I wish Ariza the best and if he gets the starting gig that would be interesting to watch. His ratings in various metrics have always been off the charts, and I think he was a big part in our push two years. All in all though as of now I am glad we made that trade, though he could change my mind with a great season. I kind of see MP filling the role he would have filled, and I think MP will be a little better long term because of his three point shooting.

Ariza was a good player but he just didn’t fit into the way SVG wanted to play. He wasn’t a good enough shooter or good enough off the dribble which limited the team’s offense. Ariza didn’t have a future here.

Lakers are a very good home for Ariza. The Triangle offense gives a cutter like Ariza far more opportunities to impact the game offensively.

I was a fan of Ariza like most fans but I understood his limitations and he just didn’t fit into SVG’s system. And lets face it, he wasn’t dependable on either side of the court when the game was on the line. Yes he’ll be competing for a starting position but I think Magic fans know that he’s not better then Walton. Walton will be starting if Odom is on the bench.

I don’t know if Ariza is that much better of a scorer then Walton at this point. Also, 28 is not a bad age in this league. It’s not like he’s growing grays out there, he’s still pretty young.

I do agree that Walton is a much better passer, which makes him perfect for Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. The system compliments players like Kobe, Gasol, and Walton who are above average passers.

I liked Ariza when he was here to man but to say he is better then Walton seems to be a stretch. Why would Jackson turn to an unproven player over a guy who’s already proven he can play well with the talent around him? Why throw a guy like Ariza in the starting lineup when your gunning for a championship right now?