Orlando Magic News & Notes: What’s Next?

Dwight Howard was not happy about the way the Magic went out in Game 6.

"C Dwight Howard was less than pleased that teammates played one-on-one basketball, diverting from the game-plan Friday night in the third quarter after the Celtics made a run.“They made a run and we stopped playing our game,” Howard said. “Everybody wanted to do it on their own. That’s not what got us back to Game 6. You know, just everybody wanted to do it by themselves.“In a situation like this, you’ve got to keep fighting. They made their runs, and everybody started to hang their heads.”"

Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel has that story here.

Howard also made some interesting comments about his teammates.

"“We’ve got to learn from our mistakes,” Howard said. “Next year, we’ve got to have guys who are willing to give everything they’ve got to get wins.”Howard’s message to management was clear: His current cast is not equipped to deal with a veteran group as tough and as focused as the Celtics.“In a series like this, it’s not about skill or talent because it’s the Eastern Conference championship. Both teams are talented and skilled,” Howard said. “It’s about who wants it the most, and who is willing to do it for a series. Those guys (Celtics) played like they wanted to win the championship. That’s why they are in the position they are now.”"

Tim Povtak of NBA Fanhouse has that story here.

The Magic could potentially lose two key players – wings J.J. Redick and Matt Barnes. Redick said that he wants to remain with the Magic.

"Because Redick will be a restricted free agent, the Magic will have the right to match any offer sheet Redick could sign with another club. Still, Redick indicated to the Sentinel that he hopes to agree to a deal with the Magic once the free-agent negotiating period begins on July 1.Players can’t sign free-agent deals until July 8.“Hopefully, there won’t be a decision to make,” Redick said. “Hopefully, we’ll get something done with Orlando. That’s what I hope. That’s what I’ve said all along. I want to be back. I love this team. I love this organization. I love the people here. It’s my home. So, hopefully, there won’t have to be a decision. Hopefully, it will be a no-brainer.”"

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel has that story here.

The Magic were obviously very disappointed after Game 6.

"Nelson and Howard, the two players who stayed out on the bench last June to watch the Lakers’ championship celebration, refused to let go of the title hopes until Friday’s final horn. Together, the two longest-tenured players on the Magic showed the best kind of leadership two co-captains can – by playing with tremendous energy and an unbreakable will.But all that was left at the end was another lesson to learn for two captains who thought they finally had the correct pieces around them to hold the Larry O’Brien trophy aloft in mid-June.“It’s just so disappointing because we put so much into this season,’’ Nelson said. “We’re upset about falling short of our goal to win it all. We just dug ourselves too big of a hole and I can’t even really get into the level of pain we’re all in now. I know everyone in this locker room put everything into it. Our coaching staff, our management and our players put everything into it. We’re upset, but now we’ve just got to wait till next season to try and do it all over again.’’"

John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com has that story here.

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel argues Orlando’s season was not a failure.

"If you want to read this morning about how the coach should be fired, the roster should be overhauled and construction of the new arena should be halted immediately, you’re in the wrong place. If you want to read how Van Gundy should be replaced by Phil Jackson, Rashard Lewis should be traded for LeBron James and Vince Carter should be dealt for Chris Bosh, go to the message boards and have at it.Not going to happen here. In fact, I’m going to write something that is so totally unheard of in this do-or-die, all-or-nothing, championship-or-bust sports world that it might get me kicked out of National Nattering Nabob of Negativity Association. Are you ready for this?I think the Magic had a pretty darn good season."

You can read that story here.

(Andrew Melnick is Howard the Dunk’s lead blogger, a contributor on the Fansided Front Page and on Sir Charles In Charge. Subscribe to his RSS feed and add him on Twitter to follow him daily. You can download the HTD app here).