For the Orlando Magic, Stanley Robinson's Departure Extends Malik Allen's Stay
by Evan Dunlap on Oct 21, 2010 2:45 AM EDT
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PrintThe Orlando Magic's decision to waive rookie small forward Stanley Robinson likely assured veteran big man Malik Allen of a roster spot this season. Here's John Denton of the team's official website, OrlandoMagic.com:
Orlando now has 14 players on the roster, a number it will likely keep all season. Veteran Malik Allen entered with a non-guaranteed contract, but earned a spot with his professionalism, smarts and ability to play both power forward and center.
Allen's roster spot has become progressively more secure, with Josh Robbins reporting the following just a few days ago:
Asked Monday if Allen's versatility helps Allen's chances, Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith responded by nodding in the direction of rookie C Daniel Orton.
"What helps him out is that kid," Smith said.
Orton hasn't scrimmaged this season because of problems with his left leg.
It appears as though Denton and Philip Rossman-Reich have been right on the money this whole time. The day after the Magic signed Allen, Denton wrote that his chances of making the team were "very good." In his write-up of the signing, meanwhile, Rossman-Reich said Allen is "possibly some insurance if Orton is not ready to play in the NBA quite yet." Good calls.
In 6 preseason games with Orlando, the nine-year veteran from Villanova has averaged 3 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 9.8 minutes, shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. Barring injury to the five big forwards and centers ahead of him on the depth chart, he would not be a rotation player during the regular season.
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man, I just hope he never gets the basketball. I’ve been watching the open practice video on NBA.com, and he’s shot three mid-ranged jumper in 7 minutes, none of them have even been close to going in. Nor were they good looks.
He’s Brandon Bass minus the athleticism and strong Magic fanbase (i.e. he shows no passing ability, he’s a jump-shot whore, undersized for a center, he doesn’t fit into the 4-1 system as a whole).
So in summary, damn you knees of Daniel Orton.
You know, it's probably no problem.
Allen seems like a nice guy. And given that Bass can kind of play center, we’re probably at least two injuries away from any situation in which he actually plays. (And Howard and Gortat both seem very durable…) Just like Foyle never actually had to suit up last year, I’d be surprised if Allen’s general incompetence comes back to haunt us.
Unless, of course, it takes playing time away from Ryan Anderson.
Yep
Allen’s professionalism and veteran smarts certainly can’t hurt the team.
"Bear Down, Chicago Bears"...
Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Champions
Orlando Magic... 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Champions
by Mike from Illinois on Oct 21, 2010 6:47 AM EDT up reply actions
hmm.. I may be overreacting. Yet nothing can mask the fact this guy is an old pine-rider. Robinson may be a benchwarmer, but he's a young one.
You compare him to Foyle. Well.. Adonal hasn’t really left. I would say his job description in the Magic is more appropriate to his role now.
Well, good centers don't sign up for the 13th man role.
You are frequently stuck with some guy whose only qualifications are that he is tall and isn’t going to be a jerk in the locker room. Personally, it seems like a pretty great job to me — make $1 million or so, don’t have to play any actual basketball — but apparently these guys are in short supply.
Unless, of course, it takes playing time away from Ryan Anderson.
True
The only good players who fill the 13th roster spot are young, athletic, raw players with potential (cough) Stanley Robinson.
by Hoop Dreams on Oct 21, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't the Magic need more depth at SG/SF than at PF/C at this point?
by The BBQ Chicken Madness on Oct 21, 2010 7:32 AM EDT reply actions
Not if you consider...
That Lewis will see more minutes at the 3, necessitating even more lineup creativity to find minutes for MP, JJ and Q at the 2/3. Malik essentially becomes our third center in the absence of Orton; his versatility just a bonus on a team that likes versatility in all its players.
by jMagic09 on Oct 21, 2010 8:37 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We could also start JJ at SG and rotate minutes at SF between Vince, MP, Q and Rashard
Maybe put Bass and Anderson at the 3 too for a 6 player SF rotation.
Bottom line is that we have endless possibilities.
Can OPP create an efficiency tracker of the different lineups SVG uses this season? Have a feeling we’re going to get even more creative this season.
Man!!!
I like Stanley Robinson, better than Malik Allen, I think we made a big mistake, because we let go of some of our youth. We don’t need another old dude. We need youth for the future. Robinson would’ve been a great defender.
I'm Mr.Magic
Foolish decision to compromise the future for the present time! Funny enough, they will be hard pressed to prove that is the case.
The reason; Orton may not be able to play? Double foolish becuase we have plenty of warm and capable bodies at C and PF. Magic has historically blown up good talents for short-sightedness or lack of patience – or both – and why should anybody expect this to be different? Being penny-wise which they are, they did not want to pay the kid which I don’t question much trusting their assessment that the upside was not worth keeping him on the payroll. What I question is keeping Allen, which is like buying insurance when you don’t need insurance. One of the principles of risk management is “acceptance” of the risk when the “probability of occurrence” is low, and the “impact” – even if the risk occurs – is negligible. Currently we have 5 players who play at C and PF with one who could play both positions.
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