kingball08

That is a very risky trade. Hedo has been the go to guy especially down the stretch. I think it would solve the PF issue and it would move Lewis back to his natural position allowing him to play better. However, it is tough because you are giving up a valuable player, and a key player to the team. Would Lewis be able to fulfill that go-to-guy down the stretch of the game? I think the trade would do good for Orlando but I'm not sure how it would make them better. In the the playoffs, having a go to guy and good finisher like Hedo is very much crucial to a contending team. You gotta have that guy.

Tonight's game against the Pistons is important for Orlando. They've proven they can beat Detroit at least once. However can they beat them in a 7 game series? The Pistons have been inconsistent with their winning as of late. They are a team that can explode at any minute, even if they are having a bad game. Billup's strength, Hamilton's energy, Wallace's versatility, Prince's workmanship, and the team's defense and experience is tough to compete against. Can Orlando repeat with a win against the Pistons in Detroit?

Tonight's game against the Pistons is important for Orlando. They've proven they can beat Detroit at least once. However can they beat them in a 7 game series? The Pistons have been inconsistent with their winning as of late. They are a team that can explode at any minute, even if they are having a bad game. Billup's strength, Hamilton's energy, Wallace's versatility, Prince's workmanship, and the team's defense and experience is tough to compete against. Can Orlando repeat with a win against the Pistons in Detroit?

quote: Originally posted by hoops4life:Hey guys, I'm new here but I thought I would share some things with you a good friend of mine told me. He happens to know some of the "bigwigs" in the Magic organization and I know what it's like to be searching for team news. When you don't know nothing it stinks! I want to talk about the power forward position, hence the title. From what I know Fran really wants to come over. So much so that he is "tanking" games. Yep, you read it right. That's what I'm hearing. Look at this youtube again: I know ESPN said the guy couldn't play or get minutes in Europe but does this look like a guy that can't play? And this video was shot 2 years ago. I know YouTube makes everybody look good but this guy does have talent. You don't think he'd stoop low enough to "tank" games? Remember, he "jilted" us at the alter when he was drafted. The issue with Fran is trust, not ability. Although Fran was Dave Twardzik's pick Otis still cringes about the issue and would like nothing better than to ring his neck for letting his girlfriend lead him around(lol). That being said, Otis is dying to get him over here to see what he's got but until Fran gets his buyout lowered there's not much Mr. Smith can do. I know if I were managing his current team and with the way Fran is producing this season it wouldn't take me much time to just about give him away. I really feel like Fran will be here soon, probably next year. Why do I want to talk about the "4" position? Word has it that Otis and company are ready to put Rashard back at his natural small forward position, which means we need a starting caliber power forward. I'm sure most of you already know that Tony Battie is planning on coming back this year. Word I'm hearing is he is planning on coming back for all the 8 games we have in April too, giving him time to get acclimated again before the playoffs start. You all probably read about what Marc Stein of ESPN said about one Chris Webber and his final choices coming down to the Magic and Pistons. Truth be known, The Pistons don't want Webber. He became a lockerroom problem in Detroit. Especially after his minutes got cut in the playoffs when he couldn't adequately defend. He began pouting and wanting even more touches on the offensive end. Chris was dying to come to the Magic and the Magic could have gotten him cheaply. Especially in light of the fact that the Magic don't have a real power forward and Rashard playing out of position. Chris was imagining lots of touches and lots of playng time. Otis wasn't hearing it. Anyone that knows Otis knows that team chemistry is very high with him so even though the Magic could have signed Webber cheaply Otis wasn't about to do it. Speaking of Fran and Chris Webber, thought you guys would be interested in these 2 short YouTube videos: I know that was an exhibition game but either Chris Webber is really slow or Fran's got some moves in the post.(lol) Now, all this talk of acquiring power forwards and putting Rashard back at the "3" was done when the Magic were in their recent slump. Now that the team seems to be playing better and especially defensively things are in kind of a wait and see mode. Especially with Brian Cook starting to play and contribute from the "4" spot. These weekend games will go a long way in determining the direction the team wil take. Other names being bandied about if the Magic choose to upgrade the "4" is Theo Ratliff and Udonis Haslem. The Magic are watching closely at the Heat's situation and would love to add Udonis if Riley ever pulls the plug and the Heat aren't asking for the sky. Ratliff is a guy the the T-Wolves may buyout but who was producing nicely before he just recently had to have his knee scoped. He shoots foul shots well and in his 20+ minutes he was getting a game in Minnesota he was still averaging "3" blocks per game whick Otis loves. That's it for now. Orlando needs a PF...It will provide a valuable missing piece if they are able to have Rashard play in his appropriate position where he can make an even bigger impact on the game. In addition, having a solid power forward will help ease the pressure off Howard.