Off-Day Open Thread: the Orlando Magic's Roster Appears to be Complete

by Evan Dunlap on Aug 28, 2009 11:48 AM EDT in Off-Day Open Thread

After re-signing third-string center Adonal Foyle yesterday, the Orlando Magic are likely finished making moves this summer. Foyle brings their roster to 13 players, the NBA's minimum, and it's highly unlikely that the Magic sign anyone else--even for the minimum salary, as Foyle and Jason Williams took--given how much money they've already taken on this summer. Barring a training-camp invitee's blowing everyone away in the preseason, this is it. Your 2009/2010 Orlando Magic, presented in the form of a depth chart.

2009/2010 Orlando Magic Projected Depth Chart, as of August 28th, 2009
PG	SG	SF	PF	C
Jameer Nelson	Vince Carter	Mickael Pietrus	Rashard Lewis	Dwight Howard
Anthony Johnson	J.J. Redick	Matt Barnes	Brandon Bass	Marcin Gortat
Jason Williams			Ryan Anderson	Adonal Foyle

There you have 6 bigs (with one, Rashard Lewis, able to move to the wing if necessary), 4 wings (5, if one counts Lewis), and 3 point guards. If there's a truly glaring hole, one which would prevent the Magic from winning a championship, I don't see it.

Then again, I've been wrong before. Which position--or positions--should the Magic address, via either a trade or free-agent signing for the minimum? For reference, here's a list of available free agents; bear in mind that the Magic can only sign players to minimum-salary deals.

Have at it in the comments.

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Comments

In an ideal world, I’d like to see us sign Bogans to a minimum contract and do a sign-and-trade to get Watson for Redick. That would give us Nelson-Watson-Johnson/Williams at PG, and Carter-Bogans at SG. Either Johnson or Williams could be dealt later on if we need a player at another position, or if someone really needs a PG and is willing to give up a 2nd round pick or swap picks or some such asset to bring costs down.

I think we’re weakest at small forward, but I don’t see anyone out there that I like and would be available for the minimum.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Aug 28, 2009 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

Bogans stinks. No more needs be said.

"We got more gongs than the break dancing robot that caught on fire"-Homer J. Simpson

by Diosnomeama on Aug 28, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

This.

Let's observe a moment of silence for CLee, Skip to my Lou, Batman, and The Michael Jordan of Turkey...

Welcome Back Polish Hammer and Welcome Vinsanity, Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass, and Matt Barnes!!

by malars on Aug 28, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

The Magic clearly need an all-star to start at SF.

But really, there are no holes. If anything, there’s almost too much talent. Its a shame that Ryan Anderson isn’t likely to see much playing time. I could also see JJ getting lost in the shuffle pretty easily.

I really do think the Magic will make a trade of some significance at some point, but darned if I can figure out what it would be for at this point.

by RussL on Aug 28, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

Bogans would give us another good perimiter defender and great depth.

I know what Bo dont know.

by D-RAK on Aug 28, 2009 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

darrel armstrong plz

by GoMagic on Aug 28, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

ugh JJ why are you still heeeeeeeere

Still a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on Aug 28, 2009 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

-1

by fwedo on Aug 28, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions

oh poo on you

Still a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on Aug 28, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Because he uses his mind control powers to convince Otis Smith that he's Michael Jordan.

It’s just as plausible as any other scenario I could think of.

"We got more gongs than the break dancing robot that caught on fire"-Homer J. Simpson

by Diosnomeama on Aug 28, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

How about because he can shoot, and actually plays above-average defense?

He is after all “The Kobe Stopper”…duh.

: P

by fwedo on Aug 28, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, how could I forget that? I thought maybe it was his never ending array of 360 dunks.

"We got more gongs than the break dancing robot that caught on fire"-Homer J. Simpson

by Diosnomeama on Aug 28, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

OFF DAY OPEN THREADS! WOOOTT!

by fwedo on Aug 28, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions

I've not lost sight of the fact that technically every day from now until October 5th is an off day.

Third Quarter Collapse: An Orlando Magic blog at SB Nation | Brandon Bass: "I just play hard."

by Evan Dunlap on Aug 28, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought about that too

but just reading it got me excited again.

by fwedo on Aug 28, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I would do the following:

Because I love Gortat so much I want to get rid of him (seriously). SO I would trade Gortat and one of the PG’s to a team with very good backup PG’s and a C.

So really, get a better backup PG and a less good but still great (as a backup) C, and hopefully save us some Ca$h Money$ along the way.

by fwedo on Aug 28, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

our starting line-up is amazing.

I never thought Id see the day that the Magic would star 4 allstars, wow. I personally thought that we would be better starting Barnes to bring Pete off the bench. Oh well, I trust Stan and Otis and they’ll make it happen.

Im excited for the season to start.

"Blue and white...ignite...* BOOOOOM * !!!!! - Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic playoff jumbotron message)

by magic12ball on Aug 28, 2009 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

I'm hoping Barnes starts, too.

Just feel that Pietrus makes more sense as the sixth man, more for the rotation than anything else.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

+1

by magicfaninTN on Aug 28, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Very different, but very deep.

"My features are that of a god, its not a facade these rappers wanna be NaS"- Nasir Jones QB's Finest

Kristin Kreuk is teh love.

Still miss em: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvvgVn0gg1E

by Wasabi Steak on Aug 28, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

also, Gortat looks pissed in his pic, lol

Still a girl.

by TheGiantSquid on Aug 28, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

So does Peaches

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Aug 28, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

And JWill is deeply concerned lol

by Dzogi on Aug 29, 2009 5:50 AM EDT up reply actions

happy with this roster. very.

maybe another defensive-minded wing for practice and if MP goes down [again]?

by magicfaninTN on Aug 28, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions

Our 2nd string could start for half the league

Is it me or does our bench squad look more competant than half the west’s starting 5?

Also I have no idea how the financials could be worked but I wouldnt mind going after CJ Watson or Flip Murray, but that is just dreaming….

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Aug 28, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

The back-ups are solid, sure.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

JJ's gotta go

seriously when Carter’s on the bench if JJ really is the first option we’re going to have some problems at SG

we need to unload him and fast while we can still get something out of it, I’d hate to see Gortat go but he’s the best option for a package deal.

by QBallWhitey on Aug 28, 2009 2:54 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah but with 3 PFs

Peaches or Barnes will slide over to the two when Carter is out and we’ll switch Lewis to the 3. Probably. Maybe.

by ZZmagic on Aug 28, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh, Redick isn't the first option at SG.

If Barnes starts at SF, then Pietrus will continue to be the proverbial sixth man at SG. Problem solved.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

by Dzogi on Aug 29, 2009 5:50 AM EDT up reply actions

looking at the roster-again

Ryan anderson is going to struggle to get minutes.. I know it has been stated on this blog, but he is the 11th man.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Aug 28, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Of course. That's obvious but Ryan will see some minutes early in the season with Rashard out.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

It's gonna bother me all year

Seeing all but one name highlighted in the starting lineup on the game threads. Damn you, Pietrus!!

by bandrewg08 on Aug 28, 2009 4:47 PM EDT reply actions

Are people forgetting that Rashard Lewis is an all star and that his natural position is at SF. not to mention that MP, Carter, and Barnes can also play the position. How are we weak here?

by lugowsky on Aug 28, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

No

But we’re also not forgetting that a large part of our success revolves around Lewis creating mismatches at the four.

by eltharion_doa on Aug 28, 2009 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

And Lewis is an All-Star at power forward, so what's your point?

The Magic are just fine with Rashard at the 4. I don’t understand people’s obsession with playing traditional. THE NBA IS CHANGING and people need to realize power forwards are different players now.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with bringing Bogans back

for the minimum. As long as he doesn’t bring an attitude problem with him. He plays decent defense and is an adequate shooter. Wing seems to be where our depth is weakest, though we’re still deeper than just about anybody else in the NBA.

Man is the only non-linear computing device still mass-produced by unskilled labor.

by SteRanCo on Aug 28, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

To me, it's an unnecessary move.

Though weakest is relative to the team, not the NBA, as you astutely pointed out.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Why is everyone looking at this as the be all end all?

Here’s the way that I see it regardless of who starts where this is a breakdown of minutes by positions based on what they played last year. This also goes by the assumption that ORL wants to use a more traditional lineup some of the time and aren’t forced to play their starters quite as many minutes. The fact that Redick hardly played at the end of the season or in the playoffs (except in the Boston series) tells me that he’s the odd man out. There’s a possibility that Carter could see some minutes at PG like he did in NJ last year and was extremely productive opening up a few more minutes for other players. One final note is that Stan Van is very good at adjusting players as needed in situations, so take these numbers as averages not what they will play night in and night out.

PG – Nelson 30, Williams 18, Johnson (Could switch or share minutes with Williams)
SG – Carter 34, Pietrus14, Redick (Situational/IR)
SF – Lewis 20, Barnes 20, Pietrus 8
PF – Bass 20, Anderson 14, Lewis 14
C – Howard 35, Gortat 13, Foyle (IR/Situational)

by TheChipGuy on Aug 28, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

Once Rashard Lewis returns from suspension, he'll likely continue to start at the four.

I’ve gotten no feeling or inclination that Stan Van Gundy will suddenly decide to play “traditional”. He will, at times, but not necessarily with the starting lineup. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The only way something may change is if Bass, presumably starting at the 4 at the beginning of the year, plays like a man possessed and the Magic play ridiculously good basketball. I don’t foresee that happening, but strange things occur.

Redick hardly played due to matchups, he’ll probably see similar minutes as he did last season.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 28, 2009 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

By adding Bass...

They are definitely going to play at least 20 minutes a night of “traditional” ball, otherwise they wouldn’t have given him the majority of the MLE. When Anderson is on the floor they are still playing their game since he is a great 3 point shooter. Anderson is a lot like Lewis except he rebounds at a better clip. Otis wouldn’t have been so persistent about having Anderson thrown into the deal if Van Gundy wasn’t going to play him.

by TheChipGuy on Aug 28, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't disagree.

However, I do believe SVG would still prefer to start Rashard at the 4. It works.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 29, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions

we need rashard at the three bc

for the amount that we pay him, he needs to attack the basket more.

by lugowsky on Aug 28, 2009 6:49 PM EDT reply actions

wha?

I don’t care how he gets his points if his contributions all add up to Ws for the team.

by magicfaninTN on Aug 28, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

That's not a convincing argument, at all. It's flawed rationale.

Rashard can attack the basket if he wants, but he’s doing what’s best for the team – specifically, spreading the floor so that the spacing in the 1 in, 4 out offense is supreme and whatever else needs to be done.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 29, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions

we need rashard at the three bc

I like the idea of Rashard at the three. especially if we need Bass’s defense against bigger teams. since Rashard will be out for 10 games we will have a chance to see what Bass can do with Dwight.
Probably Barnes/Anderson in place of Rashard. I think Stan will see how it looks to answer any questions he may have. Once Rashard comes back. He may decide he has so much offense, he wants to conserve his players by cutting back minutes of his starters till Feb, March. But it all starts with what happens with Rashard out the 10 day’s. Stan has to believe he has a lot of potential flexibilty at this point.

by domprime1 on Aug 29, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

The Magic don't need Rashard at the three.

Sure, he can there for a few minutes here and there, but he’s still better served at the 4.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 29, 2009 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Why is Rashard better served at the 4?

A 6’10" small forward is a matchup problem for most any team out there. Name 3 other small forwards of that size and agility. If Bass plays decent at the 4, with a decent mid-range jumper, I see no reason to completely depend on Lewis as the 4. And if Anderson turns out to be half decent at power forward, I don’t see why we couldn’t move Rashard to small. I think people are way too caught up in Orlando’s nonconformist lineup. As long as the Magic play good defense (and I think we will probably be even better at D than we were last year with the new cogs in the wheel), I believe Rashard at the 3 or 4 is pretty much a moot point. Magic will be a nightmare matchup for most all teams in the NBA anyway.

Man is the only non-linear computing device still mass-produced by unskilled labor.

by SteRanCo on Aug 30, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Because the offense won't be as effective with Bass at the 4.

Now, Ryan Anderson, that’s different.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Aug 30, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions

It is not nearly the same

At least half the league has either ; bums,big power rebounders or bum big power rebounders at the 4 position. This creates a defensive nightmare for such said team. Everyone runs around trying to chase the ball and Shard shoots 13-17 with 7 threepointers. The other team gets gassed from running and the inside game or penetration by Meer takes over. The mismatch keeps them honest on Dwight ooorrrr leaves Shard to rain it on the origional mismatch that is now out of position. This is the reason I contend how special of a player Rashard Lewis is. Mismatches every night.

Thats me chilling with Nick Anderson

by The Magic made Lebron run off the court on Aug 30, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions