2011-12 Orlando Magic:The Dwight Howard Experience Failure to Launch Tour
After the Orlando Magic’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it appears that they are done. No heart, no hustle, no talent. You might as well chalk them up as a lottery team. They have no hopes of ever retaining Dwight Howard’s services. He’ll be taking his talents to the city of angels or the one that never sleeps, right? Not so fast!
In the first game of the season, the Magic looked lethargic, Jason Richardson looked awful, Glen Davis was in foul trouble and out of control, and Chris Duhon displayed his lack of abilities, as usual.
But the Magic were on the road, on a shortened preseason schedule against one of the West’s best teams on Christmas Day. Don’t hit the panic button quite yet.
The defending champion Dallas Mavericks lost in a blowout at home. The Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors lost their openers as well.
The way I see it, the Christmas day games were simply a third preseason game.
In a normal season, the players have eight games before the season starts to adjust to their new schemes, teammates and player rotations. The NBA teams had two games to prepare for the current season.
The Magic have five more games of adjusting until you can hit the eject button on the Dwight Howard experience.
If the Magic are below .500 after playing Houston, New Jersey, Charlotte, Toronto and Detroit in their next five games, I’ll be the first to scream re-build. Truthfully, I do not see that happening, and I’ll go as far as to say that the Magic will either win them all or lose just one of those games.
The play of newly named starter Ryan Anderson was encouraging. Dwight Howard had a poor offensive performance but brought the same defensive intensity. Jameer impressed with some drives to the basket.
As in any loss, there are some gleaming problems that the team will need to address in quick order.
Three of the most obvious are:
Hedo Turkoglu needs to take the open shot when it’s there.
Jason Richardson needs to be the player that can create his own shot.
The Magic need to find a better option than Chris Duhon as the back-up point guard position.
If these deficiencies are taken care of, the Magic will be a team to reckon with. If not, my next article may be titled, “Orlando Magic: The Re-build Process Begins.”
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NBA Rumors: Is Kevin Love Beginning His Farewell Tour with Timberwolves?
Kevin Love is not only one of the best forwards in the NBA, but he is the cornerstone of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise. However, Love is heading into the final year of his rookie contract with the Timberwolves and has yet to sign an extension.
Timberwolves’ fans have to be asking themselves, could he be preparing his exit from Minnesota to go back to Los Angeles, or back home to play for Portland?
Love can be signed to an extension of his rookie contract by January 25th. Once that day passes, he will become a restricted free agent after this year.
If that happens, Minnesota has the right to match any offer that another team would make for him, or Love could sign a one-year qualifying offer.
If Love would sign a one-year deal, he would then be able to sign with any team for the 2013 season.
From the Minnesota Star Tribune, Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahan talked about the Love contract negations:
Kahn said again Tuesday night in Milwaukee that he will not discuss any contract negotiations with Love’s agent publicly, other than to call the matter “very important” and say he expects Love will play for the Wolves for “many, many” years.
That is good news for Timberwolves’ fans. It seems as if the front office expects Love to stay with the club for a very long time.
However, from that same Star Tribune piece, they have a quote from Love about the latest moves by Minnesota to build a winning team, and if those moves would help his decision to stay with the team.
“That helped the situation, with [Adelman] here, with Ricky coming over and the youthful group that we have,” Love said. “That’s definitely helped. But until the time comes, I can’t really say I’ve decided.”
I’m not saying that Love will force his way out of Minnesota, like Chris Paul did out of New Orleans, or Carmelo Anthony did out of Denver. Minnesota has enough cap room to sign Love to a max contract, should they want to offer him one.
However, with the Jan. 25th deadline quickly approaching, and with no progress being reported, Love could enter the offseason as a free agent. If that would happen, the Timberwolves could see him walk away to any team that would offer a max contract because they do not want to pay him that much money.
Love has said that he isn’t thinking about getting a max contract, but I’m sure his agent is.
The Timberwolves have to sign the face of their franchise by Jan. 25. If they do not, we will see a lot of teams that will clear cap space to make a run at him when the free agency period begins at the end of the season.
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LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul to Lead Four-Game ‘Homecoming Tour’
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home — and bringing friends with them. With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J. James, Paul, Wade and Anthony are committed to play in all four games of the tour, which was announced early Monday. Proceeds from…
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NBA stars to lead 4-game Homecoming Tour (AP)
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home — and bringing friends with them. With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec.
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James’ All-Star tour visits Akron 121
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home — and bringing friends with them.
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J.
James, Paul, Wade and Anthony are committed to play in all four games. Proceeds from the tour — which will include events such as food drives, educational outreach programs and clinics in each city — will benefit the four headlining players’ charitable foundations, and tour sponsor Google Plus will stream each game live.
“It’ll be very neat,” Wade told The Associated Press. “First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we’re from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it’ll be cool. It’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Tickets for the first three games go on sale Tuesday. Tickets for the East Rutherford game will be on sale Wednesday.
The rosters for the four games will likely change considerably in each city. James will play a significant role in organizing the Akron game, as will Paul in New Orleans, Wade in Chicago and Anthony at East Rutherford.
Chris Bosh — who, along with James and Wade, makes up the so-called Big 3 with the Miami Heat, is expected to play in all four games. Bosh, along with James, Wade, the New Orleans guard Paul, the New York Knicks’ forward Anthony, Heat forward Udonis Haslem and others have been part of a rigorous training camp in Oregon for players represented by Creative Artists Agency since late last week.
“I’m sore,” Wade said. “But that’s why we set it up this way. We want to get into work mode. When we get into the tour, we want to play. We want to be equipped to do that. We don’t want to just run up and down the court and jack up shots. We want to get into the things we need to do when it comes to strength, defense, all those things you usually do in training camp. So we’re getting into that mindset.”
There’s been no shortage of exhibitions featuring NBA players during the lockout, which is now in its 21st week and has already led to the cancellation of more than 300 games — roughly one-quarter of a full season. Talks broke off last week after players declined an offer that the NBA said would have raised salaries considerably, which apparently wasn’t enough to convince player reps that it was the right deal.
The principals involved in this say the tour will be different from most offseason exhibitions in many ways, notably the extensive charitable aspects.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour,” Anthony said in a press release. “To couple two of the things I love to do — play basketball and give back — is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge.”
Events begin Nov. 29 in New York with a court dedication and food drive, before the group moves to Akron for events the following day that include a Wheels for Education program — something James is extensively involved with in an effort to help keep kids from dropping out of high school — and a basketball clinic at the Boys & Girls Club bearing the two-time NBA MVP’s name.
“I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community,” James said.
Paul will host an education-themed event and a clinic in New Orleans on Dec. 2, in advance of the game there two nights later. Wade hosts two events for charity in Chicago on Dec. 6, and another clinic is planned for New York on Dec. 9.
“Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends … as well as raising money for charity is a win-win situation,” Paul said.
Wade said another element he’s looking forward to is simply being around NBA players on a full-time basis again, if only for a couple of weeks. While he remains hopeful that much of the season can be saved, he’s also not necessarily optimistic that he’ll be back in a Heat uniform again and trying for another NBA finals trip anytime soon.
“We’re approaching it as basketball,” Wade said. “We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to continue to make an impact in the communities that we go to and also to show that we love this game, we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.”
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James, Wade set to lead 4-game tour
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home — and bringing friends with them.
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J.
James, Paul, Wade and Anthony are committed to play in all four games of the tour, which was announced early Monday. Proceeds from the tour — which will include events such as food drives, educational outreach programs and clinics in each city — will benefit the four headlining players’ charitable foundations, and tour sponsor Google Plus will stream each game live.
“It’ll be very neat,” Wade told The Associated Press. “First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we’re from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it’ll be cool. It’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Tickets for the first three games go on sale Tuesday. Tickets for the East Rutherford game will be on sale Wednesday.
The rosters for the four games will likely change considerably in each city. James will play a significant role in organizing the Akron game, as will Paul in New Orleans, Wade in Chicago and Anthony at East Rutherford.
Chris Bosh — who, along with James and Wade, makes up the so-called Big 3 with the Miami Heat, is expected to play in all four games. Bosh, along with James, Wade, the New Orleans guard Paul, the New York Knicks’ forward Anthony, Heat forward Udonis Haslem and others have been part of a rigorous training camp in Oregon for players represented by Creative Artists Agency since late last week.
“I’m sore,” Wade said from Oregon. “But that’s why we set it up this way. We want to get into work mode. When we get into the tour, we want to play. We want to be equipped to do that. We don’t want to just run up and down the court and jack up shots. We want to get into the things we need to do when it comes to strength, defense, all those things you usually do in training camp. So we’re getting into that mindset.”
There’s been no shortage of exhibitions featuring NBA players during the lockout, which is now in its 21st week and has already led to the cancellation of more than 300 games — roughly one-quarter of a full season. Talks broke off last week after players declined an offer that the NBA said would have raised salaries considerably, which apparently wasn’t enough to convince player reps that it was the right deal.
The principals involved in this say the tour will be different from most offseason exhibitions in many ways, notably the extensive charitable aspects.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour,” Anthony said in a press release. “To couple two of the things I love to do — play basketball and give back — is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge.”
Events begin Nov. 29 in New York with a court dedication and food drive, before the group moves to Akron for events the following day that include a Wheels for Education program — something James is extensively involved with in an effort to help keep kids from dropping out of high school — and a basketball clinic at the Boys & Girls Club bearing the two-time NBA MVP’s name.
“I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community,” James said.
Paul will host an education-themed event and a clinic in New Orleans on Dec. 2, in advance of the game there two nights later. Wade hosts two events for charity in Chicago on Dec. 6, and another clinic is planned for New York on Dec. 9.
“Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends … as well as raising money for charity is a win-win situation,” Paul said.
Wade said another element he’s looking forward to is simply being around NBA players on a full-time basis again, if only for a couple of weeks. While he remains hopeful that much of the season can be saved, he’s also not necessarily optimistic that he’ll be back in a Heat uniform again and trying for another NBA finals trip anytime soon.
“We’re approaching it as basketball,” Wade said. “We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to continue to make an impact in the communities that we go to and also to show that we love this game, we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.”
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LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul Headline “Homecoming Tour”
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul will headline a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” which will kick off on December 1.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the four superstars will play in a series of games running from December 1-10 and each game will be a “homecoming” for the stars involved.
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game “Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J.
The proceeds collected from the games will go towards benefiting the players’ charitable foundations, and the tour’s sponsor, Google Plus, will stream each game live on the Internet for fans to be able to watch their favorite stars.
In addition to playing basketball, the tour will include things like educational outreach programs, food drives and clinics in each stop.
Although there are no players committed to play in all four games besides the headlining superstars, Chris Bosh is also expected to participate in the action, and that would make plenty of sense considering Wade and James are at the helm of the entire tour.
Fans will be treated to some exhibition basketball, and while that is typically a showcase of unorthodox passing and highlight-style alley-oop slam dunks, there’s no question that fans will respond positively to seeing their favorite stars on the hardwood.
It will certainly be intriguing to see what type of reaction James receives when the action kicks off in Akron.
Tickets are expected to go on sale Tuesday for the first three games, and tickets for the final game in New Jersey will go on sale Wednesday.
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James, Wade, Anthony, Paul set to lead 4-game tour
LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony are going home – and bringing friends with them.
With no end to the NBA lockout in sight, the All-Star group is set to lead a four-game ”Homecoming Tour,” starting with a matchup in James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio on Dec. 1, followed by a Dec. 4 game in New Orleans, a Dec. 7 game in Chicago and culminating with a Dec. 10 contest in East Rutherford, N.J.
James, Paul, Wade and Anthony are committed to play in all four games. Proceeds from the tour – which will include events such as food drives, educational outreach programs and clinics in each city – will benefit the four headlining players’ charitable foundations, and tour sponsor Google Plus will stream each game live.
”It’ll be very neat,” Wade told The Associated Press. ”First of all, this is something we talked about doing a long time ago as players. To have an opportunity to go to these different cities that we’re from, to bring basketball to them at a high level and also have a charitable component in each city and to be with the guys, it’ll be cool. It’s something we’re looking forward to.”
Tickets for the first three games go on sale Tuesday. Tickets for the East Rutherford game will be on sale Wednesday.
The rosters for the four games will likely change considerably in each city. James will play a significant role in organizing the Akron game, as will Paul in New Orleans, Wade in Chicago and Anthony at East Rutherford.
Chris Bosh – who, along with James and Wade, makes up the so-called Big 3 with the Miami Heat, is expected to play in all four games. Bosh, along with James, Wade, the New Orleans guard Paul, the New York Knicks’ forward Anthony, Heat forward Udonis Haslem and others have been part of a rigorous training camp in Oregon for players represented by Creative Artists Agency since late last week.
”I’m sore,” Wade said. ”But that’s why we set it up this way. We want to get into work mode. When we get into the tour, we want to play. We want to be equipped to do that. We don’t want to just run up and down the court and jack up shots. We want to get into the things we need to do when it comes to strength, defense, all those things you usually do in training camp. So we’re getting into that mindset.”
There’s been no shortage of exhibitions featuring NBA players during the lockout, which is now in its 21st week and has already led to the cancellation of more than 300 games – roughly one-quarter of a full season. Talks broke off last week after players declined an offer that the NBA said would have raised salaries considerably, which apparently wasn’t enough to convince player reps that it was the right deal.
The principals involved in this say the tour will be different from most offseason exhibitions in many ways, notably the extensive charitable aspects.
”I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour,” Anthony said in a press release. ”To couple two of the things I love to do – play basketball and give back – is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge.”
Events begin Nov. 29 in New York with a court dedication and food drive, before the group moves to Akron for events the following day that include a Wheels for Education program – something James is extensively involved with in an effort to help keep kids from dropping out of high school – and a basketball clinic at the Boys & Girls Club bearing the two-time NBA MVP’s name.
”I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community,” James said.
Paul will host an education-themed event and a clinic in New Orleans on Dec. 2, in advance of the game there two nights later. Wade hosts two events for charity in Chicago on Dec. 6, and another clinic is planned for New York on Dec. 9.
”Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends … as well as raising money for charity is a win-win situation,” Paul said.
Wade said another element he’s looking forward to is simply being around NBA players on a full-time basis again, if only for a couple of weeks. While he remains hopeful that much of the season can be saved, he’s also not necessarily optimistic that he’ll be back in a Heat uniform again and trying for another NBA finals trip anytime soon.
”We’re approaching it as basketball,” Wade said. ”We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to continue to make an impact in the communities that we go to and also to show that we love this game, we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.”
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On the Web: http://www.homecomingtour.com
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Follow Tim Reynolds at http://www.twitter.com/ByTimReynolds
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LeBron “Watch the Throne” Blurs Kanye West, Jay-Z Tour with Fresh Kicks
What does a shoe produced by three of the most famous entertainers in the world look like?
Jay-Z and Kayne West are in the middle of their “Watch the Throne” tour that is going across the nation and Tuesday night they made a stop at American Airlines Arena in Miami. To nobody’s surprise, the Big Three, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, of the Miami Heat were in attendance.
Is it a coincidence that less than 24 hours later, the special edition “Watch The Throne” LeBron 9 has surfaced?
The release date has yet to be announced, but you can bet these puppies will be selling out quickly.
The bulk of the sneaker is black with a gold Nike check featured on the side. LeBron’s patented signature is on the tongue of the shoe, which gives it an authentic feel that makes you justify shelling out the hundreds of dollars these kicks will likely cost.
That’s the cool part of the shoe.
Then comes the part that looks to be designed by the ultra flashy and flamboyant Kayne. The multi-colored shoelaces look ridiculous, as does the monstrosity that is the gold spiky thing on the top of the laces. It’s clearly an ode to the Kanye and Jay’s record cover for the “Watch The Throne” CD that came out back in August, and I think it has no business being on a freakin’ basketball shoe.
Save that sort of bling for your neck. There is no way you can be a good basketball player in those shoes.
I’m also not a huge fan of the sky blue on the bottom of the shoe. It seems out of place for both LeBron and the two musicians. Are they appeasing to the Tar Heel faithful with that?
Overall, the idea of the shoe is cool. If you are a fan of LeBron, Kayne or Hova (which is most people I guess), this shoe is for you.
Personally, I would switch out the shoelaces ASAP. The shoe is flashy enough with the huge gold thing on the front; you don’t need those funky colored shoelaces too.
On a scale of one to 10…I’m giving them a six.
Blame Kayne.
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Shaquille O’Neal Dishes Dirt on LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, While Also Planning Comedy Tour
Shaquille O’Neal was never a one-track mind kind of guy. Whether he was “rapping”, or “acting,” or self-promoting, the Big Fella was a busy man during his 19 NBA seasons, when he also won four championships and three Finals MVPs. So it’s not surprising that Shaq is keeping busy in his retirement. He worked with Jackie McMullan on his book, Shaq Uncut: My Story, and he also has his own comedy tour. Shaquille O’Neal Presents All Star Comedy Jam is making its way through the country, and Shaq told the Chicago Tribune which players he’d ideally have on stage as…
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