McCann: Orlando Magic Not Interested in Free-Agent Big Men
by Evan Dunlap on Jan 11, 2011 4:53 PM EST
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PrintOrlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy isn't thrilled with the free-agent big men currently available, which is one reason why the Magic have yet to sign another power forward or center to back up Dwight Howard inside, writes Zach McCann of the Orlando Sentinel. Team President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith has consulted Van Gundy about some such free agents, but none has impressed Van Gundy:
"The names that I have heard that might be available, that Otis has run by me, Malik [Allen] is better than those guys," Van Gundy said. "Even though he’s a little bit smaller, he’s better. So, I don’t think adding a guy just to add a guy is it."
Current free-agents include Earl Barron, Mark Blount, Mikki Moore, and the recently retired Rasheed Wallace.
McCann quotes Van Gundy as saying he would consider adding someone "that can make an impact," which is consistent with what we heard last week about their interest in Marcus Camby, and, in the days after trading Marcin Gortat, Ronny Turiaf.
OPP community member magicfaninTN went through some statistics in this FanPost and found the Magic have played well without Howard since trading Gortat, Vince Carter, and Mickael Pietrus to the Phoenix Suns for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark. Whether they can sustain that performance is questionable, but for now it suffices to say Orlando is pleased with its rotation of Howard, Ryan Anderson, and Brandon Bass at the power positions, with Allen able to help in spot duty once he recovers from the sprained left ankle that's ruled him out of their last three weeks' worth of games.
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How will the current frontcourt hold up during the playoffs if Dwight gets into foul trouble? It would seem more beneficial to add another solid big sooner, rather than later.
by Hassanali181 on Jan 11, 2011 6:53 PM EST reply actions
It makes sense to stay put since none of the available FA's are worth more than Malik Allen.
Any set of numbers suggesting that the team is playing well without Dwight in the mix is probably erroneous or skewed due to – most probably – small sample size. The rule of thumb in statistics is that when the interpretation of the numbers don’t make logical sense, one has to check – and re-check – the validity of the data collection technique or the study’s design before any inference is drawn.
Or, in sports terms rather than nerd terms:
So far, according to how they’ve played without Dwight on the floor, we don’t seem to be desperately needy of another big. Especially if the available crop is none to pleasing. But that need changes slightly come playoff time. A matchup with Boston will no doubt require another big body.
Here’s how it shakes out: We’re not going to pick up a free agent bum, we’re going to trade for a reasonably valuable big man. I’m sure it’s being worked on and will go down as soon as they find a proper facilitator for that trade. I am hoping it happens sooner then later though. Dwight’s not going to learn to avoid dumb fouls any time soon and when the techs rack up and the one game suspensions start we’ll need that big body to help cover for our Dwightlessness.
Crushing weaker minds since 1978
Over 1 million served.
by Matty B on Jan 11, 2011 7:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Those Phoenix uniforms are some of the ugliest in the league.
That is all.
-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES-;;-►
by Blood, Sugar, Sex, ORLANDO Magic on Jan 11, 2011 7:12 PM EST reply actions
Anyone know
when Allen and Orton are due back? I’m not expecting much from Orton, but it would nice to at least see him get some garbage minutes for evaluation purposes. Who knows if he had a few good games he might become a trade chip. Allen at least gives us someone to throw in there if needed.
Orton is due back after the All Star break
Allen will not be back until the at the earliest the Philly game. He was left behind on this road trip.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
The question is would he even get PT if healthy?
I read somewhere (maybe here or OSen) that when he’s healthy he might get sent back down to the DL. Anyone else hear of this?
FEAR THE MEER!
I am not sure
What I can see is in the blowouts, he would get playing time. Plus I read that they are more than likely going to send him into the D League. To get him some playing time. I think a week or two at most. Recall him and have him practice with D12. Otis believes that they, young big men, get better by scrimmaging against Dwight. Also build team chemistry. Otis is a big believer in chemistry. Daniel just needs to play a little.
Roll Bass and War Ryno for me
Just FYI
Orton, though only in two games, is 2nd in the D-League in rebounds per 48 minutes this season. 11th in blocks per personal foul.
"...sometimes your eyes lie to you..." ~SVG | I'm on Twitter
by magicfaninTN on Jan 11, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm.. every Magic blog or forum I've read around have basically exhausted all discussion for big men
This just confirms what the fans have been saying
Don't forget, we still have Earl Clark as a reserve PF.
Standing pat with our current rotation will be fine against BOS and MIA, since they don’t have a real offensive threat at C. Where it might hurt us is if we make it to the Finals and play LA (if they make it). Bynum and Pau would be a problem yet again.
Oh and it definitely hurts us if Bass ends up aggravating the knee.
FEAR THE MEER!
^ ur right..
No offensive threat at the C, but plenty of bodies to aggravate Howard into Foul trouble. As we all know, when he’s out of the game, the lane is WIDE open, especially when a 6-8 PF with knee issues is playing substitute and 2 top NBA can get in the lane and draw fouls/score.
I think we need to acquire a big asap. Duh me.
ORL★NDO, our time will come.
by magic12ball on Jan 12, 2011 12:54 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
There are all kinds of arguments about Dwight being such a physical specimen and team player that he does not care to play 48 minutes if he has to.
setting all other considerations aside, these arguments are as foolish as saying an employee who is good and a team player does not care to carry the load of other employees’ work, even if they are less competent or plain lazy. It may happen in short term but it does not mean that employee would be happy about it, or not getting tired or frustrated by it.
ha
a big is needed and quickly but at what cost? we still have orton, but is he ready for the nba? when is he gonna be healthy?
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