NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic "Not Considering" J.R. Smith as New York Knicks Near Deal, According to Reports

by Evan Dunlap on Feb 16, 2012 2:36 PM EST in NBA Rumors

Though free-agent shooting guard J.R. Smith appears to be interested in the Orlando Magic, the feeling isn't mutual, reports Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel: "Otis Smith indicated to the Orlando Sentinel that his team is not considering the 6-foot-6 guard," writes Robbins.

The other teams to which Smith has indicated his interest are the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, the Clippers and Knicks are "the frontrunners to sign him," citing a source. Meanwhile, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports Smith will sign with the Knicks.

Smith would appear to fit Orlando's need for a dynamic scorer and shot-creator, and with the full mid-level exception at the Magic's disposal, they can offer more money than any of the teams on Smith's wishlist except for the Pacers. However, as Robbins notes, the Magic are close to crossing the luxury-tax threshold. In addition, Orlando already has Jason Richardson, J.J. Redick, and Von Wafer at shooting guard, with each under contract for at least one more season, so adding Smith would create a logjam at the position.

Smith, a seven-year veteran, owns career averages of 12.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and two assists in 23.9 minutes, shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 37.1 percent on three-pointers.

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Well, guess that's that.

"We just want to chill" - Chris Bosh.
Proud Jameer and Rashard apologist since '07

by slickw143 on Feb 16, 2012 3:07 PM EST reply actions

Im not suprised, Orlando doesnt really need him anyway, Orlando is good already, Championship team Good

Go Magic Go Jags

by fan7 on Feb 16, 2012 3:08 PM EST reply actions

Otis, Otis, Otis why are you still here??

You road the pines as a Magic player and now you ride the pines as a Magic GM!! I am sure you have your eye on someone in the retirement home that you are willing to give a large contract to instead of someone that has a few good years left in his career!

by bumper64 on Feb 16, 2012 3:09 PM EST reply actions

I'm really glad this didn't play out.

I’m going to get flamed for this probably but I don’t see Smith as an upgrade in any way and isn’t worth the money we would’ve given him. I honestly thought Otis was stupid enough to pull the trigger on this move and I’m happy that he didn’t.

The intensity has to go up, up! Not down...UP! -Stan Van Gundy

by cgsimone on Feb 16, 2012 3:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I agree + even though I said earlier that I think Stan would handle him,

I’m not sure if that would go the other way around as well. I would prefer to see him with the Clippers rather than NY though.

Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.

by 44792212 on Feb 16, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

true

by fan7 on Feb 16, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

Good

waste of time

by necksnappa on Feb 16, 2012 3:41 PM EST reply actions

Hey Otis... Get us a backup centre

by Robot42 on Feb 16, 2012 3:52 PM EST reply actions

yea i agree we do need a backup center

by fan7 on Feb 16, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Von Wafer is a more efficient Smith. If you want someone with Smith's capabilities, Von Wafer is your man.

"If Dwight spent more time practicing and less time b!tching, then maybe he’d be playing a little better." -My Mom

by BigMac12111 on Feb 16, 2012 5:55 PM EST reply actions

As much as I like Von, he doesnt have JR Smith's capabilities.

Follow @JShannonhouse3

Follow @FireOtisSmith

by JeffShann3 on Feb 16, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

He scores from anywhere on the floor, he drives to the rim, and he draws fouls. Sounds like what Smith would bring to the table without all the hassle of learning the system

"If Dwight spent more time practicing and less time b!tching, then maybe he’d be playing a little better." -My Mom

by BigMac12111 on Feb 16, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

Von Wafer is a more efficient Smith?

Oh, boy.

by Mr. Hyde on Feb 16, 2012 10:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Idk why Otis didn't at least consider it..

..I mean one year deal and if he don’t work out then bye bye. There was no risk involved, that I know of.

by INTOTHEMEATGRINDER on Feb 16, 2012 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Exactly..you have the guts to trade for the likes of Gilbert Arenas a year ago with his ridiculous contract

you won’t even entertain the thought of having J.R. Smith…doesn’t make sense to me

by shaymac on Feb 16, 2012 10:13 PM EST up reply actions

I am not surprised at all when it comes to Otis Smith's buffonery

JR Smith can be had on the cheap, has All-Star potential and is still young enough to be effective for years. That is not what Otis Smith wants in a player

I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?

by Souwantmyname on Feb 16, 2012 7:34 PM EST reply actions

I would like to know if Otis talked to Dwight about JR Smith before making this statement??

So far Dwight wants to be a part of who the Magic look at! (hmmmmmmm)
Dwight wants better players on the Magic (no moves have been made) unless you think Big Baby was a good move!

What does Otis do to better the Magic while all other teams are trying to make themselves better??
Traded BBass for Davis (at this point Boston got the better end of this deal)
We brought up a D-League point guard (who never plays)
that’s about it!!!

by bumper64 on Feb 16, 2012 8:43 PM EST reply actions

Now I'm really getting pissed at Otis.

If this is true, that is.

by Mr. Hyde on Feb 16, 2012 10:59 PM EST reply actions

in paper it'd be great if he can play for the Magic

but it’s not as if he’s instantly available, is he?

and given the fact he’s been playing against sub-par opposition, how will he fare straight into the heat of late regular season action and the playoffs? I have my doubts

by RL Magic on Feb 16, 2012 11:58 PM EST reply actions

If he was that questionable, then why have other teams be jockeying to get him?

by INTOTHEMEATGRINDER on Feb 17, 2012 12:44 AM EST up reply actions

If anything it woulda shown Dwight that we can get free agents if we have to.

by INTOTHEMEATGRINDER on Feb 17, 2012 12:45 AM EST up reply actions

anybody think the magic will go after aaron brooks?

by turbo champion on Feb 17, 2012 1:11 AM EST reply actions

no

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by Evan Dunlap on Feb 17, 2012 1:56 AM EST up reply actions

Another short-sighted blunder by Otis...

Of course Otis prefers J. Rich to J.R. Smith… he obviously “thinks” a 31-year old athlete is always better than a 26-year old athlete. After all, Otis has a solid record of bringing in old, over-the-hill players and over-paying them in absurd multi-year contracts.

To anyone else with common sense, of course this kind of reasoning is pure madness… which explains WHY the Magic will never win a Championship while he’s our GM.

J.R. Smith skills are EXACTLY what the Magic desperately need at shooting guard: A fearless, lightning-quick-slasher with eyes fixed on the basket and a good 3-point shot. He’s a superb athlete with much better legs than J. Rich AND Nelson combined… and BEST OF ALL, can be obtained cheaply! It is J. Richardson and Nelson whom we should trade away, ASAP! Should have pulled the trigger last year…

And Otis is going to just facilitate for NY to get him? Watch now, how he teams up with Lin to form the NBA’s perfect back-court… and really unleash Carmelo and Stud on ALL of us! Just watch; and wonder, “what-if…”

by manny55 on Feb 17, 2012 12:13 PM EST reply actions