THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (10/01/10)

(Out With The Old)

The Orlando Magic's new 18,500 capacity Amway Center is almost open for business. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy also helped 200 employees who gave the place a Spring clean. The stadium looks incredible with plush seats and dinner tables available for reservation during events. Expect a lot of couples complaining that their dates aren't looking them in the eye and expect a lot of food to look like it's needed to be sent back when patrons spit their foot out in reaction to a Dwight Howard block or jam. The arena is almost three times the square feet of the Magic's old home. There are bars, retail outlets, cafes and even a nightclub. It's a good job Ron Artest doesn't play for the Magic. The place not only raises the foundations but raises the bar for other American sports venues. Make that a double, double for Dwight Howard.



In injury relates news talented Australian Bucks forward Andrew Bogut has been cleared to play in Milwaukee's offseason for the first time since that horrific arm injury. Meanwhile in his contract year, powerful, passionate Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin isn't risking anything by taking his return from knee rehab slow like John Legend. Kenyon isn't looking to pull a Carmelo but he is still unhappy that Denver signed Al Harrington with a breathing space of three years when they could have offered that deal to him. Kenyon is more than Loreal on this one, he's more than worth it. Also Antwan Jamison isn't pulling a LeBron James on Cleveland but the forward is being kept out of the team for now with knee troubles. It's hard to believe this guys 34 but it's still even harder to believe that LeBron will no longer pull on the wine and gold so it's time for 'Twan to drink up and mine for this Ohio side as he'll have to shoulder more of the burden. All that aside these three players are needed back A.S.A.P.



There are options aplenty for teams right now in the NBA and managers aren't afraid to exercise them. The Toronto Raptors scored a slam dunk withjust that on the contract of their third-year swingman DeMar DeRozan. This will ink the talented player through the 2011-12 season.The 6-foot-7, 220-pounder DeMar averaged 8.6 points and 2.9 rebounds last season. The Orlando Magic have also kept their options with shooter Ryan Anderson open. The 22 year old former 22ND pick of the 2008 NBA draft averaged 7.7 points last season. He hopes to continue his valuable form for at least another year. TIM DAVID HARVEY.