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Arron Afflalo Positive About Opportunity With Orlando Magic

2012-08-16T21:52:02Z

Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo is excited about the opportunity to play for his new team after he was traded from the Denver Nuggets to Orlando as part of the four team, 12-player mega-trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Afflalo spoke to John Denton of NBA.com Thursday afternoon, and said how Orlando's rebuilding efforts almost mirrored his time in college with the UCLA Bruins.

"It does feel much the same. It’s like things are working in a cycle for me. (At UCLA), I took pride in trying to restore the history that that school had. It’s similar to this situation with the Magic going from the Shaq era to Dwight and now another change in the eras. Good times quickly followed before and will again.’’

And while Afflalo would have liked to have played with the departed Howard, he isn't going to worry about anyone that isn't on the roster.

"You move forward and work hard and deal with the situation. You can’t worry about it and harp on it. You have to make the best of it. You have to get out on the court and deal with it. Once a player is gone, he’s gone. Time will pass and things will get better.’’

Afflalo does enjoy that he is counted on being one of the main building blocks and leaders in the Magic's rebuilding plans.

"It’s refreshing. It’s the opportunity that a lot of people don’t get when it comes to growing in this league. Your career is short, and to have this opportunity to continue to grow is great."

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Magic Center Likely Next To Go

2012-05-22T13:22:56Z

After a busy day yesterday, in which the Orlando Magic fired head coach Stan Van Gundy and parted ways with general manager Otis Smith, the franchise could look to continue to shake things up by dealing Dwight Howard, according to reports.

Despite Van Gundy's firing seemingly coming on the heels of friction between the coach and his star center -- things notably coming to a head when Van Gundy told reporters that he was told Howard wanted him fired -- Orlando could look to continue cleaning house. According to CBSSports.com's Ken Berger:

Should the Magic consult with Howard on who the next coach and GM should be? In theory, that's a good idea. But indications are strong that Howard's leaving anyway, so from here this looks like a complete revamping of the organization from top to bottom. The Magic will offer Howard an extension, and if he balks -- as expected -- the new GM's first order of business will be to trade him this summer.

To stay up to date with all the Dwight Howard trade rumors, head to Orlando Pinstriped Post.

Stan Van Gundy Fired, Otis Smith And Orlando Magic Part Ways

2012-05-21T19:36:53Z

The Orlando Magic, head coach Stan Van Gundy, and general manager Otis Smith have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced on Monday.

"On behalf of the DeVos Family, we sincerely appreciate and thank Otis and Stan for all that they have done on and off the floor for the Orlando Magic," said Magic CEO Alex Martins in a statement. "These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it's time for new leadership and new voices.

"They both brought die-hard dedication and an unmatched work ethic on a daily basis," added Martins. "Their success is well documented, as the Orlando Magic has had the fourth best record in the NBA over the last five years, and entering the playoffs this year the third most playoff wins over that period of time. The disappointment of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs these past two seasons played a primary role in our decision, as we feel our momentum towards winning a championship has paused. We wish Otis and Stan all the best and we look forward to taking the next step towards winning that championship."

Van Gundy was hired in 2007 to be the Magic's head coach, compiling a 259-135 (.657) record in five seasons in Orlando. He led Orlando to five postseason berths and the 2009 Eastern Conference crown

Smith had served as the President of Basketball Operations since the 2010 season and became the Magic general manager in 2006.

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

Dwight Howard Sets Record Straight About Feud With Stan Van Gundy

2012-05-18T22:05:18Z

The May 28 issue of ESPN: The Magazine will feature an interview with Orlando Magic forward Dwight Howard, in which the superstar sounds off on the tumultuous 2011-2012 season he had.

In this preview of the interview, Howard also talked about the feud he had with Stan Van Gundy, primarily the confusing encounter during one of Van Gundy's press conferences.

"Howard walked in the room, hugged Stan Van Gundy and denied to the media that he ever told the Magic he wanted Stan Van Gundy fired. Awkward." Posted on thebiglead.com

HOWARD: "It was very awkward. But you live and you learn. I don't think I would ever do that again. I don't know where what Stan heard came from. We talked about it a couple of times. Then we talked about how we both felt, and it was one of the best talks we ever had. We've forgiven each other. We're ready to move on."

It is interesting to hear Howard say that he and Van Gundy are ready to move on considering the fact that the two could very well likely be in different cities next season. Magic fans will want to take a look at this article when it hits newsstands on May 28 for more from Howard.

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Ryan Anderson Keeps Options Open

2012-05-10T14:16:00Z

The Orlando Magic are heading into an offseason that should bring some pretty serious changes. That includes on the roster, where their most important player behind Dwight Howard will become a free agent. Ryan Anderson just won the NBA's Most Improved Player award, and it seems like he is going to test the market this Summer, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"I love it here in Orlando," he said. "This is a place where I've had an incredible opportunity. I love living here. I think that this is a place that fits my style of play. You know, it's hard. It's hard because at the end of the day, it is a business. You know, I want to get the most out of my career that I can."

As for Magic GM Otis Smith; we don't know if he will still have his job after this Summer, but in the mean time he wants to bring Ryan Anderson back into the fold.

"We like him. We traded for him. We cleared a lot of space for him to get all those minutes that he was talking about earlier. So with that said, we want to keep him here in a Magic uniform. So we're going to do everything we can, and should, do to keep him in a Magic uniform."

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Jameer Nelson Undecided On Player Option With Magic

2012-05-09T21:02:59Z

One of the potential changes the Orlando Magic could be facing in the 2012 NBA offseason is at the point guard position, as Jameer Nelson is undecided on if he'll exercise his 2011-2012 player option with the team according to a report by Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

Jameer Nelson said after the #Magic were eliminated that he hasn't decided what he'll do with his player option.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) May 9, 2012

If Nelson decides to opt-in with the Magic, he will make $8.6 million for season and be looking at unrestricted free agency for the 2013 offseason. If Nelson decides to opt-out of his contract with the Magic, he can still re-sign with the team with a new long-term deal and would be eligible for a no-trade clause in his contract.

Nelson has until May 15 to make his decision on what to do but seemed to indicate previously that he will opt out of his contract and hit free agency.

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

NBA Rumors: Otis Smith Undecided On Future With Orlando Magic

2012-05-09T20:41:35Z

There could be plenty of changes for the Orlando Magic during the 2012 NBA offseason, including a handful of new players and potentially a new head coach. The Magic could also be with a new general manager as well as Otis Smith seems to be undecided on what his future holds.

Smith was asked about his future prior to the Game 5 matchup with the Indiana Pacers in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. "I haven't gotten into it," Smith told reporters. "I'll have a conversation with a few people following the end of the season, and we'll see where we go from there."

Smith is under contract with the Magic through the 2012-2013 NBA season, but says he plans to speak with his family and Magic CEO Alex Martins about his future. He indicated that he self-evaluates after every season.

"It's the same," Smith told the Orlando Sentinel. "Nothing really changed. I talk to my kids about everything. I talk to my family about everything. That's not new."

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.

NBA Free Agency 2012: Ryan Anderson Is Magic's Big Free Agent

2012-05-09T20:21:38Z

The Orlando Magic are going to have to make some critical decisions about their roster during the 2012 NBA offseason and one of those decisions will be about restricted free agent Ryan Anderson.

Anderson is coming off a career season for the Magic, as his role increased especially with the issues with Dwight Howard's back. Anderson finished the season averaging 16.1 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game, proving himself as a capable NBA starter in the 2011-2012 season. Anderson is still a young player, having just turned 24 years old, and is a great shooter with an ability to pick up offensive rebounds.

The Magic have made it known the want to keep Ryan Anderson, but that doesn't mean Anderson is going to stay with the team. He is a restricted free agent, which means he can sign with any team in the NBA but the Magic have the right to match whatever offer he receives.

For more on the Orlando Magic's 2012 offseason, visit SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post.