Newly acquired Orlando Magic Forward is Orlando’s “secret weapon” according to Sports Illustrated’s Brian Hendrickson.
Anderson is the "secret weapon."
Now look at how he complements the Magic’s lineup. Orlando lacked a power forward who could pull defenders out of the paint whenever Lewis left the game last season, making it easier to double-team Howard. Anderson has the size to operate in the paint, but will also benefit from all those double teams as a kick-out option on the perimeter. If he can hit those shots consistently — as he has already proved capable of doing — teams may have to think twice about doubling down on Howard, freeing up the Magic’s leader to operate more effectively.
And that is what could make Anderson a key weapon in Orlando’s arsenal.
“When Rashard came out of the game and we went to the bench, we really had to play a different way,” Van Gundy said in a press conference introducing Carter. “Now you get a guy who can really stretch the floor, and so I think it gives us even more flexibility. … We can play the same way.”
I fell in love with Anderson’s game (much like David Thorpe did) because of his excellent play during Orlando’s summer camp so I completely agree with this article. I really like what Anderson brings to the table. He may make the trade that brought Vince Carter to Orlando more lopsided then I thought. I’m not exactly where he’s going to fit in with Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes in the mix, but I’m sure Stan Van Gundy can make it work. Click here for the full story.
Dwight Howard is currently in California as part of his apparent “World Tour” this offseason. Go here to see a dunk that Dwight threw down over a Venice Bear baller.
The Magic Basketblog is working on their own list of power rankings in the NBA.
Here’s an ESPN Insider link that discusses the Magic in their NBA Offseason Buzz feature.
(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger. Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily.)
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And I didn't even discuss Gortat's desire for more minutes and his willingness to play alongside Dwight. I would like to see SVG develop some situational rotations based on matchups with other teams' strengths and weaknesses, but that would take a change in his oft stated philosophy of having a set rotation so guys know what to expect. That usually entails using 8 or 9 guys and saving the rest as insurance. The key question in my mind is whether he can extend the rotation, yet keep harmony in the locker room where competition for minutes can cause friction.
With a loaded bench and multiple potentially winning rotations, the upside is a more rested group of starters fresher for the playoffs, and the ability to customize rotations for each opponent. This promises to be an interesting season. I hope SVG uses all these tools Otis has provided him wisely.
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