Magic Wands: July 17, 2009

-A Dallas fan explains exactly what Orlando is getting in Brandon Bass.

-Acquiring Ryan Anderson is a 2-for-1 deal. You get Ryan the basketball player but also Ryan the goofball. Curious who he will select as his cohort without Brook Lopez (my bet? Adonal Foyle). Also hoping there is a few days before the Magic play the Nets so there is an awkward moment between Lopez and Anderson on YouTube.

-Toronto wants to be the Orlando of the Great White North.

-Dwight Howard the journalist?

-Congratulations to the U.S. basketball U-19 team for defeating Greece last weekend and taking home the gold medal for the first time in 18 years. Much props to them -- especially Northwestern's John Shurna (I have to give my alma mater some love, especially when it is in basketball).

-Kevin Love on the art of Tweeting.

-Tracy McGrady will no longer wear No. 1 for the Rockets. T-Mac is switching to No. 3 to promote his 3 Points Darfur program. Good to see Mac has a social conscience and is doing something productive while he is hurt. If the program struggles, expect him to demand a trade to a better one. (I kid, I kid. This is a very good program and I am glad athletes like T-Mac and throughout the NBA are getting involved with it.)

-Doug Collins and Peter Vescey have been awarded the Curt Gowdy Award this year. They will receive the honor at the Hall of Fame enshrinement in September.

-Conan O'Brien has found the tape of LeBron James getting dunked on.

-Dwight Howard wins a trophy from EA Sports. And challenges Vince Carter to a dunk contest. Hey World!

-Adonal Foyle could have made some serious dough if Orlando won the title... and if he played in it the Finals... and if he won MVP.

-When they say "Raise the Roof" at the Orlando Events Center. They really mean it.