ZobchikCPA

If we learned anything from game 4 let it be this: 1. Speed the game up, when we ran in the first half, we had success. This starts with Jameer and as people mentioned before, we go as he goes. Doc Rivers alluded in his postgame interview that they are at an obvious disadvantage when the tempo is up like it was for parts of the first half. The second half Boston settled in because they could set their half court defense and grind it out. 2. We need at least the same intensity and effort and probably more. That is the minimum effort it will take to get the job done. Our physical play really wore out Boston which is why Pierce shot both threes short bc he was out of gas. Maybe poor management on Doc's part with his minutes but when we ran in the first half and played physical we wore these old guys down. Also, our play finally got KG and Wallace mentally rattled. We need to break them down mentally. Wallace couldnt burn us in the 4th quarter because Doc could not trust him to go back in and not fly off the handle. 3. Attack the basket and good things will happen. I think we finally learned that attacking the basket creates open outside shots, frees up D12 to collect the missed shots, and forces Boston to play defense and expend energy. 4. Trust your bench and don't be afraid to substitue early and often. If Lewis and Carter aren't producing then get them out. JJ and Bass played very well. We need to put ego's aside and go with the people that are playing well and getting the job done. I loved the offense and defense substitution down the stretch. Carter or JJ can not check Pierce. Barnes barely can these days and that is only when Paul was wearing down but Barnes gives us a better shot. Barnes just needs to not take the ill advised threes. The others of course for every game are make free throws and take care of the basketball. Should be an interesting Game 5. Hopefully we respond better than we did Game 4 and it doesnt come down to OT or a free throw shooting contest. Lets stop the Boston show!!!

If we learned anything from game 4 let it be this: 1. Speed the game up, when we ran in the first half, we had success. This starts with Jameer and as people mentioned before, we go as he goes. Doc Rivers alluded in his postgame interview that they are at an obvious disadvantage when the tempo is up like it was for parts of the first half. The second half Boston settled in because they could set their half court defense and grind it out. 2. We need at least the same intensity and effort and probably more. That is the minimum effort it will take to get the job done. Our physical play really wore out Boston which is why Pierce shot both threes short bc he was out of gas. Maybe poor management on Doc's part with his minutes but when we ran in the first half and played physical we wore these old guys down. Also, our play finally got KG and Wallace mentally rattled. We need to break them down mentally. Wallace couldnt burn us in the 4th quarter because Doc could not trust him to go back in and not fly off the handle. 3. Attack the basket and good things will happen. I think we finally learned that attacking the basket creates open outside shots, frees up D12 to collect the missed shots, and forces Boston to play defense and expend energy. 4. Trust your bench and don't be afraid to substitue early and often. If Lewis and Carter aren't producing then get them out. JJ and Bass played very well. We need to put ego's aside and go with the people that are playing well and getting the job done. I loved the offense and defense substitution down the stretch. Carter or JJ can not check Pierce. Barnes barely can these days and that is only when Paul was wearing down but Barnes gives us a better shot. Barnes just needs to not take the ill advised threes. The others of course for every game are make free throws and take care of the basketball. Should be an interesting Game 5. Hopefully we respond better than we did Game 4 and it doesnt come down to OT or a free throw shooting contest. Lets stop the Boston show!!!

We need to retain Gortat. You can never have too many good bigs. D12 still has to work on staying out of foul trouble. Gortat is a very tradeable asset it seems as well. I still love the thought of Nelson, Carter, Lewis, Gortat, Howard on the floor together. I think there will be times when we need a power line up. Part of the reason I think we lost to the Lakers is because they outrebounded us almost every game. The Hammer is worth the price. Heck he is better than probably half the centers in the league and he will still be paid less than all those guys. If this guys keeps developing. Look out.

Next objective - Keep Hedo or turn him loose to a Western Conference. Since we lost Alston and need a back up PG, it is time to talk to Portland. Lets sign and trade Hedo to Portland for Steve Blake or Sergio Rodriguez and Travis Outlaw. I think we could make something work with Portland if they really want Hedo.

As much as I would love Chris Bosh, I dont think we could afford to have him, lewis, and D12 without paying some serious luxury tax. The salary cap is projected approx 57.3mill for next year with luxury tax 69.4mill. We would have the following committed salaries Lewis $20,514,000 Bosh $17,149,243 (estimate) Howard $16,509,600 Nelson $6,722,222 Pietrus $5,300,000 Redick $3,887,150 Lee $1,352,640 That is 7 guys for a total of $71,434,855. That is already 2 million into the luxury tax and we have to have at least 5 more guys on the roster and counting against the cap. Tell me how you are going to make it work and we can afford this without going deep into luxury tax.

What about Ben Gordon on that wish list?? We need someone at the 2 guard that can create his own shot and score. I dont think he would fit well chemistry wise though and would want too much money. Also, I wouldnt want to deal with the Bulls.

I dont think the actual annual salary structure can be declining in nature as I mentioned. According to the collective bargaining agreement, I believe that they can be structured with the players next years salary computed as 105% of the previous years salary. Also, I believe you can structure the contract with max increases based on 10.5% of the first year salary. So if you said the salary Year 1 was 7 million, year two would be 7,735,000, year three 8,470,000, etc.. I have seem some players have a straight salary amount. I guess that is within the rules of the CBA and the CBA only controls max raise situations. I am assuming you dont have to structure player raises at all. They could do a 6 year 52.5million with $8,750,000 being paid each year. I dont know how accurate and reliable the public salary info on these sites really are. The CBA provisions are pretty technical.

Now that I have had time to unwind from the playoff run, I have had a chance to think about some of the issues facing our team. First off, from basketball perspective, I have come to these conclusions: 1. We need someone who can create their own shot in crunch time. Supposedly Turk is the only one who can. If we lose him, it will be imperative that we get someone on this roster that can get his own shot at any time, especially on final game plays and down the stretch in games. 2. This team needs its players to become smarter basketball players. I agreed with one analyst that we are the most talented team from top to bottom but we arent the smartest team and that will prevent us from getting over the hump. Jacking up three's to blow leads wont cut it. Forcing things to close out games wont cut it. Hopefully experience and seeing how the Lakers did it will help. We did grow up a lot after the Boston series. 3. We need more floor leadership. SVG can only yell for so long. We need someone to call the shots and be QB on the court. I think Jameer is that guy and it was unfortunate of his injury so hopefully he can fill that role. Kobe out coached us and game planned us as an on court general. Also, he showed how hungry and driven you really have to be to get the job done. Hopefully we learned something from that. Second, from a free agency perspective, I believe that this team has the core group to get it done. I am against doing deals with most or if not all teams in the Eastern Conference right now. I think if we somehow lose Turk, lets deal with a Western Conference team and it appears our main suitor according to the media is Portland. I also like Utah with Boozer unhappy. These are my conclusions on this: 1. Turk is worth somewhere between 8-10million a season.If we dont retain him, we must do a sign and trade to get something of value in return. 2. I would look at Utah to see if we can a deal for Boozer (probably highly unlikely). Boozer is kinda the only big star out there on a little smaller contract We could get a good PF and move Lewis back to 3 without costing us even more luxury tax to do it (i.e. Bosh is big $$$). Boozer is probably asking for a big pay day now and his injuries are a concern so maybe this is an unrealistic option. 3. If we deal with Portland, Travis Outlaw MUST be involved. I also like Aldrige(sure he is untouchable) and Darius Miles expiring contract could be good benefical. I dont see Portland giving up the right mix right now for us to make it happen. 4. We must do everything we can to retain Gortat. The mid level exception is probably going to be approx $5.7 million. If he can command more than that in open market we may be screwed. This guy will be worth what we pay him. Usually nothing but good things happen when he is on the court and productive active centers are HARD to find. I think he is as important as Turk. If we lose Turk, we must get the Polish Hammer resigned. Luxury tax should be considered. 5. I like looking at Brandon Bass as one reporter mentioned. We have 1.99 Million bi-annual exception. We do need another PF or big especially if we lose Gortat. We need to see who else is out there. Lastly, from a financial perspective, my big question is, how much are the Magic comfortably willing to pay in luxury tax to make it all happen. Based on rumblings, the salary cap appears to be going down to $57.30 million and the luxury tax threshold will be a $69.40. Our payroll with Turk on there is sitting at approx $70.6, with 10 players(including Turk). We still have to sign an additional 2. These are my rough conclusions on this: 1. Based on media reports Turk is asking around 6 year $60million. He probably wants a 6 year deal but at 30 years old already, that will put him at 36 when his contact is up. Looking at Shaq, Duncan, and other older stars in the league, it appears the numbers and production on the court start to level off around age 33 or 34. To me, this puts the last two years of his contract in a potential dead zone for the Magic. It would be beneficial for Magic to get 4 or 5 year deal but I doubt Turk camp will like that or take that. I guess a "team option" year could help on the back end but I dont see Turk camp agreeing to that either and that is rarely seen for a vet. Turk runs a risk if he signs a shorter bigger deal since the last years of his career under his final contract would be for a lot less and if he is washed up or hurt, it could maybe up being closer to vets minimum. If a 6 year deal has to happen, which I think it will, I think approx $52 million over 6 years seems fair ($8.667 per year) I derive that based on $14M,$10M,$8M, $8m, $6M, and $6M over the 6 years. The were estimated based on his production risk based on his age. The final two years are around the league avg salary not including inflation, which they may have to adjust for. The annual salary numbers would come out a lot different than the ones I listed above but maybe $7.7 million year one with 5% annual raises gets the job done. If we pay Turk, which I think he is a talented player and deserves it, he does need to work on his on court decision making, especially in late 4th qtr. He also needs to develop a consistent killer instinct and show up every single night. Based on his interviews, I think he knows that. We all have crap to work on. SVG has been on him I am sure about this. 2. Contracts that we can move and play with are Battie 6.2Million, Alston $5.250 million. JJ is also possible trade material for any deal. I love our team and our core group. I trust Otis to get it done and do whatever it takes to resolve these issues. GO MAGIC!

Now that I have had time to unwind from the playoff run, I have had a chance to think about some of the issues facing our team. First off, from basketball perspective, I have come to these conclusions: 1. We need someone who can create their own shot in crunch time. Supposedly Turk is the only one who can. If we lose him, it will be imperative that we get someone on this roster that can get his own shot at any time, especially on final game plays and down the stretch in games. 2. This team needs its players to become smarter basketball players. I agreed with one analyst that we are the most talented team from top to bottom but we arent the smartest team and that will prevent us from getting over the hump. Jacking up three's to blow leads wont cut it. Forcing things to close out games wont cut it. Hopefully experience and seeing how the Lakers did it will help. We did grow up a lot after the Boston series. 3. We need more floor leadership. SVG can only yell for so long. We need someone to call the shots and be QB on the court. I think Jameer is that guy and it was unfortunate of his injury so hopefully he can fill that role. Kobe out coached us and game planned us as an on court general. Also, he showed how hungry and driven you really have to be to get the job done. Hopefully we learned something from that. Second, from a free agency perspective, I believe that this team has the core group to get it done. I am against doing deals with most or if not all teams in the Eastern Conference right now. I think if we somehow lose Turk, lets deal with a Western Conference team and it appears our main suitor according to the media is Portland. I also like Utah with Boozer unhappy. These are my conclusions on this: 1. Turk is worth somewhere between 8-10million a season.If we dont retain him, we must do a sign and trade to get something of value in return. 2. I would look at Utah to see if we can a deal for Boozer (probably highly unlikely). Boozer is kinda the only big star out there on a little smaller contract We could get a good PF and move Lewis back to 3 without costing us even more luxury tax to do it (i.e. Bosh is big $$$). Boozer is probably asking for a big pay day now and his injuries are a concern so maybe this is an unrealistic option. 3. If we deal with Portland, Travis Outlaw MUST be involved. I also like Aldrige(sure he is untouchable) and Darius Miles expiring contract could be good benefical. I dont see Portland giving up the right mix right now for us to make it happen. 4. We must do everything we can to retain Gortat. The mid level exception is probably going to be approx $5.7 million. If he can command more than that in open market we may be screwed. This guy will be worth what we pay him. Usually nothing but good things happen when he is on the court and productive active centers are HARD to find. I think he is as important as Turk. If we lose Turk, we must get the Polish Hammer resigned. Luxury tax should be considered. 5. I like looking at Brandon Bass as one reporter mentioned. We have 1.99 Million bi-annual exception. We do need another PF or big especially if we lose Gortat. We need to see who else is out there. Lastly, from a financial perspective, my big question is, how much are the Magic comfortably willing to pay in luxury tax to make it all happen. Based on rumblings, the salary cap appears to be going down to $57.30 million and the luxury tax threshold will be a $69.40. Our payroll with Turk on there is sitting at approx $70.6, with 10 players(including Turk). We still have to sign an additional 2. These are my rough conclusions on this: 1. Based on media reports Turk is asking around 6 year $60million. He probably wants a 6 year deal but at 30 years old already, that will put him at 36 when his contact is up. Looking at Shaq, Duncan, and other older stars in the league, it appears the numbers and production on the court start to level off around age 33 or 34. To me, this puts the last two years of his contract in a potential dead zone for the Magic. It would be beneficial for Magic to get 4 or 5 year deal but I doubt Turk camp will like that or take that. I guess a "team option" year could help on the back end but I dont see Turk camp agreeing to that either and that is rarely seen for a vet. Turk runs a risk if he signs a shorter bigger deal since the last years of his career under his final contract would be for a lot less and if he is washed up or hurt, it could maybe up being closer to vets minimum. If a 6 year deal has to happen, which I think it will, I think approx $52 million over 6 years seems fair ($8.667 per year) I derive that based on $14M,$10M,$8M, $8m, $6M, and $6M over the 6 years. The were estimated based on his production risk based on his age. The final two years are around the league avg salary not including inflation, which they may have to adjust for. The annual salary numbers would come out a lot different than the ones I listed above but maybe $7.7 million year one with 5% annual raises gets the job done. If we pay Turk, which I think he is a talented player and deserves it, he does need to work on his on court decision making, especially in late 4th qtr. He also needs to develop a consistent killer instinct and show up every single night. Based on his interviews, I think he knows that. We all have crap to work on. SVG has been on him I am sure about this. 2. Contracts that we can move and play with are Battie 6.2Million, Alston $5.250 million. JJ is also possible trade material for any deal. I love our team and our core group. I trust Otis to get it done and do whatever it takes to resolve these issues. GO MAGIC!

Javie Salvatore and Stafford are the refs tonight.

Starting 5 should be Beetle Juice -aka AJ Vajayjay Redick - no spray no play ladies! Sweet Lou - Like a Big Ole Boss! The Polish Hammer - I own the court and Dragon Room! Black Magic aka Superman!!!

Step back threes..garbage shots...and trash layups..those decisions dont protect a lead and close out a game offensively. Those decisions are not in the best interest of the team as a whole. I hope Dwight's line up that he kept anonymous and was getting things done last night excluded Hedo. He just doesnt know when to defer and when to shoot. He doesnt get it.

If we dont give Gortat and Lee more minutes we will lose this series.

Hedo did not pull his weight tonight. 11 points is not going to cut it. I am tired of him throwing up goofy lay ups and trash 3 pointers. Otis should take serious consideration in what his new contract offer should be because his play is as volital as the stock market. There were 3 better options than Hedo down the stretch tonight, Howard, Lewis, and Lee. He needs to understand when he is not on or it is not his night, that he needs to swing the **** ball.

Stan is not the one out there missing point blank lay ups time and time again. Stan's main fault is that he has failed to get a hold of this team on the defensive side of the ball and get them mentally committed to playing defense. Stan is only half the battle on that. Stan comes up with the schemes but the players have to mentally commit to the defensive side of the ball. The bottom line is if we were doing our job on the defensive end and force Philly to shoot their season average, us scoring 92 points or so will be enough for us to win 4 out of 7 games in the is series. Stan also needs to realize that Hedo is not mentally ready right now to carry us in the 4th quarter. Hedo needs to be benched if he is not performing because he only hurts us down the stretch because he will not defer. Everything has to go through Dwight and then to Rashard with inside/out mentality. Alston and Lee should be driving to dish the ball to Rashard or drawing fouls. If we went to Dwight as many times down the stretch in Game 1 as we did last night, we would have won Game 1. I would like to see Battie or Gortat in for Hedo. That will give us hopefully another rebounder down the stretch and clog the paint more. We have given Philly too much confidence by letting them in the paint down the stretch.