In addition to providing ample detail surrounding Josh Smith being given the 2nd half off during Atlanta’s loss to Charlotte Friday night, the New York Post’s Peter Vecsey singles out Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy, “who wasn’t nearly preoccupied enough with getting into a urinal contest with Shaquille O’Neal to become the zillionth coach initiated into the Fraternal Order of Fools.”
Orlando had rallied at home from eight points down midway through the fourth quarter to take a three-point lead in the waning seconds Friday against the Nets.
Sure enough, there was Vince Carter ducking under a defender, who had ample opportunity to foul his man before he was in the act of shooting, for a wide-open look at overtime. The fact he misguided it in no way excuses Van Gundy from giving the valedictory address at the next clod commencement.
Perhaps Van Gundy shall learn some basic math before the Magic visit Boston this afternoon. If not, he can always take a side trip to one of the Connecticut casinos and conduct a blackjack seminar on the advantages of hitting on 20.
As for Lawrence Frank’s Nets, not once did they throw the ball down low to Brook Lopez or post Carter in the final couple minutes when trailing by two, three and four. Instead they settled for one trey after another.
Good coaching, coach. Then again, it was probably simply another sorry example of players demonstrating a flagrant lack of common sense, feel for the game and instructions from the bench.
In spite of the no confidence vote from Poison Pete, Van Gundy’s Magic beat the Celtics on their own floor early today, 86-79. With Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo indisposed, the Celtics had to contend with the dual curses of a) Big Baby making an early exit and b) Stephon Marbury (4 points, 0 assists, 21 minutes) getting the start at point guard.
Hey Peter – I wrote the following to some of my friends who love basketball – I think it’s a great topic for years to come. I’m having a hard time determining the answer for this one. What do you think – is it time to start this conversation? I’m 7 years younger than you and I really appreciate today’s athletes so much…point guards and 2s today were 5s when I played in college in the early 70s.
“Could LeBron be Magic?”
That’s what TNT asked last night on the Suns/Cavs half time show – if LeBron played with Kareem, Worthy and Scott would he be as good as Magic?
About two weeks ago I asked my friends:
Magic and Bird vs. Kobe and LeBron?
No one responded….
Here’s my reason for the comparison:
In my life Magic and Bird changed the NBA more than anyone.
Here’s my question(s):
Will Kobe and LeBron have the same impact…when they are done in like 5 years? Kobe is 31 years old. What about now…are they close? Where is LeBron going – he like Magic and Bird, makes everyone better around him. But Bird and Magic had a cast of studs around them. I think you could run with this – but if you do please give me a heads up.
Thanks Peter