What They're Saying: Magic vs. Knicks 11/29

-Tim Povtak did a similar story a while ago, but George Diaz of The Orlando Sentinel catches up with former Magic player David Vaughn and is happy to report he was volunteering at the Salvation Army soup kitchen this Thanksgiving.

-Dwight Howard has learned sharing is indeed caring. "Big Bird" had another 20-20 performance last night in Milwaukee displaying an array of offensive moves. He then shared his thoughts on Charles Barkley's criticism of his offensive game.

-Stan Van Gundy is hoping to see a change in the way the NBA schedules back to backs, according to Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel.

-Darko Milicic is unhappy and finds himself in Mike D'Antoni's doghouse as the Knicks try to feature Eddy Curry in their offense. He vents his frustration with Marc Berman of the New York Post.

-Matt Gagne of the New York Daily News says not to expect a change in point guards as Nate Robinson still comes off the bench behind (the now hobbled) Chris Duhon.

-Other teams and the media may not be overlooking the Magic as a team anymore, but in the talk of the game's greatest stars, Dwight Howard might be left behind as he continues to struggle offensively and at the line.

-It was a very quietly efficient night for the Magic last night in Milwaukee.

-Posting and Toasting wonders whether Darko Milicic is ready to head home.

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"?