Orlando Magic sign autographs at hotel before Playoff game

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he Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy. The franchise was founded in 1989 as an expansion franchise and has had such notable NBA stars as Shaquille O'Neal, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady throughout its young history. The franchise has also been in the playoffs for more than half of their existence (10 playoff appearances in 19 years). Currently, the Orlando Magic play in Amway Arena, and is the only major professional sports franchise in the city of Orlando.

With the 11th pick in the NBA Draft the magic took the former Duke star J.J Redick. Even with the fan support to get him playing time he averaged just over 11 minutes a game. After beginning the season strong with a 13--4 record, the Orlando Magic began to suffer in the standings as the result of multiple losses, due in large part to the injuries of Tony Battie, Trevor Ariza, Keyon Dooling, and Grant Hill. The Magic were also hampered with the sporadic play of many of their young stars, who on multiple occasions showed their propensity for streaky shooting and the team's lack of a solid scoring two-guard. Despite the team's poor play, Dwight Howard continued to develop and blossom in his third year in the league, culminating in his first selection to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. The final few weeks of the season saw the Magic build momentum and confidence with an impressive late push towards the Playoffs. On April 15, 2007, with an 88--86 victory over the Boston Celtics, the Magic secured its first berth in the NBA Playoffs since 2003 by locking up the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. This marked the first time that the team had made the playoffs while posting a losing record. Nevertheless, their Playoff run ended on April 28, 2007 after they were swept in the first round by first seeded Detroit Pistons whose experience, veteran leadership and ability to consistently make the clutch basket proved far too much for the undermanned and overwhelmed Magic to overcome. It was announced on May 23, 2007, that Brian Hill had been fired as head coach of the Magic.
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Gators coach Donovan goes pro, will coach Magic

On June 1, 2007, Billy Donovan was named the new head coach of the Magic[22], agreeing to a 5-year, $27.5 million deal with the team. Donovan had previously led the University of Florida basketball team to back to back NCAA National Championships in 2006 and 2007. However, on June 3, 2007, Donovan decided to return to the Gators (according to ESPN's Andy Katz). The Magic can decide whether or not to release his contract as early as the 4th, even though he has been under contract for only two days. On June 5, 2007, multiple sources reported that Donovan and the Magic have agreed upon a non-compete clause, requiring Donovan to refrain from coaching in the NBA for five years as one of the terms of his release from the contract. The clause would address Orlando's concerns that Donovan could accept another NBA job in the near future.[23] Also on June 5, the Magic made a formal offer to former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy to become the head coach.[24] On June 6, 2007, the Magic released Donovan from his contract.[25] According to ESPN and the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic have signed Stan Van Gundy as the new head coach. The deal is reportedly for 4 years, $16 million.

On July 2, 2007 it was reported on an Orlando television station that Rashard Lewis agreed to a 5-year, $75 million deal with the Orlando Magic.[26] He ultimately went to the Magic on July 11 in a "sign and trade" with the Seattle SuperSonics, who got a mid-level salary cap exemption and a 2008 second-round draft pick in exchange. Lewis signed a six-year league-maximum contract believed to be worth over $110 million.[27]

At the NBA China Games, the Magic swept the three games in China, twice against the Cleveland Cavaliers and once against the Chinese national team in games held in Shanghai and in Macau.

On November 15, 2007, Bob Vander Weide, the son-in-law of Richard DeVos, officially took over as owner of the team.[28]

The Magic started the 2007-08 NBA Season with an impressive 16--4 record in their first 20 games, which included wins over the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Through the next few months, the Magic were not so successful, splitting their next 36 games with 18 wins and 18 losses.

Dwight Howard was voted as starting center at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the previous night, he won the 2008 Slam Dunk Contest.[3]

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• orlando
• magic
• dwight
• superman
• howard
• hedo
• turkoglu
• rashard
• lewis
• jameer
• nelson
• nba
• playoffs
• autographs
• hotel
• basketball

[friedricemonster]

Jameer is apparently too good for the fans.

[bettydaw1970]

how fucking cool is dwight howard!!!

[moneyman237952]

fuck jameer nelson. He didn't even acknowledge or look there wayl. People out there outside waiting just to get a lousy fucking autograph for a kid. That's fucked up a lot of these athletes have to give a egos.

[AsianGangster023]

Dwights a great guy

[nate48lg]

Who the f**k is Jameel Nelson??? He act like he too good for his fans and i aint never heard of this nigga!

[drewbucs222]

JaQueer you asshole

[blacklabel67k]

jameer nelson is too good for the fans but apparently good enough for a pocketbook lmao

[DuffyHillion373]

my god that is sick! hey JohnBortolotti, do you jump high enough to dunk? I learned how to dunk from "50-inch-vertical(dot)com"

[DOBESisBOSS]

what city r u in?

[ajacksz23]

Jameer was really rude!

[ZinderZim]

lol i challenge you to a dance off... and he said nothing lol

[RickyMoss]

@LilMissHuneyBey lol, I know... like the Bus was actually going to leave Superman