We had a long, enjoyable run, and I would like to thank every Orlando Magic fan who contributed to our small community on the web. This message board will be left online as an archive into the thoughts and minds of a group of Magic fanatics who lived through a 21-win season, the drafting of Dwight Howard, and an eventual NBA Finals appearance. You can also visit the original MagicMadness Forum at http://orlandomagic.proboards.com.
|
Hill is eager to make a difference
|
|
Topic Started: Dec 14 2005, 03:35 PM (132 Views)
|
|
MAGICMANEVAN
|
Dec 14 2005, 03:35 PM
Post #1
|
#1 Magic Fan
- Posts:
- 10,102
- Group:
- Staff Members
- Member
- #41
- Joined:
- October 22, 2004
|
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/bask...story?track=rss
- Quote:
-
Hill eager to make difference in every way with struggling Magic
Grant Hill will make his much-anticipated regular season debut tonight for the Orlando Magic, making only one promise before the game begins.
"I don't know how much I'll play, or how I'll do, but I'll make a difference,'' he said after practice at the RDV Sportsplex earlier this week. "We're going to be OK. Things are going to get better.''
The Magic (8-11) face the Knicks (6-14) at Madison Square Garden, desperately hoping that Hill can ignite a team that has struggled to build any momentum this season without him.
Hill hasn't played this season because of sports hernia surgery Oct. 31. He averaged 19.7 points and 4.7 rebounds last season, his first full season in five years because of the recurring left ankle trouble that nearly ended his career.
"I'm tired of waiting. I'd be excited now if we were playing outside on the playground,'' he said. "We've lost some games that weren't pretty, but we're still right in the hunt. Hopefully, we can get things rolling now.''
Although Magic Coach Brian Hill declined to say Tuesday whether Hill would be starting or playing in reserve tonight, Hill likely will be in the opening lineup at small forward while Hedo Turkoglu moves into a reserve role.
Without Hill, power forward Dwight Howard has emerged this season as a dominating rebounder, but his offensive game has been slower to progress, leaving the Magic with only Steve Francis as a proven scorer.
The Magic are tied with Portland as the lowest scoring team in the league (89.5 ppg). Francis is averaging a team-high 17.5 points and 6.2 assists, but he clearly needs another playmaker like Hill alongside him on the perimeter. Francis also has missed four games with a bruised shoulder and ribs, but he is healthy again.
"Grant is going to help us, no doubt about it,'' Francis said before the team left Tuesday for New York. "Things won't be as clogged up in the middle with him making plays. It'll start a chain reaction on our team, and everyone will benefit.''
According to various teammates, Hill has looked outstanding in practice, making plays from all over the floor. Hill believes he will be better than he was last season when he still lacked the explosiveness he had earlier in his career.
"I'll get to the basket more. I'll give us another guy who can make things happen, bring some versatility,'' he said. "Last year I was too predictable, pulling up for jumpers. Now I want to catch the ball on the 3-point line, take one or two dribbles and get to the rim. Everything just feels good.''
Despite their early-season troubles, the Magic haven't been left behind in the Eastern Conference. Outside the Central Division, the Miami Heat (11-10 going into Tuesday night) are the only other team above .500 in the conference.
The Magic were predicting a return to the playoffs this season, believing a healthy Hill would be the glue holding everyone else together. His presence and ball handling will allow Francis more room to roam on offense.
It also should prevent teams from double-teaming Howard as much when he gets the ball in the low post.
"It's going to be a confidence thing,'' Hill said. "Sometimes when you have all your guns, everyone comes to the battle, it gives the team more confidence. I think guys will feel better about themselves with me out there. I'll be there to help.''
|
|
|
| |
|
Black and Blue
|
Dec 14 2005, 11:36 PM
Post #2
|
Have You Hugged Your Van Gundy Today?
- Posts:
- 6,238
- Group:
- Staff Members
- Member
- #178
- Joined:
- February 5, 2005
|
Hill was rusty in his debut, but still was nice to see him.
|
|
|
| |
|
MAGICMANEVAN
|
Dec 15 2005, 01:04 AM
Post #3
|
#1 Magic Fan
- Posts:
- 10,102
- Group:
- Staff Members
- Member
- #41
- Joined:
- October 22, 2004
|
even though he was rusty, like you said B&B, he hustled and played hard and it trickled down throughout the team. just having him back is a huge upside as we can see through tonights game.
|
|
|
| |
|
gomagic33
|
Dec 15 2005, 01:17 AM
Post #4
|
Mr. Anderson
- Posts:
- 7,743
- Group:
- Members
- Member
- #176
- Joined:
- January 29, 2005
|
The best thing about having Hill back is that our offensive flow has improved.
Also, by bringing Turkoglu from the bench, we suddenly have deep bench.
|
|
|
| |
|
Tony
|
Dec 15 2005, 02:32 PM
Post #5
|
Dwight Howard = MVP
- Posts:
- 2,187
- Group:
- Members
- Member
- #274
- Joined:
- September 9, 2005
|
yea our team is deeper now that hes back, and the good thing bout this is that we arent gonna get any worse. not saying that were bad but since hills back it can only make our team better.
|
|
|
| |