Orlando Magic News for July 1st: The Beginning Of Free Agency
by erivera7 on Jul 1, 2009 3:59 AM EDT
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UPDATE 2: BQR here with free agency news via ESPN.com:
Marc Stein: The latest chatter on free agency
Marc Stein has the latest scoop on free agency. Hedo Turkoglu looks to be Portland-bound, while the Rockets have made Marcin Gortat a priority. Dallas, New York, and Indiana also made overtures to Gortat at the start of the period.
As for who might be coming to Orlando, rather than leaving it, there's nothing definitive. The Magic are still interested in Rasheed Wallace, but the bidding war for his services has heated up now that Boston is in the discussion. One new name linked to the Magic is Bruce Bowen, the veteran small forward whom the Spurs sent to Milwaukee as part of their trade for Richard Jefferson. The Bucks will cut him sometime before August 15th, at which time Stein expects the Magic, as well as the Cavaliers, to make inquiries. -
NBA shopping list: Will Magic go for brand names or bargains?
Brian Schmitz previews what should be an interesting off-season for the Orlando Magic and lists possible targets for the team.The Orlando Magic didn't have a draft pick, but they are now on the clock. Today — a tick after midnight, actually — the NBA free-agency courting period officially began.
With these next signings, the Magic will be expected to upgrade their club and justify their reasons for dramatically changing a roster that reached the NBA Finals. [...]
General Manager Otis Smith said he will bide his time to search for bargains. -
Hedo Turkoglu's time with the Magic has been just grand
Mike Bianchi bids Hedo Turkoglu farewell with a nice article.Let's face it, when Smith pulled off the trade for Vince Carter, Turk immediately became expendable. Yes, we could continue the endless debate whether the Magic — who were within a missed layup and a missed free throw of perhaps beating the Lakers in the NBA Finals — should let their second-most important player walk away after the greatest season in franchise history (I would have taken a pass on Carter, re-signed Turk, tweaked the roster and taken my chances). But what's the point? The Carter trade is done, and who really can argue with Smith's personnel moves in recent years?
This column is not meant to criticize Smith but to celebrate Turk — a player who always will occupy a prominent place in Magic lore. -
No Qualifying Offer For Powe
Jeff Clark of CelticsBlog states that the Boston Celtics will not make a qualifying offer for Leon Powe. Why is this relevant to the Magic? Because it may mean the Celtics might make a run at Rasheed Wallace, who lists the C's among his targets according to ESPN.com's Ric Bucher.Free-agent buzz: Gordon, Villanueva visit Pistons
UPDATE 3: Adrian Wojnarowski confirms Boston's interest in 'Sheed. -
Rockets Make Their Pitch to Marcin Gortat
Rockets' General Manager Daryl Morey rang the door bell at Gortat's Orlando-area home at 12:01 AM July 1 - otherwise known as the beginning of the free agent frenzy - as part of a personal gesture to express Houston's desire to bring the big man into the fold. The Rockets have had Gortat on their radar screen since the midway point of the '08-09 season, when they - like many around the league - noticed the 25-year old post player regularly flashing his potential in the paint.
Not surprised at the news. Once word broke that Yao Ming could be out next season or longer, it makes sense for the Houston Rockets to go after Marcin Gortat. They're a franchise that has a heavy analytics department and this is a type of player that is right up their alley - efficient, inexpensive, young, etc. The Polish Hammer would be a good fit for the Rockets and vice-versa. -
The NBA Team Winning this Off-Season: The Bears
UPDATE: Henry Abbott of TrueHoop had this tidbit that I thought was intriguing and worth sharing while he was at the 2009 NBA Draft.I can't tell you how many people at the draft told me they were surprised that the Nets had to include promising, talented and affordable Ryan Anderson in the Vince Carter deal. The implication is that it's harder than it used to be to find people to pay contracts like Carter's, and it takes more than a little sweetener.
This statement is another example that he's a kid valued around the league. - On a lighter note, Ben Q. Rock and I will be attending the 2009 Orlando Pro Summer League as credentialed members of the media. Look forward to our coverage of the event next week. The proceedings take place July 6 - 10.
Ridiculous Upside has a list of rosters for your convenience, in case you're wondering who's playing and who's not playing. The official rosters will be announced sometime tomorrow (technically, today) Also, here's the schedule.
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Well if the Celts aren't going to pursue Powe
Then perhaps the Magic should. Yeah he tore his ACL again. But he’s a warrior in every sense of the word. If doctors can clear him and he shows a good prognosis, he could be a good, cheap pick up.
He’s a beast of a player, with a great spirit. I think he’s better than Brandon Bass, if he can stay injury free.
Before Ryan Anderson, the best big man at Cal was Leon Powe. It would be something if Smith could have them play together for the first time!
The C's are going to pursue. This is just a calculated move by Ainge to try to sign him cheaper.
Powe is definitely better than Bass.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Charlie V's available?!?!
Too bad he’ll probably be too expensive, but damn imagine having him at the 4 on this team. Best starting 5 in the L, no doubt about it.
Yeah, he's available. Too expensive, though.
I like him, in any case .. he’d be a perfect fit.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
how would CLE acquire him?
they will MLE him only I think. Magic can take the same opportunity or just play poker and bluff them to raise his price and not land there!
MLE is what they have to offer.
Cavaliers still have to worry about re-upping Anderson Varejao, etc.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
the more i think about Anderson,
the more he should have as much PT as possible, 1st off the bench for Rashard, and Rashard should be resting more to keep healthy and 100%. Serves a dual purpose, because Im starting to think Anderson is the 4 of the future for Orlando. Give Dwight his space on O, help Dwight in D, good shooter of 3’s.
Agreed.
He should pan out to be a nice player, but he won’t be a core piece.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
The potential is there for him to be a starter in this league
He just needs to continue working. He’s still very very young (21!) but already has a very good work ethic and the right basketball “smarts”. He’s definitely a good fit for Rashard and should emulate that type of production good enough to keep the offense clicking normally.
by thermodynamic on Jul 1, 2009 4:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Potential is a dangerous word.
.. I wouldn’t disagree with you, though.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
At least Turkoglu's agent is making it sound like he's Portland bound.
As per usual, nothing has come out from Portland’s office. Although it would be unprofessional for them to do so.
Portland fans are not excited at all about Turkoglu. Not that he isn’t a good player. He is. But he’s not a good fit for Portland’s offense, nor as much help on defense as we need. I’m sure Portland is talking to him, but if we give him 5 years and 50 million, I think I shall vomit.
The adage is “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” But if that’s the case, Portland will sign Turkoglu, Kidd, Miller, and every other big name free agent that I can’t think of off the top of my head. I think there are better options for our cap space than this free agent class that fit Portland’s needs better.
μὴ φοβοῦ, μόνον πίστευε.
I'm certain Nate McMillan will make the proper adjustments to best maximize Hedo's skills.
That’s what good coaches do .. and last time I checked, Nate McMillan is a good coach.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
No big surprises.
Otis’ shopping list is unpredictable.
Turk is gone,and had a grand time,indeed. True champion.
Huston has to bring in some big body to replace Yao,and Gortat is the best choice. * sigh *
No Milovan Rakovic on Orlando’s roster(yet?). Hah. I still have the article from local paper that says he’s already in Orl and on the roster.
Well,I'm happy I was wrong.
My countryman playing for Orlando… GREAT!!!
Onward,Milovan. Grab the oportunity.
Summer League...
You guys know if Dante & Galante are going to broadcast during the game again this year? If they are, are you going to try to get in on the broadcast?
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Jul 1, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Pretty sure they're broadcasting the games.
Not sure about the latter part, hah.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Seriously, you might as well try to horn in since they always seem to be hard up for stuff to do or say at times
Especially at the end of the week. They typically spend hours reading emails.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Portland is really hoping to get Hedo
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4299841
Dinner with Hedo tonight? Is pizza on the menu? :)
My optic presentation sizzles the retina
How far must you go to gain respect? Um...
Well, it's kind of simple, just remain your own
Or you'll be crazy, sad and alone
Weird time for the Magic roster
after a Finals appearance. So do we put Carter at that 2 or 3? If we sign Wallace or Bass, does Lewis go back to the 3? Will Pietrus start or come of the bench? I’m just confused about the whole thing especially after having such a solid stable roster.
-Gortat to the Rockets works, but I would think the Rockets would pursue one of the Clippers big guys; Camby or Kaman.
-Man, I’m gonna miss Turk.
-Some other names for FA: James Singleton, Desmond Mason, Ike Diogu, Morris Almond, Ime Udoka, Quinton Ross. Nothing special, but we’ll need 4/5 guys to fill out the roster for cheap.
"Dwight Howard couldn't score 40 points in a game if he was going against Yi Jianlian's chair." Bill Simmons chat 5/20
"I don't feel this team can beat us four times," Mo Williams 5/21
Gortat is a better option than Camby or Kaman.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
That's a bizarre situation.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Wow, sign and trade?
I don’t want Hedo to go (and I will continue to express optimism for him staying no matter what the unlikeliness of it happening), but if Rudy can actually handle and distribute the ball like the article states, that would be a nice consolation prize. Especially since he will be only making 1.1 million this year.
Plus that will give Hedo an extra 1.1 million on his contract. (Like a jilted girlfriend with no hard feelings, I just want Hedo to be happy if he cannot stay with us.)
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Doubt a sign-and-trade would happen.
I have a hard time believing Kevin Pritchard will let Rudy go that easily.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
I agree
I think you could attrace a solid PG if you are willing to deal Rudy.
Why don’t they like Bayless?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
They like Bayless .. that's why they let Sergio Rodriguez go.
I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.
"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone
Maybe not Rudy (although if he is truly going to be upset about the whole thing, they very well might be willing to trade him)
The Blazers can only sign him to about 8 million/yr which is about the same as the Magic is willing to offer him. If that is the case, Hedo might as well stay to avoid the hassle of moving and be around a bunch of guys he knows he already likes (I’m making a lot of assumptions) while vying for a championship. Other than maybe scoring, Vince won’t be eating into much what Hedo does for the team.
If the Blazers are willing to pay 10 mil/year for 5 years and Hedo is demanding it, a sign and trade almost has to happen unless the Blazers are willing to gut some of their other pieces without compensation.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
LOL to your last sentence.
Sums up my feelings completely.
by Stan in a Van (Down by the River) on Jul 1, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
i would like to see sir otis smith do a sign and trade for turk with portland if he can’t make turk stay maybe include in the deal jameer whose gonna be a liability in the long run ( he aint no cp3 and injury prone) for bayless(plays like nelson a scoring PG) travis outlaw (long forward can offset loss of length by turk leaving and maybe joel pryzibilla and draft picks for next years draft? or maybe they can also include rudy fernandez that will give magic a leverage to lure fran vazques. then try to run after sheed and sign rakovic for added depth?
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