Courtskils
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Posts posted by Courtskils
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Damon Stoudamire- Same game as Jameer just much older. Does he have anything in the tank? He did not look good with the Spurs last year, but was said to have a great workout with the Suns earlier this year.
Shaun Livingston- I have no idea his status. The talent was definitely there prior to the injury last year. Is he still recovering or is his explosiveness just gone? Getting cut by the Heat makes you worry.
Eddie Gill
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Damon Stoudamire- Same game as Jameer just much older. Does he have anything in the tank? He did not look good with the Spurs last year, but was said to have a great workout with the Suns earlier this year.
Shaun Livingston- I have no idea his status. The talent was definitely there prior to the injury last year. Is he still recovering or is his explosiveness just gone? Getting cut by the Heat makes you worry.
Eddie Gill
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Make it a three way trade, We get McDyess Denver gets Battie. A win/ win for both teams
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If the Magic are unwilling to go in the luxury tax, then why did they sign Rashard Lewis? Ownership had to approve the Rashard Lewis deal, did they expect to put a winning product on the floor without going into the luxury tax?
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For the money the Magic gave Rashard Lewis last year, they could of gotten 3 Mikael Pietrus's. I've wanted Otis to sign Pietrus to an offer sheet last year, but all in all a good signing. The Magic now have three positions solidified out of 5, SG, C, and SF. Now if they can just get a PF and a PG they would be deep and talented.
I think the Magic are going to make a major move before this year's trading deadline. Unfortunately, I think we will be saying goodbye to Mr. Turkoglu in the long run.
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In light of reading Ball Junkies J.J. Redick draft post, I have an idea to keep a running yearly post in regards to the Magic's draft to be evaluated every year. I am not sure the best way to set this up, but maybe some of the vets on here have input. This way in the long-run we will see who has the best eye for talent. I would actually propose to do this after the draft for numerous reasons.
1. You could not pick a player who had been drafted before the Magic's pick.
2. If the Magic pick up an additional pick or move up, you need the additional information.
I would also include a section to pick the 3 best players from the draft.
Everyone could post the thoughts on who the Magic should have drafted and why. Lock the thread two weeks after the draft and pick it back up next year.
Any thoughts?
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In light of reading Ball Junkies J.J. Redick draft post, I have an idea to keep a running yearly post in regards to the Magic's draft to be evaluated every year. I am not sure the best way to set this up, but maybe some of the vets on here have input. This way in the long-run we will see who has the best eye for talent. I would actually propose to do this after the draft for numerous reasons.
1. You could not pick a player who had been drafted before the Magic's pick.
2. If the Magic pick up an additional pick or move up, you need the additional information.
I would also include a section to pick the 3 best players from the draft.
Everyone could post the thoughts on who the Magic should have drafted and why. Lock the thread two weeks after the draft and pick it back up next year.
Any thoughts?
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The reason M. Rakovic was the last pick in the draft is that he has no plans of coming to the NBA. He was originally projectedas a late first/ early second round pick. Once teams knew his intentions they dropped him off draft boards.
With that said, I think it was a good gamble for the Magic. That pick probably would of never made the roster had they used it on someone else, now they at least have his rights should something change in the future.
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It is nice to see the Magic finally put on a consistent winning product, something we have not seen since the Shaq days. I think the majority of posters and readers are ecstatic about the team, but when you look out West and look to the top of the Eastern conference, I think many also wonder if the Magic are good enough. You pointed out a .500 record against teams over .500. That won't get you very far in the playoffs.
Good post overall, just remember alot of frustations over the Magic's current decisions are a result of many failures and we all know it started with letting Shaq go and got worse from there. So a lot including myself are a little trigger happy to scrutinize a Magic move.
The Magic are playoff bound, I will be there, will you?
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I think more people would feel that way if they thought there was any chance of trading Rashard.
Rashard and Hedo cannot coexist (as starters) so one must go. Does anyone really thing Rashard can be dealt or Otis would deal him? That leaves Hedo on the short end.
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Quote By: alexjbaum10
quote:HAHAHAHAHAHA! i really had hoped it never came to that on these boards...worst argument ever...great story though, it was really moving...so what youre trying to say is you adapted, so why cant rashard? Try adapting in the NBA, let me know how that goes...im in agreement now that rashard is overpaid, but the players you used as an example were some of the games greatest, rashard is just a very good offensive player in this league, thats it______________________________________________
Isn't this the argument with J.J. Redick, doesn't he have to adapt his game, thus improve his defense to get on the floor. I didn't overpay Rashard nor did you, but Rashard wanted a max contract, he needs to be working for it. And yes, it comes to that, you improve at any level to get better. Maybe Dwight Howard shouldn't adapt anymore because he's in the NBA. And you don't know me, so don't comment on where I've been where I've played and my personal experiences.
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I think the one of Rashard's biggest detriments, is that we the fans and even the media are trying to make him something he's not. He is not a star in this league, and not even close to a superstar. We all have to live with the fact the Magic severly overpaid him and he will never live up to expectations. I wish Shard had the intensity and work ethic to be the best, but after watching him disappear on the floor at times, I doubt he becomes that.
I put Rashard in the following group: Cory Maggette, Ben Gordan, a younger Finly or Stackhouse, Jason Richardson, Peja S., M. Okur, Jamal Crawford, Richard Jefferson, Andrei Igudoula, among others.
These guys all have superior games and definately are above average. They just aren't superstars are even stars. They are players who end up getting overpaid because they do something very well. Of course this list of names are all opinion and arguments could easily be made. But this is the caliber of player I feel Shard is.
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quote:
Originally posted by Orlando Mellow:
quote:
Originally posted by Courtskils:
For the contract he signed, he should be the guy who wants to guard the other teams best player, whether he's a post or a wing.
When you pay a guy league max he should have the intensity to want the ball every possession, he should have that killer instince.
Rashard, however just wants to fit in. Well if you don't want to lead, don't try and get paid like a leader.
Honestly, don't you think management had conversations with Rashard about intensity, leading, and playing like he's getting paid.
I don't see Rashard complaining to Van Gundy about the way he is used, speak up.
Quote by: Matias JJ
That's pretty shortsighted.
Courtskills should see Lewis isn't at fault for Otis having thrown a bunch of money at him and expect him to become Keven Garnett. Rashard never in his 9 year career has had to play this way. Is like asking a guy like Dirk Nowitzki to play center just because he's 7 feet and to expect good defense against the good centers of this league. Sorry you can't understand this.
I also agree 100% with the opening post
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Matias
Have you played the game of basketball. I was forced to play out of position for years, you kow what I did, adapated. Being on the court was more important than playing a position. I took pride in guarding the best, pleaying the elite, and having an inside out game. The majority of stars in the league have versitile enough games to play multiple positions. The lone exception has always been the center position.
Remember Magic Johnson playing center in the finals? Charles Barkley developed a 3 point shot. Karl Malone was one of the worst shooters and developed an 18 foot game. If you want to be paid like a star then play like one. Rashard signed the contract, he should take the responsibility that comes with it. If Drew Gooden kills us inside during the game, if I'm Rashard Lewis, I tell the coach put me on Gooden, that is a superstar, knowing you are better offensively and defensively than your opponent.
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For the contract he signed, he should be the guy who wants to guard the other teams best player, whether he's a post or a wing.
When you pay a guy league max he should have the intensity to want the ball every possession, he should have that killer instince.
Rashard, however just wants to fit in. Well if you don't want to lead, don't try and get paid like a leader.
Honestly, don't you think management had conversations with Rashard about intensity, leading, and playing like he's getting paid.
I don't see Rashard complaining to Van Gundy about the way he is used, speak up.
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Should the Magic be after him?
I believe the Magic have an asset in Hedo Turkoglu that would fit in well under Nellie ball.
Golden State keeps rejecting trades as they want to get something they want for Pietrus.
Would something like Turkoglu and Arroyo for Pietrus and Sarunas work? Or swap Dooling for Arroyo's place.
I am starting to wonder why I good 2-3 gaurd is out on the market and no one has made Golden State an offer worth taking (or Pietrus has not seen a contract yet worth signing to agree for trade).
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Should the Magic be after him?
I believe the Magic have an asset in Hedo Turkoglu that would fit in well under Nellie ball.
Golden State keeps rejecting trades as they want to get something they want for Pietrus.
Would something like Turkoglu and Arroyo for Pietrus and Sarunas work? Or swap Dooling for Arroyo's place.
I am starting to wonder why I good 2-3 gaurd is out on the market and no one has made Golden State an offer worth taking (or Pietrus has not seen a contract yet worth signing to agree for trade).
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How about Garrity, Arroyo and an option to swap future first round picks.
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The funny thing about this is now Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis will be free agents the same year. I see two problems here, 1. In that year of free agency, Dwight will have to count double against the cap before resigning, and if he does resign he will get a large rage taking up a portion of Rashard's newly aquired cap space (assuming at 33 he doesn't resign another big deal).
If for Rashard and Dwight can't get over the hump, and Dwight is a free agent, he has no incentive to resign. If Rashard signed the original 5 year deal, the Magic would have alternating years for cap space relief. The Magic would have the ability to bring in a different superstar or stars to play alongside Dwight, to keep him happy. But yet again Otis Smith is a business guru and knows exactly what he's doing.
Thanks for limiting 6 years from now, when Dwight will be in his prime!
If Rashard Lewis had a 5 year deal. He would be a free
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Man, That was a great post. I love it how people were man and couldn't believe someone would post this.... Good stuff.
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I'm pro Shard anti Otis Smith. I can't blame Rashard Lewis for taking the contract, I blame people for giving it to him. No other team in the league had the cap space. Memphis just got Darko at a discount, the Magic could have done the same thing with Rashard. Seattle's demands for Rashard would be ridiculous for any team, because Seattle would just assume keep the cap space. I could go on for days how bad this deal was.
Point in case Rashard Lewis has done nothing yet to warrent this kind of deal, so why give it to him. If Rashard Lewis becomes MVP I will still say it was bad negotiating on the Magic's part.
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Good Luck to Darko, if he ever needed another chip on his sholder, he just got one. I see Darko outplaying his contract in 3 years. He will also have his own twin tower duo in Pau Gasol.
As for your agent, he should be fired. He misguided Darko in a year where the was essentially no free agent money. Darko should have never opted out as if his stats rose to 12 pts 8 boards 2 blocks, which is realistic in a starting role, he would of easily got his 10 million per season
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Good Post NBR!
Let me first off say I am not pissed that Rashard Lewis is on the Magic. I am a Magic fan and hope this team can win the championship, however I am pissed about everything else this summer.
I am first pissed about Rashard Lewis's contract and how people defend it by stating you always overpay to land a big free agent. Big free agents ARE Top 10 players in the league, at least top 20, right now Rashard Lewis is neither. Look at old bad contracts like Erik Dampier, he was the best big man available so the Mavs had to overpay, he barely plays 25 minutes.
This is not baseball people, overpaying in basketball severly impacts your future because of the salary cap. Everybody was against bringing in Vince Carter during the deadline because we had to "give up part of our future" to get him. Well Darko is gone, who was part of our future.
Rashard Lewis's contract will forever affect our free agency. The MLE for the next 6 years, does anyone remember how bad that killed the Magic's ability to get better? Look at the lakers for ex: they are doomed to never win a championship because of the inability to bring in extra talent. If Howard and Lewis come up short then they have no chance at adding good talent. Battie and Turkoglu come off the books together and if Lewis had a deal like Ben Wallace, most likely the Magic would have been able to make a run at another player.
And look at the deals everyone signed this offseason. Look at Chauncy Billups, Darko, Vince Carter, Gerald Wallace, Nocioni, can anyone really say the teams had to overpay for those players? NO. The Magic were the only team with significant capspace to sign Lewis and were the only team willing to overpay that much. Otis Smith bid against himself. This talk about Lewis going to Houston is comicle. Who did Houston have that Seattle would want in a sign and trade. Nobody, unless it was Yao or TMac. Otis Smith got played, and then even upped the anty by throwing Seattle another draft pick just to give Lewis an extra 30 mil, again see Ben Wallace, overpaid but at least his contract declines year over year.
Otis Smith tells Darko he is the #1 priority. Then renigs and goes after Lewis. Otis Smith's ego got the best of him. Darko had the right to be angry. Otis Smith said he would refuse to overpay Darko, but he's willing to overpay Lewis, that is another slap in Darko's face.
Otis Smith now has no cap space to bring in any other free agents and he didn't even fill positions. They needed more size and the needed additional big gaurds, they got neither. They got a guy who is in the same "mold" as Turkoglu, Ariza, and Hill. Can anyone blame Hill for heading for the Hills he's a smart guy he can see the disaster unfolding.
Otis Smith trades draft picks for cash this year. The few hundred thousand you could have taken off Rashard Lewis's contract and gotten some future talent. Another horrible move, if the franchise is that strapped for cash, then why overpay Lewis.
Darko Milicec deal turned out horrible. Everyone commeded Smith for this 1 1/2 years ago, but as Smith declined to give Darko an extension the Pistons end up with Rodney Stuckey.
There were so many good moves by so many teams this summer it's stinks that the Magic are at the bottom. Toronto got Carlos Delfino for 2 2nd rounders, and the Magic got cash for theirs. Stan Van Gundy came to coach a team with 2 great young bigs, now he has 1.
If the Eastern conference was still the same as a year ago, this may look like a good move. But losing Grant Hill and Darko Milicec and adding Lewis does not make the Magic a championship caliber team.
That is all my frustration for now, I hope Otis Smith can salvage the off-season and work some deals. He has proven to be a horrible poker player. Just because you have a good poker face doesn't mean your a good player.
Let's go Magic, win the East. Just because I don't like the moves doesn't mean I won't cheer for the Magic, moves are criticized and I think its comfortable to say the Magic have not scored an A this off-season.
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I'm so sick and tired of hearing people say just give Otis Smith a chance just, wait. I don't care if the Magic win the NBA title he has proven by no means that he is a good GM.
He just signed a player to play wing man to Dwight Howard to the richest contract in league history and who was Otis Smith bidding against? Himself.
No other team had the cap room to sign Lewis straight up, Smith got played by Lewis's agent. Not only then, but Smith trades a second rounder just so Lewis can have an extra year and increased raises. What has Rashard Lewis proved to get the richest contract in NBA history.
Lewis was arguably only the second best free agent in the league. Chauncy Billups was considered the gem, and he signed for $12 mill a year. Vince Carter was arguably the third and he signed for $15 a year. Both those players have accomplished much more than Lewis and Lewis yet gets $20 million per season.
Then Smith has the audacity to put down Darko for wanting 9-10 mil per season. Is Darko half the player as Rashard Lewis? Heck if Otis Smith is giving this kind of money away I might ask for a a mil just for being a fan.
Dwight Howard's wingman is the richest player in the league, and the richest player in the league is not even a top 20 talent.
Then to give Lewis an additional $30 million and not even unload Garrity or Arroyo for extra cap room is down right insanity, plus you give Seattle a pick. I could hear Otis Smith on the phone now to Seattle, would you like to sign and trade Rashard Lewis for a 2nd rounder, because since we play next to Mickey Mouse we would like to give him an extra $30 million.
The worst thing about this contract is it makes Rashard Lewis untradable. Unless he becomes Kobe Bryant like nobody will ever consider taking on this huge contract. It is way to risky for a player who has proven only to be second tier.
If Rashard Lewis was a free agent next year, does anyone think he would command anywhere near this type of contract in next years class?
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He better win an Effing championship anything less is a failure
Finals tix
in Orlando Magic Forum
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If or when the finals tickets presale password comes out I would greatly appreciate it if someone could send it to me.
Thanks to a few of the message board members I was able to purchase tickets during the presale for game 6. It was an awesome atmosphere and win the 'Ship.