Ok. Fine, **near* perfect.
Nevertheless, as an Orlando Magic fan, you have to be impressed with how this young, talented group handled the NBA preseason. In the preseason finale, the Magic snuffed out a fiery attack by the visiting Cavaliers, 114-108.
Our rookie star, Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with a 17-point performance, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. However, the line-up that ended up sealing the come-back win on Friday night didn’t feature number five. R.J. Hampton, Caleb Houstan Kevon Harris, Devin Cannady, and Admiral Schofield, entered in the fourth quarter to hold off an aggressive Cleveland team.
PRESEASON NOTES.
Last season, we were the youngest team in the NBA, and it still shows. Throughout all four games this preseason, we’ve come out strong, energetic and fast.
T-ROSS: THE HERO WE NEED, AND DESERVE.
On a personal note, I think I’m finally ready to purchase a new Magic jersey. I know that sounds bad, but hear me out. We’ve seen plenty of the great players come to Orlando in recent years, but hardly ever any continuity.
Traditionally, Orlando receives a player that I’m excited about (ex: Vince Carter, Serge Ibaka, Victor Oladipo, etc.) and right as I’m about to go purchase a jersey – they’re gone. Traded, or allowed to walk away from the City Beautiful. Business is business, but how many times are we going to send the face of our franchise away? Or miss an opportunity to give a retiring fan favorite his flowers, and a final standing ovation for all the good memories (I’m looking at you, JJ.)
That being said: Terrance Ross, the eldest member of the Orlando Magic (31), and wily old veteran mentor for our exceedingly youthful cast of rising stars, should be protected at all costs. If not for his shooting, his presence in the locker room, or his amazing twitch streaming – then for being here, when we needed him. His leadership has been instrumental in our rotation, and team development. Give T-Ross his flowers.
The Magic, who went 4-1 in the preseason with four consecutive wins, open the regular season against the Pistons Wednesday in Detroit. In fact, we won’t see the Magic in Amway Center until October, 22.
THE CONVERSATION.