Grab A Handle... and hang on

The photos were snapped, public service announcements recorded, interviews taped and players met together for officially the first time yesterday at the RDV Sportsplex. It is cold outside for the first time all fall and that means it is finally basketball season.

In the words of the Joker, "Here... we... go."

This is arguably the most anticipated season of Magic basketball in the franchise's 21-year history. Owner Rich DeVos dipped into the before unimagined luxury tax realm to try to ensure his team brings home its first championship. Buoyed by last year's trip to the NBA Finals, the once lofty dreams of lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy have become the only acceptable outcome for the 2009-10 season.

Once again, "Here... we... go."

To continue my somewhat silly superhero movie references -- notice how I have not mentioned Dwight Howard yet (damn) -- with great expectations, comes great responsibility.

And that is why the new catch-word for the team struck a chord with me.

"Grab a Handle"

Like Boston's "Ubuntu" or Los Angeles' "Kobe" (just kidding on that last one), there is a sense of togetherness that comes from this phrase. The sense that through the work of the team, everyone can succeed. It is the type of mentality that every team always credits with inspiring them to a title that season.

Will this one work? Only time will tell.

But Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith, I think have caught on to the right idea.

It is no secret this is one of the deepest and star-studded teams in the league now. There are four potential All Stars in the starting lineup, something that has not been seen since the 2006 Pistons. I do not expect all four of these guys to make a return trip to the big game in Dallas, but to see three again would not be surprising.

But individual accolades are meaningless to a team that has championship aspirations. It would be nice to get the same type of recognition that Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and Howard got last year, but that is not what is important.

What is important is Grabbing a Handle.

Think about it. In order to power a canoe or row boat (that is not made for an individual, at least) it takes the concerted effort of all the rowers working together to prople the craft through the water. Why do you think crew is so hard?

The same atmosphere and comraderie has to pervade the Magic locker room. The team, at least in its words to the press, is not satisfied with its runner-up finish last year.

So how will Vince Carter fit into the system? Will he be the star Stan Van Gundy hopes he can be, or will he be the ball hog all of Carter's detractors (myself included) fear he could be.

Will Dwight Howard try to put too much on his shoulders? Will Jameer Nelson put too much on his shoulders? What will the affect of the Rashard Lewis suspension be? Can Orlando win with a conventional playing lineup? Will the team keep the resiliency that has become the team's trademark under Stan Van Gundy?

Who knows what the answers to these questions will be.

I know they will all be answered in a positive manner for the Magic if each player "Grabs a Handle."

Magic Wands: September 25, 2009

-Tracy McGrady and his trainers believe he will return from microfracture surgery sooner than anyone expected. An injury that many believed would keep him out until February, McGrady believes he might be ready to play by October or November. And get this, his trainers say McGrady did a poor job rebuilding his strength after originally injuring his back in 2002 (I was at that game, it was a vicious fall against the Hornets), but now they have him doing things he has not done since he was in a Magic uniform. Looks like my fantasy team is getting better by the day.

-An NBA referees' wife wonders why the league is mistreating the sacrifice she and other families give to be in the family of an NBA referee.

-Keith Bogans is a good defender who can hit an open 3-pointer, especially in the corner. Sounds like a former San Antonio Spur named Bruce Bowen. Could Bogans become the new Bowen?

-DIME Magazine wonders: Who is better? Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu? Third Quarter Collapse asks the same question.

-Apparently, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are two of the worst rebounders taller than 6-10 in NBA history.

-The Trail Blazers are turning to the market in bad times to set single game ticket prices. Who knows, maybe it will start a ticket revolution.

Magic Wands: September 11, 2009

Nothing is going on in the NBA. Please Training Camp, get here soon! So after a week's delay, here is the latest batch of Magic Wands.

-ESPN rolled out their summer predictions and surprise surprise they have the Cleveland LeBrons winning the East. Cannot say that I blame them, when I sit down and think about it, the LeBrons will probably be one of the three teams I will be debating about in the East. But by that much? Really? Love being underdogs again.

-Tim Povtak of NBA FanHouse tracks down former Magic first round pick David Vaughn. Vaughn has struggled mightily since falling out of the NBA. He was homeless for a while, but has found himself again and is rebounding. I remember in eighth grade my junior high basketball team was practicing at this random practice facility near The First Academy and I saw him. I thought I recognized him and asked him if he was in deed David Vaughn. It was. I had no idea then, and no idea until I read this story, exactly what he must have been going through. Hopefully Vaughn continues to work hard to improve his life.

-Think officiating was bad in the playoffs? Hope the NBA does not have to bring in replacement referees. After negotiations were broken up earlier this week, replacement referees seem very likely for the preseason beginning October 1.

-Bob Dylan once said, "Oh the times they are a-changin." Remember when the stadium was half empty and no one wanted to go to Magic games. Yeah, November sucked. But demand for Magic tickets has increased so much the team has capped season ticket sales. Didn't he also say, "Let the good times roll"?