SB Nation User Blog: Ben Q Rock

MAGIC: Public Invited to Special Community Groundbreaking Celebration

Ben Q Rock — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:39:24 -0000

MAGIC: Public Invited to Special Community Groundbreaking Celebration

If you're free tomorrow afternoon, you might want to check out this party in downtown Orlando.

Maurice Evans Signs with Golden State Warriors

Ben Q Rock — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:43:23 -0000

We all figured that Maurice Evans wouldn't return to the Magic next season; Keith Bogans' picking up his player option determined that much. Well, now we know where he's headed: the Bay Area.

The Warriors signed Evans to a three-year, $6.4 million deal, reports the Mercury News (ht: ClipperBlog). He'll work out well in Golden State, which prizes three-point shooting and athleticism. Evans provides both those things (80 triples and 73 dunks last season), and does so at a reasonable price. Congratulations to Maurice. Thanks for your hard work. See you in the fall.

Kurt Thomas and Marcus Williams off the Market; Whom Will the Magic Target Next?

Ben Q Rock — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:19:27 -0000

The Spurs re-signed Kurt Thomas, the forward/center whom the Magic coveted at the deadline. Meanwhile, a day after acquiring combo guard Keyon Dooling from Orlando, the Nets sent backup point guard (and object of Magic fans' affection) Marcus Williams to the Warriors for a future first-round pick.

Oh, and the Magic's chances of re-signing Carlos Arroyo -- already a long shot -- took a big hit when he tore a leg muscle during an Olympic qualifying tournament.

But Javaris Crittenton, long connected to the Magic in trade rumors, is still in play. The Grizzlies' young combo guard is likely the odd-man-out in Memphis, which wants to focus on developing O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley, and Kyle Lowry. I think Crittenton would be a home-run acquisition for Otis Smith and the Magic. For one thing, he's tall (6'05"). For another, his presence would make both J.J. Redick and Keith Bogans more expendable than they already are... assuming they weren't the guys dealt for Crittenton in the first place. Finally, it would mean fewer minutes for Anthony Johnson, the Magic's 34-year-old current backup, whose talent level befits that of a third-stringer.

Could Mikki Moore be an option? The Kings spent their full mid-level on the veteran power forward last summer, but might look to unload him to free-up playing time for youngsters Spencer Hawes, Shelden Williams, and Jason Thompson. Kings fan pookeyguru, whom you may know from his participation in the Sactown Royalty community, would swap Moore for Redick and Brian Cook.

I still support the idea of swapping Redick and Cook for Jeff Foster, but I doubt the Pacers would part with him now that they've dealt Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, and riff-raff.

Maybe we overestimate the Magic's need for another player at the power positions. After all, Tony Battie will make his return this season, and figures to steal some minutes from Adonal Foyle (at center) and Rashard Lewis/Cook (at power forward). And Marcin Gortat, who played in more post-season games than regular-season ones, showed promise. But you'll forgive me for feeling nervous about a big-man rotation that includes Lewis, Battie, Gortat, Foyle, and James Augustine.

What's the Magic's biggest area of need? Whom should they target to fill that need?

Video: Dwight Howard's ESPY Host 'Audition' - NBA FanHouse

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:29:43 -0000

Video: Dwight Howard's ESPY Host 'Audition' - NBA FanHouse

A can't-miss video which features Dwight Howard doing impressions of Michael Jackson and Shaquille O'Neal. He also goofs off while wearing a Superman cape... and dances.

Outstanding.

via media.tumblr.com "Nazr Mohammed, New York Knicks: We’d compare Nazr to Patrick Ewing, but th...

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:03:36 -0000

via media.tumblr.com

"Nazr Mohammed, New York Knicks: We’d compare Nazr to Patrick Ewing, but that’s not really fair. Nazr won a title. (Found by TSJC in the Bronx.)"

via d.yimg.com Apparently, the Clippers are just giving those no. 23s away. Eric Gordon posed wi...

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:26:08 -0000

via d.yimg.com

Apparently, the Clippers are just giving those no. 23s away. Eric Gordon posed with one just a few weeks ago. Guess he had to give it up for the veteran.

"I thought the way [the Nuggets] went about it was classless," he said. "I thought it could have ...

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:45:56 -0000

"I thought the way [the Nuggets] went about it was classless," he said. "I thought it could have gone down a whole lot better. I'll get over it once training camp begins when I'm around the guys. You never forget. I'm definitely looking forward to those couple games we play against Denver.

ESPN - Camby eager to suit up with Clippers, anticipates Nuggets matchup - NBA

Mr. Efficiency: Alando Tucker, Suns Five players (Portland's Jerryd Bayless, Houston's Donte' Gre...

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:58:57 -0000

Mr. Efficiency: Alando Tucker, Suns
Five players (Portland's Jerryd Bayless, Houston's Donte' Greene, Sacramento's Quincy Douby, Phoenix's Alando Tucker and Golden State's Anthony Randolph) averaged more than 20 points per game. Of those five, only Tucker attempted fewer than 15 shots per game (12.6) and had a field-goal percentage over 49 percent (57.1).

ESPN - Maurice Brooks' Summer League Wrap-Up - TrueHoop By Henry Abbott. Seems like Tucker might have a future in this league.

My Favorite For Lottery-Pick Bust: Joe Alexander, Bucks As of now, this honor has to go to Alexan...

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:56:28 -0000

My Favorite For Lottery-Pick Bust: Joe Alexander, Bucks
As of now, this honor has to go to Alexander. Let's see what happens ...

ESPN - Maurice Brooks' Summer League Wrap-Up - TrueHoop By Henry Abbott

via img.photobucket.com Possibly the Hornets' new road uniform. See more by clicking here.

Ben Q Rock — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:17:27 -0000

via img.photobucket.com

Possibly the Hornets' new road uniform. See more by clicking here.