[Miami, FL] So after only one-and-a-half seasons in the bright lights and cool beaches of Miami, does LeBron James regret leaving the snow and gloomy weather of Ohio?

That is a big YES, if we are to believe his latest comments, which were splashed all over ESPN’s SportsCenter.

“I think it would be great, it would be fun to play in front of these fans again,” said James. “You can’t predict the future … if I decide to come back, hopefully the fans will accept me.”

After being asked about Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, LeBron went on to say that, “he said what he said out of anger … . He probably would want to take that back but I made a mistake too.”

Wow, a mistake? That’s the first time he’s admitted to making the wrong decision. Or a wrong decision, depending on how you parse his words.

His latest words – which may have Miami Heat fans squirming – aren’t The King‘s first foray into regret. A little less than a month ago, there was some other chatter making the rounds, but that was attributed to a friend of LeBron’s.

But there is no denying this, as there is video evidence to back it up, as well as the integrity of ESPN.

Photo: Keith Allison

LeBron James in that other jersey

As a former Clevelander (and fan of LeBron James in a Cavs uniform), I’m gonna to go ahead and say, yes, LeBron realizes he made a mistake leaving Cleveland, where he was treated as a hero, a god – a true titan of Ohio athletics.

I don’t want to speculate, but maybe James never thought that the Cavs would ever be able to get him the side kick he needed to win it all, so he felt like his only option to win a championship was to leave the Cleve.

But after a heart-breaking NBA Finals loss and some early-season finger pointing this year in Miami, maybe he realizes it was the wrong choice after all.

The fact that Cleveland picked up future All-Star and potential Hall of Famer Kyrie Irving in the draft has sealed the deal, me thinks. That and the possibility of the Cavaliers adding another young stud to the team in this year’s draft,has James thinking that with him back in the picture, Cleveland has a shot to win it all.

Will LeBron James be part of that city’s future? Would the fans accept him back without any resentment? He can opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat after the 2013-2014 season, which would leave him several years left on his frame to go the distance. There are grumblings that he’s not 100% happy in Miami, so he could exit ASAP.

Oh yeah, Miami plays Cleveland on Friday.

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Photo: Keith Allison

LeBron James

[Orlando, FL] After more negative comments came out of the mouth of Orlando Magic superstar center Dwight Howard following the team‘s victory – yes, he still whined after they won – on Saturday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, I’m going to warn all Magic fans to pray that management can find a way to unload him before the trade deadline March 15^th.

Already having thrown teammates under the brightly colored – and sometimes smelly – Lynx bus earlier this season, he is at it again, except this time he’s going after the coaches.

“I do want the ball more in the fourth,” Howard stated. “I want to become a closer. The only way you get there is by getting the ball and have coaches have the confidence in giving me the ball.”

Yes, Dwight, that is true, but this is something you should have been working on the past seven-and-a-half seasons instead of only wanting it now. Maybe you should have paid a little more attention to all-time great free thrower Mark Price instead of running to the nearest microphone.

Being a transplant from Cleveland, trust me when I say this: Magic fans, you do not want to have to deal with the ramifications of “The Decision: Part 2.” In case you aren’t aware, LeBron James leaving basketball-mad Cleveland for the the sun and fun of Miami to play for the Heat was “Part 1.”

But James fled after the trade deadline was long gone and the season was over – the Cavs were left with nothing except warehouses full of LeBron jerseys. Note: NBA replica apparel doesn’t burn very well.

Photo: Julien Haler

Dwight Howard having a good time, handing out high-fives to the fans

Well, we all know sequels are never better than the originals! So wouldn’t it be better for the Magic to get something out of Dwight instead of complaints and grievances? That’s right – ship him out before he ships all over Orlando.

So lets take a look at the top three destinations for Dwight Howard that I believe will keep us in contention for years to come (and yes, these are all teams on Dwight’s so-called “wish list”):

1. Trade Dwight Howard and PG Jameer Nelson to the Chicago Bulls for Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, C.J. Watson and two first round picks (2012 Charlotte and 2012 Chicago).

Why this works: This would be the best option for the Orlando Magic. Keep in mind no matter where you send him, you’re still losing D12.  But this at least gets an NBA All-Star back in return (Deng), a high-energy center-scrapper in Noah, a solid back-up PF in Gibson and a solid PG in Watson.

Not to mention the Charlotte pick, which is protected until 2016. But I don’t see the Bobcats getting any better anytime soon, so that could end up being a top 5 pick down the road.

2. Trade Dwight Howard to the New Jersey Nets for Brook Lopez (who is coming off his injury soon), MarShon Brooks, Sundiata Gaines, Mehmet Okur (expiring contract) and the Nets’ first round pick for 2012 (unprotected).

Why this works: The Magic get three really solid young players, an expiring contract, and a guaranteed top 5 pick in this year’s draft. Let’s not forget what Lopez did last season (20.4 points and 6 rebounds a game) and what Brooks is doing as a rookie (14 points and 4.3 rebounds per game).

On top of those, you get a solid back up point guard in Gaines and an all but guaranteed top 5 pick in this deep, deep draft this season. Long-term this could work out better for the Magic than the Bulls trade but that would have to be seen.

Photo: New Jersey Nets

Will Orlando trade Brook Lopez for Dwight Howard?

3. Trade Dwight Howard to the L.A. Lakers for Andrew Bynum, Darius Morris, Andrew Goudelock, the Lakers’ 2012 first round pick and the Mavericks‘ 2012 first round pick.

Why this works: Out of the three trades, this one scares me the most. I’m not 100% sold on Bynum, but he is an NBA All-Star this season. You also get two solid young guards, but definitely not as good as Brooks and Gaines. You also get a few late first round picks.

Do I love this trade? NO!!!! But it’s better than what the other 2 remaining teams on his list could have offered (Celtics and the Mavericks).

Listen Magic fans, I know it will be hard to let go of such a good player, but believe me, the sooner we do this the faster things will get better! Just hope you don’t hold onto him then have a stellar season like the Cleveland Cavaliers did last season (19-63).

And if it weren’t for the L.A. Clippers being so careless with their draft picks, the Cavs would’ve never gotten future star Kyrie Irving. So Magic GM Otis Smith, go get a deal done and bring this city what they deserve, A CHAMPIONSHIP!

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: NBA

Dwight Howard

[Milwaukee, WI] Traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks (12-14), the Orlando Magic (16-11) had to try to get the sour taste of defeat out of their mouths after last night’s OT loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

But a sour taste is something that Bucks fans – and the entire team, for that matter – are trying to avoid after comments made by their emerging star player Brandon Jennings earlier in the week.

Uh oh, trouble in cheese town?

“I am going to keep my options open, knowing that the time is coming up,” said the 22-year-old Jennings. “I’m doing my homework on big market teams.”

Way to endear yourself to the fans, Brandon.

The Bucks have been blessed over the past decade-and-a-half with some pretty talented guards. With the likes of Ray Allen and Michael Redd – two top notch gentlemen of the game – they have never had to deal with such a prima donna getting waaaaay ahead of themselves.

Jennings, who skipped his senior year of high school to play professionally in Europe for a season, entered the 2009 NBA draft instead of attending a year of college. But so far, he has backed up his big mouth with big action, averaging 18.9 points and 5.3 assists this season. But could he keep it up tonight against the Magic?

Coming out of the gate strong, the Magic took an early 7-0 advantage, thanks to 5 quick points from “Mr. Convenient” himself, Ryan Anderson. But as quick as you could say Mbah a Moute, the Magic found themselves in an 11-7 hole, as the Bucks went on a little 11-0 run.

Photo: Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

Orlando Magic players Hedo Turkoglu and Glen Davis sandwich Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova

Leading the way for the Bucks in the first was Mike Dunleavy, who had 8 points. At the end of the first quarter, the score was Milwaukee 21, Orlando 16.

Heading into the second, the Orlando Magic found themselves again in a hole, this one 5 points deep. And they would stay there for almost the entire quarter. Coming alive off the Magic bench was J.J. Redick, who decided to join the party and put up 10 points in the quarter and 12 for the half.

It was a back and forth affair with the Magic putting up 27 points to the Bucks 28 for the quarter. Something that we don’t see very often: Dwight Howard was outscored by Bucks big man (and former Magician) Drew Gooden, 5 to 8.

The score at the half: Milwaukee Bucks 49, Orlando Magic 43.

The second half started out with a bang as Orlando’s Jason Richardson came down and hit a three pointer putting the score at 46-49. And he was just getting started. After only scoring 3 points in the first half, someone decided to tell him he was on TV and in front of friends and family. He scored 16 points in the third quarter alone.

After going scoreless for nearly 21 minutes, Brandon “Big Mouth” Jennings decided to show up for the Bucks, albeit briefly. He put up a measly 5 points in the quarter, giving him 7 for the game. I guess no one told him that you actually have to play four quarters to get a max contract in the league (note: not completely true).

Photo: Orlando Magic

Ta da: Orlando Magic star of the night, J-Rich

After three, the score was Milwaukee 73, Orlando 72.

The fourth quarter was both ugly and a thing of beauty, all at once. It was really a tale of two halves, or of a quarter (which would just be two-eighths, but who’s counting?).

In the first six minutes the Magic were outscored 15-6, putting the Bucks up by 10, and the score at 88-78. But then J-Rich – the Magic’s savior as of late – stepped up and hit four three-pointers in the final 4:55, the last of the bunch giving the Magic a 94-88 lead.

And that’s all the Orlando Magic needed to pull of a tough win on the road. The final score was Orlando 99, Milwaukee 94.

Leading the way for the Magic was Jason Richardson with 31 points and 4 rebounds. D12 had a poor night, adding 11 points and 14 rebounds while Hedo Turkoglu came up big with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The leading scorer off the Magic bench was Redick, who finished with 14.

The top point-getter for the Milwaukee Bucks was none other than Drew Gooden, recording 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists against the best defensive player in the league. He was actually impressive, but over the years he has never been able to deliver those kind of performances consistently.

Also in double figures for the Bucks were Ersan Ilyasova with 17 points and 16 rebounds, Mike Dunleavy with 14 points and Carlos Delfino (12 points, 5 rebounds).

MIKE’S PICK

The Orlando Magic play the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-15) next at home on Monday. The T-Wolves are greatly improved over last year, but still in need of some serious help. They are coming off a two point loss to the Knicks, so I expect this game to be close.

My Prediction: Orlando 97, Minnesota 91

Game Notes: Look for this game to come down to a battle of the big men: Kevin Love versus Dwight Howard. Whoever has the best night will likely lead their team to victory. After seeing early NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Kyrie Irving last week, we get our first look at the only man capable of challenging him, Ricky Rubio.

Rubio could potentially cause some match up problems for the Magic. Yes, I am talking about you Jameer Nelson.

Position Advantage:

PG – Minnesota
SG – Magic
SF – Magic
PF – Minnesota
C – Magic
Bench – Even

By: Mike Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Lead photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] Coming off of quite possibly the biggest statement game of the season, the newly re-energized Orlando Magic (16-10) headed into tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks (17-9) riding in on the hopes that D-12 could have another monster 25 point, 24 rebound performance like the one he had against in-state rivals the Miami Heat.

Winners of 4 out of their last 5 games, things have finally started to click for Orlando.

“We needed a good win, we came out tonight with pretty much the same energy we had last game and we got a good win,” said Dwight Howard after their most recent victory against the Miami Heat. ”

“We just have to continue to do that, be more consistent as coming out with the same intensity, every night. I think we did a better job coming out in the third quarter they made a little run but we kept playing and got a good win,” added the big fella.

But could they keep the temperature up against Atlanta?

Shooting out of the gate just as fast as Larry Hughes‘ Magic career was over, both teams started out slow, scoring a combined 37 points in the first quarter. Yawn.

However, Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson came ready with his dancing shoes on, scoring 8 in the first quarter by sinking his first three shots, including two three-pointers. They were badly needed to keep Atlanta from taking control early.

At the end of the first, the score was Atlanta 20, the good guys 17.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic starter Jason Richardson from the outside

The second quarter was a little more successful for the Magic – they outscored the Hawks 22-21. The biggest play of the quarter was something not seen very often: Dwight was blocked while going for a dunk. Gasp. By whom? Josh Smith, showing Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy why he should have been a part of this year’s All Star Game.

Smith was the leading scorer for the Hawks in the first half of play, recording 8 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots while shooting a miserable 3-for-10 from the field. Leading the way for the Orlando Magic was none other than Superman 2.0 himself, putting up 9 points, 8 rebounds and – surprisingly – 0 blocked shots.

Atlanta held a 41-39 lead at the half.

The second half started out with both teams matching baskets. It was still a 2-point game after D-12 dunked it home with 4:36 left in the third quarter (giving him 14 points after three). The Hawks finished the quarter on a 8-3 run led by Smith who was rocking 16 and 16 after three.

The score going into the fourth: Atlanta 61, Orlando 54.

It was obvious that the Orlando Magic needed someone to step up to pull this one out, and Ryan Anderson reported for duty, putting up 12 points. But the Hawks put up a fight, lead by Smith who scored a hard lay up giving the visitors a five-point lead.

That shot seemed to be the final blow to thew home team’s chances, you know – nighty night. But a late push by the Magic men gave them a chance to win or tie the game with 17.9 seconds left, and that’s just what they did. With 1.7 seconds left Mr. Howard followed up Jameer Nelson‘s missed lay up with a dunk, taking this one into overtime tied 78-78.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic PG Jameer Nelson drives against some tenacious Hawks defense

OVERTIME

With both teams going strong, it had the feeling of a dog fight. Both teams scored a quick five points, putting the score at  83-83. But with 2:22 left, six-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson decided enough was enough.

The veteran tried to put the game away by scoring the next four points, giving the Hawks a 87-83 lead. A late three by Anderson (who else?) brought the Magic to within one point, and with 11.6 seconds left J-Rich was at the line with a chance to tie it up at 88, but he missed his second free throw.

After Zaza Pachulia split a pair of free throws at the other end, the Magic had two shots to win the game but both came up short.

The final score: Atlanta 89, Orlando 87.

Josh Smith was the game’s leading scorer, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocked shots. Three other Hawks ended in double figures: Joe Johnson (14), Marvin Williams (13) and Jeff Teague (13). Former Orlando player (and fan favorite) Tracy McGrady scored 9 off the bench.

For the Orlando Magic, ace outside shooter Ryan Anderson led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds while Dwight Howard finished with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

The Magic (now 16-11) play their next game tomorrow night in Milwaukee against the Bucks (12-14), who themselves are coming off an 113-112 overtime nail-biter win to a Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland Cavs squad.

My prediction: Orlando 102, Milwaukee 93.

Game notes: The Bucks will be playing without skilled center Andrew Bogut, so look for Dwight to have a big game. Milwaukee will be starting former Magician Drew Gooden in his place.

Position Advantage:

PG – slight Bucks

SG – slight Magic

SF – Magic

PF –  Magic

C – Magic

Bench – Magic

By: Michael Yesenko/Sunshine Slate

Photos: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Miami, FL] Coming off of a surprising, close call against the mediocre Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat really wanted to bounce back and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers at home in a big, big way.

As it will always be, one of the main headlines coming into the game was LeBron James playing his former team.

In the first quarter, the Cavaliers stayed right with the Heat. Antawn Jamison and Kyrie Irving kept the Cavaliers at the same pace as Miami. Both combined to score almost half of Cleveland’s points.

But, the Heat were just fine, coming from the play of LeBron. At the end of the first quarter, the Heat were up 28-25.

Just like in the past couple of games, Dwyane Wade played great in the second quarter. He scored 14 points, which propelled the Heat to increase their lead. But, Antawn Jamison kept the Cavs in the game by also lighting it up in the second (11 points). At halftime, the Miami Heat were up 54-48.

The Cavaliers started off the third quarter on a 9-2 run and eventually taking the lead.  However, the Heat came back towards the end thanks to Mario Chalmers pouring in 8 points, 6 of them coming from a pair of three pointers. LeBron also scored 7 points.

At the end of the 3rd quarter, the score was Heat 78, Cavaliers 72.

The Heat ran away with the game in the fourth. And also, just as the past few games, Udonis Haslem came through in the final minutes scoring 10 points alongside D-Wade, who threw in 8.

The final score was Miami Heat 107, Cleveland Cavs 91.

Dwyane Wade scored 26 points and by making 9 out of 17 of his shots – by doing so he surpassed the 5000 field goal mark. Mario Chalmers also scored 14 points, making four three pointers on the night.

“I just move on the court and see where my teammates can find me,” Chalmers said. “We work a lot on that, finding the spots where I can knock down the shots.”

The good guys will now head out on a 10-day road trip. Their first game of the trip will be against the Orlando Magic tonight.

“We’re looking at this road trip really as an opportunity for us to come together as a team,” Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said. “It’s an opportunity for us to have a breakthrough as a ball club.”

By: Michael Tristani II/Sunshine Slate

Image: Miami Heat/Issac Baldizon

Miami Heat

[Orlando, FL] On a night celebrating our men and women serving in the U.S. military, emotions were running a little higher than normal for the fans of the Orlando Magic.

The beautiful Amway Center was certainly rocking – even with the large number of empty seats – in high anticipation of the home team getting their second win in a row after a disastrous 4-game stretch of losses that had everyone scratching their heads (and hiding their replica jerseys).

Tonight, the Cleveland Cavaliers were in town. That mediocre squad has been gaining notice for some pretty good individual play this season, mostly by rookie sensation Kyrie Irving, who is quick, aggressive and a joy to watch.

But the Cavs are still fundamentally unsound and in desperate need of one or two more good players. Sure, they are the second-best rebounding team in the league but that is because they miss so many shots.

Word on the street is that they are jockeying for a good draft lottery position by (sort of) throwing the season. Nonetheless, there was still NBA basketball to be played.

After tip-off, both teams went to the bigs early, possibly hoping to get the other side’s guy in foul trouble. The Cavs feisty center Anderson Varejao ending up picking up a quick whistle, but it didn’t really effect his overall playing time.

As for Magic center Dwight Howard, he managed to go almost the entire game without getting a foul. He also nearly went the distance without earning any free throws until Cleveland broke out the Hack-A-Howard (more on that later).

Photo: Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard’s defense makes the Orlando Magic a top-shelf team

The game itself was pretty unspectacular really, save for some outstanding individual play and a nail-biter ending. Both teams shot miserable percentages in the first half, with the Cavs sinking to somewhere in the neighborhood of 25%, which is downright pathetic for a pro team don’t you think.

For the Orlando Magic, Howard was his usual self, dominating on defense – you know, blocking shots and changing minds. But his offense was, well, off. He kept missing his near-patented baby hook. He must missed four of those at least.

Jason Richardson, back from a two-game rest due to injury, was the star of the show for the home team. J-Rich was looking sharp, throwing down alley-oops and making jumpers. No doubt trying to keep his starting spot with J.J. Redick nipping at his heels (incidentally, Redick was scoreless tonight in 23 minutes of play).

The Magic’s outside sharpshooter Ryan Anderson picked up two quick fouls which sent him to the bench before he could really get going. Unfortunately, that meant more playing time for Earl Clark, who was filling in for Glen “Big Baby” Davis, who was suspended him for two games for his “incident” with head coach Stan Van Gundy earlier in the day.

Wahhhhhhh!

I honestly have no idea why Clark is still in the NBA. His shot looks horrible and his clumsy court manner is frustrating to watch. But there he is in a Magic uniform, throwing up bricks and fouling like he gets paid per infraction.

The Magic did go up early 18-9, but managed to squander that lead and end the first quarter 18-17 on some poor shooting by pretty much the entire team.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic forward Earl Clark

Things got real exciting when the Orlando Magic‘s newest acquisition – point guard Ish Smith – checked into the game. He’s a lively dribbler that crosses up the defense and opens up lanes to the basket. Ish even surprised the other Magic players with a few moves.

Smith is already a fan favorite after only two games and deservedly so.

Stop the presses – Earl Clark got a basket!!! And a defensive stop!!! And he earned a trip to the line!!! All in the span of 40 seconds. He’s on fire!!!

Both teams were still struggling to make shots, but the Magic kept inching northward on the scoreboard as the hapless Cavs settled into their rhythm-less play.
The Magic broke it wide open by going up 19 at the 8:30 mark in the third quarter.

Besides Irving and Antawn Jamison, the Cavs can’t get the ball in that round thing that everybody seemed to be aiming for. Defensively, they are punishingly handsy, getting a lot of second chance ops and tap-aways. But they are simply unable to do anything with the ball when they get it.

Earl Clark goes coast to coast!!! The crowd goes wild!!!

Going into the fourth, the Magic were up by 19 and feeling pretty good about themselves. Earl Clark even grabbed a monster rebound!!! Who is this guy all of a sudden?

With 10:30 left in the game, the score was 74-57 for the Magic. Then the Cavs started making threes, cutting the lead to 12 which made everybody nervous, including Earl Clark who somehow forgot how to play again.

The Cavs cut it to 10 with 3:09 left. Now we have a game. On cue, Varejao started being Varejao and trying to goad Howard into losing his cool. It didn’t work, so the Cavaliers went for the Hack-A-Howard game plan which sent the league’s (probably) worst free throw shooter to the line every time the Magic had possession of the ball.

The lead quickly evaporated to seven. Then five. The anxious crowd was really starting to turn on the superstar center with each missed free throw. Then Howard made two in a row and everything was OK again. That’s how fragile his relationship is with the fans right now.

The Orlando Magic ended up pulling it out at the end 102-94 by sheer will and determination to not end up one for six, instead they get their second victory in a row and the hometown faithful can wear those jerseys with pride once again.

“That’s the game plan,” said Dwight of the Hack-A-Howard strategy. “Until I do better at the line, they’re going to continue to do it. It was a good game plan, coming down the stretch . . . and as long as we got the win, that’s the only thing that matters.”

Notable Cavs stats: Irving had 18 points and six assists, Jamison had 16 and Alonzo Gee poured in 20.

Notable Magic stats: Dwight Howard finished with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 8 blocks. Jason Richardson scored 19, Hedo Turkoglu got 18 and Ryan Anderson dropped in 17. Earl Clark had 8 points.

Next up for the Orlando Magic: at Indiana on Saturday, L.A. Clippers visit on Monday, and Miami hits town on Wednesday.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic

[Orlando, FL] Boy, did the Orlando Magic need this win. Nursing a four-game loosing streak, they were beginning to forget what winning felt like.

And that’s dangerous for a supposedly playoff-bound squad.

A 109-103 outcome against league doormats the Washington Wizards was just what the doctor ordered, even though it took a Herculean 40-point fourth quarter to get the victory. Going 11-for-19 in the fourth proved that these guys can still make buckets when their heads are on straight.

Maybe seeing old pal Rashard Lewis in the Wizards line-up reminded them of the good old days? If not, Lewis’ 20 points certainly did.

The Magic’s big three scorers did their part with Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick both pouring in 21 points and outside shooting ace Ryan Anderson netting 23.

“I’ve been telling J.J. to stay aggressive coming off screens and looking for his shot,” said Howard after the game. “It’s a great shot; don’t waste it. Just let it fly.”

One thing Howard definitely let fly was his temper. A non-call in the third caused the superstar center to smash the ball into the court at the feet of referee Scott Wall. Howard drew technical foul number six on the season for his non-think.

Chris Duhon started in place of Jameer Nelson who missed his third straight game with “concussion-like symptoms.” Expect Duhon to start again on Friday.

The Magic suffered early in the game from a spate of turnovers caused by poor execution against the press, something that didn’t go unnoticed by Stan Van.

“I can’t see a team that won’t [press]. We’re struggling with it very badly, and when you’re doing that, we’ll see the same thing until we get it solved,” said Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Another thing Van Gundy may have noticed: the home crowd is starting to turn on Howard. There were recognizable chants of “Trade Dwight Howard” heard during a late-game trip to the foul line.

That’s all this fragile team needs right now. But it is what it is.

Photo: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic waive Larry Hughes

After the game, the Orlando Magic announced that they had waived little used shooting guard Larry Hughes. Hughes, who played in nine games this season, was signed as a free agent by Orlando on Dec. 9. He averaged 1.3 points per game and 12.7 minutes of playing time in those nine outings.

On Thursday, the Magic signed six-foot point guard Ish Smith from the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League (D-League). Smith played six games for the Golden State Warriors earlier this season, averaging 4.5 points  and 1.5 assists per game (in 10 minutes of court time).

During his rookie season last year, he also played for the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.

And speaking of rookies, the Orlando Magic host the Cleveland Cavaliers – featuring newbie sensation Kyrie Irving – on Friday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Images: Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic