Tony Battie News

By Zach Lowe , CelticsHub.com @ December 1st, 12:04 pm As the calendar turns to December and Big Baby's return date nears, there is actually some debate about whether Davis should have to compete with Shelden Williams for back-up minutes.

Vince Carter spoke softly, at barely more than a whisper, keeping his voice from being conspicuous in the silent visitors' locker room at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte the other day.

New Jersey Nets head coach Lawrence Frank is probably feeling the heat with his team off to a franchise-worst 0-8 start.

Even if Vince Carter and all the points he brings returns to the lineup tonight, the big early-season issue for the Orlando Magic isn't offense.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points, Russell Westbrook added 17 points and 10 assists and the Oklahoma City Thunder ran away from the Orlando Magic in the second half Sunday night for a 102-74 victory.

Vince Carter, left, is off to a strong start through two games with coach Stan Van Gundy's Magic.

Courtney Lee has looked at Dwight Howard from both sides now. And no matter where the view comes from, Lee's assessment is that the guy is great.

Some highlights from the Magic tenures of Rafer Alston , Tony Battie and Courtney Lee: Alston Hello, Magic : Alston was traded to Orlando from Houston on Feb.

Rashard Lewis stood up and addressed his teammates the first day the Orlando Magic gathered this season, delivering a message that gave the happy-go-lucky session a more serious tone.

Orlando Magic forward Vince Carter, left, puts up a shot in front of Indiana Pacers center Solomon Jones during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, Oct.

The Vince Carter acquired by the Magic this summer is a mellowed 32-year-old who would just as soon spin a layup deftly off the glass or, better still, set one up for a teammate.

In light of what we know , the Magic deal was probably the best deal the Nets were offered for Vince Carter and the $37.64 million he has left on his contract.

In an effort to bring you headlines in the timeliest fashion possible, we're moving the Morning Buzz back a few hours.

Stan Van Gundy likes playing the no-respect card. He loves to remind reporters of the times they've doubted his team.

All 30 NBA teams will have started training camp. So, this is the ideal time to look ahead.

Among the guys who will get extra playing time in Rashard Lewis's absence is Ryan Anderson, a forgotten man except for a few days during Summer League.

A club that will resemble a traveling all-star show now with Vince Carter on board already has heard the team slogan for this season -- and it embraces no egos: Grab A Handle.

COMING Vince Carter: 6-6 G Brandon Bass: 6-8 F Matt Barnes: 6-7 F Jason Williams: 6-1 G Ryan Anderson: 6-10 F GOING Hedo Turkoglu: 6-10 F Courtney Lee: 6-5 G Rafer Alston: 6-1 G Tony Battie: 6-10 F/C The Magic's season-opening roster will include at least five new players, including two new starters.

Summer vacation ends for the Orlando Magic players when the team begins training camp Tuesday at its practice facility at the RDV Sportsplex in Maitland.

These are dangerous grounds that the Magic traverse. This team defied preseason expectations and made through Boston and Cleveland en route to the NBA Finals.