Denton: Magic-Jazz Notes
By John Denton
December 21, 2009
Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Magic and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.
ORLANDO – Within hours of the Utah Jazz getting to Central Florida on Sunday afternoon, close friends Carlos Boozer and Dwight Howard were hanging out at Howard’s suburban Orlando mansion.
The two became fast friends during the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, along with Toronto forward Chris Bosh. Boozer was in Orlando last spring throughout the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals, supporting his friend’s bid to win a championship. And the two were together later in the summer for a trip to South Africa for the NBA’s ``Basketball Without Borders’’ program.
And with Boozer about to become a free agent this summer, the two have understandably talked about the chances of possibly playing together down the line. But for now, they’re simply content with remaining close friends.
``In the Olympics, me, Chris and Booz, nobody could get us away from each other,’’ Howard said. ``In practice we were together and after practice we were together. And we were together (on Sunday in Orlando). We do spend a lot of time together, we talk a lot and he’s like my big brother in a lot of ways.’’
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Howard was named the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday for his play last week. It’s the second time this season and the ninth time in Howard’s career that he was won the weekly award.
Howard averaged 17 points, 17.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks last week as the Magic went 3-1.
Howard hurt the Indiana Pacers for 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocked shots. Last Wednesday, Howard recorded a season high in blocks with eight. He also added 18 points and 14 rebounds in the lopsided victory over Toronto.
He had 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks against Miami and pounded Portland with 12 points, 20 rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals.
OFF THE ROAD: Magic guard J.J. Redick was asked Monday if players in the NBA marveled at Utah coach Jerry Sloan, who has been with the Jazz organization for 22 years. He’s the longest tenured coach in any sport with one franchise.
While Redick said what Sloan has accomplished is amazing, he stressed that there’s zero chance that he would ever go into coaching after his playing career is over.
``When I’m done playing I’m done traveling,’’ Redick said. ``That’s the hardest part of the job. I’m not saying that I don’t want to travel for pleasure. But it’s just the travel with this job is so tough, I don’t envision myself ever going into coaching.’’
ETC: Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Howard is the game’s best defensive player because he not only blocks shots and defends the rim, but he’s also solid at slowing down pick-and-rolls. Said Van Gundy: "He’s as capable of a defensive player as I’ve ever been around. There’s just not much he can’t do defensively. And Dwight has the ability to do so much more than most shot-blockers he has the ability to get out on the pick-and-roll and move his feet." … Magic forward Matt Barnes played Monday despite missing Sunday’s practice because of strained ligaments in s finger on his left hand. The injury continues to be a problem for Barnes. … The Magic’s players and coaches will host a Christmas party for 42 families from the Apopka Learning Center on Tuesday. The team will spend time doing crafts, shooting baskets and distributing gifts.
John Denton writes for Orlandomagic.com. His Orlando Magic ``Behind the Scenes’’ segment can be heard on ESPN 1080 AM on Thursday at 5:05 p.m. Submit questions to John for his ``Ask J.D.’’ mailbag feature that will appear every Friday at AskJD@orlandomagic.com.
By John DentonDecember 21, 2009
Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Magic and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.
ORLANDO – Within hours of the Utah Jazz getting to Central Florida on Sunday afternoon, close friends Carlos Boozer and Dwight Howard were hanging out at Howard’s suburban Orlando mansion.
The two became fast friends during the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, along with Toronto forward Chris Bosh. Boozer was in Orlando last spring throughout the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals, supporting his friend’s bid to win a championship. And the two were together later in the summer for a trip to South Africa for the NBA’s ``Basketball Without Borders’’ program.
And with Boozer about to become a free agent this summer, the two have understandably talked about the chances of possibly playing together down the line. But for now, they’re simply content with remaining close friends.
``In the Olympics, me, Chris and Booz, nobody could get us away from each other,’’ Howard said. ``In practice we were together and after practice we were together. And we were together (on Sunday in Orlando). We do spend a lot of time together, we talk a lot and he’s like my big brother in a lot of ways.’’
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Howard was named the Eastern Conference’s Player of the Week on Monday for his play last week. It’s the second time this season and the ninth time in Howard’s career that he was won the weekly award.
Howard averaged 17 points, 17.8 rebounds and 4.5 blocks last week as the Magic went 3-1.
Howard hurt the Indiana Pacers for 21 points, 23 rebounds and four blocked shots. Last Wednesday, Howard recorded a season high in blocks with eight. He also added 18 points and 14 rebounds in the lopsided victory over Toronto.
He had 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks against Miami and pounded Portland with 12 points, 20 rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals.
OFF THE ROAD: Magic guard J.J. Redick was asked Monday if players in the NBA marveled at Utah coach Jerry Sloan, who has been with the Jazz organization for 22 years. He’s the longest tenured coach in any sport with one franchise.
While Redick said what Sloan has accomplished is amazing, he stressed that there’s zero chance that he would ever go into coaching after his playing career is over.
``When I’m done playing I’m done traveling,’’ Redick said. ``That’s the hardest part of the job. I’m not saying that I don’t want to travel for pleasure. But it’s just the travel with this job is so tough, I don’t envision myself ever going into coaching.’’
ETC: Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said Howard is the game’s best defensive player because he not only blocks shots and defends the rim, but he’s also solid at slowing down pick-and-rolls. Said Van Gundy: "He’s as capable of a defensive player as I’ve ever been around. There’s just not much he can’t do defensively. And Dwight has the ability to do so much more than most shot-blockers he has the ability to get out on the pick-and-roll and move his feet." … Magic forward Matt Barnes played Monday despite missing Sunday’s practice because of strained ligaments in s finger on his left hand. The injury continues to be a problem for Barnes. … The Magic’s players and coaches will host a Christmas party for 42 families from the Apopka Learning Center on Tuesday. The team will spend time doing crafts, shooting baskets and distributing gifts.
John Denton writes for Orlandomagic.com. His Orlando Magic ``Behind the Scenes’’ segment can be heard on ESPN 1080 AM on Thursday at 5:05 p.m. Submit questions to John for his ``Ask J.D.’’ mailbag feature that will appear every Friday at AskJD@orlandomagic.com.
