Soul Bro

I'm still mad we didn't make a play for Billups. Part of why we can't play JJ is because our pgs can't play consistent defense. I wish we could bring JJ off the bench and just run a slew of plays for him: screens, pick-n-rolls, etc. As just a low end part of the rotation, his game is under-utilized.

I can't believe I went to bed and didn't get to see JJ last night. Anyway, it does look like Otis is putting the word out there of JJ's availability. If we get another Cook, I'll be very disappointed. Personally, I'm tired of Bogans' and Dooling's inconsistency and wish we could see a little more of JJ before we trade him.

we look bad, very bad

quote: Originally posted by Tough Break There:Quincy Who-be? Funny

Back to the question, I believe Magic fans expect a "clean" fanbase and experience because the organization tries so hard to be clean and respectable. Consequently, it is extra-shocking when someone acts racist and/or disrespectful as a fan or spectator of the Magic. About three years ago, I was sitting in the lower bowl and a drunk, white guy was screaming profanities and the "n" word over and over again at some of our team. Let's just say, to the organization's credit, he didn't last long and was booted. Are our fans racist? Sure, some of them. But let's not judge the whole lot by a few rotten few. Moreover, let's give the organization credit for trying hard to keep our experience a good one.

Wake up, friends. Time for another trade idea. Ready, set, deliver!!! Carlos Arroyo and JJ Redick for Drew Gooden Would Gooden's 12.9 points and 8.9 boards at PF be worth it? They need a PG and could use another shooter.

Great article. I give Otis props for believing in Hedo through his "flu-like" symptoms and coasting play. Denton told Junkie last year that Hedo was Otis' second favorite player behind Dwight. At the time, I thought Otis was nuts. I also like how SVG called out Hedo in the preseason as an underachiever for his career, as stated in the article. Last but certainly not least, as cited in the article, I love how SVG compared Hedo to Dirk. IMO, that is not to far off and is a good motivational strategy.

Given the poor play of the Bucks, a Milwaukee beat writer suggests they trade Redd: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=703313 What would it cost us to get him? A trade of Hedo, JJ, Pat, Keyon, and a 1st works numbers-wise. However, I think they'd want to dump a bad contract with him (Gadzuric or Simmons). Thoughts?

Trust me, we'll end up with more wins than the Heat. They are awful. I'm just hoping they end up better than the lowest 5 teams by winning a few more games.

Who knows? Dallas? Denver? Anything is possible.

quote: Originally posted by Jackie Treehorn:Yeah, the only thing drowning the Heat is Shaq's contract...and Jason Williams...and Ricky Davis...and Smush Parker... Add to that the concerns about Wade's ability to rebound from his surgery. He may well be back to his old self next season, but he's certainly not looking good right now. And there's always the possibility that carries over. The only players with real upside they have (excluding Wade) are Haslem and Cook. Even if you add a talented rookie to that, they still have major problems. Especially since Shaq isn't going anywhere anytime soon. They'll certainly be able to compete with any team on any given night, as is the case with all teams, but their prospects for serious contention in the next few years are not looking good at all. Davis and Williams are expiring this summer, while Smush has a small deal. All they have to do is deal Shaq for expirings and they have a young core of Wade, Haslem, and Cook. Add another top All-Star talent to that mix and some role players and they are back in business.

I'm not so sure. This kid, Beasley, plays like Melo, while Rose has the size of Billups. The only thing drowning the Heat is Shaq's contract, which if Riles has a brain, he'd dump at the quickest opportunity.

So they don't get a top draft pick. Seriously, if they land one of the top picks, especially Beasley or Rose, we will have our hands full for years to come.

quote: Originally posted by Jackie Treehorn:I agree with a lot of what you said, but a few points of contention: - I don't think Otis did the bridge burning as far as Milicic is concerned. His agent was mostly responsible for that. - You can argue for the merits of trading Hill's contract last season, and you may be right, but who could you realistically get? If you can come up with some specific examples I'd be happy to debate it with you, and you may even come up with a deal that would have made sense, but until then, I don't consider this a bad mark against Otis. - Ariza. I still remain unconvinced that Ariza could have gotten much more in return than what he did. Again, if you can provide me with legitimate trade ideas that would have worked, I'd be more than happy to listen. But so far, nobody has been able to construct a trade that would have made more sense. If you can do it, I welcome you to do so. - The drafts I've already spoken about in other threads. JJ is still a good pick in my opinion, if for nothing more than the fact that he is a tradeable asset. Vasquez is obviously a different story, and you may have a good point on that one. But if he comes over in the next couple of years and does well it's still a good pick. The jury's still out on that one. - Lewis. Everyone agrees that he isn't worth his contract. That's nothing new. But he still can be a good fit for this team. The problem is that he's playing out of position. As I've said numerous times, he'll never be able to justify his contract so he's destined to be a failure here no matter what he does, but I still believe he can be an integral part of the success of the Magic given the right circumstances. And I disagree that he wouldn't be able to fetch more than the MLE if he were a free agent next summer. He most certainly would. - SVG/Donovan. You can't fault Otis for Billy being unable to stick with his decisions. The Magic didn't hold a gun to his head and force him to sign that contract. He did it on his own and later found out that his family was against the move. Blaming that fiasco on anything other than Donovan's family and his loyalties to them (understandable as it may be) is being unfair. SVG was the best possible candidate left after that and Riley was probably bluffing at that point wanting draft compensation for letting Stan out of his contract, but the Magic had no choice at the time. And Riley knew it. That's why the deal went down the way it did. The Magic couldn't afford to call Riley's bluff and face the possibility of letting him sign with Sacramento. They had just been through a public relations nightmare and had to sign a good coach real soon or be faced with another reason for the fan base to abandon them. I don't fault Otis on this front either. All in all, you make some good points. But I don't think it's time yet to call for Otis's job. I'm in no way a fan of Otis, but let's at least be fair to the guy. He's made some good moves and some bad moves. No different than any other GM in the league. Which, by the way, I welcome your list of 10 GMs off the top of your head that would have done better. Another well thought out post. Good reading.

quote: Originally posted by LilPenny3000: quote: Originally posted by Hutchence:We waited about 15 minutes in the Dooling/Bogans line, got to the front and a Magic employee was trying to rush through the session so she grabbed the item I had for them to sign and put it in front of Dooling. He looked at his watch, it was about 8 minutes past what was designated to be the cut off time, pushed my item away, stood up and said "No more, I have things to do, I'm done." I then proceeded to tell him to his face, "I'm glad I spend so much money every year to watch you play ****ty basketball." Karma is a b*** isn't it.. As Dooling was walking away he was probably thinking: man I ended the session at the right spot! You'd think someone would be thankful for the other autographs and just go home happy instead of making a scene at the place (as this person is boasting) and then coming here to vent. The wisdome of LilPenny says everything comes back to you! Ding, ding

quote: Originally posted by star_phenom35:Well we have the pieces and ALOT of expirings. Golden State wants Arroyo for Pietrus and a Garrity throw-in, along with Fran should be able to get us Wright. the Sonics are rebuilding from KD and JG on up. So it wont be very difficult to pry Wilcox out of there. Give them expirings, Rakovic and a 2009 2st rounder and Wilcox is ours You are undervaluing Wright and Wilcox from their teams' positions. Sure, I'd love it, but those teams would never do it.

I'd probably ask Dwight to do some impersonations. *Edit: During his bench time of course

I'd rather have Redd b/c he's much more durable than Mac. Anyway, you've gotta admit, that three team deal is good for all teams involved.

quote: Originally posted by MilitaryMagic:This guy is a complete mystery. Not to a certain poster on this board who has quite the connection ... not me

Hutch, I'm sorry, but the thread title is really funny

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?playe...9~10~10~15&te=&cash= T-Mac to Milwaukee, Redd to Orlando, Shard to Houston. Boo-Yah!!!

quote: Originally posted by D-BoFats:Chance of us landing Redd: 0% Anything is possible. Remember how NJ got VC? Check the Redd thread. T-Mac, Redd, and Lewis are the main players

I will say this, however, I'm not as down on Otis as you are. Having endured the agony of the Lue, J. Howard, absent Grant, and T-Mac days, I've been pleasantly surprised by our success this year.

Welcome Dismiss! Thoughtful post. If I get the energy, I'll reply ... long day, long post.

Here's to Nick and his thread! I don't believe Otis will trade either Jameer or Rashard. Would the Bucks take on Shard's deal? I don' think so. Would they take on Hedo's, expirings, and a 1st for Redd? Probably not, either. Darn it!