Game #9 Magic at Kings ...

[ADRajX]

jrich played great

he was good offensively.... but did you see his crappy D tonight?... almost cost us the game... dude is a liability

and you think von is the better option defensively? I guess if you are a homer, it is OK to be unreasonable. Von didn't get minutes from Doc because he did not played disciplined team defense and got very cocky on offense. SVG keeps him in control, lets just hope it stays that way.

Jrich played great today, he did lots of things that I loved.

You're missing the point.

Your "too cocky" logic is flawed (btw I'm not saying you're account of "Wafer on the Celtic" is wrong, I'm sure Wafer must have been bad in team defense on the Celtics... probably a good reason why he didn't get minutes on that team... but things could change... he's in a new system under a different coach, but I digress)... J-Rich is always terrible on defense, wouldn't it be just as wise to keep him under control and get him off the floor? Because you know, we don't want J-Rich to get "too cocky" on offense you know.

Also from what I've seen recently, Wafer actually played good defense... you know how? He actually closed out his man (rotation) and contested shots consistently... he also didn't give up driving lanes ... what did J-Rich do? Came up late to his rotation on contesting jump shots, and gave up the middle and baseline drives.

Wafer isn't a great defensive player (we know that), but he isn't putrid (like J-Rich) either. He has been... decent. He at least shows effort at that end. He doesn't give up driving lanes like a runway usher/guide. I mean great, cool... J-Rich put up good scoring numbers, but honestly so what? So what if J-Rich put up 20 pts... he most likely gave up just as much at the other end or more on defense. At least with Wafer, even if he gets "too cocky" on offense, he attacks the basket... the same can't be said for J-Rich. J-Rich had a good "scoring" game, that's it. That's the truth. A good overall again? lol Hell No. I'll take good defense over good offense any day. J-Rich nearly cost us the game near the end... he gave Evans a drive down the MIDDLE of the paint... just gave it to him, no resistance. I don't understand how people ignore it, or brush it aside, or think just because he scored well (for one game) it makes it okay. Did you watch the Bulls game? Add 20pts to J-Rich's stats in that game, and I guess it makes everything okay, right? No... J-Rich played like complete dog turd on defense, and I'm sick of it. Wafer isn't a defensive guru, but from what I've seen he hustles on defense and keeps his man in front of him at least... the same can't be said for Jason "I over-play my man on the perimeter and get burned by a quick first step every time" Richardson. So yeah, I guess Wafer, by a technicality, is a better defensive option than J-Rich.

Also everything Wafer has done on offense has been within reason... it's been within himself and in the system. I haven't seen many mistakes in the minutes he's been given, he's been more efficient than J-Rich most of the time in terms of attacking, moving off the ball, keeping the ball movement, and scoring.

Now again... J-Rich had a good offensive/scoring game. That's it. He needs to play better on defense for once... if not, then give more minutes to Wafer AND Redick imo.

[mhectorgato]

Anyone know where Matt gukas has been?

wherever he is i hope he stays there...Richie is much better than Deadpan Goukas....I like Matty but at times he just seems devoid of energy

He does give insightful commentary.

[BadMofoPimp]

Whats up peeps? Just go home. Missed the game as I was at a football party. But, did catch the last 4 minutes. Magic pulled it out down the stretch with Dwight in Foul trouble. Nice.

Hedo gonna prove ya'll wrong!

JRich gonna prove ya'll wrong!

[Reverse_Angle]

missing the point.

Your "too cocky" logic is flawed (btw I'm not saying you're account of "Wafer on the Celtic" is wrong, I'm sure Wafer must have been bad in team defense on the Celtics... probably a good reason why he didn't get minutes on that team... but things could change... he's in a new system under a different coach, but I digress)... J-Rich is always terrible on defense, wouldn't it be just as wise to keep him under control and get him off the floor? Because you know, we don't want J-Rich to get "too cocky" on offense you know.

Also from what I've seen recently, Wafer actually played good defense... you know how? He actually closed out his man (rotation) and contested shots consistently... he also didn't give up driving lanes ... what did J-Rich do? Came up late to his rotation on contesting jump shots, and gave up the middle and baseline drives.

Wafer isn't a great defensive player (we know that), but he isn't putrid (like J-Rich) either. He has been... decent. He at least shows effort at that end. He doesn't give up driving lanes like a runway usher/guide. I mean great, cool... J-Rich put up good scoring numbers, but honestly so what? So what if J-Rich put up 20 pts... he most likely gave up just as much at the other end or more on defense. At least with Wafer, even if he gets "too cocky" on offense, he attacks the basket... the same can't be said for J-Rich. J-Rich had a good "scoring" game, that's it. That's the truth. A good overall again? lol Hell No. I'll take good defense over good offense any day. J-Rich nearly cost us the game near the end... he gave Evans a drive down the MIDDLE of the paint... just gave it to him, no resistance. I don't understand how people ignore it, or brush it aside, or think just because he scored well (for one game) it makes it okay. Did you watch the Bulls game? Add 20pts to J-Rich's stats in that game, and I guess it makes everything okay, right? No... J-Rich played like complete dog turd on defense, and I'm sick of it. Wafer isn't a defensive guru, but from what I've seen he hustles on defense and keeps his man in front of him at least... the same can't be said for Jason "I over-play my man on the perimeter and get burned by a quick first step every time" Richardson. So yeah, I guess Wafer, by a technicality, is a better defensive option than J-Rich.

Also everything Wafer has done on offense has been within reason... it's been within himself and in the system. I haven't seen many mistakes in the minutes he's been given, he's been more efficient than J-Rich most of the time in terms of attacking, moving off the ball, keeping the ball movement, and scoring.

Now again... J-Rich had a good offensive/scoring game. That's it. Needs to play better on defense for once.

I don't disagree with 99% of the above.

however, until he shows he is reliable and cool, I rather have JRich to close out the games, even if we need the exact things Von can bring to the table.

[SolidSnake008]

Anyone know where Matt gukas has been?

wherever he is i hope he stays there...Richie is much better than Deadpan Goukas....I like Matty but at times he just seems devoid of energy

He does give insightful commentary.

didn't know he was sick so in that respect i hope he gets well soon.....But commentary wise yes he is very insightful....His knowledge of the game is tremendous as it should be for a coach but....He doesn't really get you excited or hyped up...especially in situations where you should be hyped up you know?

Most people blow off commentary but i think it's important and really add to the overall enjoyment of a game....I mean last season i was watching Cleveland vs Miami from Cleveland's perspective because their guys was on the mic...Lebron's first game back in Cleveland since he left....Miami was winning at first then Cleveland made a comeback...I found myself at the edge of my seat simply because the commentary was energetic and they were into it...Our guys rarely get excited like that even on a great dunk or a fast break...Our guys are some of the best in the league no doubt but not when it comes to excitement factor

[ADRajX]

I don't disagree with 99% of the above.

however, until he shows he is reliable and cool, I rather have JRich to close out the games, even if we need the exact things Von can bring to the table.

See now that's a fair argument. I can totally understand the hesitation... but my question to you is... how much longer can we afford having J-Rich out there as a liability on defense? I mean he isn't exactly consistent on big scoring games (at least not recently).

Maybe we should give Wafer slight increases in minutes to get him in rhythm and chemistry with the team on the floor... and make changes on his play from game to game... if he keeps performing well.. give him more minutes... if he bombs... put him on the bench.

I think players who play well (especially a player on limited minutes) should get rewarded... I sometimes feel like J-Rich is solely out there because of "name recognition/reputation" ... i just don't understand how a guy with great athletic prowess (even with his slight decline at his age) is so terrible on defense. There has to be some way to improve or fix that, right? I want J-Rich to improve, I really do.

[magicman123]

yes you can increase his minutes and see what he has to offer, but there is a reason why hes been on 7 teams in 5 years and never in a rotation..you cant just give him anything, hes proven nothing in his career, if he keeps playing good im all for it, but he needs to show he can do it on a daily basis..i hope he does well

[rcklsscognition]

What is the minute allocation between J-Rich/JJ/Wafer going to be? 22/18/8? 20/20/8?

[ADRajX]

yes you can increase his minutes and see what he has to offer, but there is a reason why hes been on 7 teams in 5 years and never in a rotation..you cant just give him anything, hes proven nothing in his career, if he keeps playing good im all for it, but he needs to show he can do it on a daily basis..i hope he does well

I agree +1

But with that said, I'm a firm believer in "the past is past.. as long as you make a change for the better".

If Von works hard in practice (and SVG has gone on record in saying he likes what he sees from Von) and does well in real games (with the minutes he's given... basically maximizing his opportunity)... we can see about increases... and regulate/monitor him until he's "safe/okay" or lack of a better word.

He's still relatively young, I want to see Von do well... I think he can make a change for the better and finally make a permanent home here in Orlando... but as you alluded to, it has to start with Wafer and his hard work!

[SolidSnake008]

Wafer needs more consistent time imo....Nothing game breaking but enough time to make an impact....We need someone with his skills out there whenever we hit those lulls in our offense when we fall in love with the shot even though we're not hitting all while getting no penetration or ball movement.....You know those "one pass then a shot" situations which seems to happen like every game for stretches....When that time hits we bring Wafer in Tell him to attack and penetrate and then more than likely that should open things up a bit more

[rcklsscognition]

Wafer needs more consistent time imo....Nothing game breaking but enough time to make an impact....We need someone with his skills out there whenever we hit those lulls in our offense when we fall in love with the shot even though we're not hitting all while getting no penetration or ball movement.....You know those "one pass then a shot" situations which seems to happen like every game for stretches....When that time hits we bring Wafer in Tell him to attack and penetrate and then more than likely that should open things up a bit more

I could see Wafer coming in with 2 to go in the 1st and playing the 1st 6 minutes of the 2nd quarter, but JJ's got that spot already.

[magicman123]

the only way wafer will get consistent minutes is if we have an injury or decide to play more small ball

[ADRajX]

the only way wafer will get consistent minutes is if we have an injury or decide to play more small ball

I thought the short times J-Rich was moved to SF, and Wafer came in at SG we played really well imo

[GameOver25]

Wafer can get some mins behind Turk. Usually you see JRich playing SF. Wafer can easily get those minutes. We'll see if Stan agrees.

[Trillen]

I've absolutely love the determination and effort that Von gives. He ACTUALLY consistently gets to the rim and plays good. And is obviously better defensively than J-rich.

[rcklsscognition]

Stan's postgame he said he'd like to give some rest to his guys and up the rotation to 10 players on nights when guys are tired. He said he's done a poor job of considering their fatigue in games. I expect more Wafer

[Nemesis21]

Stan's postgame he said he'd like to give some rest to his guys and up the rotation to 10 players on nights when guys are tired. He said he's done a poor job of considering their fatigue in games. I expect more Wafer

Hopefully he stays true to that.

[drsd]

FG% is usually a telling stat to determining the victor. Orlando got smoked 52.1% to 42.5%. How does a team shot 10% worse and win: possessions. Orlando was fantastic at forcing TOs and did not commit so many. The team was -7 in the TO department! A stat a coach can love!!!!

As well, Orland defended the 3-ball well and scored some threes (ORlando had 7 more threes than Sac.). Plus, another coach's loving-it stat, Orlando had 23 assists in this game.

A team win from focused ball on the road!

[aleZ]

I'm starting to think Stan needs to sit Dwight a lot more, so that our "supporting cast" takes full responsibility for the game. When he's playing too much, the guys just sit there and wait to chuck threes. Hell, even Hedo was driving the lane, it almost felt like 2009.

Plus, he'll be gone anyway, better adapt to playing without him

[jamesgrenard]

Caught a little of this on my phone earlier...but missed most of it.

Is Richardson finally starting to play better?