Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Practice Interviews NBA London 2016

By jamesplowright

The Orlando Magic practice at O2 Arena ahead of their game against the Toronto Raptors in London, England. Photo by James Plowright.
The Orlando Magic practice at O2 Arena ahead of their game against the Toronto Raptors in London, England. Photo by James Plowright. /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic have arrived in London for the NBA London game against the Toronto Raptors. They met the media Wednesday ahead of the big game.

NBA London 2016 got into full swing today, @JPlowright_NBA attended the Magic’s practice, managing to get video and interviews with a number of the players.

Most topics below go in chronological order of the interview questions, so if you are interested to hear more about the Magic’s trip to London then keep checking back at Orlando Magic Daily.

Orlando Magic Daily were able to gain footage of the Magic’s practice at the 02 Arena, especially at the 1:15 mark you can hear some of the details Skiles is communicating to the defensive team.

Below are interviews from after the media session.

Aaron Gordon

  • His poor gambling skills.
  • On if it would have been better two play two games in London.
  • On a potential European Franchise.
  • What the Magic have to do to win tomorrow.
  • Will the London trip help with team bonding?
  • Do you enjoy playing outside the U.S.?
  • UPDATE on Gordon’s sprained ankle.
  • On his recent increased minutes.
  • How different is this years defensive system compared to last year.
  • How his London trip has been so far.
  • How important mix tapes were in building his career.
  • If Gordon would like to participate in the dunk contest.

Andrew Nicholson

  • Nicholson’s strong start to the year.
  • The importance of playing international competitions for Canada.
  • On the Magic’s strong start to the year.
  • How was training camp under Skiles compared to Vaughn
  • Evolution as a 3-point shooter & post player.
  • Who is the best post player in the league right now?
  • Nicholson’s London experience so far.
  • Victor Oladipo‘s love for Harry Potter

Mario Hezonja

  • Random question in Spanish, can someone translate?
  • Hezonja’s rookie hazing so far.
  • Hezonja’s court in Croatia (Picture shown).
  • Will Mario enter the dunk contest?
  • More Spanish questions.

Scott Skiles

  • First day of practice in London.
  • What it means to represent the NBA in London.
  • The difference from the regular season schedule.
  • Update on Elfrid Payton‘s status
  • The Magic’s recent form.
  • Update on Aaron Gordon’s ankle sprain.
  • How the team are adjusting from the jet-lag & yesterday’s cancelled practice.
  • On if the Magic could make the second round of the playoffs.
  • The Eastern Conference playoff race.
  • The adjustment from being a young lottery team to a playoff team.
  • Mario Hezonja’s progress so far
  • The combination of Harris/Gordon on the floor together & small ball.
  • The potential for lineup changes going forward.
  • The presence of Shaq and his effect at NBA London 1993
  • Hezonja’s coachability, work rate and point-guard skills.
  • If Skiles has approached this job any differently to Milwaukee or Chicago.

Tobias Harris

  • On the NBA Playing games in London.
  • Potential NBA division in Europe.
  • Guess at a name of a London NBA Team.
  • Idris Elba – NBA Owner.
  • On the potential to travel to Europe regularly for NBA games.
  • On shortening the NBA season.

Victor Oladipo

  • On Payton’s return to the team.
  • How Oladipo helped Payton get through his injury.
  • How bigger game is this against the Raptors?