Joseph D'Amico
Info Plays
Larry Cook began betting sports in the early 80's and took his fair share of bumps and bruises before he learned what it takes to win consistently as a sports bettor.
Bryan Leonard
Owner of Bryan Leonard Sports for the last 28 years.
Johnny Banks
Johnny Banks has been betting on sports successfully for several years and in 2009 he decided to take his sports picks public to help the average sports bettor beat the books.
Rocky Atkinson
My Handicapping and Betting Philosophy: I use my own unique power ratings for each sport along with trend analysis, stats and line value.
Orlando Overhauls Roster to Provide Magic on the Court by Joe D’Amico
The Orlando Magic wasted no time with making some changes to stop the current slide, having lost six of their last seven games. The Magic started the season off strong at 15-4 but that went south over the last seven games and know sit at 16-10. Their rivals, the Miami Heat, have been on fire winning 12 straight games and are leading the division by 3 ½ games. The Magic made two trades with the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns to give their roster a new and old look. The talk is that the move was not only for this season but also for the summer of 2012 when Dwight Howard becomes an unrestricted free agent.
The New look to the team was trading the overpaid Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizard for the rights to guard Gilbert Arenas. Lewis has been solid for the Magic but not spectacular in his time in Orlando. Since getting to the finals in 2009 his production has declined and he is currently scoring just 12.2 points per contest, the lowest since the second year in league.
In comes Gilbert Arenas and his troubles off the court. Many critics are voicing their opinion that Gilbert, and his big contract, may be more of a distraction than a plus for the Magic. Arenas was suspended 50 games last season for a gun controversy in the Wizard’s locker room. Orlando president of basketball operations Otis Smith claims to have no concerns regarding Arenas’ reputation. Smith was with Arenas when he broke into the league with Golden State back in 2001. Smith worked in the Warriors’ front office. Arenas will come off the bench and will have to find quick chemistry with his new backcourt mates. Arenas does bring size to the point guard position at 6’4” that will help on the defensive end against the bigger point guards in the league. Orlando’s point guard Jameer Nelson is a very good player but listed at 6’0”, but is actually closer to 5’10”, and is a liability against taller opponents.
The one-dimensional Vince Carter was sent packing for Phoenix where he will have enjoy getting the opportunity to run up and down the court with less focus on defense. Hedo Turkuglo, and his big contract, will return to Orlando. Turkuglo left after the 2009 season in the free agent market to cash in a big check. He has not played as well since his departure and in turn, the Magic have not been as a good of a team. Shooting guard Jason Richardson adds depth to a much-improved backcourt with Nelson and Arenas.
The trades were actually a complete overhaul for the Magic. It was a bold move but one that needed to be made. The Miami Heat are living up to the billing of the Big Three and the Boston Celtics have been invincible despite a rash of injuries since the beginning of the season. Dwight Howard has been adamant about winning a championship and the Magic needed to surround him with quality players in order to get the trophy. It make take a few games, but the Magic have pulled a few tricks that will have them better able to compete come playoff time in June and keep Superman in Orlando.
