StokesW

I've been calling him 'Brick to my Lue' for the past several months.

As a lifelong Gator fan, the answer to this question is Marreese Speights. He's lazy, lazy, lazy. If he is the pick, I'll come at Otis hard.

I don't know about the quotes, but I agree with you on Battie. Tony Battie? What has he ever done to make Smith think he is the answer to our probelms.

My point is, How are these two comments made on the same day? One quote would lead the reader to believe that Battie should be back for at least the playoffs, and the other clearly states that Battie is done for the season. He comes off as incompetent.

quote: Originally posted by Tough Break There: quote: Otis also said a few weeks ago that we weren't going to be forced into any deals because we had Battie coming back at the end of the season. Link? I never read him saying that. This quote came in the last 24 hours. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-bk-magic022108,0,6686767.story One reason the Magic were reluctant to trade anyone significant to find the much-needed defensive-minded power forward is that Tony Battie is getting closer to a return. Battie, a starter at power forward last season, still hopes to be active for the playoffs after rotator cuff surgery just before the season began. "We still have to get better. We're not a finished product by any stretch," Smith said. "Are we missing something? Yes, we are. And No. 4 [battie] is still in a [business] suit for now. He won't be there forever."

JJ Reddick for Joakim Noah NBA Finals this year.

If I'm Otis Smith I would go after a Power Forward. Specifically, I would go after Joakim Noah, while he is still frowned upon by the Bulls. Noah is a bit dramatic, but he is full of hustle, and he could battle for rebounds on Offense and Defense side. He plays hard defense, and can fly up the court with Dwight. That would give us two very athletic big men, a matchup nightmare. Two very young, very athletic big men who would run wild on the East for the next several years. This would allow Rashard Lewis to play his natural SF position. Also, Noah is a fan favorite in Orlando. Many of those fans are people who left the Magic years ago when the team jacked up prices and shrunk the size of the seats. Those fans can be won back with a player they love. Noah won't win everyone back, but he could help win some.