clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Off-Day Open Thread: Should the Orlando Magic Sign a Fourth Point Guard to Substitute for Jason Williams During the Preseason?

Bruce Maddox - Orlando Pinstriped Post
Bruce Maddox - Orlando Pinstriped Post

In the wake of Jason Williams' knee surgery--a proccedure this morning to remove loose cartilage will cost him the next four weeks, and thus the remaining two days of training camp and the entire preseason--Brian Schmitz argues the Orlando Magic need to sign another point guard to replace him:

They are one twisted ankle away from having just one PG, and Williams will be out the entire preseason.

Jameer Nelson is the starter and Chris Duhon the back-up, but Nelson has been injury-prone and you don’t want to overwork him.

Schmitz also says Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told him the team isn't interested in signing another point guard.

Whose side do you take here? For relative chump change, the Magic could sign a free-agent point guard strictly to serve as a body in training camp so Duhon and Nelson can get some rest; as it is, the Magic are having Vince Carter and J.J. Redick slide down there from shooting guard. The fact that Anthony Johnson, who spent the last two seasons in Orlando, is still on the market may make this option especially attractive, as he would not need to be brought up to speed on the Magic's system. In fact, no point guard played more minutes for the Magic in 2008/09 than Johnson did.

Some other free-agent point guards on the market, according to ShamSports, are Dan Dickau, Jamaal Tinsley, and Rafer Alston. Given GM Otis Smith's preference for signing NBA veterans--as opposed to younger players who are perhaps rougher around the edges but with more upside--it's safe to say that the likes of Oliver Lafayette and Sean Singletary would not be considered.

On the other hand, the Magic "are one twisted ankle away" from losing depth at any position, not just at point guard, so spending money on a late camp/preseason invitee there might not make a lot of sense. And would anyone be interested in collecting a comparatively minor paycheck for a few weeks of work with the Magic knowing that he stands no chance of making the final roster?

Both viewpoints are defensible. Where do you stand?