News Before The Game Tonight

To all the readers out there that I hopefully have. You will have to excuse me lately, as I have been VERY busy and the blog has taken a back seat.

Back to the Magic... here are some of the latest headlines in the Magic world:

1. Orlando has formally applied to the NBA to host the 2011-2012 NBA All-Star Weekend, here in Central Florida.
2. The land for the new arena, on Hughey and Church streets, is just about clear. The building is scheduled to go up in July and the Magic have asked Commissioner Stern to attend.
3. Fran Vasquez's status over in Spain is still a mystery. Both Toronto F Jorge Garbajosa and G Jose Calderon played with Vasquez and know him well, yet they are not exactly sure what he plans to do. "Technically, he's a very good player, very talented, and he can do a lot of things," said Garbajosa, who spent most of this season on the injured list for Toronto.
   
   "But to come from Europe and play in this league, you have to be strong mentally and very confident. Two years ago, he wasn't there. Maybe the maturity has helped him now, but I don't know what he plans to do." Maurizio Gherardini, Toronto's assistant GM, said this about Fran: "Physically, he's very impressive," Gherardini said. "He can jump out of the gym. But he's very inconsistent."
4. Check out the thread about the Magic's NBA Championship Chances at Magic Madness.
5. The agent for Maurice Evans says that Evans will look at all his options during free agency and isn't necessarily sure he will resign with the Magic. But his agent also said, "It's an awesome fit, and it can turn into an awesome fit. . . . We'd like to potentially stay here."
6. Current Magic Assistant Coach Patrick Ewing said he has not been contacted at all about the vacant head coaching job in New York.
7. The Raptors might have to rethink part of their game plan after Dwight Howard has been hitting his free throws lately. He was 9-11 in game 1.
8. Check here to see what Magic Owner Bob Vander Weide says about J.J. Redick's future.