Bloggers jab at him.

Sports talk radio callers take cheap shots at him.

Amway Arena fans diss him.

Do me a favor: GIVE A LITTLE LOVE TO P-G!

With Brian Cook sidelined with the fractured knuckle, Pat has stepped into Cook's place and played well. He had a season-high 13 points in the come from behind win over Cleveland Saturday.

Pat Garrity could very well play a key role off the bench for the Orlando Magic here late in the season and on into the playoffs.

I know...Pat's not the fleetest of foot. He's not the most athletic guy in the world. He's undersized at his position. I realize that Pat is not your prototypical NBA player. His confidence level has gone belly up over the last number of years. Fan acrimony has certainly not helped Pat's confidence. The angst in Amway Arena is palpable every time Pat throws a ball out of bounds or clanks a three point shot. That is why, I believe, Pat tends to play much better on the road than he does at home.

But, I believe, with your help, that Pat can help us once again!

Did you know that Pat Garrity is second on the Magic's all time games played list? As a matter of fact, no player, with the exception of Nick Anderson (10) and Darrell Armstrong (9), has played more seasons for the Orlando Magic than Pat (9).

Also D-Y-K: Pat Garrity led the Orlando Magic in three-point shooting for four consecutive seasons (1999-2003).

Pat Garrity will never be accused of dogging it... He's one of the few players on this team who actually boxes out. He plays as hard as he can. He mixes it up under the boards. He always comes to the arena prepared to play.

Pat Garrity has longevity because he's a pro's pro. Through nine lean seasons and six head coaches, a couple of knee injuries and a bout with a sports hernia, not once has Pat griped, moaned or groaned. Not once has he embarrassed this town or this organization. Quite the contrary...

Pat gets it. He continues his outstanding work with Feed the Children. As a matter of fact, this past week, Pat handed out 25 pound boxes of food and personal care items to 400 local families. Pat also runs a 3-on-3 basketball tournament every year here in Orlando.

This is likely Pat's swan song in Orlando. He is set to become a free agent after this season and his future in a Magic uniform and in the NBA is certainly uncertain.

I realize that this is a 'what have you done for me lately' result-oriented business. Pat realizes that too. But this guy is gonna give you everything he's got. He's gonna bring his hard hat and lunch pail to very game. Sometimes the result isn't gonna be pretty, but it's never for a lack of trying.

Pat gets it. He understands his place in the community. He comes to work hard each and every day and handles himself with class and dignity.

Isn't all that worth a little love, Magic fans?