Courtskils

As of today, JJ Redick is penciled in as the starting 2 gaurd. I like many others wanted to see what Redick was all about last year. Well this year Magic fans are going to find out. Redick will be running circles around defenders looking for the jumpshot. The addition of Lewis and the current perceived subtraction of Grant Hill and Darko Milicec means Orlando will try and out score opponents. It is unquestionable that Lewis and Redick will both add fire power and that Dwight Howard should be almost unstoppable 1 on 1. Will Jameer Nelson learn to be a true pass first PG? Is JJ Redick ready for the spot light, are Magic fans ready to roll with Redick. Can Redick be the real deal or was he just made for college basketball? JJ Redick, next year can make or break your career. Mr. Redick you may also make or break Otis Smith's career. I for one hope Otis Smith adds depth and at least brings in a proven PF and a veteran 2 gaurd just in case good ole JJ isn't ready.

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.

Two underachieving organizations recently made news headlines, a contract extension for Isiah Thomas was announced, and Magic GM Otis Smith announced that Brian hill's job is safe. Both teams, looking to make a playoff push, gave public support of their court generals. A big difference, however, exists. Several New York Knick players including Eddie Curry and Stephon Marbury (arguably the two most important pieces) gave public support of Isiah Thomas. The team supports and enjoys playing for their coach, and management finally gave Thomas their full support. Everyone in the Knicks organization is finally on the same page and the dividends could result in a playoff birth. The Magic have a coach that management supports, but do the players agree? Brian Hill has never seen the amount of support from players that Isiah Thomas has experienced this year. Isiah is on a mission to prove everyone wrong, and he has gotten his players to believe in him, does Hill experience the same love? To be successful in the NBA, you have to know how to build a team. I don

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

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

I have watched, played, and studied basketball for a long time. I have mentioned his name before but never had a lot of support, I say sign Mickael Pietrus. Carter, Lewis, Wallace would all be great for the Magic, but they can get the same production out of Pietrus. He is the same type of player as Gerald Wallace, but has a better shot. He impacts the game both defensive and offensively but has always been stuck behind Jason Richardson. The Warriors have discussed moving Richardson so they can open a roster slot for Pietrus (and Monta Ellis). He will likely command money in the MLE range. If you want to go bargain shopping and not overpay this guy is the way to go. He will come at an extreme discount to his future production. I know the video is a "highlight" reel but watch how he can drive to the hoop with both hands, and he uses the left and the right with extreme comfort. He is an NBA All-Star ready player, just has not had the opportunity to be the man. Gerald Wallace got the opportunity in Charlotte and look what happened. Orlando if your scared of the big boys and big contracts look at Mickael Pietrus

Make it a three way trade, We get McDyess Denver gets Battie. A win/ win for both teams

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?

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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 ________________________________________________ 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.

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.

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).

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).

How about Garrity, Arroyo and an option to swap future first round picks.

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

Man, That was a great post. I love it how people were man and couldn't believe someone would post this.... Good stuff.

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.

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