Considering Cap Space, Free Agents, Trades, MLE, realistic acquisitions, buyouts, Leaving Team, etc.... Build your team that we could go far with the next few years.

I personally think that once a month the GM should go online to see what the fans think about acquiring free agents and trade ideas. Just for a fresh new outlook of some things. Not necessarily take the advise but something might be out there that you really hadn't looked at as a GM.

Hire GM: Penny Hardaway (Players look up to him) or Patrick Ewing (Players, GM's and franchises look up to him)

Hire Coach: Brian Shaw or Kenny Smith (Yes the ESPN Analyst - I think he'd be a great coach).

Orlando's Salary for year 12/13: 66,740,939

JJ contract - Non-Guaranteed (6,190,000); Jameer - Player option (7,800,000) Ryan - Free Agent (3,234,470); Earl - Free Agent (1,240,000); Ish/Deandre/Daniel - Free Agents (together = (2,510,567).

Resign Dwight for $14,000,000.00 for 4 years

Sign&Trade Micheal Beasley for Jason Richardson +PIck(s) - they make close to the same amount.

This is a total of $25, 975,037.00 - $66,740,939 = 40,765,902.00 in committed salary for year 12/13

Sign Deron Williams for $14,000,000; Sign O.J. Mayo for 7,000,000; Sign J.R. Smith for $4,500,000; Sign Brook Lopez for 5,000,000; sign Gerald Wallace for 5,000,000; Resign Ish Smith for 2,000,000

Lineup: Deron (PG); O.J.Mayo (SG); GWallace (SF); Big Baby (PF); D12 (C)

Backup: Ish (PG); J.R. Smith(SG); Hedo (SF); Micheal B(PF/SF); BLopez (C)

3rd string: Duhon(PG); VWafer(SG); QRich(SF);Justin Harper

This will put us about 10mil over but it's a nice team and worth it.

Deron can train Ish with veteran knowledge, Hedo is not going to play like 11mil worth but he's going to be an advantage for us coming off the bench an oppose to the other team. JRich will do alot better with Deron at point. Gerald Wallace is defense first but can put the ball on the floor. JR is nice off the bench and starter quality if needed. Brook Lopez can give us nice minutes and will play nice even beside dwight with his Tim Duncan like 15-18 foot jumper keeping some space for him and dwight. Tell me what you think.

What should we do with the Most Improved Player of the year?

Evan Dunlap's earlier analysis: Most notably, he needs to work on creating himself off the dribble when opposing power forwards manage to run him off the three-point line. Anderson also has his work cut out for him defensively, where he needs to bulk up in order to avoid being made a target. Teams with strong post presences at the four-spot often go right at Anderson defensively to begin games, both to put Anderson in foul trouble and to score inside. (A-)

He is a stretch power forward that works well in the 4-1 system. He is an above average 6' 10' defender. He is the league's leading three-point shooter. He is a good rebounder (~8 per game). He is a mini Kevin Love. Although Kevin Love is 24 in September while Anderson turned 24 in May.

His playoff commencement was abysmal offensively. But does that really matter? (Because we were playing without Dwight...)

He is also a restricted free agent. Sacramento will bid high for him. The question is how high (under the new Collective Bargain Agreement).

My Valuable Opinion: Offer him $6 million. Teams with a need for a perimeter shooter will take him. Use that cap-space and clear some more with the draft-picks to pursue the likes of Goran Dragic (albeit Dragic is too costly but he can move Jameer Nelson to 6th man.). Pursue playmakers not shooters. Or pursue a lot of really cheap playmakers such as Tracy McGrady. Pick up a mid-level like Danny Green to replace Ryan Anderson.

Sounds like a dream doesn't it? Initially I saw no light at the end of the tunnel that Otis Smith constructed however after a little research Orlando actually has a little flexibility (assuming they get a little help). To piggy back off of an earlier post by MagicLA here's the breakdown of how Orlando can open up cap space to sign Deron to max.

Continue reading this post »

guide to the upcoming draft from the Orlando Magic's perspective.

The Orlando Magic own the 19th and 49th picks in the 2012 draft. This piece will focus only on the first round selection.

Taking many expert opinions, mock drafts, and articles into consideration I tried to identify as many prospects as I could that seem to be likely candidates for the Magic to choose with the 19th pick.

The following are the top 11 by my estimation.

Continue reading this post »

I am an optimist, so assume:

• Miracle # 1: Stan Van Gundy stays.
  
• Miracle # 2: Dwight Howard stays. Dwight legally binds to a promise to remain in Orlando but resigns next summer. (Financially, we have the best case to retain him. And Amway Arena is his own gym.)
  
• A nice goodbye to Otis Smith.
  
• No Fran Vazquez -- now let's not get carried away with optimism.
  
• Magic resign Ryan Anderson for $7.5-8 million. (New CBA supports hypothesis hopefully.)
• Bye Von Wafer. (Saves $1.1 million each year. Its just easier to get minimum-wage veterans. We just aren't in rebuilding stage yet. It is very sad to see a fast 6'5" 26-year-old scorer leave.)
• We will clear more salary cap than most people imagine, because the 19th/49th pick will be given away for Jason Richardson's contract. Hopefully, Hedo Turkuglo can be removed from the roster instead.
• Jameer Nelson renegotiates and resigns with no-trade clause.
  

He makes $8 mil next year, while likely still declining as a player some. What’s his next contract going to be on an open market as a UFA? How long a contract do you think he can get in his nearly mid-30’s for what would likely be a backup role? Does he want to bank on not getting injured before he can get a new deal?

Instead, he can take a multi-year deal (guaranteed paycheck) for a payout somewhere in the teens (more money), possibily with a no-trade clause (Orlando is home, after all)…right now.

Since the new labor agreement allows for a huge 1st-year on a contract and a massive drop (I think it can fall 40% after the first year), the Magic could easily offer him say $6 mil next year then drop it to $3.6 mil for the following three years — a total of $18.6 million, in which he’d be paid about what he’s worth next year as an average/inconsistant starter (while the Magic can look to draft/trade for an upgrade), then become a reasonably paid top3 backup PG. Not to mention it drops his salary burden on the Magic right before next off-season, which is a pretty big priority if they want to keep Howard or upgrade.

IMPOSSIBLE

Deron Williams (Dallas or New Jersey) - I am trying to be as practically optimistic as I can be. Unless we self-destruct the roster.

Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Jeremy Lin, Goran Dragic (Dragic is possibly an "8-figure candidate".), Gerald Wallace (he has a player option of $9.5 million, not giving that up unless its for more or long-term. Not financially possible.)

HOPE

Steve Nash

• competing with New York [Carmelo, Amare, Lin, Nash, Phil Jackson, some fire extinguishers, Puerto Rico's Tyson Chandler, Spike Lee; really? too much diversity on that team. Orlando suits him better. New York will mock Nash-led offense like they spit at D'Antoni as soon as they lose a few Big Apple games with especially bad defense.]
• Phoenix is such a cowardly cop-out.
  
• Dallas. [Dirk + Deron Williams = Steve Nash running second unit? Nash the Next Sixth Man? What...] Legacy's aren't completed on the backs of other people's work.
  
• Dallas [Dirk + Nash + Kidd = no Deron] [could work..... but I can see Nash having more success in Orlando.]
• also competing with San Antonio and Miami which are unlikely destinations. Can't see these defensive minded teams pulling a Nash. Miami has no need for another amazing full-court player.

Plus, Miami is $8m over luxury tax already in 2012 so only have mini MLE (3 year / $3m)

• he is built for pick and roll Orlando.

CHEAPER: LIKELY AND MAYBE

Expensive But Great Candidates

Courtney Lee ($3.2 million Qualifying Offer) - We are in budget hell right now.

George Hill (I really loved the way he suddenly busted out with offensiveness against Orlando.) But $3.1 million Qualifying Offer for a restricted free agent. A tad small bit turn-over prone. But can really light up the offensive end under pressure. A lot of playoff experience with San Antonio and Indiana. His value only climbs higher as the Pacers win postseason games.

He is a solid deep shooter, a sure-handed ball-handler and a pretty good defender. He possesses both the spot-up game and the pick and roll game. Has a very crafty as a pick and roll player, finishing ninth in the league on plays where he attempted a shot off a pick and roll, He is prone to over-dribbling sometimes. The Pacers won't let him go away for the mid-level exception or below. Even attaching a poison pill to an offer (i.e. when you frontload the contract offer so it costs more for the Pacers to match in the first year) probably won't work because the Pacers are well under the cap.

Weak Cheap and Fun Candidates

Tracy McGrady I read the Aldrige article.

Vince Carter Cousins for chaos!

Gilbert Arenas

Via Larry Coon,

The waiving team may not re-sign or re-acquire the player for the length of his contract (which includes seasons following an ETO, but does not include seasons following an option)…" I believe that means if Arenas had a player option this year which I believe he did means Orlando can in fact sign him in free agency."

Kenyon Martin (amazingly aggressive veteran with defensive skill and hateful passion. Love it.

Cheap, Risky Candidates

Danny Green coming off of $0.9 million contract from San Antonio. How good will he play without Tony Parker? I think he is a generic version of brand-name George Hill.

Green is an outstanding deep shooter, hitting nearly 44 percent of his threes last year. He's also an underrated ball-handler, turning it over on just 11.4 percent of his possessions, and he was in the top 25 in the league in transition scoring efficiency according to MySynergySports.com. Unfortunately, Green also doesn't create many shots for others, as he has a very small 8.2-percent assist percentage. I could see him getting the mid-level exception, and I could see him getting far less. Also, remember that the Spurs can match any offer, assuming they extend him his small qualifying offer. Probably won't cost too much

REJECT LIST

Derek Fisher Sounds like an Otis Smith era signee!

Nazr Mohammed (no need for another center but maybe a rebound machine in the paint?) Don't like it. That is what Earl Clark's niche is.

Kirk Hinrich A veteran point guard who averages 26 mpg for 7 points. He is a good on-ball defender. But 35% 3-pt shooter and 6'4". No thank you. We have Hedo for these kind of stats. His potential reminds me of Chris Duhon's potential before signing him. Pursue Andre Miller. We desperately need an offensive playmaker.

Mickael Pietrus (cheap defensive 3-point shooter. A better less passionate Quentin Richardson.) But he will undergo another knee surgery this offseason which needs extended time to recover. Magic just don't have time for post-injury updates on players. The salary cap situation is horrible. Must start off great to put an end to the myth of Dwight's departure.

Press this blue button to find any other free agents.

1. Remember that Dwight will fix his free-throw problem this off-season.
2. Remember that Rich Devos doesn't believe in salary caps. And neither do I.
   

• Fully Guaranteed Contracts

Howard: $19,536,360
Hedo: $11,815,850
Duhon: $3,250,000
Q Rich: $2,627,400
Harper: $762,195

Sub Total = $37,991,805

+ Stretch Eligible Contracts ( Partial Cap Hit)

JRich $5,799,625 or $2,657,857 stretched
Davis: $6,400,000 or $2,771,428 stretched

Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $50,191,430
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich keep Davis) = $47,049,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis keep J Rich) = $46,562,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $43,421,090

+ Player Options

Clark: $1,240,000
Nelson: $8,600,000

• With Nelson and With Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $60,031,030
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich keep Davis) = $56,889,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis keep J Rich) = $56,402,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $53,261,090

• Without Nelson and With Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $51,431,430
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich keep Davis) = $48,289,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis keep J Rich) = $46,562,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $44,661,090

• With Nelson and Without Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $58,791,430
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich keep Davis) = $55,649,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis keep J Rich) = $55,162,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $52,021,090

• Without Nelson and Without Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $50,191,430
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich keep Davis) = $47,049,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis keep J Rich) = $46,562,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $43,421,090

+ Team Options with zero cap hit

Redick: $6,190,000
Wafer: $1,146,337 (very likely to be waived so I didn't include him in options)

With JJ Redick:

• With Nelson and With Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $66,221,030
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich) = $63,079,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis) = $62,592,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $59,451,090

• Without Nelson and With Clark
Sub Total A (no one stretched) = $57,621,430
Sub Total B (stretch J Rich) = $54,479,662
Sub Total C (stretch Davis) = $52,752,858
Sub Total D (stretch Davis and J Rich) = $52,192,145

+ Restricted Free Agents: Cap Hold or Projected Salary

Anderson = $5,611,503 or $6,000,000 to $10,000,000

Liggins = $937,195 Qualifying offer

Of all the free agents available this offseason, Steve Nash is the one that could have the greatest impact for the Magic organization.

(1) He remains one of the best playmakers in the game. His court vision, ability to break down defenses, dictate pace and leadership are all Magic needs and he does them at a high level.

(2) Nash creates an interesting trickle down effect to the Magic roster. He allows Nelson to move into a 6th man role, a role that at this stage of his career he is more suited for.

This allows JJ Redick to move into the starting line up and J Rich and Hedo to move into the second unit, creating great depth and a serious offensive punch coming off the bench. The lack of need to have Hedo's playmaking in the starting unit allows for the wing position to be filled with an athletic defensive wing.

(3) Steve Nash is a floor general and a natural leader. On the court he runs the offense, plays do not need to be called for him- he is experienced and been through the battles enough to know better than most coaches what needs to be done. This will become a factor if the Magic do indeed rid themselves of SVG.

One of the top candidates - Mike Malone, is a defensive specialist but there is concern over his abilities on the offensive side of the equation. Brian Shaw, the other top candidate, is likewise a defensive minded coach who spent years mentored by the great Phil Jackson. But those years were nearly all spent operating a triangle offense. This style and the current Magic roster are incompatible but Steve Nash would allow for that offense to work.

Nash has stated that he feels he can continue to play effectively for 2 to 3 more years. For the Magic this is a scenario that is feasible. Offering Nash a reasonably priced contract that offers him the potential to stay in the NBA for 3 to 4 more years is not a huge risk.

Of course if the Magic feel they have a quality chance at D Will or CP3 in 2013 or they are intent on moving Howard then this subject is moot.

1st Unit: Nash / JJ / (Defensive Wing) / Davis or Anderson / Howard

2nd Unit: Nelson / J Rich / Hedo / Anderson / Davis

Reserves: Duhon / Liggins / Q / Clark / (4th Big)

First I'd like to thank our team for a great effort in the playoffs. We were truly underdogs in every category, yet we fought hard. It was reminiscent of the old "Heart and Hustle" days of Armstrong.

I'd also like to give out the first annual Heart and Hustle award to Big Baby. I will admit I was not crazy about him coming to the Magic, but he has played with the heart of a champion. I will refer to him no more as Big Baby, he is now Big Heart.

Some of my comments about ownership and the FO may have sounded harsh recently. The truth is that I admire DeVos very much for his business acumen. You don't build a company from scratch and become a billionaire by being a slouch. His business model of putting trusted people in place served him well in Amway. It has also helped build the business side of the Magic. The team's value has skyrocketed since his purchase and we have a new arena.

The issue I have is that that model has not served him well on the basketball side of the Magic organization. Promoting from within and rewarding people for their loyalty can pay dividends in a typical business, but that formula doesn't necessarily work in a sports organization. That is germane to this discussion because it appears the Magic are ready to promote Foyle to the GM position. I understand he is an upstanding guy, brilliant, has great relations with players etc., but he has ZERO experience as a GM.

manny55 wrote a great article on how and why we should hire an experienced GM. I won't rehash that, instead I'll throw out a few names for your consideration.

Walsh did a great job of bringing respectability back to NY.

Pritchard changed the culture of the "Jailblazers" and was a draft wizard.

I don't know a lot about Bowers, but I understand a lot of people respect him.

Foyle's name is on the ballot because it is rumored that he has already been interviewed.

Of course there are still Otis fans, so his name appears on the ballot as well.

Please add names you have in mind in the comment section..

In the event the Magic do decide to fire Stan Van Gundy, which coach would be the most ideal fit for this team moving forward? Out of all the available coaches, I've narrowed them down to three possible relacements: Nate McMillan, Jerry Sloan, and Brian Shaw. McMillan's name has came up the most as the possible replacement for Stan Van Gundy. To me Jerry Sloan is the best coach out there(Phil Jackson is probably not interested in coming here). And Brian Shaw is suppose to be the heir to Phil Jackson. And not to mention Dwight Howard is rumored to be in favor Shaw coaching this team. I'm interested to see who you guys would want coaching this team.

PS:I hope Stan is not fired, but I think it's inevitable.