NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic Can Do Little in Free Agency, Wait for Trade Deadline
Once again, the Orlando Magic and general manager Otis Smith displayed silent patience as the onset of the NBA free agency began.
We heard about the visits to and by highly coveted super stars. Some shared the experience via twitter, while others did things in strictest confidence.
Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson may be the big winner of day one. For him, July 8 can come none too quickly. Darco Milicic also made out very well.
Signs of life emanated from Orlando, when a proposed deal sending Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass peaked above the day one noise.
The Boozer trade rumor quickly lost its “legs” as was reported in Orlando newspapers.
Any deal involving Vince Carter sounded too good to be true anyway.
Consensus among the experts is that Orlando will wait for the LeBron James domino to fall, before making any move.
Listening to Smith, the Magic have no problem playing the waiting game.
Could the Magic decide to wait until the mid-season trading deadline?
For a few reasons, the Magic could decide to wait.
There Can Be Only One
The fact remains only one team will sign LeBron.
That said, the team that signs LeBron has no guarantees.
Even in the Miami Heat “Dream Team” scenario, Pat Riley's new super squad would have some major holes.
Adding only a few role players, without breaking the money or roster bank, would afford the Magic more bargaining power at the mid-season trade deadline.
Brandon Bass Gets His Shot
Holding on to Brandon Bass gives him the opportunity to prove his worth.
Bass played sparingly last season. But Smith believes Brandon possesses the ability to play at a higher level.
Head coach Stan Van Gundy preferred the long ball capability of Ryan Anderson. Early on, Anderson began looking like a hidden gem in the making.
But like many second-year players, inconsistency and defensive struggles shortened his playing time.
Both Anderson and Bass got some limited minutes in the playoffs.
Bass impressed the most, with solid effort off the bench in the two Magic victories versus the Boston Celtics.
If Bass lives up to perceived potential, maybe the four position no longer remains an issue. Only time will tell.
Waiting until the trade deadline to decide his value, provides some of that time.
Daniel Orton Will Need Time
Not making a move allows the team to keep Marcin Gortat, a true center as backup to Dwight Howard.
Research Daniel Orton, and you come up with more questions than confidence in the Kentucky freshman.
Gortat's trade value comes from his height, and ability to play the center position. If the Magic could wave their “magic” wand, Vince Carter would transform into the handsome prince.
Unfortunately the Magic need Gortat's value to make almost any move.
Keeping him as long as you can, meaning not having to rely on a rookie, makes sense.
Orton played the back up center position to DeMarcus Cousins. Scouts and critics question whether or not another season would have been the wise choice for Orton.
Most expect the big man to see little real game time action after the NBA Summer League.
On the flip side, Orton came out of the NBA Draft Combine projected as a mid-first-rounder. A 15 selection in the NBA Draft would be expected to contribute.
It shouldn't be unrealistic to expect maybe a few rebounds and a put-back basket once per game.
Letting Orton develop any type of role, could help in case the “Hammer” needs to be dealt.
Observe How Free Agency Changes the League
By waiting until the trade deadline, the Magic could let free agency changes settle in.
It will take time for LeBron, Wade or who ever to learn to play with their new old teams, or new new teams.
Letting things settle into place, could give Orlando the best bang for the trade buck. By the All-Star break, we'll get a better indication of who really capitalized on free agency.
Howard could return with one or two more post moves. Bass might find consistency with his 15 foot jumper.
Knowing exactly what you have, makes knowing what you need much easier.
Find A Bench Player/Trade Asset During Summer League
Outside of getting a closer look at Orton and second-round pick Stanley Robinson, the Magic could be looking for a serviceable bench player during Summer League.
A few names among all the teams' rosters have some past experience, or have shown some potential either in Europe or the NBA D-League.
Point guard Jerome Randle signed with the Magic as an undrafted rookie free agent. Randle drew some attention prior to the draft from Orlando.
He could prove to be a good third man depending on how he develops. Summer League play will help Smith determine if he needs to keep searching.
As an undrafted free agent, Randle comes at the right price.
If the Magic can find any raw talent, maybe displaying it over the first half of the NBA season roots out a few suitors interested in trade talks.
Vince Carter's Contract Will Be More Valuable
With his current contract expiring at the end of the season, Carter becomes "salary dump" attractive.
Large expiring contracts give NBA general managers "beer" goggles, like freshmen at their first frat party.
With only a half a season of salary to pay, any team looking to lower their salary will surely have interest in Carter.
Though free agency for the summer of 2011 will come with less fanfare, there will be teams looking towards the future.
