to gamble sometimes. Woods also can be pushed around a bit in the paint if you have a guy with a good bulky frame, but most of the time he can hold his own on the defensive end without being too big of a liability."

3. Kareem Rush

Barnard's Analysis: It's not that he's physically incapable of guarding other players, he just simply doesn't put much effort on the other end of the court. He's still young and learning though, and like most young players I wouldn't be suprised if me and the other coaches can mold him into a better defensive stopper."

4. Kennedy Winston

Barnard's Analysis: "If you thought Rush never gave the effort, wait 'till you see Winston. He's simply lazy out there, and his effort to fight through screens and chase his man is very poor."

Athleticism


1. Qyntel Woods

Barnard's Analysis: "Woods is simply an athletic freak. His long arms and legs allow him to really blow by his man and get up there. He could bulk up a bit, but his length, quickness and speed make up for it greatly."

2. Kedrick Brown

Barnard's Analysis: "A very, very, close second to Woods. Brown is also one of those guys that is simply a highlight reel waiting to happen if he's on the open court. He's definitely stronger than Woods and that means that he can finish in traffic a lot better, but he's not as quick or as fluid as Woods."

3. Kareem Rush

Barnard's Analysis: "In terms of leaping ability, Rush gets blown out by Brown and Woods. Rush's explosiveness is fairly good, he's got a decent first step and can run on the break. Rush is a good athlete, a slightly above average one to be exact, but he certainly can't compare with Woods or Brown."

4. Kennedy Winston

Barnard's Analysis: "Winston is very similar to Rush in terms of quickness, speed and leaping ability, but Winston does have a slight upper hand with his first step. The reason why I rank Winston below Rush is that Winston just floats around the perimeter at times and doesn't really showcase his athleticism."

[Its_asdf]

OH MY GOD I JUST TRIPLE POSTED SOMEBODY BAN THE SPAMMER!

Nice.........Good luck with this one. wondering if youre gonna sign any FAs. Maybe Qyntel Woods, Kedrick Brown, or Kennedy Winston would be a good addition to the team.

Haha, yeah, I think that is definitely a good idea for something to write about.

or Fitzy's Ron Mercer
GL man ill be following this

Ron Mercer's 3 point rating is 0, so he's of no use to me. Thanks for following this one, though.

Cool, I am playing with the new roster all the time, about 3 game with 7 mins.

But I dont think I want to put much effort in a dynasty.
So its very nice that you do one

Good Luck !

Well, good to see that you're having fun without having to post your dynasty up here.

ooh congratulations on starting another one

Thanks.

Nice team choice, re-sign DeShawn but you know who I want you to make a star..

Dude, you know Ariza's my favourite player on the Magic, so you know for sure that he'll be doing some big things for the team.

As much as I like Stevenson, I decided to put him on the Wizards where he truely belongs. I just want to keep the rosters up to date as possible.

GL, I'll be sure to follow.

And yes, CK, we all know who you want him to make a star.

Thanks for showing your support.

Trevor Ariza!

[nets4life]

looking good

[Fresh8]

Ahhh very good my man! Like your scouting report!

[double_g]

Great report and great start. Get Kareem Rush when he's on fire he's a killer in the game! Trust me I lived this kind of experience

[kibaxx7]

I'm with double_g, keep Kareem. Nice analysis.

[z50bo]

Quote:
or Fitzy's Ron Mercer
GL man ill be following this

Ron Mercer's 3 point rating is 0, so he's of no use to me. Thanks for following this one, though.

i think Fitzy feels insulted

ya karrem rush should be good

[Its_asdf]

Magic Sign Rush

October 28, 2006


K. Rush

It was announced today that free agent swingman Kareem Rush has officially signed with the Orlando Magic for a disclosed amount of money after beating out Qyntel Woods, Kennedy Winston and Kedrick Brown for the final roster spot on the Magic. The deal is rumoured to be worth around 3 million dollars for one year. Rush has spent the past week and a half at the Magic's training camp after being previously waived by the Charlotte Bobcats on April 1st, 2006.

"We're excited to add Rush to our team," says Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith. "He has a tremendous amount of talent that fills our need for a shooter perfectly. We feel like we've gotten a lot better as a team and have become more well-rounded with this acquisition."

Rush was the 20th draft pick overall in 2002 when the Toronto Raptors selected him, but his rights were traded to the LA Lakers, where he played a minimal role behind Kobe Bryant. Rush began to be utilized a lot more near the end of his sophomore year as he began to become one of Phil Jackson's favourite players and show flashes of becoming a legitimate scorer off the bench. Rush's most biggest highlight to date was when he scored 18 points on 6-7 three pointers against the Minnesota Timberwolves to clinch the Western Conference Finals and move on to face the Detriot Pistons in the NBA finals.

Rush was traded next season to the Charlotte Bobcats, where he would average 11.5 points per game and started 22 of the 35 games that he played in. He was re-signed by Charlotte the following off-season, and despite recieving a shaky amount of playing time, Rush continued his solid offensive contributions. Rush was waived by the Bobcats after head coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff criticized Rush of his work ethic and effort.

When asked about this, Otis Smith brushed aside any mentioning of Rush's attitude. "I've talked to Rush on numerous occasions, and he's a very polite and very hard working man," says Smith. "I don't know why the Bobcats waived him, but they have their reasons and we're fortunate enough to acquire a talented player as Rush." New Orlando Magic assistant coach Fidel Barnard agreed wholeheartedly with Smith and added that Rush's hard work and determination was what ultimately decided Rush to be selected over the other three players hoping to make the Magic roster.

"What affected my final decision on choosing Rush was the fact he was not only the better shooters in training camp, but also one of the hardest workers and came in every day and carried himself like a professional," added Barnard. "What Rush did in the past is none of our concern. Even Rush was a little suprised when he heard that he was dismissed from the team for his attitude. I've spoken with him and even though he didn't know what he did wrong, he is willing to improve himself and keep working toward becoming a better basketball player in the future."


Rush's most noticeable performance was during the 2004 Western Conference Finals against Minnesota

Dooling Injured and Placed on Inactive List


K. Dooling

While the addition of Rush brought some new-found optimism from the Orlando Magic staff, key reserve and back-up guard Keyon Dooling has also brought along some bad news for the team as well. Dooling recently sprained his ankle in a scrimmage during the Magic's training camp after landing on Dwight Howard's leg on a drive to the basket.

"We don't know the extent of Keyon's injury, but it certainly doesn't look too good," says Magic head coach Brain Hill. "He rolled his ankle pretty badly and it looks like he'll be out indefinitely in our season opener against Minnesota and for at least the first couple of games."

Although Dooling is clearly unable to play for the Magic for several games, one man's misfortunate brings about another man's opportunity. This injury also gives Kareem Rush a valuable chance to prove himself that he belongs with the Magic. "I wish Keyon the best of luck in recovering from his injury," says Rush. "However, I'm also looking foward to use this as a chance to showcase my abilities and make people realize that they were wrong about me."

Dooling played 74 games for the Magic last season and averaged 9.4 points per game.

Opening Night Roster vs Minnesota

[Its_asdf]

looking good

Thanks.

Ahhh very good my man! Like your scouting report!

I'm glad to see you're enjoying it.

Great report and great start. Get Kareem Rush when he's on fire he's a killer in the game! Trust me I lived this kind of experience

Yeah he has like a 77 three point rating, and that's the highest on my team other than Redick.

I'm with double_g, keep Kareem. Nice analysis.

Thanks man, I've tested out playing with Rush and he looks like he won't disappoint.

i think Fitzy feels insulted

ya karrem rush should be good

Nah, Fitzy wouldn't mind, although I would never want to incur the wrath of a Ron Mercer lover.

[Scorer--20]

Wow !! pretty dynasty !!!

Nice selection ! Rush its a good player , but maybe Ariza can play SG ....

Tough injury ... Dooling its a great PG , but you have Reddick to support off the bench.

I think you need a trade , Because you have like 4 PG , maybe a 3 plyrs trade ... including Arroyo , Diener, Hill for a good SG.
Or trade Hill for some NY guards


Good Luck
against minesota!!!

[JohnnyLi]

What's your cap situation right now?

[Crash_Bandicoot]

nice start

better keep grant hill.he has a huge expiring that can give you flexibility to sign with a 80+ player.

good luck!

[double_g]

Rush a starter Nice. Good luck in your first game and give Darko as many minutes as possible

[kibaxx7]

Rush a starter Nice

[Rip32]

START DARKO....but yeah other then that lookin' good.

[Its_asdf]

Wow !! pretty dynasty !!!

Nice selection ! Rush its a good player , but maybe Ariza can play SG ....

Tough injury ... Dooling its a great PG , but you have Reddick to support off the bench.

I think you need a trade , Because you have like 4 PG , maybe a 3 plyrs trade ... including Arroyo , Diener, Hill for a good SG.
Or trade Hill for some NY guards


Good Luck
against minesota!!!

Thanks man, I'm also weighing a few options and trying to shop one of my point guards. Hill also needs to go, since his contract is a killer (for one more year anyway, but I don't have the patience to wait that long) and I need to make room for Hedo Turkey Glue and Ariza.

What's your cap situation right now?

-3 million without Rush and -6 million with Rush.

nice start

better keep grant hill.he has a huge expiring that can give you flexibility to sign with a 80+ player.

good luck!

Nah, I think Hill has to go. He's rated 75 overall and like I said earlier, I want to start either Turkey Glue or Ariza.

Rush a starter Nice. Good luck in your first game and give Darko as many minutes as possible

Yeah, I want to start Battie since I'm a Battie fan, but Darko's going to be the guy in the long term for sure.

START DARKO....but yeah other then that lookin' good.

He's going to earn his starting spot soon enough... Trust me.


Sorry about the lack of updates guys, but work (my very first job) has been a killer lately; I've been working later shifts from the afternoon 'till midnight so most of my Live playing time has gone down the drain.