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• More from ESPN.com: TrueHoop on a rough afternoon for Howard

The Celtics swiped home-court advantage from the Magic in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, in part because Vince Carter was the only person in a Magic uniform who could hit a shot. Carter finished with 23 points, one more than fellow 1998 draft alum Paul Pierce, to continue his strong postseason run.

When the Magic traded Courtney Lee and spare parts to the Nets for Vince Carter after last season, essentially replacing Hedo Turkolgu with the fifth pick from the 1998 NBA draft, fans of the Magic weren't exactly unanimous in their support. Here's a sampling of what SportsNation commenters had to say at the time.

• "DON'T DO IT MAGIC!!!!! I agree that I'd rather have Courtney Lee and whatever money the Magic have left over, instead of 'Half-Man, Half-A-Season' Vince Carter. Most people don't remember that VC is from central Florida, which might help a small bit, but he has NEVER been a winner in the NBA and only looks out for one person. I do NOT like this move -- Lee is setting himself up to be one of the best role players in the league for future years, while Carter is riding out his career as a selfish 'me-first-and-me-las t' product of the mid-90s." -- eatsleepredsox
• "BIG BIG BIG MISTAKE. I dont even like reading that this deal is being considered. Lee will be an all star in a few years and he will be someone we can build around with Howard and Jameer still at all star level. Carter is a washed up has been. He doesnt even try out there. He takes most nights off and doesnt compete. Lee has something to prove and he did wonderful for us this year being a rookie. If we make this deal, I wont even know what to think of my team. I love Courtney Lee. and if they trade him thats almost unforgivable. Especially for the likes of a Vince Carter. Keep Lee, trade anyone other than our starting 5. Lee is our cheapest best player." -- MAGIC11033

Yet Carter was the one guy that even Bill Simmons credited with a consistent effort against the Celtics in Game 1, even if it came in a tweet harkening back to Carter's reputation for past no-show performances. That has us wondering, as the Eastern Conference finals roll along, which 1998 draft alum has enjoyed a better career to date?

“

The funniest thing about the Carter deal... is STILL having to listen about how Hedo is "better" than he is..... I still LMMFAO every single damn time I hear that GARBAGE!!! Vince seems to be on a mission since his 1st round disaster against the Bobcats, and I honestly believe he WILL lead Orlando to their 1st NBA Championship!!!

” -- pd_gator

Fan Prizzle23 calls Colin Cowherd his favorite ESPN personality. Many of you commenting about the show express similar sentiment for co-host Michelle Beadle.

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• Vote: What's the impact of all the big trades in the NBA this week?

We'll get back to the actual draft selections in a bit, but frankly, aside from new Timberwolves general manager David Kahn putting Matt Millen and Jon Gruden to shame by stockpiling people who play the same position in a matter of mere minutes, the week's real drama involved players who long since had their moment on the podium with David Stern.

We're talking trades -- and not just mentally talking, as Shaq seems to prefer.

Vince Carter is in Orlando, Richard Jefferson is in San Antonio, Shaquille O'Neal is in Cleveland and Thabo Sefolosha is in Oklahoma City. And if you don't think that last one matters, you've obviously never listened to anyone with an Oklahoma accent.

• A 'Nation of one? Florida almost alone in thinking more of Carter than Shaq.
• Chat wrap: See what Stepehn Curry, Ricky Rubio and others told SportsNation.
• Fan groups: Cleveland Cavaliers fans | Orlando Magic Hoops | San Antonio Spurs

“

I have a feeling [the Magic] aint bringing back turkoglu now.with the money that howard,carter,and lewis are making,I cant imagine them giving him the kind of money he thought he was going to get last week.

” -- nspe33

“

Get ready, Cleveland. [Shaq] willl be fat and out of shape when camp starts, he'll have to play himself into shape, and he'll be injured the first 1 - 1 1/2 months of the season. Just like every other team he has ever played for! Bank it!

” -- THEBOOTGUY