Penny & Pops Podcast - Magicbasketballonline.com

This is our Orlando Magic pre-draft, pre-free agency episode, but it’s also going to be a review of the Jeff Weltman and John Hammond front office regime. WeltHamm have sort of reached that fork in the road where they have to be decisive on a path moving forward. They were hired in May 2017, so they’ve had 3 full seasons of being in charge. Going into their 4th campaign now, we’re at the point where they have to show more progress than this Magic team just barely being a playoff team in the East. Who should stay? Who should go? Trade ideas, draft pick preferences, and more! #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Songs: WIN – Jay Rock

It only makes sense that the return of ‘Magical Movies’ would involve the only other Bucks-Magic playoff series between the two franchises. We’re going back to 2001. Game 3, Magic trying to avoid a beat-of-5 series sweep. We played the first 2 games in Milwaukee fairly close. This Game 3 at home is owned by a 21-year-old Tracy McGrady who racks up a 42-point near triple-double performance in the Magic overtime win. T-MAC accepts his Most Improved Player award before tip-off. This is a very physical game. There’s even a scuffle in front of the Magic bench. Darrell Armstrong, Pat Garrity, and Dee Brown bring the support in this 121-116 OT thriller. Full Game (TNT Broadcast; audio and video is not as crisp): https://youtu.be/wAWa8Y_vjkQ Slightly Chopped Down Game (Sunshine Network Magic Broadcast; great audio and video): https://youtu.be/nuxnWhM79kU (Please, NBA, don’t take these down. We don’t own them, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxs

They did it again! Orlando upset Toronto last year in Game 1 as the 7th seed. It was an even bigger mountain to climb on neutral soil as the 8th seed Orlando Magic claimed victory over the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks 122-110 on Tuesday afternoon. 16-of-41 3-point shooting proved to be the difference. Nikola Vucevic exorcised some Marc Gasol demons to post 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists on 15-of-24 shooting against a very frustrated Brook Lopez. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 31 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists didn’t prove enough for a favorite that was out-worked, out-hustled, and out-played for one game. Markelle Fultz was wonderful in his first playoff start (15 points, 6 assists). Steve Clifford’s support players (James Ennis, Gary Clark, Wes Iwundu, Khem Birch) truly picked up the slack for some of their colleagues. The basketball world has been shocked as it’s Orlando up 1-0. Now what? #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Songs: WIN – Jay Rock

The Orlando Magic concluded their 2019-2020 regular season with a 33-40 record including going 3-5 in their NBA Bubble ‘seeding’ games at Disney World. As the 8th seed in the East, the Magic have the tall task of taking on the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks who finished with the best record in the league at 56-17. Orlando lost all 4 regular season matchups, though various circumstances have rendered those meetings as not very informative going into this playoff series. Can the Magic find a way to prove all of the doubters wrong and make any type of impact in this series? #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Songs: Daylight - Randy Edelman Roundball Rock - John Tesh WIN – Jay Rock

The Orlando Magic have lost 4 in a row since their 2-0 bubble start. Jonathan Isaac had his knee surgery. Aaron Gordon, Michael Carter-Williams, and Evan Fournier have missed time from the floor. Mo Bamba revealed he had COVID-19 and has not seen any court time the past two contests. Now Terrence Ross has left the bubble. When it rains, it pours. Brooklyn, led by former Magic coach and player Jacques Vaughn, locked up the 7th seed. That means Orlando will be the 8th seed this 2020 postseason. We’re playing Milwaukee. The events of the past week are discussed as this Magic team appears deflated. #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

The elation Magic fans had seeing the return of Jonathan Isaac to the court a week ago has now been replaced with horror. J.I. tore his ACL in the second ‘seeding’ game Sunday evening v. the Kings. This is going to change the team’s long-term plans as JI’s track record of ankle and knee issues have to be factored into that outlook. The Magic are 2-0 though in the Disney World village, scoring at a blistering pace so far in the seeding games, and holding a slight lead over Brooklyn for the 7th seed. This week will be a huge test and will probably determine how much of a threat (or non-threat) Orlando will be in the playoffs. Get well soon, J.I. #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

The games start counting now. Scrimmages are over. The great news for the Orlando Magic is they have the services of Jonathan Isaac again as the team will hope their roster continuity assists them in the Disney World bubble. What’s the Magic’s best 5-man lineup? We discuss the village setup and give our record predictions for the Magic’s eight seeding games in two weeks as the quest for the East’s 7th seed begins. #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

The NBA is so far successfully acclimating itself to village life at Disney World as COVID-19 issues rage outside its bubble across the state of Florida. That means Orlando Magic basketball is back with three scrimmages and those 8 regular season restart seeding games coming our way. The chase for the 7th seed in the East is on. What would you bring with you if you had to be in the bubble for 4 months? Could Jonathan Isaac actually play? Stan Van Gundy by himself is trying to salvage 2020 with his Twitter presence. #LetsGoMagic #MagicAboveAll Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

The NBA appears to be settling on concluding the 2019-2020 campaign at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in a single-venue campus/village/bubble environment with games being played beginning in July and August without fans in attendance. The Coronavirus is likely going to be an issue now and for the 2020-2021 campaign. With that in mind, we discuss our preferences - based off of Pops’ outlined plan - for how the NBA should return to play during the times of COVID-19 while also factoring in future changes (some very radical). It’s a tricky balancing act for all professional sports globally of maintaining safety while earning and retaining as much revenue as possible. The rumored options/ideas that have been shared by the league and media are also discussed when it comes to the regular season, playoffs, and how many of the 30 NBA teams should participate. Does a soccer style group stage round robin make more sense for the playoffs than a play-in tournament? Pops’ COVID-19 NBA Plan for ’19-

‘Magical Movies’ features a Hedo Turkoglu (24 points) bank shot winner that topped off a 9-0 run in the final two minutes of a 109-108 win for the Orlando Magic on the road in Rose Garden Arena over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 9, 2008. It’s a contest that Brandon Roy (30 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (25 points) should have won for the home side. Rashard Lewis (27 points), Jameer Nelson (21 points), and of course the Turkish Michael Jordan all hit key shots in a fantastic contest. Full Game (Portland’s Comcast SportsNet broadcast): https://youtu.be/hGjoCVGyTgs (Please, NBA, don’t take these down. We don’t own them, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200812090POR.html The game audio highlights (1:21) and game summary (3:28) are followed by the handing out of awards. The categories: • The Jack ‘Sweater Vest Guy’ Nelson Fashion award (15:23) • Most Magical Momentum Move (18:26) • The Brian Hill Clipboard Smashing Play of t

“Don’t cool ‘em off, T-MAC! Don’t blow on those fingers! I don’t want you to cool off!” ‘Magical Movies’ is back with a Tracy McGrady offensive clinic. A 110-96 win for the Orlando Magic at home inside the TD Waterhouse Centre over the Chicago Bulls on February 21, 2003. The game is played immediately after GM John Gabriel deals away Tracy’s best friend Mike Miller to the Memphis Grizzlies for Drew Gooden and Gordan Giricek at the trade deadline. Mac Daddy is mad and scored 52 points on 15-of-32 FGs, 6-of-13 3PTs, and 16-of-20 FTs in just 32:48 of on-court action, sitting out the entire 4th period. Drew Gooden (22 points and 11 rebounds) and Gordan Giricek (15 points) have great Magic debuts. Full Game (Magic Sunshine Network broadcast, best option): https://youtu.be/ehjw5DyHAao Full Game (Magic broadcast, secondary option, longer but audio not as good): https://youtu.be/khIC7TDTRpU (Please, NBA, don’t take these down. We don’t own them, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://ww

‘Magical Movies’ is back with an emotional 96-94 win for the Orlando Magic at home inside the O-rena over the Los Angeles Lakers on February 22, 1998. Nick Anderson drops a game-high 30 points, the game-winning 3-pointer, shows off his Merton Hanks duck walk, and gets a small dose of revenge against Shaquille O’Neal. Derek Harper, Bo Outlaw, Danny Schayes, Horace Grant, and Derek Strong bring the support. This is Shaq’s first game in Orlando as a Laker after departing the franchise in 1996. Shaq has a quiet 20 points and 10 rebounds. Young Kobe Bryant provides 18 points off their bench. NBA on NBC intro (1:21): https://youtu.be/N_54B6L373M Entire Game minus the first 5 minutes (NBA on NBC broadcast): https://youtu.be/4GyQ8N3gzHk (Please, NBA, don’t take these down. We don’t own them, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199802220ORL.html The game audio highlights (4:19) and game summary (5:32) are followed by the handing out of award

‘Magical Movies’ returns with an unbelievable 106-104 comeback win for the Orlando Magic at home inside Amway Arena over the soon-to-be champion San Antonio Spurs on February 9, 2007. It’s a Magic team finding its way with Brian Hill coaching, a 21-year-old Dwight Howard saving the game with a huge block and then winning it on a sky-high inbound alley-oop slam, Jameer Nelson going berserk on his 25th birthday with a massive 31-point game, and rookie J.J. Redick has the game of his career at that moment. Entire game on YouTube (Spurs broadcast): https://youtu.be/ZdivvM5MqHc Highlights of the comeback (Magic broadcast): https://youtu.be/-2EzZTpW1Pk Game-winner (High Quality - Magic broadcast): https://youtu.be/l1tkPzRgNRc (Please, NBA, don’t take these down. We don’t own them, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200702090ORL.html The game audio highlights (0:52) and game summary (4:22) are followed by the handing out of awards. The

The debut of ‘Magical Movies’. We find a clip of an old game in its entirety, watch it, but instead of breaking down the game, we have categories and hand out awards. It’s a fun way to look at how the Magic used to be and enjoy the nostalgia. It all begins with a thrilling 106-98 win for the Orlando Magic at home in O-rena over the defending champion and 3-peat seeking Chicago Bulls on December 10, 1997. It’s an injured Magic team without Penny Hardaway and Nick Anderson handing Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson an ‘L’. Entire game on YouTube: https://youtu.be/J7fvO39MJrE (Please, NBA, don’t take this down. We don’t own it, let your fans watch some great basketball) The box score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199712100ORL.html • The Jack ‘Sweater Vest Guy’ Nelson Fashion award (14:52) • Most Magical Momentum Move (16:32) • The Brian Hill Clipboard Smashing Play of the Game (19:44) • The Richie Adubato Best Broadcast Moment (22:56) • The Brian Cook Heat Check award (27:54) • The Olumid

The 24-31 Orlando Magic are hopefully refreshed coming off the All-Star Break. The 8th seed in the East is 2-0 with James Ennis on the floor, much needed since it came after losing 7 of eight contests. Aaron Gordon getting robbed of another All-Star dunk contest title is of course a topic. Can the Magic take their outrage and motivate themselves to a strong push into the playoffs? The Ringer rolled out two podcasts about Dwight Howard as well as Game 4 of the 2009 Finals, and we have notes. The Magic have the land now to build a new training/health center within downtown Orlando. There’s also discussion on airline seat reclining etiquette. During recording, a D.J. Augustin news update breaks that has him returning to the court very soon. If you’re going to the game against the Dallas Mavericks, please give Darrell Armstrong an immense standing ovation for his Magic Hall of Fame induction. D.A. had the ‘Flash’ nickname before Dwyane Wade. #MagicAboveAll #LetsGoMagic Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay

Part 2 of Pops’ Los Angeles trip continues with a Paramount film studio tour, breweries, and the Grand Central Market. It’s tough to avoid greediness. After Orlando took down the Lakers at Staples Center, the 2nd night of the back-to-back ended in defeat at the hands of Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers. The Magic are currently 20-22, still the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference, and 2-2 on this six-game road trip. Steve Clifford’s squad is already down a true backup power forward (Gary Clark on a 10-day contract doesn’t count), and the roster could be in desperate need of a backup point guard as D.J. Augustin will be sidelined at least three weeks with Michael Carter-Williams still not having returned. #MagicAboveAll #LetsGoMagic Warning: Adult Language

Reporting from Los Angeles, Pops details a busy first vacation day capped off by a Markelle Fultz triple-double performance. Orlando disposes of the Lakers on their own Staples Center court. The Magic did it short-handed yet again. Steve Clifford’s squad is now 2-1 on this West road trip and this Magic squad have a win-loss record of 20-21 midway through the NBA regular season. Rolling out guys like B.J. Johnson and Gary Clark, it was really impressive to see the Lakers’ 9-game win streak snapped. #MagicAboveAll #LetsGoMagic Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

Following a beautiful blowout of the Washington Wizards, the Orlando Magic are currently 18-20 and the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing Jonathan Isaac until at least March to start 2020, Al-Farouq Aminu for the rest of the regular season, and still missing Michael Carter-Williams due to a shoulder injury, Orlando is 4-1 to start the month of January. #MagicAboveAll #LetsGoMagic Warning: Adult Language Song: WIN – Jay Rock

Orlando is 12-17 so far this 2019-2020 regular season. Enough for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, but not meeting expectations of a squad that should be on the rise. The Magic have been roughed up by injuries and inconsistent play. We give out Christmas presents to Magic players that can improve their performance. 3:40 – The Magic’s orange ‘City’ jerseys grow on you like leeches. 7:29 – Darrell Armstrong deservedly will be the 9th person inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame. 10:46 – What is the most glaring weakness on this Magic team currently? 13:24 - Is it time to trade Aaron Gordon? 22:16 - Evan Fournier is the Magic’s leading scorer. The Magic will have to make a decision soon long term with him as he’s playing for a new contract. 29:01 - Did Terrence Ross switching from jersey #31 to #8 inevitably doom him? 37:01 - Jonathan Isaac is a defensive force and may be ready for more offensive touches. Is Aaron Gordon harming him? 41:54 - Markelle Fultz is the truth. Imagine what he’ll be o

0:40 – Going over the Magic’s 3-3 preseason as well as notable Orlando news that has occurred since the start of training camp. 6:07 – Chuma Okeke is officially receiving a ‘red shirt’ as the Magic are putting their 16th NBA Draft pick to the side for the campaign. 10:01 – Focusing in on the Magic’s 13th main players, the player questions and observations begin with Nikola Vucevic and the center position. Will Vooch be an All-Star again in 2020? 16:59 - Switching focus to the forwards: Will Aaron Gordon make the All-Star leap? 22:01 - Did Al-Farouq Aminu’s preseason play most mimic what we’ll likely see from him in the regular season? 25:14 - Will Jonathan Isaac finally be officially listed as a 7-footer? 27:19 - Should Wes Iwundu ask for a trade? Why is Michael Carter-Williams getting his minutes? Should either of them expand Steve Clifford’s rotation from nine to 10 men? 32:21 - Will Evan Fournier shave his head entirely? 35:24 - Does Terrence Ross receive 6th Man of the Year hype early? 39:46