Thing is, Otis isn’t intending on spending the full MLE. He’s already stated that he will most likely split the MLE so that he can sign several players .. and given where the roster stands for the Orlando Magic right now, that line of thinking makes the most sense. It’s better to sign a few solid players than it is to sign one good player.

Hill is a possibility, given that he’s a veteran that could be signed for the cheap. I doubt Smith will give a serious look to either Artest or Kleiza, given their price tag. Expect him to go after a big man, first and foremost.

I think big man backup is more important than you think-D12 is really foul-prone,and we mustn’t forget game 6 vs Philly-if we had someone worse than Marcin-no luck there.
That pulls another issue-backup SG/SF can’t be lured with a full MLE.
sighs

“Bauman, Artest’s agent, told The Press-Enterprise Tuesday afternoon that the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic were three teams he expected to join Houston in pursuit of Artest.”

Quite frankly, this is one of those absolutely versatile and defensively tough and hard-nosed SF’s I have always thought would be even a better a replacement than Turk, and that list of better replacements is very, very small. I’m holding onto some hope there, the Magic need to break the bank here, full MLE, S/T, whatever, this is a FA that is an exception to splitting the MLE up.
Do it Magic!

His handles and defense are much better than Hedos … and his hair would look sick with a magic logo etched into it. Artest also brings the factor of intimidation which is something I think the Magic lacked throughout the season and playoffs (even though they proved you don’t need to be intimidating to reach the finals). Artest>Hedo, imo and I’m a homer.

John Hollinger has a great piece on Underrated Players to be had right now for Cheap. Its an Insider piece, tho I have some names for SF, PF/C fits that sound very nice and are cheap.

PF/C’s
Hakim Warrick, I used to love this guy earlier but theres not much D! However, Hollinger says he can flat-out score. Perhaps he makes it up with the offense, and always keeps a offensive C threat on floor for Magic.
Ike Diogu, one I like, is basically under the same description as Hakim.
Drew Gooden, Still only 27 and numbers project well, a solid all around player, and an absolute steal for the reserve big man role and how cheap he could be.
Rasho Nesterovic, 33, C, good defender and passer still. Would be a good backup.
Channing Frye, can shoot good and play center/PF, not much of a defender but Hollinger says he projects better numbers at backup C than PF anyways. And is 26 and a locker room plus.

SG’s/SF’s
Marvin Williams- Good defender and alot of potential still. But offers likely to be matched by ATL.

Jamario Moon- “It’s not clear if the Heat are willing to cut into their cap space by re-signing Moon, and if not, it’s a good opportunity for another team to get a quality defender on the cheap. Moon can be frustrating offensively because of his tendency to take quick 3s, but he’s not chopped liver out there (35.5 percent) and he doesn’t turn the ball over. Additionally, he’s one of the best rebounding 3-guards in the league and is long enough to play the 4 in small-ball arrangements. Though he’s 29, Moon has been in the NBA for only two seasons, so he may still have some improvement left in him. Teams looking to split their midlevel exception among multiple players and needing a quality wing should have their eye out for him.”

Rodney Carney- “A rotation player who can likely be had at a bargain price since the Wolves didn’t pick up the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Carney offers two things nearly every team is looking for: an athletic wing who can defend and a decent 3-point shooter. He made 35 percent from distance last season while taking more than half his shots from out there. Carney doesn’t have great offensive instincts, so unless he’s throwing down a highlight-reel jam he’s pretty much a catch-and-shoot guy. But he’s a solid role player and, at 25, still has a chance to get better.”

His favorite D-Leaguer, Othyus Jeffers, only 24, a great defender, 3rd in PER of NBDL, better than a proven failing veteran.

All this bluster about getting a starting big is coming from the crowd that doesn’t like Lewis at the 4. Stan is not part of that crowd.

If Portland sign Hedo, they’re going to have about five small forward/combo guards on the roster, which is at least one too many. Fernandez is supposedly frustrated in Portland, doesn’t like his role and wants to leave. Now, he’d prefer to go back to Europe but that’s unlikely, so could we scheme an offer for him?

He can shoot the three (40% last season), and handles the ball well, and allegedly wants more responsibility for playmaking – perfect, if he can do it, for us.

And he’s only owed $1.165m next season.

Is there any way we can make a play for him? And, would he fit?

How about Travis Outlaw, Josh Childress as more thoughts.

Dwight Howard needs his space for offense, he’s the first option always and has so much potential still! Magic can kill teams with incredible wing players i.e. Nelson, Carter, Lewis, MP, JJ they dont need a big guy. They need SF depth for MPietrus not be alone and possibly have a nice competition for starter SF, MP can take backup 2 AND 3 min.s like last season if necessary. Dwight is improving at tremendous rates, he doesn’t need help. He needs to improve his offense, and he will period guys.

Linas Kleiza (RESTRICTED) – Young, rugged, a good finisher and a decent 3pt shooter. Hustles, won’t back down from anyone, and plays defense. Will probably command a large portion of the MLE, however, and with many teams vying for his services, the full MLE isn’t out of the question. A great fit for the Magic, but ultimately may be too expensive if they need to split the MLE to grab a backup C as well.

Walter Hermann (RESTRICTED) – A big 3pt shooter who didn’t get much time in DET, but still managed to shoot 38% from 3. “Old” at 30. Has huge hands.

Rodney Carney – Young scorer who can shoot. Athletic. Dropped in the draft and hasn’t reached his once lottery-status. Had spurts of offensive bursts in Minny but inconsistent.

Grant Hill – The first ideal pick for the Magic. Knows the team and the players. Still very skilled and talented. And likely comes cheap at age 37. But can he still defend? He doesn’t shoot 3’s which doesn’t exactly fit SVG’s system.

Matt Barnes – The second ideal pick for the Magic. Can do a bit of everything. Can shoot the 3, rebound, and pass. Not much of a scorer, however. Wiry, but long and plays harder than his weight. Likely comes cheap(er) as well.

Ime Udoka – A defender and a 3pt specialist. Short for the position at 6-5, but played it well with the Spurs. A professional through and through, and a good lockerroom presence. Probably comes cheap(er) considering his age (31).