The Magic of this era and the Rockets of yesteryear are proof of this phenomenon.PLAYER P GP GS MIN PTS RB BL AS FG 3P FT ST TO PF EF Trends, styles and philosophies change in the short term, but over time, successful strategies are eventually recycled. With just over a decade between these teams, their similarities prove that the NBA is cyclical. They simply go about it in different ways. He was the calm and cool voice of reason who led his players by setting an example of professionalism.īoth coaches have had success at what they do. Stan Van Gundy is an outspoken and boisterous coach who takes pressure off of his players by drawing attention to himself. While the two coaches share the same philosophy, they go about it in very different ways. This leads to the one major difference between these teams: the Head Coach. They also featured unsung hero and three-point specialist Matt Bullard, who made many key shots during their championship runs (a la Turkoglu for the Magic). Their ability to play in the post and behind the arc, and still play adequate defense is perfect in what the Magic are trying to do.Ī young forward with an outside touch named Robert Horry took the league by storm in the playoffs and parlayed his performance into a huge paycheck two years later (before being traded to the Suns for one Charles Barkley). These are two multi-skilled, great shooting matchup nightmares for opponents. Later, they added one of the greatest offensive weapons of all time in Clyde Drexler.Īt the forward positions, the Magic have Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis. The Rockets first had sharpshooter Vernon Maxwell. ![]() The Magic feature the young slasher Courtney Lee and the defensive minded outside shooter Michael Pietrus. The shooting guard position is incredibly similar as well. Both were also adept at getting to the rim and drawing away defenders from the shooters. They were able to run the offense and shoot from distance. The Rockets were led by the veteran Kenny Smith and exciting young rookie Sam Cassel. ![]() Alston has taken over the reigns and provided stability and great outside shooting. Even when he's not getting touches, he is on the offensive glass, getting easy dunks on put-backs and drawing a crowd at all times.Īt the point guard position the Magic are led by Rafer Alston and, until his injury, Jameer Nelson. Howard is still more than serviceable in his role in the offense. Olajawon was a much more dominant force offensively and one of the great post players of all time (anyone remember the 'dream shake')? ![]() The Rockets were better on the inside part of this equation, while the Magic have better shooters. Both teams have proven prolific in this strategy. A pass out of the post and strong ball movement leads to a clean look for three point shots. As the defense is drawn to the big man, inevitably shooters become open.
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