Magic Darko era

[4cwebb]

Off to a bang: 3 minutes, 1 for 1 from the floor for 2 points, no other stats, all time in the first half. Magic lost to the Cavs by double digits (and the Cavs seemingly had control of the game throughout the 4th from watching the box score). No idea why he couldn't get some run in the 4th quarter with the game already decided.

 

[bozzwell]

He only played because Kasun had quick three fouls while in for Battie. They didn't plan to play Darko at all it seems. Even though it didn't end up close, Magic threatened in 4th and closed it to 7, so there was no real garbage time.

Darko looked a little bit lost, as in not knowing the plays and not disinterested -lost like with Pistons. He kept setting screens on offense and bodied up on Z on defense.

It will be interesting though to see how quickly he gets/earns playing time.

 

[piksi]

has not missed a shot yet

 

[Kings113]

Dug his shaved head. Howard was a beast as usual, LeBron rocked, and Darko had a nice lefty cut lay-up. Probably gets more time as he goes along.

Game wasn't what I thought it'd be though.

 

[Peja]

I didn't want to open a new thread but I have one question about the other Serbian player.What is going on with Marko Jaric?I heard Minnesota wanted to trade him but nobody was interested.When he was stating pg they had some solid score.Now they suck so bad.Not a fan of Jaric,but this season when he finally isn't hurt,he is not playing?!

 

[SLAB]

Darko's second game.

DNP-CD.

He's already sulking.

 

[Padrino]

darko's needs some sort of attitude check. his maturity level is no where near where it needs to be. he's got potential, and right now, that's all he's got. the magic are reluctant to simply thrust him into their scheme. he should be able to understand that easy enough. it's not rocket science. they intend to make him a part of their future, and he should recognize that they gave him a vote of confidence by trading for him in the first place. once he learns orlando's game plan, learns their style of play, learns how to play and interact with his teammates and coaches...he'll get his shot. right now, tho, all i hear is "*****, *****, *****." the guy needs to quit bitching, and learn his place.

 

[Kings113]

He just needs some solid PT. I understand the first handful of games he won't, but eventually it'll come this season. Especially with Orlando's record and the teams in front of them.

 

[Bricklayer]

On the flipside, the Magic, or more specifically Brian Hill, have to clue in here at some point too. So frequently happens that coaches don't want those Ls appearing on their record and will refuse to go with a youth movement at the expense of Ws even when its clearly called for. Well, its clearly called for here. Magic are going nowhere, just traded away their best or second best player for caproom, and have picked up several promising young kids in the last few weeks. Time to throw them out on the court and see what you have. And if you lose a few, well, you're losing anyway.

 

[Padrino]

On the flipside, the Magic, or more specifically Brian Hill, have to clue in here at some point too. So frequently happens that coaches don't want those Ls appearing on their record and will refuse to go with a youth movement at the expense of Ws even when its clearly called for. Well, its clearly called for here. Magic are going nowhere, just traded away their best or second best player for caproom, and have picked up several promising young kids in the last few weeks. Time to throw them out on the court and see what you have. And if you lose a few, well, you're losing anyway.

indeed

 

[16to93]

He's playing pretty good right now. 14 minutes, 8 points, a block, and two rebound. Not bad... I really think that the coach in Orlando should give Darko like 3 or 4 games straight of about 35 minutes of playing time, then we will truly see if he is a "bust" or not. I mean why not, it's not like Orlando has anything to lose.

 

[bozzwell]

Well that was fun to watch. Howard is a beast like no other young PF. Darko showing signs of life - 8ptd 5rbs 2ast 1 blk. Very impressed with his defensive presence. Changed a number of shots and forced one turnover (3 sec violation) just by standing under the rim. It was only Seattle, but... I am not sure that he understands what he needs to do on offensive end yet. What he did good he did it "on his own" and not as a part of Orlando offense as such. Though dribble-hand off-screen to Arroyo looked impressive in a Divac-like fashion.

 

[Evilmav2]

He's playing pretty good right now. 14 minutes, 8 points, a block, and two rebound. Not bad... I really think that the coach in Orlando should give Darko like 3 or 4 games straight of about 35 minutes of playing time, then we will truly see if he is a "bust" or not. I mean why not, it's not like Orlando has anything to lose.

If Old Coach Hill doesn't start force feeding Darko minutes farily soon (22 minutes was an improvement tonight, but still not enough), I'd bet the man might just end up looking for a new job this Summer.

Orlando has more than a fair parcelfull of questions that they need answering about Darko (can he play; does he fit well with Howard; is he ever going to be able to let go of that 20 lb chip on his shoulder that he picked up in Detroit, etc... ), and if Hill squanders the opportunity that the second half of this losing seasons affords him to answer some of those said questions- merely because he wants to win a few more games by giving all of Darko's minutes to veteran bums like 'El Busto' Tony Battie and Pat Garrity- then I'd bet that the man's job is going to be placed in dire jeopardy in the very near future...

 

[16to93]

True that! ^^^^^

 

[Kings113]

Dwight's awesome. Good true first Magic-game for Darko.

 

[AleksandarN]

Dam it I wish we could of got Darko. His defense and shot blocking would be welcome addition and that is not to mention how perfect he would have been in the high post. He passing is like Divac and has a great shot. He would be perfect in our offense.Him and Howard will be a force in this league. Even Dwight mentioned at half time that him and Darko can form the best front court in the league someday. Watch for the Magic in the next two years. I love how the GM rebuilt their team with the trade with NY they will have enough to resign Darko and offer a max contract to a FA in 07.

too bad we did not get him.

 

[Vlad]

Darko's line from last night: 22 mins, 8 pts (3-4 FG, 2-2 FT), 5 rebs, 1 ast, 2 blks, 1 TO

Dwight on Darko: "I love Darko," said Dwight Howard, who had 23 points and 16 rebounds. "Darko's awesome. He can shoot, run the floor, play defense and he's really gaining confidence with our team. Hopefully me and him will see a lot of good times together."

 

[vj9999]

Go Darko! Beat LA!!!!

3 blocks in the first half.

 

[16to93]

Ok, I'm really getting frustrated by the fact that Darko is barely playing. Here is his stats in 13 minutes when it's a few minutes into the FOUTH quarter. 12 minutes, 2-4 fg (4pts), 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks! He is not in foul trouble so there is no reason for him not to be playing more. Here is their starting center's (Tony Battie's) stats. 21 minutes, 1-3 (5pts), 3 rebounds, and 0 blocks. I just don't know...

 

[AriesMar27]

wow..... with 6 seconds left and a 14 point lead, kobe shoots a 3.....

 

[Vlad]

wow..... with 6 seconds left and a 14 point lead, kobe shoots a 3.....

I think he had to because of the shot clock.

Another decent night for Darko: 23 mins, 6 pts (3-6 FG), 7 rebs, 1 ast, 3 blks, 1 TO

He should start over Battie. Even if Battie was better, which he is not, the Magic are 20-36 and have no playoff hopes. Go develop Darko and develop your all-7-foot front line.

 

[Bricklayer]

I think he had to because of the shot clock.

Another decent night for Darko: 23 mins, 6 pts (3-6 FG), 7 rebs, 1 ast, 3 blks, 1 TO

He should start over Battie. Even if Battie was better, which he is not, the Magic are 20-36 and have no playoff hopes. Go develop Darko and develop your all-7-foot front line.

Battie's just the solid vet. He's pretty harmless, As long as they are getting Darko nice rotation minutes, they're doing ok. Actually think that if I was them unless I could get flakeboy to let go of mommy's skirts and make the trip all the way to scary Florida, I would look to bring Battie back. Just as the stable guy. And another real long player. As soon as Darko is ready, he should start and Battie becomes a nice 3rd big.

Mentioned several times I have been impressed with what they are doing right now. And if this Darko thing works out, the rest of the league is going to be impressed too. Could be the best frontcourt in the league within maybe 2-3 years.

 

[AleksandarN]

Battie's just the solid vet. He's pretty harmless, As long as they are getting Darko nice rotation minutes, they're doing ok. Actually think that if I was them unless I could get flakeboy to let go of mommy's skirts and make the trip all the way to scary Florida, I would look to bring Battie back. Just as the stable guy. And another real long player. As soon as Darko is ready, he should start and Battie becomes a nice 3rd big.

Mentioned several times I have been impressed with what they are doing right now. And if this Darko thing works out, the rest of the league is going to be impressed too. Could be the best frontcourt in the league within maybe 2-3 years.

They are going to be an awesome duo. I watching a bit of the game but man Darko is fast. He was guarding Odom straight up. how many 7'1" centers can do defend a SF like that? BTW the coach for Magic is an idiot. In the third quarter the Lakers were attacking in paint at will and the coach did not put Darko in. Looking at this team I think it is easier to say that Darko is thier best defender in the paint.

 

[Bricklayer]

I think it is easier to say that Darko is thier best defender in the paint.

The other guys are no slouches.

 

[BMiller52]

I HATE Brian Hill. He's a bad coach.

 

[Vlad]

Battie's just the solid vet. He's pretty harmless, As long as they are getting Darko nice rotation minutes, they're doing ok. Actually think that if I was them unless I could get flakeboy to let go of mommy's skirts and make the trip all the way to scary Florida, I would look to bring Battie back. Just as the stable guy. And another real long player. As soon as Darko is ready, he should start and Battie becomes a nice 3rd big.

Mentioned several times I have been impressed with what they are doing right now. And if this Darko thing works out, the rest of the league is going to be impressed too. Could be the best frontcourt in the league within maybe 2-3 years.

And once again, Brick gets it

I absolutely agree.

 

[bozzwell]

The most impressive thing about Darko is his defence. No, he is not that good yet, but he is so quick and so long that it doesn't really matter. The fact that he seems to take a lot of pride in his D and that he is working hard on it is the most intriguing thing for me.

Darko will never be Garnett2, but I am projecting Darko to be Tyson Chandler with better offensive skills and much better passing.

 

[bigbadred00]

The most impressive thing about Darko is his defence. No, he is not that good yet, but he is so quick and so long that it doesn't really matter. The fact that he seems to take a lot of pride in his D and that he is working hard on it is the most intriguing thing for me.

Darko will never be Garnett2, but I am projecting Darko to be Tyson Chandler with better offensive skills and much better passing.

TC has been straight up terrible this year with respect to his last year, his contract year.

Darko won't be a bad player, maybe even a pretty good player. Do you honestly think Adelman would play him. He's in the right situation. A situation where the team has nothing to lose and he will get to play many minutes and improve. Darko might be talented, but he wouldn't play much ahead of Brad, Kenny or SAR.

Darko still will be remembered for being the short pencil in the lines of one of the greatest top filled drafts ever.

Lebron, Carmelo, Bosh, Wade, Kaman, Hinrich, Ford, Ridnour, David West, Diaw have all made themselves into above average players in the NBA. Cook (brian) has even looked better than him.

Darko will have time to prove himself, but if he isn't much better or even on par with Wade, BOsh, or Anthony, how can you not see him as a bust since he went above him and was easily the least known about player drafted in the lottery.

 

[LoungeLizard]

I think the thread should be titled "Magic Dwight Howard Era, and Darko is along for the ride."

Darko will be a good complimentary player for a while, he will never be THE man. This is clearly Howards team.

 

[bozzwell]

TC has been straight up terrible this year with respect to his last year, his contract year.

Darko won't be a bad player, maybe even a pretty good player. Do you honestly think Adelman would play him. He's in the right situation. A situation where the team has nothing to lose and he will get to play many minutes and improve. Darko might be talented, but he wouldn't play much ahead of Brad, Kenny or SAR.

Darko still will be remembered for being the short pencil in the lines of one of the greatest top filled drafts ever.

Lebron, Carmelo, Bosh, Wade, Kaman, Hinrich, Ford, Ridnour, David West, Diaw have all made themselves into above average players in the NBA. Cook (brian) has even looked better than him.

Darko will have time to prove himself, but if he isn't much better or even on par with Wade, BOsh, or Anthony, how can you not see him as a bust since he went above him and was easily the least known about player drafted in the lottery.

He cannot possibly ever live up to the hype (European Garnett) that caused DET to draft him that high, but he will be a good-to-very-good player. The size and quickness, his passing skills and D may get him as far as All Star game or two. So, he will be like last years TC with better offense.

No, I don't think that RA would play him straight away, but yes I think he would be just what the doctor ordered for this Kings team if he keeps up his D.