What the Loss to OKC means for Magic

the orlando magic opened up their season yesterday against the oklahoma city thunder, and while they looked good coming out the gates, somehow this imaginary lid covered the basket after a hot start. the bright spot from last nights game came in the form of ryan anderson who was the one constant all night. yes i know jameer got to the basket but lets see if he does that all year. the resigning of jason richardson looks like it will haunt the magic for the next four years after his horrible beginning to the season and the man who wants to leave orlando so bad still cant hit free throws. now look i know the philosophy of the magic has been four out one in since van gundy came aboard but when the four out aint working you got to attack. jameer attacked with regularity last night but still looks like one of the laziest point guards in the league. but no one else did. another sour spot for the magic was transistion defense. it seemed no one wanted to get back on defense which allowed plenty of easy looks for the thunder. now i know they are looked at as favorites out west and its only one game but, the inconsistencies that plague this team is still there. no lockdown defender, no one to create their own shot, poor player management by the coach, j rich should not have gotten all those minutes. maybe tonight we see a different team, maybe?

What we Learned: Take Care of the Ball

the nba is back and yesterday was our first chance to check out how the lockout would change how the game is played this year. well after watching all five games i can say that turnovers and fouls will plague teams early and often as we move deeper into the season. this comes from a lack of being able to gel together in such a rushed offseason but this much i can say when these things subside, teams will be able to play a more efficient game together but the numbers are staggering. miami the team who won the largest also had the most turnovers as a team with twenty two while out in oakland the newest assembled team took better care of the ball than anyone with the clippers only committing ten. now i look at the first two weeks of this year as an extended preseason but if these teams dont find ways to tak care of the ball it could be a long season.

Merry Christmas the NBA is BACK!!!!!

HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

Hey I know it's been a while but I am back and on this very special Christmas Edition of the Blazin Sports Blog I'm going to point out the one key thiing to look for in each game today.

Celtics vs Knicks
We all know that the addition of Tyson Chandler helps make the Knicks bolster arguably the best frontcourt in all the NBA with Amare Stoudamire and Carmelo Anthony. Now Chandler brings defense to the team but no one else on the team really does outside of Landry Fields. I'm interested in seeing if Chandler's defensive mentality brushes off on the rest of his teammates the way it did in Dallas. We know Melo has never been a defender and neither has Amare, and losing Billups will hurt them as he was a big point guard. Against the aging Celtics, who still are more than capable of putting up a challenge to some of the top teams but with Pierce likely out they may struggle. We will see if these Knicks can find a defensive formula under Coach Mike D'antoni, who preaches offense more than defense.

Heat vs Mavericks
The big thing I'm looking for in this matchup is role players on both teams. The Heat haven't managed to make nearly as much of a splash in the offseason as they would have liked, in adding Shane Battier and Eddy Curry (c'mon man). They really haven't helped their most glaring needs in which were the point guard spot and center position. On the other side you have Dallas who lost Chandler,JJ Barea, Deshawn Stevenson who were all key in helping win the NBA title last season, but added veterans all around with Lamar Odom, Vince Carter, Delonte West, and shot blocker Sean Williams. Will these pieces integrate into a fluid system or will it take time to learn each other's tendencies to play well on the court? We will see?

Bulls vs Lakers
I'm interested in seeing how well the most important, in my opinion, offseason acquisition plays alongside the MVP Derrick Rose, and that man is Rip Hamilton. Why people have overlooked this move so much is bafflling to me. The one thhing the Bulls lacked last year was someone who could compliment Rose in the backcourt and I believe they have found exactly what they need in Rip. He's another Ray Allen type who can come off screens and is crafty in getting his own shot. He's a great veteran and will defintely help out on both ends of the court. If this Bulls team stays healthy with the addition of Rip they will win the East in my opinion.

Magic vs Thunder
The one game I have to show no bias for but there are two things I have to watch for in this game. The first is will this Magic team show Dwight Howard that they can win with them surrounding him. Dwight wants to leave we all know this, but will his teammates step up and show him that this is where he wants to be by defeating one of the favorites to get to the Finals in the Thunder. Dwight says he will play hard regardless of where he's at because he wants to win, so his teammates have to step it up and help him out. On the opposite side of the court will Russell Westbrook realize that this is Kevin Durant's team and be a better teammate instead of trying to takeover the game by shooting his team in the foot instead of making them better. Everyone points the finger and rightfully so, at Westbrook for taking too many bad shots in last year's playoffs. If he comes out and becomes a better playmaker for his team is they key for this team this year.

Clippers vs Warriors
Lob City taking on the run n gun Warriors. If nothing else this game will feature plenty of highlights, but what both teams have to show is the one thing they don't have yet, DEFENSE. Both teeams will have a chance to show one is better than the other on the defensive end of the court, but neither has been looked at as great defensive not even good defensive teams. With Steph Curry possibly missing tonight's game it will be interesting to see exactly how the Warriors replace his steals. Ishmael Smith is a good defender and could see the court as the starter if Curry can't go. But with bioth teams projected to be offensive juggernauts we will see who is able to slow the other down. The Clippers have better defenders but the Warriors new head coach Mark Jackson wants his young athletic team, who's more than athletic enough, to use that ability on both ends of the court. We shall see what happens.

CP3 is Finally Traded

Now we all know the saga that has been following Chris Paul and his journey to get to LA and that journey has finally came to an end. The Clippers got what they wanted and the Hornets got what they wanted. Now time will tell, depending on who comes out for the draft, if the pick that New Orleans received will help replace CP3 but, receiving Eric Gordon as the new face of the team, for this season at least, will be great for the New Orleans Hornets moving foward. Now we know that this isn't a moving foward move for the Clippers they are trying to get back in the playoffs right now and I believe they have the right pieces in place to do just that. Now most people are wondering if a two point guard backcourt can work and I believe it can ultimately with two varying point guards. Chauncey Billups, the wily veteran and proven leader, will undoubtedly help especially with Eric Bledsoe on the team. His game mainly perimeter oriented at age 34, will compliment Paul's penetration ability to a greater extent than people realize. When you look at the options available for Chris Paul to dish the ball to, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan, Caron Butler, and Billups, this team will be an offensive force with their starting lineup. They still have Randy Foye coming off the bench who had a decent season last year as well as Mo Williams still on the team. In addition to bringing in Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie from Georgia through the draft two great scorers in college who know each other well, this could be a very dynamic team. Now there are a few questions as to whether they can pick it up on the defensive end as they were 20th in the league last year in terms of OPPG, but were still top 10 in team rebounds. Ultimately this team will have more balance offensively and will be fun to watch, questions remain as to whether CP3 will be healthy all season as well as Caron Butler, but if these two stay healthy in a shortened season the Clippers will make the playoffs.

Dwight's Change of Heart

they say time heals all wounds but the magic have the possibilty to avoid a big one after dwight howard has had a slight change of heart after requesting a trade. what is more amazing is the people reportedly helped him make the decision to give the team a chance , glen davis. now i have never been a davis fan after all he did play for the celtics and drained a game winner against us in the playoffs a few years ago, but his first act on the magic roster has to be applauded. now i have been critical of otis smith for his past moves, getting rid of courtney lee for a washed up vince and bringing in a hobbled gilbert arenas, but he has a chance to redeem himself if he can find a way to secure the services of chauncey billups. now as of this writing billups should have cleared waivers and become a free agent, if this is the case there is no reason the magic can not secure his services. everyone knows the magic need a bonafide leader on the team and he is it. it has also been reported that dwight will lobby for billups to play in a magic uniform. if this does happen i see no reason as to why the magic wont be able to be propelled right back into the nba title picture. let us hope there is some real magic in orlando in being able to bring in mr. big shot. at this point it should be get whatever dwight wants to keep him around as long as possible

Albert Pujols breaks the Bank

Who would've thought the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheimwould have won the Albert Pujols sweepstakes. All offseason we heard the Cubs and Cardinals would've been the top two to pursue his services, and even the Marlins made a play for the arguably best player in baseball. Then in the blink of an eye the Angels came swooping in giving him 10 years 254 million reportedly with a no trade clause throughout. Now a lot of people in the Lou are wondering why did he choose the Angels or why didn't the Cardinals try harder to pursue him. That my friends I cannot answer but If Pujols does return to St. Louis in an Angels uniform, which I'm sure he will at some point, the fans shouldn't spurn him for what he's done. They knew since the beginning of last season that this was coming. They knew the possibility of Pujols not coming back and that St. Louis wasn't willing to negotiate with him until after the season. Now everyone knows that in order to keep someone for the long term you have to give whatever you can to keep that player. The Cards weren't willing to do whatever it took to keep him in St. Louis and the Angels offered 40 million more than the Cards did. I'm no genius but I wouldn't leave 40 million on the table either. Can't hate on the man for taking more money. Also the Angels picked up C.J. Wilson as well to give them probably the best set of starters in the AL. The main thing the Angels have wanted for years was a big bat they finally got one in Pujols but the lineup will still be a little suspect if Vernon Wells can't rediscover what he had. And you also have to wonder what Torii Hunter has left. This will be interesting to see how well Pujols performs in AL play.

Why Andrew Luck needs Peyton Manning if Drafted by Colts

If there's anything we have learned this season in the NFL is that one man can make a team. Peyton Manning the unquestioned franchise that is the Indianapolis Colts has missed the whole season and the Colts have done squat this year. It's quite sad too when you think about it. So basically guaranteed to be the team with the number one pick this upcoming draft the Colts should not only draft Andrew Luck but keep him as an understudy to Peyton Manning. If there's one thing I've seen as it relates to rookie QB's the past couple of years is that learning from a veteran is a lot more valuable than being thrown into the fray. Alex Smith comes to mind, Sam Bradford has had a tough 2nd year, Matt Ryan wasn't always Matty Ice, and even though Cam Newton has been impressive he's still throwing INTs at a high rate. Here's the thing if any example should be looked at as a success story its Aaron Rodgers. He sat behind Brett Favre for years learning what to do and what not to do. What amazing thing has he done he's having quite possibly the greatest year in NFL history as it relates to the QB position. Why does that matter? Here's why Favre was an old school gunslinger and that has gotten him the INT record which no one really wants, what Peyton Manning is, he's the essential field general. Not only is he, in my opinion, the greatest quarterback of our generation, but he's also the model quarterback to follow for years to come. Andrew Luck could pick the brain of the best quarterback while he's still around and take the time to learn the quarterback position properly form the best in the game today. It paid off great for Rodgers who has a Super Bowl under his belt already. Consider this Big Ben struggled the hard way, Mark Sanchez is still struggling, Joe Flacco is struggling this year, Blaine Gabbert is struggling. All QBs thrown to the fire to start their respective careers, granted Ben has won championships but that was largely due to the Steelers D not Ben. The Colts would be setting themselves up for failure to trade away Manning for Luck or vice versa. Manning should retire a Colt for all he's done for that team and organization and for a future franchise quarterback to learn from a sure fire Hall of Famer would be great in solidifying that team for even more years to come. As long as somewhere down the road that defense undergoes an overhaul. The future for Indy starts with Luck and for the future to succeed he should learn from the Present.

Deron Williams not CP3 is the Answer

The Magic are making a huge mistake by entertaining offers for Dwight Howard. Sure you can send him anywhere but why concern yourself about shipping him out when you desperately need to FIND HELP for him to stay. There are players to be had and the one that makes more sense than any other is Deron Williams. Now it's no forgone conclusion that Deron is a lock to stay in New Jersey but, if I'm Otis Smith and I know that this organization thrives on the very existence of Dwight in a Magic uniform then you offer what the Lakers did when they reportedly wanted both Dwight and Chris Paul, offer everything except Dwight. They have the amnesty to use on either Hedo Turkoglu or on Gilbert Arenas, but if the Magic can somehow pull off a miracle trade by sending either one to New Jersey absorb the contract of Travis Outlaw so the Nets still have their amnesty, and can use it on one of the said names being shipped out, then we can make a miracle happen here in Orlando again. I know its far fetched considering the Nets want to build their marketing plans around D-Will but, at the same time New Jersey has been in the dark about his decision as to whether or not he will stay or go. Everyone has the presumption that Chris Paul is the answer to keeping Dwight here in Orlando but, he isn't the only answer out there. Chris Paul will do a lot for this Magic team no doubt, but I'd much rather see Deron Williams here instead. He's proven he can take over games in the clutch, he's more athletic, stronger, and durable than CP3 has shown in the past and can also create for his teammates. The debate among point guards as to whether or Paul, Williams, or Derrick Rose is debatable but, the answer isn't Chris Paul, who's often injured and is nowhere near the additional scoring punch that Deron could bring to the Magic, it is Deron Williams.