Off-Season Game Plan: Magic
5/16/2006 11:26:36 PM
There hasn't been a lot to cheer about in Orlando lately, but times are changing.
The Magic made a bold decision to acquire Darko Milicic from the Detroit Pistons in mid-February and, while Milicic is a long way from the stardom predicted when he was picked second overall in 2003, he showed enough potential (7.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.1 bpg with the Magic) to think that he could combine with Dwight Howard to give the Magic a formidable low post tandem.
Howard, in particular, has the potential to be a star if he can refine his offensive game. He's aleady a dominant rebounder and has the athleticism to be a very good defender.
Grant Hill's presence has to be considered a bonus, considering he's played 30 games in a season only once since 1999-2000. Fortunately for the Magic, Hedo Turkoglu responded well in Hill's absence this season, giving the Magic a capable outside shooter, solid scorer and even decent defender at the three spot.
Point guard is in the capable hands of Jameer Nelson, whose improvement made it easier for the Magic to kick Steve Francis to the curb and bringing in Carlos Arroyo as a backup gives the Magic two strong ballhandlers and distributors to run the offense.
Perhaps the most notable area for upgrade would be at shooting guard, where DeShawn Stevenson, who has shown some potential as a defensive player, might not be back as he has a player option and is looking for a contract extension. While it would be foolish to overpay such a mercurial player, Bonzi Wells wouldn't be a bad fit in Orlando if the Magic look for a starter in free agency.
Picking 11th in the draft, the Magic are probably looking at a rotation player (as opposed to a starter), but guards like Mardy Collins, Ronnie Brewer and J.J. Redick all have merit at that spot and might tighten up the off guard situation.
Considering the Magic finished a mere four games out of the playoffs this season, they should have realistic playoff expectations next year simply based on the continued development of their young players. As Nelson told Florida Today, "What we have done definitely can carry over, but we have to approach the offseason knowing that it's up to us now to get better."
Thus, the Magic don't need to spend money this summer just for the sake of spending money. It's far better to let the young talent develop and stay in good cap position heading into the summer of 2007.
GM/COACH
Otis Smith/Brian Hill
CENTERS
Returning: Tony Battie, Darko Milicic. Free Agents: Mario Kasun (RFA)
FORWARDS
Returning: Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, Pat Garrity, Grant Hill. Free Agents: Trevor Ariza (RFA), Bo Outlaw (UFA), Stacey Augmon (UFA), Terence Morris (UFA)
GUARDS
Returning: Jameer Nelson, Keyon Dooling, Carlos Arroyo, Travis Diener. Free Agents: DeShawn Stevenson (PO)
DRAFT
11th - Mardy Collins, Ronnie Brewer, J.J. Redick
FREE AGENCY
Payroll: $55M
TRADE MARKET
Dooling (2 years, $7.0M)
