Magician09

Hey Catman, I noticed that you've mentioned Shabazz as a mid-first pickup lately... Is that just someone you like or is he someone the Magic are targeting if they buy back in?

I like that second part. I think Shabazz could be the best wing in this draft so I'd happily take Noel or Burke at 2 if I knew I could get Shabazz at 13. Chad Ford has him going to the Celtics at 16 in his latest mock.

Oladipo said in his interview at Phoenix the other day that the only workouts he has left are with Cleveland and Minnesota. The plot thickens...

I just went off what the Trade Machine has listed as the available cap room for each team. I'm assuming its this season's numbers as teams like Charlotte and Atlanta had no cap space.

Using the Trade Machine as my reference, only four teams currently have enough free space to take on Robinson's deal. They are Boston, Cleveland, Phoenix and Sacramento. Given Sacramento gave him up, you can pretty much rule them out. So if Houston want to get a deal done before July 1 they can choose between Boston, Cleveland, Memphis, Orlando and Phoenix.

Larry Coon mentioned in his most recent chat that only Chicago, Memphis and Orlando have a TPE big enough to absorb Robinson's deal. Chicago is not expected to use their TPE though due to tax concerns, leaving just Orlando and Menphis. How many teams are under the cap right now?

I don't think Nicholson would be in any deal as Houston is trying to shed salary. Taking back Nicholson doesn't save them enough money and thus defeats the purpose of trading Robinson. A TPE and a heavily protected pick should be all that's offered. If we did acquire Robinson, it could free up the possibility of trading Nicholson for need/depth elsewhere.

At this stage of our rebuild, it's all about acquiring talent. If you can trade for a guy that is one year removed from being a top 5 pick and only give up a TPE and a protected pick for him, you do it.

WatchESPN or whatever it's called is broadcasting it on the 16th and 17th May.

May 21

I want Muhammad but barring an incredible workout, I think there is little to no chance that the Magic actually pick him. I'd be happy with Burke or Noel.

I'd take the Thunder deal out of all of them. The Bulls trade is horrible, even with the Bobcats' pick, which is heavily protected until 2017 or something like that. I'd have a serious think about the Spurs deal but would want a third team for Stephen Jackson.

No way Raptors trade Calderon and Lowry. Who are they going to start at the point? Ish?

I'd do number 2 every day of the week. I don't think Phoenix would do either though :(

I think Rondo's attitude would prevent him from being in a Magic uniform. He doesn't really fit the Hennigan culture that we're trying to build.

I agree. He seems to have all the makings of being a really solid PG in the L.

All they are doing is running with what Schmitz wrote in the Sentinel. I haven't got the link but he essentially said that every veteran on our team is on the block for prospects, expirings and picks. He included Big Baby and Afflalo, which to me, proves that it is BS. Those two and Jameer are here to be the leaders of the new generation. Show the young guys how to be pros, etc.

Well you kind of did, our head scouts were essentially Twardzik and Otis.

Evans also grew up a massive Magic fan. Penny was his favourite player.

Me too. I thought he was a stiff but reading his profile on DraftExpress and watching some vids makes think he could be quite a pickup.

Shabazz Muhammad all the way! He's the reason I've been looking forward to a Dwight trade. He'll be our Durant. Cold-blooded scorer.

I'm just glad the Magic have finally taken a chance on something different. Too often ownership has taken the safe option (re-hiring Brian Hill comes to mind) and they were rumoured to be doing so again this season when retreads Bower and McMillan were frontrunners. Instead Martins recognised changes needed to be made and went out against the common thought and hired Hennigan. Thankfully, Hennigan is following that path and selecting candidates he believes best embody what he wants this organisation to represent. No matter who is hired as head coach, I can just about guarantee that their number 1 priority will be player development. I have full confidence that Rob will select the right man for the job (as long as it's not Michael Curry :P).

Rob's leaving the 2 spot open for when we draft Shabazz next year.

Didn't Golden State want 2 firsts and Anthony Johnson for him or something ridiculous like that? They then signed and traded him to the Bulls the following season for a heavily protected 2nd rounder.

I've been thinking along those lines. Howard to Lakers, Gasol to Rockets, we get Bynum, Lamb, Jones and their Raptors pick.