Yep, pretty good scouting report Lee.

I think the overall summary is that they are a very streaky team. This is why they were able to make the playoffs even though they have the least # of assists and highest # turnovers in the league (that is very difficult to do). Nelson, Turk, Bogans, Dooling, Hill, and Arroyo can all catch fire at times. Dwight Howard and Darko create a lot of space for their shooters when they are playing inside out. There have been a lot of games this year where they will turn it over 20 times, shoot > 55% and come away with a win.

One thing nobody has talked about this year though is DeShawn Stevenson. I thought he played very well for them last year and then they wouldn't pay him more than $1Mill this year. So, he went to Washington and has started all 82 games and shot >40% from 3-point range and averaged almost 3 APG (and doesn't turn it over). What a mistake to let him go. He's the 11th highest paid player on the Wizards this year with a salary of $932K!

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"Will was rolling, wasn't he? I roll with the guy that's hot." MC

The average fan in Orlando was quite happy to see Stevenson go. He has a rep as a defender, but its only a rep. He can shoot the ball if left open. That is the sum of his skills. PS-you see Washington winning any games lately? Stevenson is healthy.

Dooling, Reddick, and Bogans are all better choices at shooting guard vs. Stevenson, plus, his starting role at shooting guard was taken by Hill this year.

Wash just won 2 out of their last 4 thanks to his efforts to avoid falling a spot in the playoffs. Remember, they don't have Arenas or Butler (who average 48 points per game combined... which would be the equivelant of losing Billups, Hamilton, and Sheed for us).

All those guys you mention are making 2 to 3 times what they would have had to pay DS. Nazr is getting 6 times more than Stevenson!!!Yeah, Grant Hill (making $17M this year) got the starts, but this is the last year on his contract and it was a miracle he even made it through the season. Meanwhile, DS is only 26 years old. Also, Grant Hill is last on the team in +/-, so I don't think he D is anything to write home about.

I'm not in love with the guy's game, but I think they underestimated his contributions. Also, it was a smart move for Wash to grab him for cheap.

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"Will was rolling, wasn't he? I roll with the guy that's hot." MC

Stevenson would have helped Orlando, possibly they could have avoided Pistons in the 1st round. How far would they get with him? Who knows. Probably not far. Too many holes on that team, too many question marks, and too many young inexperienced players.

HOOPSWORLD.com | In Orlando: Bring on Detroit

In Orlando: Bring on Detroit

Blah-blah-blah. Magic could not beat Pistons early in the year and late. They couldn't beat them before the turn around, while they were "turning around" and afterwords as well. They scored over 90 pts only once in 4 games. I don't see any pressure on Pistons - if they play their game this should be over quickly.

Our biggest worry is how to avoid getting rusty in the layoff after we sweep them.

I wonder if the bench practices towel waving...

I would specifically want to see the recap of this "great" season and even more the Greg Kelser awards.

That is Pistons. I am already worried, because Chauncey, Rip, and Webber did not play the last game. So they have 3 days off. They will already be "rusty" to begin the playoffs. At least NBA shortened up the 1st round so the breaks between the games wouldn't be a problem.