Team Names Changing

This summer the Washington Redskins name change controversy came to the forefront once again. The name change will officially happen soon and it made me realize a few things about team names. Many nicknames in professional sports are terrible and many teams have no tradition associated with their name. In that light, what if some of those teams had to change names as well. What if every team that has never won had to change names. Here is a look at this fun exercise. I have re-named every team that has not won the major championship in their professional sport.

Major League Baseball

Colorado Rockies

This is one of the best team names on the list and one that probably should stick. That said, I said every team that has not won, so it includes this one. Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The new name for the Colorado Rockies will be the Colorado Coyotes.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers were another fantastic team name that fits the city and franchise well. However, like the Rockies, the name should be changed. A lot of people do not realize that Harley Davidson actually started in Milwaukee as well. It would make sense to name the team after that and do some cool sound effects at the stadium for it. New name will be the Milwaukee Motorcycles.

San Diego Padres

Now we are getting into names that aren't so great. Most people don't even know what a Padre is or why it is a sport team nickname. Why does it fit for San Diego as well? San Diego is known for its wildlife, its attractions, and above all its perfect weather. However it is difficult to name a team after the weather. We can easily name a team after an awesome animal in San Diego. New team name will be the San Diego Sand Sharks.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners had the best player of this generation, but a boring team name. Most people think of rain when they think of seattle and the city likes alliterative nicknames. Why don't we make the Mariners the Seattle Storm. Way better name and its alliterative.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays actually are a great team name and the team is arguably the best in the area. However, I do prefer the old Devil Rays name and logo personally. There is a minor league team named the Tarpons in Tampa and its a great name. The Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is the best in the world. This franchise shall rename itself the Tampa Bay Tarpons.

Texas Rangers

This nickname isn't awful either, the Texas Rangers are a great name. The worst team names have won though in this sport and here is another solid name being changed. Now, the team will recognize the city and become the Arlington Admirals instead of the Texas Rangers.

Bonus: Houston Astros

The Astros are a dumb name from a team that cheated to its way to its only championship in 2017. They should absolutely be on this list and should have their recent history erased for their embarrassing cheating. The colors are terrible too by the way. Orange and blue should never be together. Let's go for some alliteration and re-name this team the Houston Hornets. Change their colors to gold and black.

National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets

Nets is a boring team name and since the team is no longer New Jersey, it doesn't flow as well. The best possible name is a throwback to a wrestler. This team is now to be known as the Brooklyn Brawlers. Its long past time for this to be a team nickname.

Charlotte Hornets

Any name is better than the Bobcats, but having to Hornets back in Charlotte hasn't exactly been a great thing. The colors are nothing like hornets either. That said, the color scheme is unique and should stay. A truly unique name could be the Charlotte Carriers. The carrier pigeon is green and purple and since they eat hornets, they have to be considered more intimidating. 

Denver Nuggets

I like the name Denver Nuggets and Rocky the Mountain Lion is one of the best mascots around. However, the team hasn't won, so I am going to submit a name change. An intimidating and alliterative new name is the Denver Dobermans. There are a lot of teams with Bulldogs as their nickname, but not many other dog breeds. The doberman is more intimidating than a bulldog though.

Indiana Pacers

It's crazy that the Pacers never won the NBA Championship. They had Reggie Miller! They didn't win though, so they are on the list. To tie in the rich history that Indiana has with cars, they shall be named the Indiana Ignition.

Los Angeles Clippers

The LA Clippers are serious contenders now with Kawhi and Paul George. The team hasn't won yet though and the name is terrible. The team could be named the California Condors instead. This bird with the largest wingspan in North America would make a wonderful mascot. It's majesty would go well with the red, white, and blue color scheme.

Memphis Grizzles

There are so many Grizzles in Memphis....How about a name that actually goes with the area. Memphis has a rich musical history, but the Jazz isn't the best name that they could use. Their new name shall be the Memphis Soul.

Minnesota Timberwolves

One of the best logos and names in the NBA, and not one that should be changed. As a team that hasn't won, they still go on the list. They shall now be named the Minnesota Mussels. There is a lot you can do with the Mussel as a logo, as the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels have shown us. This is a great name for a team.

New Orleans Pelicans

I actually like the name Pelicans, the uniforms and everything. This is a unique name among pro sports teams. They also will probably eventually win with Zion in the fold. For purposes of this exercise, we will still rename them. The team colors should be purple and gold for the Mardi Gras history of the town and be renamed the New Orleans Night Owls.

Orlando Magic

The Magic is one of the best names in pro sport and goes well with the city and the nearby Disney attraction. It is not one to change, but will be for purposes of these changes. To incorporate the other theme parks and thrills of the area, the new name will be the Orlando Adrenaline. Just bring back the pinstripe uniforms.

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns isn't a bad name, but it is boring. Let's get something a little bit better. What animal is one of the best known ones out west? The roadrunner is an iconic bird and they could possibly tie in a bunch of looney tunes stuff with the team. That roadrunner has some purple, just like the current Phoenix team uniforms. The Arizona Roadrunners shall be the new name.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz are another team that has come close to winning, but fallen just short. They shall be renamed the Utah Grizzles. That name is great, it just doesn't fit in Memphis. It fits much better in Utah. There is a minor league ice hockey team that goes by this name, but the top league of the NBA gets dibs.

Washington Wizards

Technically the Wizards did win the NBA Championship back when the team was the Bullets. They were a good team back then and a return to the Bullets would be a welcome change. The Wizard is the worst nickname in professional sports though. It's just dumb. It has to change. If we can't have the Bullets, give us something else. Give me Freedom, Freedom Fighters, Americans, Generals, anything Patriotic. We will just say the Washington Generals for now.

National Football League

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons had a huge lead in the Super Bowl a few years back, but blew it. Just like they blew this unoriginal nickname. They can keep the colors and the bird theming. Just change it to a bigger and more powerful bird. The Atlanta Red Hawks.

Arizona Cardinals

Speaking of unoriginal team names, do we really need a Cardinals in every pro sport? Let's get something different. How about another team named after the deadly snakes in Arizona. The Arizona Copperheads is a lot more threatening of a name.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills made 4 straight Super Bowls and didn't win a single one. The team could change on that alone. I actually love the college team and mascot and think its a tad better. Let's do the Buffalo Bulls instead.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have had their chances at winning too. They have an awfully boring and generic team name though. Carolina could be the Blue Crabs which sounds better and fits better with the area. It makes the blue make sense as well. Blue Panthers don't exist. 

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have some of the best uniforms in the NFL and have great colors. That said, you don't exactly think of Bengal Tigers when you think of Cincinnati. This city is known for its architecture. What is something associated with architecture? Construction. Cincinnati Construction doesn't sound great, but the Cincinnati Cranes sounds alright and gives the team a lot of options.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns will eventually be renamed. Fans of the team are often called the Dog Pound. Why not name the team after an intimidating breed of dog. The Cleveland Bloodhounds is an infinitely better name than the Browns.

Detroit Lions

Let me give you a little secret...Lions are not blue and they are not from Detroit. This nickname makes no sense and is forever linked with a loser. Time to change it. The Detroit Drive would be a nice recognition of the city's history with motor vehicles. It also allows them to go several different ways with logo and color scheme. I'm biased to silver and gold together and nobody else does it.

Houston Texans

The Texans is such a boring nickname. They had a great nickname, logo, and color scheme before the team moved. Time to go back. Houston Oilers with the baby blue instead of Navy.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars is a cool nickname from the standpoint of it being a unique nickname in pro sports and sounding cool. There are no Jaguars in Jacksonville though (unless you count the zoo) and the uniforms are terrible. Let's name them the Jacksonville Redfish after a popular fish in the region. Their colors can change to garnet and black for a more unique uniform. It can have some gold trim in there too.

Los Angeles Chargers

The powder blue uniforms of the Chargers are among the best in sport. What is not the best in sport is that there is another team in Los Angeles. This team shall move to another Californian city (San Diego, Oakland, or Sacramento) and be renamed the California Sea Lions. Just make their main color that blue.

Minnesota Vikings

Since the timberwolves changed their name, the Vikings can take the Timberwolves and adopt a purple and gray color scheme. The Vikings aren't a bad name, but the Timberwolves are a better one.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a solid team name and the team has great uniforms. They will now be known as the Nashville Noise giving recognition to the city's musical background. It gives them quite a bit of freedom with logos and colors as well.

Washington Football Team

The Redskins name was changed this summer to Washington Football Team. Obviously it will eventually change in to another team. I love the Red Wolves idea, but if they don't go with that, I'd love a patriotic theme. How about the Washington Freedom and have them get red, white, and blue uniforms like the other teams in Washington.

National Hockey League

Arizona Coyotes

There are plenty of coyotes in Arizona and the name isn't that bad. I'm not a huge fan of the uniforms though despite a great color scheme and the nickname can improve. Let's do the Arizona Racoons and change that desert sand to white. The team can be black and white with garnet as the third color.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo fans are passionate, but their teams are terrible. Their city is known for the cold and not much else. How about the Buffalo Blizzards? Their colors can be baby blue, white, and black.

Columbus Blue Jackets

What a dumb name? This is the dumbest name besides the Wizards. It's hard not to think of something that  improves this nickname. Additionally, the color scheme is overused. I love the old red, white, and blue, but it can't be used for every team. The team shall be renamed the Ohio Owls and their colors should change to brown, black, and yellow. A color scheme not used anywhere else in sports.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have some of the coolest uniforms in hockey and a solid logo. This is one I wouldn't change, but the team hasn't won. A solid change could be the Miami Manatees. Their main color could be silver with orange as their secondary color.

Minnesota Wild

This is an uninspiring name with a weird logo that shows nothing about the state of Minnesota. There new name should be the Minnesota Miracle. A shout out to the Miracle on ice for which the coach of Team USA came from Minnesota. Of course the color scheme would have to change to red, white, and blue.

Nashville Predators

A cool team name, cool mascot, and sweet uniforms. This is one of the keeper teams. If it has to change, they should keep Gnash as the mascot. The story behind the name and that they found a saber-tooth tiger at the digsite is awesome. This team will be the Tigers and it will make sense.

Ottawa Senators

There are better nicknames than the Senators. A better name for the Ottawa NHL team would be the black bears. The Ottawa Black Bears is a much better team name.

San Jose Sharks 

This is a great team name, a great logo, and the sharks are crazy underutilized as a team name. Since by my rules it has to change, it should change to another underused team name. The San Jose Swordfish is another solid name.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks? That's the name? We already have the Canadians. Let's go with a team that would be far different, how about the Vancouver Lynx. That name isn't used in sports and could be a cool mascot.

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas was on the right track, but their mascot makes no sense and this isn't 1890. They should be renamed the Golden Eagles. The golden eagle is the largest raptor in North America and makes for a wonderful team name. A golden eagle mascot would be far superior to their weird mascot which they claim is a gila monster.

Winnipeg Jets

This nickname leaves a lot to be desired. It also is the name that was used for a team that left town. They do have a solid logo though so we'd want a similar variation to that. How about the Winnipeg Wolves with a wolf where the jet is on the logo. You could keep the color scheme. This way the name has some alliteration and sounds way better.

- Noland

Magic Offseason Outlook

The NBA season is finally about to return and the Orlando Magic are one of the remaining teams when play resume later this week. Now that it is about to return, is it too early to look at the NBA off-season? We have waited so long for games, why talk about them being over? 

The truth is the Magic are not going to do much of anything in the playoffs. I hope I am wrong, but it is tough to see Orlando knocking off Milwaukee. So what does this off-season look like for Orlando? Any chance of upgrading the roster? Can we at least expect the Magic hold serve and continue making the playoffs? All of that will be answered in this post.

NBA Free Agency

Magic Free Agents

Evan Fournier (Player Option)

DJ Augustin

Michael Carter-Williams

James Ennis (Player Option)

Wes Iwundu (Restricted)

Melvin Frazier (Club Option)

Gary Clark

Daquan Jeffries

BJ Johnson

Expect Fournier to take the player option. There is going to be a lot of uncertainty and possible reduced salary caps moving forward due to Covid-19. That uncertainty will likely cause Fournier to do the certain thing and take the money. Ennis could do similar, but he is significantly cheaper. Orlando should certainly look to keep Iwundu who has always been a favorite of mine. The 25 year old small forward has a lot of potential and is cheap. Of course somebody could sign him to a huge offer sheet that will be difficult to match, but I think he's going to stay with the Magic. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams fill their roles with the team well and will probably be with Orlando next year unless somebody else gives them offers they can't refuse. At least 3 of Frazier, Clark, Jeffries, and BJ Johnson will likely be gone.

Possible Free Agent Targets

Brandon Ingram (Restricted)

DeMar DeRozan (Player Option)

Carmelo Anthony

Glenn Robinson III

Jordan McRae

Malik Beasley (Restricted)

Shabazz Napier

The Magic's top two targets could and should be Brandon Ingram and DeMar DeRozan. They fit what the Magic need perfectly With the salary cap though it is difficult to see how the team could add either one unless Fournier opts out or a trade occurs. Maybe San Antonio takes a sign and trade of Fournier + for DeRozan. You can always hope that at least.

Before you laugh at the Carmelo Anthony target, he is a scorer and is averaging 15 points a game still at this stage of his career. The Magic could use another scorer. Anthony is a veteran and is making just 2 million this season. It is possible that he'd get a look.

Then there is the shooting guard group of Glenn Robinson III, Jordan McRae, and Malik Beasley. The Magic should look at this group and likely will at least see what the market is on each. My favorite of the group is Beasley who I really want the Magic to target. Since he's been traded to Minnesota, Beasley has averaged 20.7 points per game. The guy is an emerging superstar and would be an excellent target for Orlando. The team should make a run at Beasley regardless of what happens with Fournier.

If Augustin and/or Michael Carter-Williams leave, Napier would be a good target as a backup point guard. 

NBA Draft

It would appear that the Magic will be picking 15th in the NBA Draft. That leaves them just outside the draft lottery. There are still many quality players that will be available at that point and we will look at a few of them here.

Possible Targets

Theo Maledon   PG     France

RJ Hampton        PG     USA International

Cole Anthony    PG     North Carolina

Nico Mannion   PG     Arizona

Josh Green        SG     Arizona

Tyrese Maxey   SG     Kentucky

Devin Vassell    SG     Florida State

Patrick Williams  SF   Florida State

I fully expect the Magic to pick somebody from this list with the 15th pick with it likely being a guard. NBAdraft.net has the Magic taking French guard Theo Maledon with the selection. I would not hate that selection, but if going point guard I prefer Hampton and I prefer to take a shooting guard. Devin Vassell fits what the Magic want to do better, is the best defender of the group and is my personal favorite player that will go round 1. I hope he's there and I hope he is the pick. I would not hate a Patrick Williams pick either. Seeing the athleticism of him, Isaac, and Gordon together would be really fun to watch. Any of these players would help the Magic.

I'd love to see the team pick up Trent Forrest in the 2nd round or as an undrafted free agent. He will not be highly sought after, but he's an incredible winner. Forrest is a guy that will have a successful pro career because he won't allow himself to do anything else. The dude just wills teams to victories. There is no Florida State Seminole basketball player in history that I have enjoyed more and I'd love for him to continue with the Magic. 

If the Magic don't pick up Forrest or Vassell, I hope that they come out of the draft with a solid guard and draft the other guard spot in the second round. I can't wait to find out who the team picks.

Possibly No Summer League

It is difficult to see the NBA having a summer league this summer, since its summer and we have not started the playoffs yet. Summer league is always possible, but I just don't see it as likely. That means no work for Chuma Okeke or any of the rookies. Okeke is currently on the Lakeland Magic roster, but he has not played because he is still recovering from his injury suffered in last year's NCAA Tournament. If there is any expectation for him to be in Orlando next year, they could use him getting some work. 

All of these issues will be very interesting in the era of Covid-19. None of them will help the salary cap, that's for sure. Hopefully, whatever moves are made this summer, they are able to improve the roster. It sure would be nice to see the Magic compete like the days of Penny and Shaq again. Perhaps we will have another Magic Moment soon. 

- Noland

Ten Best 30 for 30 Films

ESPN has been doing an outstanding job with their 30 for 30 movies and with their documentaries in general. The Last Dance was the perfect show to watch during this pandemic and I've been catching up on all of the 30 for 30s during this time as well. Some of you that are looking for something to watch, might enjoy this list of the top 10 movies during the series.

10. The Dominican Dream

This whole story fascinated me about Dominican basketball player, Felipe Lopez. The "Dominican Jordan" was the #1 HS player in the country, even ahead of NBA legend Allen Iverson. His perspective on what happened to him was really interesting.

9. Pony Excess

This film discussed the rise of SMU football in the 80s and the death penalty that resulted from repeated NCAA violations. It was the first and only time that the NCAA instituted the death penalty on a college football program. 

8. Vick

This 30 for 30 focused on Mike Vick and his career with the controversy around his career. I almost didn't put it because it was broken into two parts, but it was very well done. This is perhaps the most unique situation of all the 30 for 30s.

7. Unguarded

The story of can't miss prospect turned drug abuser turned motivational speaker. This story, about Chris Herron, is a truly fascinating one. It is really interesting to see his journey as a basketball player and as a human being.

6. You Don't Know Bo

Bo is the 2nd best athlete that I have ever seen. This is the story of the amazing two sport athlete that many consider the greatest athlete to ever live. Super cool story.

5. This Magic Moment

Maybe I boosted this story up a bit as a Magic fan, but I don't think so. This was really well done. It tells the story of the Penny and Shaq years in Orlando. That Orlando Magic team was the last team to take down Michael Jordan in the playoffs.

4. Without Bias

My dad always said Len Bias was the greatest basketball player that ever lived. I never got to see Bias play because he died of a cocaine overdose in 1986 and I was born in 1987. This story meant a lot to me because of how my dad viewed Len Bias, but it is super interesting to watch for any basketball fan. The guy was able to go toe to toe with Michael Jordan in college and this is one of the most interesting stories around. 

3. Jordan Rides the Bus

This story was touched upon in the Last Dance, but Jordan Rides the Bus really dives into Michael Jordan and his minor league baseball career. Why did the greatest basketball player ever quit basketball in his prime to play a completely different sport. It is discussed here in amazing detail.

2. Deion's Double Play

Perhaps this is biased because Deion is a Seminole. However, Deion Sanders is the greatest athlete to ever walk the planet. He was a larger than life personality. This documentary focuses on Deion playing two professional sports. The story is this guy is amazing and one of a kind. After all, he is the only athlete ever to play in the Super Bowl and the World Series.

1. June 17, 1994

Many consider this story the greatest 30 for 30 and I agree. OJ Simpson is one of the most fascinating figures of all-time and everyone remembers that bronco chase. The way that this movie weaved that event into all of the other legendary sports moments of that day was incredible. This is an absolute must-watch.

- Noland

10 Greatest Magic Players of All-Time

There has been a lot of talk about the greatest of all-time with this new Jordan documentary, The Last Dance. To me its clear that Jordan is the greatest, but there was one team that ran the East after Jordan's 1st retirement and that team was the Orlando Magic. When I think of the best ever, I like to look at my teams and their greatest. So here is your answer to that. Here are the greatest 10 players in Magic history.

First, the ground rules. The only thing that will be considered is their tenure with the Magic. No counting what Shaq did in LA or what Grant did in Detroit. Only contributions to the Magic will be considered. Additionally, players will be ranked based on their entire body of work and what they brought to the Magic over their respective tenures. Steve Francis for example certainly had one of the top 10 seasons in Magic history, but he was only with the Magic for just over 1 season. The Franchise therefore misses out on this list. Finally, this site likes to celebrate players who do things the right way. Players suspended for steroid use can't be included. Hedo Turkoglu had an amazing career with the Magic spanning 8 seasons, but his positive steroid test in 2013 prohibits his inclusion from this top 10. So who will be included on this list. The Magic have only been around since 1989, but this team has a rich history and has had some great players. Here is the list.

10. Aaron Gordon

Years With the Magic (2014-Present)

How does Aaron Gordon make this list? The active player most associated with the team makes the list for many reasons. Aaron Gordon has become one of the better players in the NBA and one of the absolute best on the defensive end. He is much more than just a slam dunker. Gordon helped end a multi-year playoff drought last year, which at the time was the longest in the Eastern Conference. The forward has averaged 12.7 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, nearly a steal per game, and nearly a block per game in his Magic tenure. None of that tells the entire story though. Gordon, who is still only 24 years old, has had at least 14.4 points a game and 7.4 rebounds a game since becoming a full-time starter at age 21. Gordon is young and getting better and could end up much higher on this list in a few years.

9. Dennis Scott

Years With the Magic (1990-1997)

Dennis Scott was with the Magic for 7 seasons before he was eventually traded. He was one of the better players on those great Magic teams in the mid-90s. Scott averaged 14.8 points per game while he was with Orlando. His production did not disappear in the playoffs as he still averaged 13 points per game. Scott only started every game once during his Magic tenure, but he was a great player with the Magic and really filled the role he had. 

8. Jameer Nelson

Years With the Magic (2004-2014)

Jameer Nelson gave 10 glorious seasons to the Magic. He was a large contributing factor on the team that would make the NBA Finals in 2009 and was even an all-star that season. Had he been healthy that NBA Finals, its quite possible the Magic win more than 1 game. With the Magic, Nelson averaged 12.6 points and 5.4 assists per game. He was a solid defender with the Magic as well, tallying one steal per game. He was never the same when he left Orlando, but Nelson was a solid player with the Magic.

7. Nikola Vucevic

Years With the Magic (2012-Present)

Another current player comes in at #7 on the list. The 2019 all-star has really come into his own for this team. During his 8 seasons in Orlando, Vucevic has averaged a double-double. This big man has averaged 17 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for the Magic. His best season was last year, where he averaged 20.8 points and 12 rebounds while being named an all-star. Vucevic played a large part in ending the playoff drought and got paid for doing so. His production continued this year too. Nikola has averaged 19.5 points and 11 rebounds per game so far this season. 

6. Grant Hill

Years With the Magic (2000-2007)

Grant Hill was such a special basketball player. It is a dang shame that his Orlando career and his basketball career was riddled with injuries. He was still special despite the injuries, but man what could have been with Grant. The guy was that good, he could have been the best in the game if he stayed healthy. Hill, was only healthy enough to make the all-star game twice with the Magic, but he had a great impact on the franchise. The forward would average 16.4 points per game with the Magic. Hill also averaged 5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. This guy was a complete player, its a shame that so many won't realize just how good he was.

5. Nick Anderson

Years With the Magic (1989-1999)

Nick Anderson was the first draft pick of the Magic and was an excellent producer for them for 10 seasons. He was never near the best player during his tenure, but he was consistent and he was solid. Anderson was a solid number three on the title contending Magic teams of the mid-90s. We won't talk about those free throws, but other than that, he was great for the team. He averaged 15.4 points per game and helped the team contend. 

4. Tracy McGrady

Years With the Magic (2000-2004)

Had his career with the Magic been longer, McGrady would have a real claim to the number 1 spot on the list. Seriously. During his time with the Magic, McGrady twice led the league in scoring and he was the best player on the Magic. McGrady was an all-star in all 4 of his seasons with the Magic. People wrongly focus on McGrady not having teams that won in the playoffs and not on how great McGrady was. The guy averaged 28.1 points per game with the Magic and 26 points per game in the playoffs. Not just that, McGrady led the league in playoff points per game during the 2001 and 2002 playoffs. It was never McGrady's fault that his teams struggled in the postseason. Had Hill been healthy during his Magic tenure, I have no doubt that McGrady would have been a Finals champ. Again, what could have been. Magic fans just remember the brilliance of Tracy McGrady.

3. Dwight Howard

Years With the Magic (2004-2012)

Don't let his past few seasons fool you, Dwight Howard is one of the best centers of all-time. He was the best center in the game for a period of time while he was with the Magic. The 2009 squad that he carried is arguably the worst roster to ever make an NBA Finals. Don't forget that they made it that far with the second best player (Jameer Nelson) being injured during the playoff run. They also were able to win a game in those finals. Howard made 6 all-star teams while in Orlando. He also averaged a double-double as the Magic center. With Orlando, Howard averaged 18.4 points and 13 rebounds per game.

2. Shaquille O' Neal

Years With the Magic (1992-1996)

You are probably shocked to see Shaw here instead of #1. The person who is #1 on my list just did it for a bit longer, but there is no disputing how great Shaq was. While it was only 4 seasons, Shaq had the Orlando Magic near the top of the basketball world. They quite possibly could have won an NBA title if the Magic would have just paid Shaq. The 1994-1995 scoring champ lead the Magic to an NBA Finals and was simply dominant with the club. He was actually statistically better with the Magic than with the Lakers. Diesel averaged 27.2 points per game with the Magic to go with 12.5 rebounds per game.

And the #1 Player in Orlando Magic history is.....

1. Anfernee Hardaway

Years With the Magic (1993-1999)

To those of you still here, thank you for giving me the chance to make the case for Penny. First, Penny was with the Magic for 6 seasons to Shaq's 4. He was productive for all of those seasons. The Magic made the playoffs for 5 seasons during the Penny and Shaq era. Those 5 seasons were the 5 seasons where Penny Hardaway was healthy. Shaq's rookie season without Penny was not a playoff team. Penny comes and they are title contenders. Shaq leaves and the team is still a playoff team with a healthy Anfernee Hardaway. The guy wasn't as glorified as Shaq, but he was just as special. Hardaway averaged 19 points, 6.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game with the Magic. He was a complete basketball player. Hardaway was even better in the playoffs, as he averaged 21.8 points per game in the postseason. This guy would be known as one of the greatest point guards of all-time if he stayed healthy. During his Magic tenure, he was everything the Magic needed and more. He was the best point guard in the game while with the Magic. The Penny era was special for the Magic. Maybe it was the shoes.

- Noland

How to Fix the Orlando Magic

How can we fix the Orlando Magic?

This team has not been to the playoffs since 2012 and has not been past the first round of the playoffs since 2010. In a league where more than 1/2 the teams make the playoffs, it simply isn't good enough. The truth is that it is very sad actually. What's worse is this team looks like it will miss out again this year and it doesn't look to get better anytime soon. What can we do to improve this outlook?

Sell! Sell! Sell!

I get it. Tanking sucks. It sucks to miss out on the playoffs year after year. It is a tough sell to fans, especially when the drought to the playoffs has already been so long. You know what though, it is also necessary. The worst place to be in professional sports other than the NFL is in the middle. We don't want to be in the middle ever (especially the lower 1/2 of that middle like we are now). You have to be really good or really bad. Since we aren't really good, we must trade for the future, get bad now, and go for the future. The painful truth is that it must be done.

The current cast has a ceiling of the 8th seed in the playoffs. That is their ceiling and honestly, I don't see them even accomplishing that. There are too many barriers, but if we tear it down like I outline below, you can make something happen in the next 3 years. If we hit on everything I say, this team can actually compete for an NBA Championship!

Who should we keep and who should we dump though?

I'll split guys into 3 categories, who to definitely keep, who we should try to keep, but be open to move, and who to trade.

KEEP
Jonathan Isaac - Isaac is basically a rookie this year after a devastating injury last year and is starting to develop. He is a great defensive player, has good length, and gets better daily. Additionally, he is fairly cheap for a starting player since he's on his rookie deal.

All Expiring Contracts Unless we get Draft Picks or usable pieces - All expiring contracts can be used to get better players in the off-season. A team that is looking to get better in the long term, must hold onto these in today's NBA. Unless we get great value at the deadline, we should hold onto these players with some exceptions. Use the money to make a run at Klay Thompson. This team just needs a stud in the backcourt and I see Klay Thompson as that franchise changing piece. For some reason, I just get the idea that he wants to be THE GUY. We'd afford him that chance, but have to be able to have $$$ to offer.

Wes Iwundu - Iwundu seems like he could breakout at any moment to me. He's a great switch defender and has a 7'1 wingspan. Add into that the fact that he makes less than 2 million a year and is looked up for 2 years and we need to hold onto Iwundu.

Be Open To Trade
Mo Bamba - I like Mo Bamba. I think he is going to be really good, but this team has a decision to make. Do we move forward with Mo Bamba or do we build the team around our best player in Vucevic and somebody else? We should be giving top $$$ to one frontcourt player and one backcourt player. Having two of our best players as centers doesn't make a ton of sense moving forward. This is especially true with Aaron Gordon making 21 million. We must get a more quality team. While I like Bamba, if trading him gets us more picks or better overall, we must look at a trade.

Nikola Vucevic - I personally feel we should build around Vucevic (who is due a huge raise). Vuc has been our best player and one that is wildly consistent, but.....  we could probably get a haul for him and he is not guaranteed to return to the team. I think we may get some crazy good offers for Vuc.
DJ Augustin - Augustin is actually a decent point guard. He's been effective and hes pretty cheap for an NBA Starting Point Guard. He's not elite enough to take this team to the next level by himself, but he's a good player. I'd like to keep him, but he may be more valuable to the future in a trade.

Terrance Ross - I want to hold onto expiring contracts and I like Terrance Ross. I just feel he is the most likely to be traded. Already used to the 6th man role and could be very valuable to a playoff squad as a shooter off the bench. I can definitely imagine a team like the Lakers giving up some good young talent for Ross.

Try With All Your Might To Trade
Timofey Mozgov - He doesn't even play and he makes 16 million. What a waste of $$$. Try to take back a similar bad contract, but one that expires this year from a playoff team. Pair him with a Vucevic or a Ross and there is a chance it can happen. Again, idea is to free up $$$ for a Klay Thompson type.

Evan Fournier - There is no Magic player (that plays) that frustrates me more than Evan Fournier. Why does this guy make 17 million? He makes it very unlikely we can get an elite guard or keep Vucevic. Our team simply can't compete with the contracts of Mosgov, Fournier and...

Aaron Gordon - I like Aaron Gordon. He's a good player. I can actually see why the Magic think he was worth 21 million. Just think we would be better off getting some other talent and draft picks and using that $$$ elsewhere.

So there you have it. Trade Gordon, Fournier, and Mosgov. Free up cap space. Bring in Klay Thompson or Kyrie or some other stud. OR bring in a group of higher end talent that isn't quite max level, but close and cheaper. Just don't stick with the status-quo of finishing 9th - 11th place in the East. The current plan is not working. Time to change course.

Heck, if you do this, you get a better player in the draft too!

Either way though #PureMagic and Go Magic!

- Noland

2019 And I'm Finally Back!!!!

So guys I know what you are thinking!!!

Noland you only had 2 posts in 2017, in 2018 you only had 1 post and it was an update. Where the heck have you been?

Truth is that I have been focusing on other endeavors as I said in my last post. That is still true, but I promise to post at least once monthly in 2019. The goal for now is 15 posts for the year and I think that will be pretty simple to accomplish. You will get some sports takes here. You will get a lot more if you follow me on Twitter @norob87. However, you will get much more in depth stuff here and I look forward to sharing that stuff with you.

So what has changed for me sports wise from the beginning of 2017 until now?

Well, we are Magic fans now. I no longer support the Wizards mess. I always liked the Wizards growing up, but they are much more difficult to follow in central Florida and I have lived in Florida since 2005. Also, my 6 year old son wanted to pull for the Magic, so that was an easy switch for me to make. I can watch every Magic game and I can't come close to that for the Wizards without buying NBA League pass. Additionally, once the Magic drafted Jonathan Isaac from Florida State in 2017, it was an easy switch to make. Root for the local team and Florida State star Jonathan Isaac or root for a team thousands of miles away with a gator as one of their major stars? The move had to be made to pull for the Magic.

Also we are full blown Bolts fans at this point. We (Jr. and I) finally attended our 1st hockey game and the boys in our family have Bolts fever bad!!! Jr. and I both love Killorn and he is our favorite player. Jr. even got a puck right from Killer Killorn at our 1st Bolts Game!!! He is just a great guy, a real hustle player and he's super clutch. Add in that he was nice to my boy and it's impossible to not love the guy. Eli Thomas prefers Kucherov, but who doesn't. This team is just so likable. We could all make a list of our favorite players and just love this team. Let's Go Lightning!!!! Eli will be attending his 1st game very soon also!!!

Go Noles!
Go Orioles!
Go Bolts!
Go Bucs!
Go Magic!

Lots of hot takes and informative takes to come in 2019. We are still looking for the good guys in sports here too. Luckily, Jr. and I found one in Alex Killorn!

- Noland

This Is Why You Should Love the Spurs

Every time I see an athlete taunt the other team, or make demands of their coach I just love the Spurs more. You do not see this nonsense in San Antonio. That is why the whole Dwight Howard fiasco just makes me love the Spurs more. Dwight Howard who now has an injury said he would never play another game for the Magic if Stan Van Gundy remained the coach. Who do you think you are Dwight? That is an absolutely horrible and childish move. Stan Van Gundy despite his whiny voice is not that bad of a coach and someone that gives his commitment to a team should NOT treat his employer this way. Dwight went from a very likable person to one of the most hated players in the league with this move. Howard is a complete clown and not in a good way. Why would he do this?

It is like Howard thinks he is bigger than the game. Thinking all everyone cares about is where he plays basketball. It completely takes out the team component and gives a look at me, I am the greatest attitude. This attitude is the same nonsense that encouraged Lebron James to proclaim that he was "taking his talents to South Beach." You are not bigger than the sport gentlemen, the NBA was successful before you and it will be successful long after you are gone. Get a grip.

Can you imagine Tim Duncan pulling a stunt like this? No you can't. Duncan took less money to stay with the team that helped make him successful. He constantly talks about how great his teammates were whether they be David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu, or even Malik Rose. Seriously what happened to Malik Rose after he no longer had Duncan on his team? Duncan carried his teams during his runs, but did not once complain or throw a fit to Popovich. In fact Duncan praises Popovich and talks about how Popovich helps his game. During the Olympics Allen Iverson hogged the ball when he should have dumped it to Duncan, but what did Duncan do, he talked about what an honor it was to represent his country. During that stretch in the early 2000s when Duncan was unstoppable did he complain that he only got 2 MVPs? No, Duncan was focused on winning championships and said the other people were deserving. Tim Duncan and the Spurs are everything that is right with sports and I gladly support them for that reason. He doesn't care about making a fool of his opponents he will just bank it off the glass and help his team win. Oh and the Spurs give everything to their fans every night and truly appreciate them. Not one player on that team threatens to leave if they don't get their way. Go Spurs Go!

-Noland

Wizards Upset Magic

Last night the Wizards upset the magic. What is the big deal right? The Wizards stink so who cares that they won a meaningless game against the Magic? Well, I do. For me it is important to see progress and for the young guys to get some experience winning so our team can possibly compete for a playoff spot next year. The more progress I see this year, the more likely I think it is to happen. Yes, it gives us less lottery entries if we win, but somebody has to get the #1 pick. I never would want my team to lose anyway, especially in the NBA where there is the beauty of the draft lottery. This was a great game from the Wiz.




The final score was 93-85. The Wizards increased their record to 14-44 and still have the second worst record in all the NBA. Star point guard John Wall scored 15 and added 7 assists while playing a very solid game. The reason for the win would seem to be the solid play of forward Kevin Seraphin. The French forward scored 24 points and added 13 rebounds! What a terrific game from Seraphin. The Wizards have a bright future if Seraphin will make this a consistent thing. A front court of Seraphin, Nene (healthy), and Anthony Davis would be a solid team with John Wall as point guard. Just need to dump that black hole Jordan Crawford. Great game Seraphin!
-Noland