Post by djmyte on Dec 22, 2005 20:52:58 GMT -5
by BBS Scouting Services
#1 - New Orleans Hornets vs #8 - Orlando Magic
Are the Magic the best 8th seed in BBS history? They are a team with the look of a championship squad that finds itself sneaking into the playoffs after a lackluster season. With Bird and Wade the Magic boast the best perimeter tandum in the league. Both players are efficient scorers inside and out, play exceptional defense and are extremely unselfish. The Magic also possess size and depth up front in the form of 7 footers Kosta Perovic, Bill Laimbeer and future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. After being acquired in the second half of the season, Garnett solidified a suspect interior defense and helped propel the Magic into the playoff picture. KG's numbers are down compared to previous seasons but he still contributes in all aspects and is a scary matchup in a 7 game series. If the Magic possess one weakness it may be at the point guard position where Byron Eaton and Daniel Gibson share duties. While neither player may be considered a true #1 point guard, both are solid players that combine to provide consistant production in the backcourt. This is a team that is capable of great things but has yet to find itself. With that said, they are also a team that is custom made for a long playoff run. They rebound the ball and can score against any defensive scheme. With three franchise talents the Magic won't have to rely on one player to do it all which makes defending this team a chore.
New Orleans finished the year as the leagues best team with 55 wins. They play an uptempo, perimeter oriented game that is a great fit with their talent base. Like the Magic, this team possesses three 20ppg scorers in Livingston, Mayo and Green. All three players excel in the open court and at forcing the issue. All are extremely gifted with the ball and possess a high skill level to go along with outstanding athletic abilities. This threesome is also extremely adept at pressuring opposing offenses and at creating turnovers. Inside, the Hornets are anchored by two intimidating shot blocker in Dwight Howard and Theo Davis. While Davis is a solid role player, Howard is becoming an elite big man with an all around game. He provides steady rebounding, interior defense and an inside scoring threat to keep defenses honest. Overall depth may be a concern and the only concern for this squad. Lacking in depth upfront and in the backcourt, the Hornets will player their starters heavy minutes and hope the recipe for success is the same in post season play.
Orlando's keys to success:
1) Press the matter.
The Magic must pressure New Orleans' shooters, forcing them to take ill advised/challenged shots. Giving up open looks will only result in the Hornets doing what they do best, knocking down three pointers. If this happens the Magic may end up playing from behind which may result in rushed and careless play.
2) Play safe.
The Magic must take care of the ball. Turning it over will result in open court play which is what New Orleans strives for. Controlling the tempo and maintaining possession will limit the oppositions touches and will enable Orlando to setup defensively.
New Orlean's keys to success:
1) Don't order the fowl.
The Hornets must avoid getting into foul trouble. They rely on their starters to play heavy minutes due to a lack of depth on the bench. Being aggressive while maintaining control will be key to keeping their big guns on the court. Sending the Magic to the line will result in easy points as well as increased bench participation, so keeping the Magic on the perimeter should be a focus.
2) If it ain't broke don't fix it.
New Orlean's had great success with their style of play throughout the season and should look to play the same way in the playoffs. Tinkering may create improvement but may also disrupt flow. Sticking to player strengths is of the utmost importance.
#1 - New Orleans Hornets vs #8 - Orlando Magic
Are the Magic the best 8th seed in BBS history? They are a team with the look of a championship squad that finds itself sneaking into the playoffs after a lackluster season. With Bird and Wade the Magic boast the best perimeter tandum in the league. Both players are efficient scorers inside and out, play exceptional defense and are extremely unselfish. The Magic also possess size and depth up front in the form of 7 footers Kosta Perovic, Bill Laimbeer and future Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. After being acquired in the second half of the season, Garnett solidified a suspect interior defense and helped propel the Magic into the playoff picture. KG's numbers are down compared to previous seasons but he still contributes in all aspects and is a scary matchup in a 7 game series. If the Magic possess one weakness it may be at the point guard position where Byron Eaton and Daniel Gibson share duties. While neither player may be considered a true #1 point guard, both are solid players that combine to provide consistant production in the backcourt. This is a team that is capable of great things but has yet to find itself. With that said, they are also a team that is custom made for a long playoff run. They rebound the ball and can score against any defensive scheme. With three franchise talents the Magic won't have to rely on one player to do it all which makes defending this team a chore.
New Orleans finished the year as the leagues best team with 55 wins. They play an uptempo, perimeter oriented game that is a great fit with their talent base. Like the Magic, this team possesses three 20ppg scorers in Livingston, Mayo and Green. All three players excel in the open court and at forcing the issue. All are extremely gifted with the ball and possess a high skill level to go along with outstanding athletic abilities. This threesome is also extremely adept at pressuring opposing offenses and at creating turnovers. Inside, the Hornets are anchored by two intimidating shot blocker in Dwight Howard and Theo Davis. While Davis is a solid role player, Howard is becoming an elite big man with an all around game. He provides steady rebounding, interior defense and an inside scoring threat to keep defenses honest. Overall depth may be a concern and the only concern for this squad. Lacking in depth upfront and in the backcourt, the Hornets will player their starters heavy minutes and hope the recipe for success is the same in post season play.
Orlando's keys to success:
1) Press the matter.
The Magic must pressure New Orleans' shooters, forcing them to take ill advised/challenged shots. Giving up open looks will only result in the Hornets doing what they do best, knocking down three pointers. If this happens the Magic may end up playing from behind which may result in rushed and careless play.
2) Play safe.
The Magic must take care of the ball. Turning it over will result in open court play which is what New Orleans strives for. Controlling the tempo and maintaining possession will limit the oppositions touches and will enable Orlando to setup defensively.
New Orlean's keys to success:
1) Don't order the fowl.
The Hornets must avoid getting into foul trouble. They rely on their starters to play heavy minutes due to a lack of depth on the bench. Being aggressive while maintaining control will be key to keeping their big guns on the court. Sending the Magic to the line will result in easy points as well as increased bench participation, so keeping the Magic on the perimeter should be a focus.
2) If it ain't broke don't fix it.
New Orlean's had great success with their style of play throughout the season and should look to play the same way in the playoffs. Tinkering may create improvement but may also disrupt flow. Sticking to player strengths is of the utmost importance.
Courtney
Minerva
Lesley
Sharona
Telisa
