 I miss this season while rehabbing for his Achilles tier, but there are no complaints from the fans or his new teammates. Player of KD's caliber, it's worth the wait, Kevin? Mentor's Decision DA, thank you. I'll look at the Magic starting group. At the four and the five, we have Gordon and Bucovic. Fultz is out there with Evan Fournier and it's Isaac in at the three-slip. And for Brooklyn, Din Whitty runs the point with Laverg flanking him, and it's out there with Atten, and it's Harris in at the three. A team like the Nets, building with out-top picks, player development, focus for their franchise, and you can see the results paying dividends now. Now, here's Din Whitty, because he takes a ton of pride in what he does on defense. Now, here's Fultz in his last shot to go. Outside, Fournier, clock at six. Look at what the Nets player development, guys like Spencer Tinwood and Joe Harris were signed just for each. Yeah, and you know, guys, a coaching staff dedicated to taking them to the next level in terms of improvement in player development, the investment they make in their top-notch training facility, all of that focus paying off for it. You know, that's a quick over four now, and what point do you call the timeout and reset? It's Fournier on the wing, and shot one up for him, and it's the Nets taking it the other way. The pass to Laverg's. He dishes it to Allen, and shot is off. Yeah, trying to get going here, but that's an offer for the first five years' start to be. Isaac gets to Fultz. Kuczevic against Allen. Here's Fultz. The defensive effort. And it's a tough defense. You can tell he'd be able to beat the defensive coverage, even though it was all over. Shot's good from Fournier. Really liked the quick decision making of Fultz there, Kevin. Excellent at surveying the floor for the open teammate. And the first timeout calls for Nikola Kuczevic, very good. And yet, he's been considered a liability at that end. So, in your opinion, which is? You know, Kevin, I think it's a blend, quite honestly. The analytics say one thing, but in this day and age, the way the game is played, big centers are typically challenged from a mobility standpoint, especially trying to defend fleet-footed perimeter guys in pick-and-roll situations and in space. To Butchabitch's credit, he's worked hard at becoming better, trying to be a better rim protector and recognize where he needs to be early on with anticipation. So, he's making progress, but it's a blend of my mind. Last season, he put up about 13 points a game last season. Four rebounds and two assists. The contributions he's been making on the floor have been a boon for this team. Great stretch of games for him. You know, they've given him more responsibility. He's responded, and the way he's going, I think his role is only going to increase. Shoot the opportunity. He's serving his teammates on the court. It seems like a natural leap. It's just a false. Just fight the shoot. It's Alan on the wing. Cover Jared Allen in college. Look at the physical profile he's got. Seven-and-a-half-foot wingspan. Big, big hands. Explosive, really good athlete. He's got all the tools and an upside without limits. He ties it up. We were talking about Alan's length and leaping ability. He's dangerous around the rim. He sure is, guys. Still developing his skilled game, but he's already more than serviceable at the offensive end of the floor. And we know he's a rim protector defensive. The good feet gets up and down. Has a nice touch and good hands. This guy's going to be some kind of player going forward. Now, here's Faltz. 14 points from him. The last game against Chicago. He was piling up those assists in that one. I mean, every pass seemed to be on time and on target. 20 against Robert. Rims outside. That was a sweet-looking tear drop. There was very little defense for that. Swift forward. Clark, do you think he's one of a point guard or two? Well, you know, in Washington, Kevin, I thought he showed the ability to score and assist at a high level. Come against to be really dynamic in both areas. Time will tell if that's the case. But I didn't claim the point to take some of the pressure off of his shot and he gained confidence in that part of his game. First one falls full. Clark, there's nothing like opening night. Preseason in the rearview mirror. Now, the games count for real. Terrific time. Yeah, exciting for everybody because hope brings eternal for all teams in the league after you get beyond preseason. And the games do count. They start calculating and documenting W's and M's. And good on the second, so we mix them both. And you look out there at the magic, one of the taller teams in our league. You know, that's a philosophical bent for the front office. They want long, athletic players, draft guys with great length and then develop their strength and skill level. And I actually kind of like that approach. Have the philosophy stick to it and be true to it. Well, that's a rebound. Here's him. 18 and time for Butchamich. And that is a textbook example of how to defend your rim. And you know, guys, I love his fighting grip on the interior. I mean, he never lets a shot go un-contested. Now, here was Harris. I'll win them this by having 40 in. Here's Helen. And it's Helen. Slam it down. And he's so quick with his feet getting out of setting the screen. It makes him hard to guard in the pick and roll. And to get to two points to keep a lot of room off the slick feet. Yeah, the clever Frenchman, 48 solid and recognizing when the defense isn't covering one of his teammates. Passes it to Dan, ready? We've got a lot of Butchamich. Butchamich has got his fourth rebound in this one. No doubt it's going to build a struggle for him here in this border in terms of score. Butchamich is going to pick up the five. That's going to be number two for him. I think he's has to play more conservative from this point on. I mean, that's two fouls already. Wilson-Chandler's checked in for Laverge. Then for the Magic. Hamba comes in for Nicola Butchamich. And DJ Augustine's subbed in for 49. Now, here was Harris. He had a 12 point outing in their last game against the Warriors in San Francisco. Prince, that's 14. Cut the line. Oh, the appearance snows it in. You see the hustle for now in their guys in this group. And the mindset to keep at it really allows them to gobble up those offensive boards. I got that one from Isaac. Isaac's got the game tied up here for the Magic. Boy, from the looks up at it, here's the defense. It's fine with him taking that shot, but he makes him play when they do. He's now in the first for the Nets. The shot goes in. Some solid defense from Harris. Here goes and gets it. That's an all-in. Here's Augustine. And it's the excellent shot blockers result. And Faltz gets it to go. Great pass that time by DJ Augustine. And so it's Dinwiddie, who primes up the ball for Brooklyn. Three point lead. And there's the pass to Prince. Paul is shooting Faltz. Here goes. Not afraid of a little contact. When he's shooting, he looks for contact. And a moment now to quickly take a look at the offensive approach for the Nets. They've been making some really nice passes out there. Excellent passes. That could set the tone for the rest of the game. And it also has been a positive to watch that they protect the balance that they shoot. Boy, you look at Isaac and all you think he needs to do is add some weight. And he's got terrific skills and a promise in future. Here's his shot-in for the match. Michael Carter-Williams comes in for Faltz. What do you think back your playing days in high school? What memories come to mind? Well, just the fun of being able to have success all four years. I was at St. Joseph High School and fleeting on the way. The city rallied around us. A senior year when we had a chance to go to a school team. So I'm thrilled to be here. So the teammates and coaches and teachers really found special memories for me. Here's Augustine. He's following. That's good. The assist from Augustine. Augustine's got his third assist on the night. For the Nets, they come into this one following a watch to the Warriors. Despite his size, very slippery off the dribble. He's ill-liked when you talk about him off the dribble, guys. I mean, excellent change of pace. He's got a quick first step. Now, once he gets in the lane, his size helps him be a good face. Take it right. Yourself. First free throw is good. And the 6-6 point guard, Spencer Dinwood. Second round pick of the Detroit Pistons in 2014. You know, Greg, they might have wished they held on to him. One of the most improved players in our league last season. He signed that four-year, $48 million extension from the Nets, rewarding his growth. And hope free throw is good for Dinwood. The next step for Dinwood is to just become more consistent going forward, especially when it comes to scoring, because I think he does everything else pretty well. Augustine Noa. And they've been sensational on the back to start this game. Yeah, sensational is a really good word for it, Greg. They're tearing it up on the plate. Here's Temple. Guys, that's all athleticism and timing. Bomba, a terrific shot blocker because he uses the physical tools he has. Quite well. You almost have to miss. He's going to knock those down. And he hits the whistle. Two free throws coming up. TJ Augustine picks one up. But that said, what good of the line did. They're perfect in four attempts. Two shots. Who'd be next? Karis Leverts, selected with the 20th pick, and Jared Allen, taken at 22. And you might want to throw in, guys, to Rodion's Kuruks, the 40th pick in 2018. Had a big impact, even participated in the Rising Stars Challenge. And, you know, sometimes you've got to make your own breaks, make your own good fortune. And that's exactly what the Nets have done. He is zero for his last, however many this quarter, guys. Might need to get him out and let him settle down a bit here. Here's Temple. The inside, Augustine has a unique ability to get tough shots over the defense. Augustine against Dinwiddie. Establish your three-point game early with the defense right up against it. Braille by five. You've got Wilson Chandler. Here at Temple is out there with Spencer Dinwiddie. And there's Deandre Jordan. And it's clatched in with the four-spot. So that's the Nets five. He's feeling it out a bit. Clock at four. Here's Augustine. Rebound by the Nets. But the D just was not giving in. Just the length reaction there from the defense. And he is always going to finish that one. On the sideline, let's catch up with Hall of Famer, David Aldrich. Nick Vusevich. There was some great first last season. His son Phillip was born in December. And then dad made his first All-Star appearance. Nick is from a basketball family. He said, I'll enjoy telling my son the stories like my dad did with me. We'll see if he likes the game of basketball. As the whistle blows, he'll shoot you. He's never been able to make his free throws. It's in the footwork that keeps evolving every few years. Talk about the changes that you have seen from the time you've played. So the exquisite footwork we see now. Well, you know, some of my peers would say that these guys are being allowed to walk. You haven't talked about this good footwork. So you work with Reggie and other guys. And I hear Hall of Time saying, guys are getting away with this pretty good. I mean, when you think about it, the back three-point shot, the ability to make plays off the dribble, all attributed to footwork. I think it's just an evolution of the game. As players see more and more of excellent work around it all because of the player. He's got a little bit of everything. Washington. Well, you know, the shooting and leaping ability of Ross. Phenomenal. I mean, I think the deeper it is where he can cement it by his game and really improve. He's got all the tools, though, to be an excellent two-way player. The net's making a switch here. Laverge checked in. Evan Fournier is checked in for Orlando. Leading by three. Kicks to Laverge. Laverge to send it. That's something you expect from a seven-footer like Vutovic. He lost to Chicago. Passes to Claxton. Shot clock at three. Here's Tim Redding. And again, it's the net's missing. Shots to drop here in the second quarter. Reggie into this one. Hey, Greg, we've seen it time and time again in games. Effort and determination on the glass can make up for a lot of other weaknesses. And guys, they continue to put a lot of pressure on the interior defenders with their woke-out look. Moving in positive direction. Now, nice upswing here. Ross, like the three-point stroke of Ross, gets it off so effortlessly. And he's got terrific form. And they just can't seem to get going offensively. And I think this time out, guys, is where you draw up some plays that are guaranteed to create some high-percentage shots. Six to shoot. As the magic will gain possession. Let's see what the Brooklyn Nets have coming up on Friday. They'll face off against Paul Jordan and the Los Angeles Clippers. Then on Sunday, they continue to road trip, heading out to Sacramento to take on the Kings. On offense here at the Magic. I'm facing them right now at a 15-2 run. Carter Williams gets to 48. Nice deep. I'm asking from Jordan, doing very efficient in the paint because of his limp, calls to the button number seven for him tonight. And the shot comes in. Obviously, a mix-up offensively on that possession. Carter Williams takes to 48. Here's Puchavich. Great deal they're telling from Jordan. Love his fight and grit on the interior, mate. He never lets a shot go on contest. Well, they'll be happy with that. Ruffin and Schecter for him though. I mean, that's a shot he expects to make every time. Contact on the shot. So he moves forward for the closing. And what is so good at figuring out ways to get the defense to foul him? You just can't be careless defensively when you're guarding him, didn't you? To construct the roster, what would be your preference as a general manager? The direction you might want to go? Well, obviously, if you have an opportunity to get an outstanding franchise-type point guard or versatile wing player in today's game, I think those are the pieces that you really need to start with. That's just so much spacing and so much switching on defense. Exactly. And I feel the mix-in of two-way player at that wigs one. You can defend multiple positions, but also have a very strong offensive skill set. And you talk about the best defensive head coaches in the league. I think Clifford has to be on that show. I would agree with you, partner. I mean, his teams play hard, they play smart, they play with discipline. That usually is a reflection of the coach in a good way because of his scoring ability. And Brooklyn making a change. Allen's checked in. Misses shot from the line here, this court. Yeah, you have to make teams pay for fouling you. That's why they call them free. Oh, here's Jordan. This last covering had eight points. He has third foul so far. Here's inside. He's guarded by Ross just for the shoot. 10 possession. A nice season for him last year. Eighth in field goal percentage and a top 15 ranking in blocks per game. Supplying that back line protection that is so key to a great defense. You know, back through his tremendous efficiency shooting by season. His dead eye shooting creates so many opportunities for that offense. Now, here's Fournier. He has six in his first basket of the night. Gordon is one of those guys who loves physical contact. He's really skilled at finishing over difficult defense. This is it to Jordan. This is it to Prince. And the fellow goes against Brooklyn. I'd like to see Fournier drawing contact on his shot to me. He's a crafty player who gives defenses a lot of problems. I had a closer look here at the hustle stats for the match. Well, you'd have to admire their intensity and the paint defense. I mean, really contesting and even blocking shots. Definitely a factor early. And also how about the fact that offensively they're getting that back court and came out in transition, especially in his first half. First free throw is good. He's coming off a 22 point game against Fournier in San Francisco. And he was relentless in that. I mean, he wanted to be the first to have a rebound in almost one point. He should have probably too. He's getting smarter at really in these situations. He's got the worst basketball life in a single. Here's against Fournier. Got a piece of it. So something that was surprising back in 2016. But he's become a very valuable player. You know, he isn't close. Every team wants a dependable and a great point marksman at home defense. Here's Laverne. He's developed a nice passing. Now, here's Faltz. Some points for him. Rage is really impressive. He shoots that thing from deep ease. The team are helping margin, but it hasn't been enough. You know, they're hustling and giving a good effort. That's for sure, but unfortunately the execution has been lacking. Now, here's Faltz. Round points in the game so far. Faltz on the wing. And the pass to Vuchovic. Here's Faltz versus Gull. And Harris gets the assist. Harris has got his board assist on the night. And they're forcing the ball inside and it's working like a charm. Perfect shot fakes in Vuchovic. Being Vuchovic expands his offer to repertoire guys adding to his old school post game. He's now demonstrating perimeter shooting and making a bill. And that's opening some eyes of perseverance. I mean, he's in his eighth season before he makes an all-star game in 2019. Nicola Vuchovic just stayed with it. Continue to get better. Looking at his out there now for the nets. Chandler comes in for Deandre Jordan and Garrett Temple, subbed in for Karis Laverde. Isaac passes to Augustine in the corner. They just couldn't find a way to score. Chandler dishes to temple. 31 seconds left to play here in the second quarter. Prince with it. Faltz was not following this one to get to host the Hornets. That game is the first and last of their homestack. Augustine Nolak. Hey, how about imagining if they were hitting their shots how big the league could be. And so far it's not been the case. Chandler picks to Prince. And he's good on the free ball. He does insist that he scores. He's also good at finding his open team. We've got second half action for you. Thus far a pretty evenly contested game. Like what we're seeing from Torian Prince. And how about the amount he's contributing in the scoring column through two quarters. He has been terrific. And you know what, they've come at him a few different ways defensively and nothing has slowed him down. Through this one, plenty of basketball left in a game that's been fairly even so far. Tipping off the second half here, Steve Clifford's five. At the four in the five, we have Gordon and Butchewicz. Our Cal falls out there with Evan Fournier and it's Isaac into the three. Now, here's Fournier. No contact, not going to bother. This is his second clip to the line in this one. Tyson, I mean, he's a quick foot shot. He's why he is such a respected defender. And you know what? He's not going to give up an easy finish at the rim. I mean, that's just against his constitution. Here now is Dinwiddie. And it's outside. Butchewicz has got double digitally balanced now it's in the game so far. I use it as a defaults. 13 feet away. Prince has got his six from the bell down the night and there's one of four here to start the second half. Keep getting him touches. And team stats last season. 74% shooting. So some numbers that they can definitely improve upon. Carter Williams he's just in four Orlando. Free throw, good, have him. Isaac fights through the contact there, man. Great deep grind on display. Not letting the defense tie him down on these shots. Now, here's Dinwiddie. And Michael Carter Williams hits the whistle that time. That's file number two for him. He's got a side of three and a half minutes point here on the Williams against Dinwiddie. This is it to Harris. From the arc, he's got one call. He's shooting up, Dinwiddie is free. Harris has got his first three points. It'd be good to see Harris play though. These shots will only help him get better. For every edge he can find. Yeah, I mean, maybe he could have tried for a more memorable dog than that one. And we know he's capable of those memorable ones. Keep it simple. It's Allen on the win. This positioning, the defense is in trouble, which in turn forces them to commit the five. And let's quickly check out the scoring breakdown here for the Nets. They keep piling up the assists and they have it cooled off at all. It's been a hot shooting night for them too. I mean, they've had a lot of those mid-range jump shots. The first time, on the change here, on base check in, one of two. And you remember when Aaron Gordon came into the league, Clark, some question whether he had the side to play the power forward position. Not anymore. Yeah, you take a look at what's important at that position. It's about mobility, versatility and skill set. And he certainly fits the bill nicely there. He can defend the three, even some forward positions and brings a lot of energy at both ends. I think he used a big shot here to get this offense going. He's got to take possessions. But what's the need of Gordon's really caused his problem for the defense. He's a hard guy to keep in front of. Now in his sixth season at the NBA, hard to believe Aaron Gordon is still just 24 years of age. Not much more than some rookies coming in. You wonder what his ceiling will be. This is a high-motive player who gives great effort out there all the time. DeAndre Jordan's checked in for the Nets. Chandler comes in for Karis Lavert. And it's what you're also for Orlando. Augustine's checked in. Nets leading by five. Six. He dishes it to Harris. Here's Augustine bringing up now for the Orlando Magic. Here's Gordon. And he gets the whistle. Two from Jones. Cover measured at the combine. He can dominate inside. And you know what, guys, the scary thing is he's got room to fill out. He's got room to add good muscle and weight to that frame. And once he does, he's going to be a nightmare to deal with. This up. But you're also for Orlando. Augustine's checked in. Foul, if you're tonight. Bomba's composure down there. I mean, even when he's under pressure, he stays aggressive and coughs. And that one falls for Bomba's equal gifts for the game. With the longest wingspan. Seven, nine and a half. And that gives him a huge spare of influence. As good as he hits both of the shots. If you look at Bomba, he can touch the rim while still on the ground. He gets off the ground pretty well too. A good athlete still getting stronger and developing his feel for the game. But he has something you just can't teach. 10-18 passes to Jordan. Clocked five. Here's Clarkston. Augustine. You know, that kind of a selfishness, guys, from Augustine is really infectious. Especially when it's coming from your point guard. He right on. Augustine looking around for the lead. Even he has to this one. Five points in the game. That's as long as Augustine has in this league without smart. Very bright player knows exactly where to run when the break is on. Now, here's Denred. Six points for him. And the Magic lead by two. Now it's a five-point Magic lead. Yeah, and Augustine continues to get it done from deep coming and consistent. Three ball shooter who gets his shot up in a hurt. Clarkston the pass to Chandler. Six on the shot clock. Pass to Clarkston. And they pick up two. Clarkston's got his. 10-18 passes to Clarkston. Why he is such a... not going to give up an easy finish at the rim. I mean, that's against his constitution. 17-6 run. And do not go away as we'll be back in just a few moments with the start of our fourth course coming up next. Action and score points. And it's Tim Whitty in at the point guard position. So that's the lineup for Brooklyn. That's what the rebound. He left shot. The closer he gets to the rim, the more dangerous he is. Here's Augustine shooting fellow as the whistle blows. He'll shoot two free throws in the energy steps. How the hustle game has been going for the Magic. Contested shots and blocked shots. They're bread and butter defensively. They're giving up no easy looks. And also they haven't missed a beat in terms of their fast break game. That's been equally as effective all night long. Excellent teammate and a dependable role player. Veteran presence who could really stroke. And the Magic making the change here as well. Shot with an eyes of ease. Judged into two possession game. Game like this. Well, you, everybody on that bank making a statement for sure. I mean, we'll see if they can maintain that aggressive approach guys. Came downhill trying to score. He puts a lot of pressure on the defense and puts them in a tough spot garden. 22. Ladies and gentlemen, picked out the pass nicely. What a tough make that was by Laverne. Refused to be denied. In great concentration. Outside for me. Chacked up a few kicks to Prince. He's getting to a spot. Shooting a ball with confidence. Excellent turnaround for him. Got his fourth rebound with that last one here tonight. To the inside. Passed here in the fourth. The assist from Paltz. Paltz has got three assists in the game. And up the court. A four point Orlando lead. It's a nasusness of 48 men. It does not matter who's guarding him. He's making it. I'm taking it. And so he's picked up his 5-5. That position. If there's one spot on the floor where they can afford to move somebody. That would probably be it. That free throw. No good. And you look at Keras Laverne. Clark out of Michigan. Six foot seven and a tremendous athlete. Kevin, he's one of my favorite players over the last handful of years coming out of college. He had some injury issues his last two seasons at Michigan. But he's an excellent two way player. Outstanding energy. And aggressiveness. Makes all kinds of plays at both ends of the floor. And plays the game the right way. Good on the second. Keras Laverne had a few surgeries before entering the NBA. But took kind of a unique step in writing an open letter to NBA GMs telling them physically he'd be ready for the lead. And you know what? He was right. Oh, here's Gordon. I'm asking good on the assist from Pulse. I love how he establishes his post position inside before he comes. Dinnity issues to Keras. Just five on the clock. For a free miss. He's having a really ugly game. Yeah. Next one puts them on the line so they've got to be careful the rest of the way. Exceptively strong inside. Markel Folt. Not messing around. He doesn't care who's in front of it. It's kind of called the Nets. Great performance by Evan Fournier. And he's just torturing them right now. A good decision to huddle off kind of hit the reset button and figure out how to slow his roll. And that said coach was going over with his team. You warned them they've got to get back and transition. They said they've given up way too many fast break points. And he said we have to slow the pace of the game down and force them into taking some tough shots. Evan. And since half time he has since been ice cold. Just can't seem to get anything to go his way. How's it business? And thus far they've managed to over the knocking down the three guys. So the premier three point gunners in the NBA. Joe Hamlin. Trailing by four. Too many. And since half time he just doesn't have a clue when he comes to shoot. And there have been some terrible shot choices here. Knife through that defense, getting a head of steam on his way to the basket and busting that dunk home. Points now this quarter. He didn't have a single point in the first half. Bagel, zero points. He's starting to get into the groove here in the second. Gordon with it basket by Gordon. You know he was a non-factor in that first half but now he's making it up for lost time. Here's Denwood. He had stolen buzz. Is it how you want to close the gap? It's outside the yard. 6 and 15. Crazy numbers guys. Believe me I was a good rebounder in my day. It is not easy to corral that many boards in one night. Take a break. Take a break. And warm up. But that looked to me guys like a heat check. It was maybe a step out of his range. So now it's a 7 point game. Front pass to the arc. That shot, no good. It gets you. They still talk. And that about that's it up. For Clark Kellogg, Brick Anthony and David Olke, Sparks Group thanking you for tuning in. See you later.