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Otis Smith, Magic are being proactive when it comes to offseason moves
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There are certainly mixed opinions about the Orlando Magic’s moves this offseason. A lot of people think the Magic have improved, and then there’s a certain group of fans wondering, “Wait, why are we blowing our team up when we just went to the NBA Finals?”
Frankly, I don’t blame you either way. But know this: the Magic are learning from the past. They know that you don’t get back to the NBA Finals by default, and you don’t get to the NBA Finals by sitting on your hands.
In the summer of 1995, fresh off a 4-0 NBA Finals loss to the Houston Rockets, the Magic thought they could trot out the same team over the next several years and repeatedly contend for the championship.
Well, you know how that turned out. Other teams improved, the Magic stayed the same (as in, not quite good enough to win a title), and Shaquille O’Neal left the following offseason. The franchise was left in shambles and it took more than a decade to recover.
Here’s a list of the Magic’s moves in the offseason after their first NBA Finals appearance:
Sept. 22, 1995 — Sign Darrell Armstrong (appeared in 13 games)
Oct. 2, 1995 — Announce retirement of Tree Rollins
Oct. 3, 1995 — Sign free-agent center Jon Koncak (appeared in 67 games)
Oct. 5, 1995 — Reach contract agreement with first-round draft choice David Vaughn; sign Dennis Scott to contract extension; sign Brian Shaw to contract extension
Essentially, the Magic did a whole lot of nothing.
Pat Williams, now the vice president of basketball operations, was the general manager of that team. Otis Smith became the team’s community relations guy in 1996, and he was certainly around the team in the mid-90s.
These guys went through that. Clearly, Otis Smith knows that you must be proactive if you want to be successful in this league.
Stan Van Gundy knows it. Here’s what he had to say after the Magic traded for Vince Carter a couple of weeks ago: “I think it’s a proactive move. If we can get Turk back, great, but now we’ve gone out and improved our roster. Three weeks from now we’re not looking back and saying, oh well we did what we could.”
Proactive. That’s a word you must know if you’re an NBA general manager. Go back and look at the San Antonio Spurs’ box scores in 2003, ’05 and ’07. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are the constants, but all the names around them are changing.
After winning the championship in 2004, the Pistons stuck with the same starting five for the next half-decade — they never won again. The Celtics thought they could bring back essentially the same team and win a second title this year — they didn’t even make it to the conference finals.
In the NBA, if you’re not improving you’re getting worse. And, in my eyes, the Magic have gotten significantly better this summer.
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22 comments, 117 trackbacks
Comment from: James [Visitor]
I agree that the magic needed to be proactive to make it back to Finals. Last year they took advantage of celtics injury woes and matchup problems against cavs. They also got beat by a better team in Finals. So, to get back and win, they needed to make changes and also provide better depth. They have clearly done that by making sure bass and gortat are our bigs plus still have a new 6'10 anderson instead of a 6'5 lee.. Also, carter is a mjor upgrade from hedo who was great cause he played with howard and lewis. Carter will also benefit alot and that comes from a player who avg 20, 5, n 4 without anyone on his team. He will flourish and in 2 years the magic can start again with a new signing around howard and nelson. They have done all that is required in gaining better players (bass and carter over battie and turk), more depth (many options to start and come off bench), flexibility (carter 2 years left instead of turk 5, gortat can be traded at anytime after december 15th), and staying relatively young. All looks great in land of magic for years to come
07/16/09 @ 09:12
Comment from: Luke [Visitor]
we are very close to landing matt barnes who would be great on the magic.he is a 6-7 226 pound small forward who averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds and would be a great back up to rashard or brandon bass.he is a great shooter and he can finish at the rim.
07/16/09 @ 09:52
Comment from: Mikey [Visitor]
Not trying to be negative but can Matt Barnes really help our team?
07/16/09 @ 10:18
Comment from: JCLL [Visitor]
I would say Barnes can absolutely help mainly because MP will get injured at some point. Although Barnes is not nearly as good in defense as MP, he’s a capable scorer and 3 point shooter.
If the Barnes gossip turns out to be true, the next moves have to be another two scrubs at C and PG
If the Barnes gossip turns out to be true, the next moves have to be another two scrubs at C and PG
07/16/09 @ 10:26
Comment from: JCLL [Visitor]
Oh, and if we get Barnes, we don't have to play Redick!
07/16/09 @ 10:28
Comment from: JTomev07 [Visitor]
It's funny, because the thought of getting Matt Barnes sounded great to me at first, and then I wondered about playing time but eventually reached the same conclusion: it just means we'll see less of JJ Redick, which draws no complaints here.
And I couldn't be more excited about the Magic's offseason. I think stockpiling talented role players (Bass, Anderson, Gortat) is a great strategy and one that could prove successful. I do think Marcin will get traded because Lewis, Anderson, Bass, Gortat, and Howard make up an awfully crowded front court and I think someone is going to have to go.
Howard and Lewis are untouchable and Gortat is older than Bass or Anderson, has a bigger contract and probably more market value being a straight up Center who can probably start.
And I couldn't be more excited about the Magic's offseason. I think stockpiling talented role players (Bass, Anderson, Gortat) is a great strategy and one that could prove successful. I do think Marcin will get traded because Lewis, Anderson, Bass, Gortat, and Howard make up an awfully crowded front court and I think someone is going to have to go.
Howard and Lewis are untouchable and Gortat is older than Bass or Anderson, has a bigger contract and probably more market value being a straight up Center who can probably start.
07/16/09 @ 11:26
Comment from: ndcolin [Visitor]
Alright, let's assume we trade Gortat for Battier in December
Look at this team
Jammer...AJ...Random PG
Vince...Pietrus...JJ
Battier...Barnes
Lewis...Anderson
Dwight...Bass...Random C
I'd feel more comfortable with one more big body, bu after looking up more about Bass I think he can be the "big man" on the court 10 minutes a game, especially if Battier is on the floor
Look at this team
Jammer...AJ...Random PG
Vince...Pietrus...JJ
Battier...Barnes
Lewis...Anderson
Dwight...Bass...Random C
I'd feel more comfortable with one more big body, bu after looking up more about Bass I think he can be the "big man" on the court 10 minutes a game, especially if Battier is on the floor
07/16/09 @ 12:13
Comment from: ndcolin [Visitor]
To me, that team is an upgrade, and definitely a title contender
07/16/09 @ 12:14
Comment from: JCLL [Visitor]
Battier sounds good. But what about Tayshaun Prince .
Prince is not as good as Battier as a one-on-one defendor, but he's probably a better transition and weak side defendor.
On offense, his for sure better than Battier.
Prince is not as good as Battier as a one-on-one defendor, but he's probably a better transition and weak side defendor.
On offense, his for sure better than Battier.
07/16/09 @ 12:29
Comment from: dkaye [Visitor]
UPGRADE for sure...4 legitimate all stars plus a young big with a 15 foot shot and a 7 foot wingspan?!?!? Word to your mom....Can't wait till October!!!!
07/16/09 @ 14:25
Comment from: Drew [Visitor]
Zach great point about the summer of 95' and Otis's learning curve. I think it is also very telling that only one team, the NJ Nets, this decade lost in the finals and returned the following year (the east was absolutely terrible then) and only Utah did it in the 90's. Don't think Otis hasn't taken notice of the recent failures of Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland and even Miami(who won it), either. Like the off-season moves or not. Trading for Carter and having flexibility heading into FA in 2011 rather than being tied to Turk for 5 years was genius. Franchises aren't built by making year to year moves (like the Cavs try and do). They are built by guys like Otis Smith who plan for a teams future not just what's best for next season (Our team is already better than last years and we're not even done).
Battier would be a better fit for the Magic than Tayshaun, in my opinion. If for no other reason than it will take trading Gortat to get either. I would much rather trade Gortat to the Western Conference than the Eastern Conference, but would gladly take either player. Both players contracts are up after the 2010 season, along with Carters, for free agency 2011 (Melo Sweepstakes), so either works but Tayshaun would cost us about $4.5 Million more.
I think by January 1st our depth chart will look something like this:
PG) Jameer, AJ or (Kyle Lowry maybe part of Gortat trade with Houston), AJ or a D-leaguer
SG) Vince, Pietrus, JJ
SF) Battier, Pietrus/Vince/Barnes
PF) Rashard, Bass, Anderson
C) Howard, FA(maybe Theo Ratliff), SVG
**Pietrus, Rashard, and Vince are willing and able to play multiple positions based on health, fouls, and matchups**
Yes, I think after Dec. 15th we trade Gortat for Battier. Houston may be so desperate for a center that Otis can convince them to throw in Kyle Lowry too.
Battier would be a better fit for the Magic than Tayshaun, in my opinion. If for no other reason than it will take trading Gortat to get either. I would much rather trade Gortat to the Western Conference than the Eastern Conference, but would gladly take either player. Both players contracts are up after the 2010 season, along with Carters, for free agency 2011 (Melo Sweepstakes), so either works but Tayshaun would cost us about $4.5 Million more.
I think by January 1st our depth chart will look something like this:
PG) Jameer, AJ or (Kyle Lowry maybe part of Gortat trade with Houston), AJ or a D-leaguer
SG) Vince, Pietrus, JJ
SF) Battier, Pietrus/Vince/Barnes
PF) Rashard, Bass, Anderson
C) Howard, FA(maybe Theo Ratliff), SVG
**Pietrus, Rashard, and Vince are willing and able to play multiple positions based on health, fouls, and matchups**
Yes, I think after Dec. 15th we trade Gortat for Battier. Houston may be so desperate for a center that Otis can convince them to throw in Kyle Lowry too.
07/16/09 @ 15:06
Comment from: afallingbomb28 [Member] 
SVG plays C? That would be nasty. Championship, book it.
07/16/09 @ 15:34
Comment from: Colin [Visitor] · http://cavalierscentral.blogspot.com
(Let me start by saying I am a Cavs fan. However, I am not here to bash on Orlando, just provide a different perspective).
While I agree that if you aren't making moves, you aren't getting better, at what point is a team making moves for the sake of making moves? I will admit, on paper, Vince Carter is a MUCH better player than Hedo. But if games were played on paper, the Cavs would have won the title last year. I may not have watched every Magic game, but in the games I did watch, Hedo always seemed to make the right decisions and big shots. Carter can hit the big shot, but this isn't the 2001 Carter. This is the soon-to-be 33-year old Carter. He is still very athletic, but he's not going to be jumping over anyone.
Of course, that's not really the point of this post. If you look at the trades of the contenders (and for the sake of this argument, Atlanta will be considered a contender), all of them included the contender gaining a lot by giving up nothing:
Atlanta: Crawford for two benchwarmers
Cleveland: Shaq for two non-rotation players
SA: Jefferson for two non-rotation players, and a third who was more than replaced (McDyess in for Thomas)
The Magic are the only team that lost anything of value. They lost two starters, Hedo and Lee (and I know Hedo wasn't technically in this trade, but for all intents and purposes he was shown the door because of this move), as well as a good PG fill-in (Alston) and Battie. Lee has a chance to be a very good player, but I'm sure Magic fans already know that. The Magic received Carter, Anderson, and a large trade exception, which I'm guessing won't fully be used towards another player, if it's used at all. I know the Magic like Anderson, but don't they already have a finesse PF who prefers to shoot threes? Now, they did add Bass to bang down low, which I like for them. And they re-signed Gortat who can be used as trade bait. But is this lineup:
Nelson, Carter, Lewis, Bass, Howard; Pietrus, Gortat, Anderson
and better than this lineup:
Nelson, Lee, Turkoglu, Lewis, Howard; Pietrus, Alston, Gortat?
Now, I hope no one took this post the wrong way. I didn't come here to get into a petty argument over who's team is better. Hell, until proven otherwise, the Magic own Cleveland. I just posted an outsider's view. You can go on my blog (click my name) and talk about the Cavs' moves if you want, I don't care.
Before I finish, I want to give props to Zach for running a great blog, and to the Magic fans. For the most part, you all are a class act (I say for the most part because we all know every team has a few fans who are just, well, a-holes. I know the Cavs have them).
While I agree that if you aren't making moves, you aren't getting better, at what point is a team making moves for the sake of making moves? I will admit, on paper, Vince Carter is a MUCH better player than Hedo. But if games were played on paper, the Cavs would have won the title last year. I may not have watched every Magic game, but in the games I did watch, Hedo always seemed to make the right decisions and big shots. Carter can hit the big shot, but this isn't the 2001 Carter. This is the soon-to-be 33-year old Carter. He is still very athletic, but he's not going to be jumping over anyone.
Of course, that's not really the point of this post. If you look at the trades of the contenders (and for the sake of this argument, Atlanta will be considered a contender), all of them included the contender gaining a lot by giving up nothing:
Atlanta: Crawford for two benchwarmers
Cleveland: Shaq for two non-rotation players
SA: Jefferson for two non-rotation players, and a third who was more than replaced (McDyess in for Thomas)
The Magic are the only team that lost anything of value. They lost two starters, Hedo and Lee (and I know Hedo wasn't technically in this trade, but for all intents and purposes he was shown the door because of this move), as well as a good PG fill-in (Alston) and Battie. Lee has a chance to be a very good player, but I'm sure Magic fans already know that. The Magic received Carter, Anderson, and a large trade exception, which I'm guessing won't fully be used towards another player, if it's used at all. I know the Magic like Anderson, but don't they already have a finesse PF who prefers to shoot threes? Now, they did add Bass to bang down low, which I like for them. And they re-signed Gortat who can be used as trade bait. But is this lineup:
Nelson, Carter, Lewis, Bass, Howard; Pietrus, Gortat, Anderson
and better than this lineup:
Nelson, Lee, Turkoglu, Lewis, Howard; Pietrus, Alston, Gortat?
Now, I hope no one took this post the wrong way. I didn't come here to get into a petty argument over who's team is better. Hell, until proven otherwise, the Magic own Cleveland. I just posted an outsider's view. You can go on my blog (click my name) and talk about the Cavs' moves if you want, I don't care.
Before I finish, I want to give props to Zach for running a great blog, and to the Magic fans. For the most part, you all are a class act (I say for the most part because we all know every team has a few fans who are just, well, a-holes. I know the Cavs have them).
07/16/09 @ 15:52
Comment from: D12FSU [Visitor]
this wasnt Hedo's team last year....it isnt VC's team...this isnt Rashards team...this isnt Jameers team....its Dwight Howards team, and we only go as far as his massive shoulders take us....with these moves paired with a (hopefully) much improved offensive game from D12, there's no reason we cant be back in the finals.
07/16/09 @ 16:27
Comment from: vanderweed [Visitor]
weren't free agency rules different in summer of '95? after all, there was a owners' lockout btwn then & now. who is the author suggesting the magic should have locked up? cadillac anderson? doc rivers? or perhaps more importantly, which high value players should they have traded to get high value players? shaq? (in hindsight, hell yes!!!!) seriously. and let's not forget, they had just signed horace the summer before, and were saving up to resign shaq.
i also wish to point out that although not as deep, the 95/96 squad may have been the best team orlando has ever assembled (60 wins), but suffered from some key injuries down the stretch, as well as playing in the same conference as the BEST TEAM IN HISTORY, with the BEST PLAYER IN HISTORY.
let's also not forget the summer of 95 included an EXPANSION DRAFT, in which each club had to make part of its roster available for slim pickings by toronto & vancouver
its a shame shaq left when he did, b/c the following summer the magic picked up derek strong & gerald wilkins, two players who would have provided needed depth for a reload vs. the bulls
i also wish to point out that although not as deep, the 95/96 squad may have been the best team orlando has ever assembled (60 wins), but suffered from some key injuries down the stretch, as well as playing in the same conference as the BEST TEAM IN HISTORY, with the BEST PLAYER IN HISTORY.
let's also not forget the summer of 95 included an EXPANSION DRAFT, in which each club had to make part of its roster available for slim pickings by toronto & vancouver
its a shame shaq left when he did, b/c the following summer the magic picked up derek strong & gerald wilkins, two players who would have provided needed depth for a reload vs. the bulls
07/16/09 @ 17:23
Comment from: icekub [Visitor]
Linas Kleiza is a better small forward than Matt Barnes and can bang down under more for the same price.
Could Pops-Mensah Bonsu back-up Dwight and Gortat? Younger and more active than Ratliff. Or even Jamal Magloire or Joe Smith. We've got to be thinking no Gortat for next year's playoffs, so we need a half way decent 3rd string center at the start of the season.
Could Pops-Mensah Bonsu back-up Dwight and Gortat? Younger and more active than Ratliff. Or even Jamal Magloire or Joe Smith. We've got to be thinking no Gortat for next year's playoffs, so we need a half way decent 3rd string center at the start of the season.
07/16/09 @ 20:36
Comment from: nomde [Visitor]
i like this yrs line-up way better than last yr...i just wonder about the backups you know incase injury checks in...they should get barnes for sf, luther head for pg and probly mihm for c...barnes and jj can play together for the 2nd unit...goodluck magic!
07/17/09 @ 04:05
Comment from: kingswagga813 [Visitor]
well i for one agree with the matt barnes trade and if we could pull off the battier and tayshaun price prince trade we would be unstopable
07/17/09 @ 04:11
Comment from: Curtis [Visitor]
We need a backup SF, and PG real bad! We need a fast PG who only cares about assists only! We need a mid range/slasher SF. This would be my starter and bench teams.
Starters
Jameer Nelson PG 6'0 assist/scorer
Vince Carter SG 6'6 assist/scorer
Rashard Lewis SF 6'10 scorer
Brandon Bass PF 6'8 defend/rebound
Dwight Howard C 6'11 defend/low post
Bench
Levance Fields PG 5'10 assist
Mickael Pietrus SG 6'6 score/defend
Kasib Powel SF 6'7 score/defend
Ryan Anderson PF 6'10 score/rebound
Marcin Gortat C 6'11 defend/low post
We need to sign Lavance Fields because he is faster and a better PG than Anthony Johnson. If we can't get Matt Barnes or Battier,then we should sign Kasib Powel. I feel he would be a good role player. The bench scorer would be Mickael,Ryan, and Marcin. Levance would race up the court and feed them the ball where they want it, and Kasib would be the player they would leave open to hit a easy mid range shot. The reason I have Bass starting instead of Anderson, is we need a (rodman type)player. We have plenty of scorers on the starting team. Against the Lakers they double team Dwight because they knew we had no one else to rebound. Now we do. I feel this bench team would give the starters a good rest and even spark the team when we need it!
Starters
Jameer Nelson PG 6'0 assist/scorer
Vince Carter SG 6'6 assist/scorer
Rashard Lewis SF 6'10 scorer
Brandon Bass PF 6'8 defend/rebound
Dwight Howard C 6'11 defend/low post
Bench
Levance Fields PG 5'10 assist
Mickael Pietrus SG 6'6 score/defend
Kasib Powel SF 6'7 score/defend
Ryan Anderson PF 6'10 score/rebound
Marcin Gortat C 6'11 defend/low post
We need to sign Lavance Fields because he is faster and a better PG than Anthony Johnson. If we can't get Matt Barnes or Battier,then we should sign Kasib Powel. I feel he would be a good role player. The bench scorer would be Mickael,Ryan, and Marcin. Levance would race up the court and feed them the ball where they want it, and Kasib would be the player they would leave open to hit a easy mid range shot. The reason I have Bass starting instead of Anderson, is we need a (rodman type)player. We have plenty of scorers on the starting team. Against the Lakers they double team Dwight because they knew we had no one else to rebound. Now we do. I feel this bench team would give the starters a good rest and even spark the team when we need it!
07/17/09 @ 07:08
Comment from: Jay [Visitor]
I just want to respond to the people who said
that Orlando lost too much and did not get
back what they actually needed like that Cavs
fan said. The Magic went out and got Vince
cause he can create for himslef which was a
major problem of ours against good teams in
the playoffs last year. Doesnt anyone remember
that we almost lost to the 76ers who suck?
They had a player who could create his own shot
and thats what we needed so we got it in Vince.
Then we improved our big men which was our
other downfall especially in the finals cause
the Lakers were so big. Now the Cavs added
Shaq who is 37 years old, really? He is gonna
do nothing just like the last couple years.
Im not saying big Z is better, but at least he
can shot and make his free throws. And Boston
went out and got the same thing, an old player
who wasnt wanted by his team anymore. Sheed is
going to mess them up more than help cause he
is an "I" player like Iverson and Marbury. We
are the only team in the east who actually
improved logically and we were the ones who
made it to the finals, so y not again this year?
The reason the Cavs and Celtics will never beat
the Magic is cause in the NBA today the most
prized possessions are a good point guard and
a versatile PF who can shoot from the outside
and put the ball on the floor, like Lewis and
Odom, etc. Good luck defending that, oh yea
and Dwight and Vince to.
that Orlando lost too much and did not get
back what they actually needed like that Cavs
fan said. The Magic went out and got Vince
cause he can create for himslef which was a
major problem of ours against good teams in
the playoffs last year. Doesnt anyone remember
that we almost lost to the 76ers who suck?
They had a player who could create his own shot
and thats what we needed so we got it in Vince.
Then we improved our big men which was our
other downfall especially in the finals cause
the Lakers were so big. Now the Cavs added
Shaq who is 37 years old, really? He is gonna
do nothing just like the last couple years.
Im not saying big Z is better, but at least he
can shot and make his free throws. And Boston
went out and got the same thing, an old player
who wasnt wanted by his team anymore. Sheed is
going to mess them up more than help cause he
is an "I" player like Iverson and Marbury. We
are the only team in the east who actually
improved logically and we were the ones who
made it to the finals, so y not again this year?
The reason the Cavs and Celtics will never beat
the Magic is cause in the NBA today the most
prized possessions are a good point guard and
a versatile PF who can shoot from the outside
and put the ball on the floor, like Lewis and
Odom, etc. Good luck defending that, oh yea
and Dwight and Vince to.
07/17/09 @ 07:42
Comment from: Drew [Visitor]
First of all Colin, let me say that it is nice to have a different perspective brought to the forum. As fans it's very easy to see things through your own teams colored glasses.
Now on to some of your points; It's true Carter will turn 33 years old next year, but Hedo is 30 and will be 31 2 months after Vince turns 33. You sound concerned about Vince's age but have you considered what Hedo would look like in the 4th or 5th year of that contractat age 35? He already looks somewhat old and slow when he drives to the hoop and can't have more than an 8 inch vert.
As far as the 2009-2010 Orlando Magic team is concerned I think Vince makes us slightly better than Hedo. But the real reason Vince is an overall better option is by adding him we are only committed to paying for 2 seasons, if we keep Hedo we are tied to him for 5 seasons. Like D12FSU (Go Magic Go Noles) said this team is built around Howard, just like the Cavs are built around James.
Otis knows that as Howard gets older he needs another superstar (Like James does)to go along side him. Vince's contract comes off our books after the 2010-2011 season putting us in position to give a max contract in 2011... Maybe Mello?
We retained a true center in Gortat (not many of those left in this league), which many teams want, and we will use him as trade bait. I think Houston is a natural trading partner for us (Mcgrady, Francis, Cato, Alston, Mobley, to name a few), they made Gortat their #1 FA, and as of now have 6'9" Scola playing center. They just signed Ariza who is 24 and plays the same position as Battier (neither is a 2 like Artest) so it makes sense to trade a 30 year old Battier and get a 25 year old Gortat at a major postion of need for them to begin rebuilding.
I was a big fan of Courtney Lee. I would have liked to have kept him on the roster. However, to say we lost a starter would be a little bit misleading. Pietrus started for us at 2 before getting hurt, Lee started while Pietrus was hurt then they split starts based on matchups, heck even Reddick started against Boston in the playoffs at the 2 spot. Lee is good but not good enough to keep from trading for Vince when you don't want to pay Hedo for 5 years. Time will tell but as a Magic fan I couldn't be happier with what Otis Smith did this summer for next season and beyond.
Now on to some of your points; It's true Carter will turn 33 years old next year, but Hedo is 30 and will be 31 2 months after Vince turns 33. You sound concerned about Vince's age but have you considered what Hedo would look like in the 4th or 5th year of that contractat age 35? He already looks somewhat old and slow when he drives to the hoop and can't have more than an 8 inch vert.
As far as the 2009-2010 Orlando Magic team is concerned I think Vince makes us slightly better than Hedo. But the real reason Vince is an overall better option is by adding him we are only committed to paying for 2 seasons, if we keep Hedo we are tied to him for 5 seasons. Like D12FSU (Go Magic Go Noles) said this team is built around Howard, just like the Cavs are built around James.
Otis knows that as Howard gets older he needs another superstar (Like James does)to go along side him. Vince's contract comes off our books after the 2010-2011 season putting us in position to give a max contract in 2011... Maybe Mello?
We retained a true center in Gortat (not many of those left in this league), which many teams want, and we will use him as trade bait. I think Houston is a natural trading partner for us (Mcgrady, Francis, Cato, Alston, Mobley, to name a few), they made Gortat their #1 FA, and as of now have 6'9" Scola playing center. They just signed Ariza who is 24 and plays the same position as Battier (neither is a 2 like Artest) so it makes sense to trade a 30 year old Battier and get a 25 year old Gortat at a major postion of need for them to begin rebuilding.
I was a big fan of Courtney Lee. I would have liked to have kept him on the roster. However, to say we lost a starter would be a little bit misleading. Pietrus started for us at 2 before getting hurt, Lee started while Pietrus was hurt then they split starts based on matchups, heck even Reddick started against Boston in the playoffs at the 2 spot. Lee is good but not good enough to keep from trading for Vince when you don't want to pay Hedo for 5 years. Time will tell but as a Magic fan I couldn't be happier with what Otis Smith did this summer for next season and beyond.
07/17/09 @ 12:35
Comment from: Drew [Visitor]
SVG plays C? That would be nasty. Championship, book it.
Yes, Fallingbomb since Adonal Foyle only played 62 minutes last year I figured SVG would be a great 3rd team center. Even though the NBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibts teams from having player/coaches SVG would only have to practice at that spot as it's obvious until we have an injury or trade Gortat we just don't really need a 3rd team true center. I'm with you though, SVG at the 5 spot cleaning the glass = NBA Championship baby, LOL!!!!
Yes, Fallingbomb since Adonal Foyle only played 62 minutes last year I figured SVG would be a great 3rd team center. Even though the NBA's collective bargaining agreement prohibts teams from having player/coaches SVG would only have to practice at that spot as it's obvious until we have an injury or trade Gortat we just don't really need a 3rd team true center. I'm with you though, SVG at the 5 spot cleaning the glass = NBA Championship baby, LOL!!!!
07/17/09 @ 13:29
Trackback from: Strignano's Forex Signals Review [Visitor]
Couldn't agree more about this.
11/09/09 @ 22:53
Trackback from: Tvi Express [Visitor]
Be not deceived with the first appearance of things for show is not substance.
11/30/09 @ 09:04
Trackback from: Tvi Express [Visitor]
Ask a silly question and you get a silly answer.
11/30/09 @ 14:18
When you are poor neighbors close by will not come once you become rich youll be surprised by visits from alleged relatives afar.
11/30/09 @ 15:55
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When things are at the worst they begin to mend.
12/15/09 @ 17:59
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More grows in the garden than the gardener knows he has sown.
12/15/09 @ 18:02
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In a broken nest there are few whole eggs.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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Good habits result from resisting temptation.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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A secret between two is Gods secret between three is all men s.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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We hate delays by others but sometimes it makes us wise.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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Better to go to bed hungry than to wake up in debt.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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Never speak of a rope in the family of one who has been hanged.
12/23/09 @ 03:55
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A man profits more by the sight of an idiot than by the orations of the learned.
12/23/09 @ 03:56
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He that will not when he may when he will he shall have nay.
12/23/09 @ 03:56
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12/26/09 @ 15:20
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Prayer and practice is good rhyme.
01/01/10 @ 16:51
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Always a bridesmaid never a bride.
01/01/10 @ 16:52
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Loose tongues are worse than wicked hands.
01/01/10 @ 16:53
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When the cat’s away the mice will play.
01/01/10 @ 16:55
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It is no use crying over spilt milk.
01/01/10 @ 16:56
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The beginning is the half of every action.
01/01/10 @ 16:56
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A buckle is a great addition to an old shoe.
01/01/10 @ 16:58
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The devil finds work for idle hands to do.
01/01/10 @ 16:58
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A heavy stone is not easily moved.
01/01/10 @ 16:59
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Some have been thought brave because they didnt have the courage to run away.
01/07/10 @ 17:22
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Better a friendly refusal than an unwilling consent.
01/11/10 @ 21:28
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Everyone according to their talent and every talent according to its work.
01/14/10 @ 16:57
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As you sow so shall you reap.
01/14/10 @ 20:12
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The pillar of the world is hope.
01/14/10 @ 22:42
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Tell the truth and then run.
01/15/10 @ 00:46
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A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.
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A fool and his money are soon parted.
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He that seeks trouble never misses.
01/15/10 @ 05:48
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One meets his destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it.
01/15/10 @ 07:12
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Adventures are to the adventurous.
01/15/10 @ 08:32
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An idle brain is the devils workshop.
01/15/10 @ 09:47
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Power lasts ten years influence not more than a hundred.
01/15/10 @ 12:07
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One meets his destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it.
01/15/10 @ 13:18
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Today must not borrow from tomorrow.
01/15/10 @ 14:25
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First impressions are the most lasting.
01/15/10 @ 15:29
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The loveliest faces are to be seen by moonlight when one sees half with the eye and half with the fancy.
01/15/10 @ 16:26
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A proverb is not a proverb to you until life has illustrated it.
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There is an uphill for every downhill and a downhill for every uphill.
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Proverbs are mental gems gathered in the diamond fields of the mind.
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He who has health has hope. And he who has hope has everything.
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The sign of wisdom is a continual cheerfulness.
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Change yourself change your fortunes.
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It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.
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First secure an independent income then practice virtue.
01/16/10 @ 01:08
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Success has many fathers while failure is an orphan.
01/16/10 @ 01:46
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Pleasure for one hour a bottle of wine. Pleasure for one year a marriage but pleasure for a lifetime a garden.
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Better a friendly refusal than an unwilling consent.
01/16/10 @ 03:42
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To talk without thinking is to shoot without aiming
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Dont throw away the old bucket until you know whether the new one holds water.
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Today must not borrow from tomorrow.
01/16/10 @ 06:32
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More grows in the garden than the gardener knows he has sown.
01/16/10 @ 07:04
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Pleasure for one hour a bottle of wine. Pleasure for one year a marriage but pleasure for a lifetime a garden.
01/16/10 @ 09:03
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He who laughs last laughs longest.
01/16/10 @ 09:33
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Dont count your chickens before they are hatched.
01/16/10 @ 10:03
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There are three kinds of people those that make things happen those that watch things happen and those who dont know whats happening.
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Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.
01/16/10 @ 10:59
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The pillar of the world is hope.
01/16/10 @ 11:27
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Well never know the worth of water till the well go dry.
01/16/10 @ 11:55
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Dont open a shop unless you like to smile.
01/16/10 @ 12:49
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When fortune knocks open the door.
01/16/10 @ 13:42
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While the doctors consult the patient dies.
01/16/10 @ 14:35
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A sorcerer has no distinctive colour. Sechuana
02/04/10 @ 13:53
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