| 01 July 2010
If the Magic do make a move for a power forward, I would expect it to be one of the bigger names -- either Carlos Boozer or Amar'e Stoudemire. But if the Magic are serious about getting a power forward to add to their starting lineup and those two big names are signed away, there are still some power forwards Orlando could "settle" on that would help the team out.
However my bet would be that if Orlando cannot secure an All-Star power forward to pair with Dwight Howard the team will not pursue a power forward and be satisfied with Rashard Lewis as the starting power forward and possibly Brandon Bass as the typical power forward off the bench.
Udonis Haslem
I am a bit surprised Haslem has not been getting more attention from the free agent class. Haslem is probably looking for his payday this summer and would probably want to remain in Miami, but if his free agency drags out Haslem could be willing to settle for the full mid-level exception.
Haslem made $7.1 million last year according to Basketball-Reference at the end of a MLE contract. He certainly could be looking at the same type of deal next year. Orlando will have to figure out if the team can resign both JJ Redick and bring in Haslem if this is the route it wants to pursue.
But unquestionably Haslem would fit into what the Magic want out of a power forward. Haslem is a glue guy who has championship experience. He averaged 9.9 points per game and 8.1 rebounds per game (both lows since the Heat won the title in 2006) playing with Dwyane Wade and Jermaine O'Neal. Haslem, though, grabbed 17.0 percent of total rebounds while he was in the game last year.
If there was ever a dark horse for a great power forward signing, it would be Haslem. He came off the bench for a good portion of last year, and while I am sure he would prefer to start, could also be a good option off the bench if the Magic elect to keep Lewis in the lineup.
Who knows what he is looking for though and I am sure his preference would be to stay in Miami, where he has played his entire career and was born. But we will see how the free agency period pays out.
Brad Miller
Miller is more of a center than a power forward, but the Magic are said to be interested in procuring Miller's services. Acquiring Miller means he would slide in as Dwight Howard's back up and Marcin Gortat would be involved in the sign and trade.
The good thing about Miller is his shooting and passing ability for a big man. He has career averages of 11.7 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists per game. Last year was unquestionably a down year for him with averages of 8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game coming off the bench for Chicago. His shooting and passing ability would be a goo piece to add to the bench. The only way Orlando goes for him is if Rich DeVos decides he needs to cut cap, Miller signs for a short-term contract and there simply is no better deal for Marcin Gortat.
Kenyon Martin
Martin is another guy that could be an interesting fit, but not a perfect fit. He has some range as a power forward, is a great finisher around the rim and is a decent defender. Would he be a disruption in the locker room? And can he relegate himself to the third or fourth offensive option? More importantly, is he willing to take less than the mid level exception? With Denver thinking about trading Carmelo Anthony to avoid being held hostage like Cleveland was this year, the team could be thinking about breaking up part of hte team. With Chauncey Billups already on the roster, that would keep Jameer Nelson from being involved in any trade. It would likely take Marcin Gortat and/or Vince Carter with draft picks to pry him away.
Al Harrington
An interesting though for a power forward. He has 3-point range and is coming off a career year where he scored 17.7 points per game. The only problem is he is a shoot-first type of player and models more as a stretch four rather than a true power forward. Harrington would probably love to play in Orlando's system, but probably does not fit the team defensively -- I don't think he has had to play defense since 2004 when he was in Indiana.
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