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November 20, 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.

OK, before we get to the questions in this week’s ``Ask J.D.’’ mailbag, I need to do a little bit of venting and get something off my chest.

The notion that the Orlando Magic would pursue Allen Iverson as a replacement for the injured Jameer Nelson is sheer lunacy. I really don’t know any other way to put it.

Why, quite frankly, would a team that made it to The NBA Finals last spring look to add one of the most divisive, egomaniacal players in league history? Why would a team already loaded with arguably the NBA’s deepest roster add a selfish, all-about-me type of guy who would only take shots away from others? And forgive the pun, but why would the Magic make a knee-jerk reaction when Nelson has already proven he is someone who can return early from an injury?

Lunacy, I say, just sheer lunacy. Have people not been paying attention to the type of high-character, team-first players that GM Otis Smith has surrounded Dwight Howard with the past few seasons?

Calling Iverson ``enigmatic’’ might be putting it too nice; it would be similar to referring to Rosie O’Donnell as ``svelte.’’ Adding Iverson to the Magic would be like the cast of Seinfeld inserting Roseanne because it needed a few tacky one-liners. It would be akin to Jay-Z joining up with Flav-a-flav because he was too cheap to buy a wrist watch.

So, in summary, the mere notion that the Magic should sign Iverson would be the most unwise move by an NBA team since … well, since Memphis did it over the summer. That bad experiment lasted three games. The prediction here is that Iverson will play three fewer games than that this season with the Magic.

OK, enough of that blather, let’s move on to this week’s mailbag. So away we go:

QUESTION: Hey J.D. With both Rashard Lewis and Ryan Anderson back in the line-up do you think the Magic will regain the winning form they had during an 8-0 preseason? – Patrick Seide, Charlotte, N.C

J.D.: In addition to having the game’s best center in Dwight Howard, I think the one factor that helps separate the Magic from the rest of the teams in the NBA is having two ``stretch fours.’’

Ask any coach in the NBA about defending the Magic and they will tell you that it’s Lewis’ shooting from the power forward spot that worries them most. Lewis’ ability to knock down 3-pointers gives bigger opposing power forwards fits and it prevents those bigger players from double-teaming down on Howard inside. Cleveland coach Mike Brown still hasn’t figured out in three seasons that Anderson Varejao can’t guard Lewis. And Boston had similar problems last spring while trying to use Glenn ``Big Baby’’ Davis on Lewis.

The addition of Anderson in the offseason was another masterstroke by Smith, ranking right up there with trading Steve Francis to the Knicks and choosing Howard over Emeka Okafor in the 2004 NBA Draft. His presence means there’s little-to-no drop-off on the second unit. He’s been so good that Magic coach Stan Van Gundy plans to play Lewis and Anderson together at the two forward slots.

QUESTION: Hi John! I love your posts on the Magic website and keep up the good work. Here is my question: Dwight is scoring less and blocking less this season compared to last year. Do you think it is because the roster is deeper or do you think there’s another reason to explain it? – Mathilde Boivin

J.D.: I think Dwight has been in somewhat of a funk early this season for a variety of reasons. I know that he’s been extremely frustrated with how he’s been officiated and he’s allowed some of that anger to take him out of games. The constant foul trouble has also played on Howard’s head, sapping him of some of his aggressiveness. Admittedly, he hasn’t gone to the boards and for blocks as hard because he’s leery of foul troubles.

And on the offensive end, Dwight is seeing more double teams than he ever has in his six-year career. It’s a process learning how to play through the traps. Dwight has had to learn patience and how to pick apart double teams with his passing. He’s become a much better passer and Van Gundy still calls him one of the smartest players he’s ever coached.

Howard said on Thursday that he thinks it might take until January or February for the Magic to fully hit their strides because of all the new players on the team. Until then, there will continue to be some growing pains.

QUESTION: Hi. Can you please advise when the grand opening of the new Amway Center will be and what the process will be for the public to attend? We really would like to attend and would like to know the correct procedure. Thanks! -- Anna and Harold Rector

J.D.: As I understand it there will be a number of events leading up to the opening of the new Amway Center, including events which will be open to the public. No specific date or event has been announced and it’s important to remember that the City of Orlando owns the building and will book events. From talking to Magic and City people, the opening isn’t being viewed as just one event, but likely a number of events throughout the month of October (2010), and obviously beyond. The bottom line is that this will be a great venue for the people who live here to call their own. Concerts and shows and sporting events currently playing in Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville will now stop in Orlando. No more trekking out of town for a show or event you want to see.

QUESTION: John, it’s safe to say that Jameer Nelson is ``injury prone.’’ Do you think the Magic may need to seriously explore a long term solution at point guard if they are serious at making a championship run? – Brian, Orlando

J.D.: The term ``injury prone’’ is often misused today fans, message-board posters and media types like to try and typecast players.

Has Nelson had some injuries? Of course, he has, but you have to look at the nature of those injuries. He suffered a concussion when he was hit by an accidental elbow from Dwight Howard. He suffered a major tear in his shoulder as he was trying to chase down a rebound and was hit by 280-pound Dallas center Erick Dampier. And the latest problem – torn meniscus in his knee – is an injury that probably 80 percent of all NBA players suffer. And to his credit, Nelson played through the pain in his knee last Monday night and never once asked out of the game.

He isn’t a noncontact point guard and considering the style that he plays there are going to be bumps, bruises and tears from time to time. That’s why Otis Smith took precautions and added Jason Williams to go with Anthony Johnson.

I’ve said this over and over and I’ll say it again: Howard is the heart of the Magic, but it’s Nelson who is their soul. There’s not a more respected player in the locker room than Nelson. He’s overcome a lot in his life to get to this point and his teammates know he’ll be there when the game is on the line. And those are the kinds of players who you can win a championship with.

QUESTION: In your opinion, what does the future hold for Brandon Bass? -- Dustin Bowlin

J.D.: Bass’ predicament with the Magic is a tricky one. Because the Magic are loaded at power forward with Rashard Lewis, Ryan Anderson and Bass, there are going to be nights where Bass plays very little.

Against teams where it benefits the Magic more to have 3-point shooting and offensive spacing on the floor, Lewis and Anderson are going to play. Against some of the bigger, more physical power forwards, such as tonight against Boston’s Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace, that’s when Bass will likely get most of his work in. And I still think Bass can help out the Magic some as a reserve center because of his tremendous strength and explosive leaping ability.

The Magic have an embarrassment of riches at several positions, and power forward is certainly one of those spots. Could Bass’ future possibly be somewhere else in a trade? Of course, it could considering that he is a highly talented with a manageable contract. But for now, I know the Magic want to keep him around and utilize his toughness around the rim.

Well, that’s all we’ve got for today’s mailbag. When we come to you next Friday we’ll all be stuffed with turkey and dressing after Thanksgiving. So do me a favor and drop me a line and stuff the mailbag full of questions for next week. Take care. -- JD

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.