After dispatching the Chicago Bulls in an afternoon matchup New Year's Eve, the team boarded its charter and was supposed to arrive back in Orlando at 8:30 p.m.

Delays culminated in a five-hour plane ride, however, and they didn't officially get off the plane until just after 2 a.m.

Richardson staying put

General Manager Otis Smith said that he won't be sending Jeremy Richardson to Magic's NBA Development League-affiliate Bakersfield Jam.

Richardson has appeared in only one game heading into Friday without scoring.

Smith said that he thought the third-year swingman from Delta State could get more experience in practice playing in their system. The Magic have only sent two players to the D-League previously: F/C Marcin Gortat went last season and James Augustine the season before that.

Praise for new rival

You'll have to forgive Van Gundy for all the praise he had for the head coach of Southeast Division rival Miami on Friday.

That's because he often sat beside first-year Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra when they were both Miami assistants. Having seen him up close, Van Gundy said it's no surprise Spoelstra already has the Heat far removed from last season's horrendous 15-67 finish.

"I think he's got the whole package," Van Gundy said. "He's an extremely bright Basketball mind and an innovative guy . . . And he's got a great demeanor about him in that he's intense, but always under control."