Otis Smith, President of Basketball Operations with the Orlando Magic, was recently asked if Daniel Orton could end up in Orlando’s D-League team in Albuquerque?
Smith had this to say about Orton |
[QUOTE]“It’s more likely than it’s been the past few years,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith. “If we have four or five nights where we’re away then we might send them down for a couple games so they can get some games in.[/QUOTE]
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Smith goes on to say
[QUOTE]“I’ve always found that practicing (with our team) and learning our system is the best,” said Smith. “Minor leagues for big guys are tough. It’s not very good for big guys. I’ve just never found it to be, so it’s kind of hard for me to send a big guy to the minor leagues where he’s not going to touch the ball and he’s not going to work on our stuff.” [/QUOTE]
Another obstacle to Orton being sent to D-League is Orlando believes he still needs to build up his strength and spend time rehabbing his knee.
[QUOTE]“He’s a ways away physically,” Smith explained. “That’s the first hurdle with him. It’s not necessarily about going to play in the D-League; it’s about getting his knee back to 100 percent to where he never rehabbed it back from when he was with Kentucky. So we’re not going to be in a hurry to send him anywhere.” [/QUOTE]
For now, it appears Daniel will not be assigned to the D-League. I know I’ve talked to a couple of Cat fans who truly felt Orton spending time in the D-League would benefit him in his development. Yes, he would get more playing time, but like Smith said, “Minor leagues for big guys are tough. It’s not very good for big guys.”
If you’ve ever watched a D-League game, and admittedly I have, it’s a lot of up and down individual play, almost like a Summer pick up game, more individualism then team play.
I agree with Smith that Daniel will benefit more from playing daily against Dwight Howard then anyone he would match up against in the D-League. Rehab and one on one against one of the best big men should only allow Daniel’s game to grow and his skill to shine as he gains confidence in himself and the system he’s playing within.
Go Cats!!!
Full story [URL=”http://www.nba.com/magic/news/savage_rookie_dleague_development_081610.html”]HERE…[/URL]
