FanPost

Who is the top priority this summer?



Clearly Orlando is going to take another crack at signing a Free Agent this again. They were very close to signing Paul Milsap, and it seems like Milsap made a last second change of heart to stay with Atlanta. Speculation is that Orlando is going to go heavy on Al Horford. While I don't mind that, having thought about it what would be the point in bringing in Horford if you have given the keys to Aaron Gordon? I prefer Aaron at the PF spot(he has been grabbing rebounds like crazy lately) and the his immense upside. Here is who I actually think Orlando will look to sign this offseason: Harrison Barnes or Nicolas Batum.

Barnes first, since he might be the harder one to sign. He is a restricted free agent who at 23 years old already has a championship and has big game experience. While never living up to the billing as the next Kobe Bryant, he has been solid to great in the league. He plays good defense and is a great 3 pt shooter, both traits Orlando can use. Would he be able to handle the pressure of a max contract and possibly being the face of a franchise, compared to being the fourth or fifth option in Golden State? Will GS even let him leave? Is he really great or does he just happen to play with the best PG, SG, Hybrid Player, top 3 coach, top 5 GM, best fanbase, best bench? I have no idea. Is he like when Tracy McGrady needed to leave Toronto to fully explode? I have no idea. This is what I know: Harrison Barnes puts the ball in the hoop efficiently from all three phases(FG, 3PT, FT) and does everything else above average in the role that is asked of him. I personally, would be at his door at midnight and offer him a max contract, 1) I want him on the team(especially since there is a vacant hole at the 3 now) and 2) make Golden State max him and go into the luxury tax.

The versatile Frenchman, no not Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum is having a successful bounce back season. After going through devastating personal issues(these guys are human by the way just in case you people forget) in his last season in Portland, Batum is back to being a great glue guy again. While Harrison Barnes is the more efficient shooter, Batum has better rebounding numbers, assists, steals and blocks compared to Barnes. He is also 4 years older and in his prime, while also being one of the main options for Charlotte. While not the sexy option, Batum has been pretty great for a while now, again aside from his last season in Portland, and has never caused any trouble.

I like both players and would consider the summer a successful one with the signature of either of these two gentleman. Based on where Orlando drafts, I will continue to say Orlando should draft Demetrius Jackson. Great shooter, distributor, and rebounder for someone 6'1". I honestly don't expect Jennings to stay around, unless he averages 22 on 45%, 38% shooting with 7 dimes(i.e. an All Star) or Ersan to stay either. Orlando seems to really like Evan so I do see him staying. I wouldn't mind Noah either. Yes his knees are bad and I really don't know what he can contribute on the court, but having his voice in the locker room would be priceless for this young team desperately trying to win in this league. If Horford wants to come after locking Barnes/Batum and Noah up, I am not going to say no either. Also keep in mind could possibly absorb a contract(s) in the summer as well with all the cap space. Should be an interesting summer for Orlando, they are swinging for the stars...hopefully they can get to the moon at least.

This FanPost was made by a member of the Orlando Pinstriped Post community, and is to be treated as the opinions and views of its author, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.