Orlando Magic: How Otis Smith Can Bring a Big Three to O-Town

Hunter KonsensJun 4, 2018

If there is one thing that we have learned in the past few years in the NBA, it is that the Big Three theme has been extremely popular and successful. For instance, the Boston Celtics the past few years have been a powerhouse due to the trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.

The Spurs have been extremely successful over the last decade with the combination of Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. However, the most famous (or infamous) trio is the one down in South Beach of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, which has also been successful.

When watching Orlando Magic basketball, a fan can easily tell that Howard has put the whole team on his back. Dwight is the team's primary scoring option, most efficient rebounder and best defender. In most minds, he is the best center in the league.

However, everybody knows, including himself, that the team cannot be successful by himself. If you were to say that the Magic have a decent trio in Jason Richardson, Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard, then I would bring up the point that even the Golden State Warriors have a more well-rounded trio in David Lee, Stephen Curry and Monte Ellis.

If the Magic have any chance of keeping Dwight, they need to show that they are committed to a championship, and what better way to do that than to create a Big Three?

1. Acquire Josh Smith

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Trade: Jameer Nelson, Daniel Orton, Brandon Bass for Josh Smith and a second-round pick

What better way to keep your superstar than to acquire his best friend. Josh Smith and Howard have known each other since elementary school playing on the same AAU team in Atlanta. The duo of Smith and Howard would automatically make the Magic a top-tier defensive team. Plus, this deal makes sense for both teams.

For Atlanta they receive a point guard for the future who could mentor Jeff Teague, their point guard prospect. They also receive two intriguing big men prospects who could blossom into quality starters or back-ups.

For Orlando this deal makes sense on so many levels.

1. Dwight would have his best friend on the team.

2. They would become the best defensive tandem in the league.

3. Smith is versatile enough that he can play the small or power forward while also possessing a decent jump shot.

4. It would shed a little salary cap.

5. He would become the only player who can create his own shot off the dribble.

2. Acquire Andre Iguodala

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Trade: Hedo Turkoglu, J.J. Redick, Ryan Anderson and a future first-round pick for Andre Iguodala, Andres Nocioni and a future second-round pick.

If you thought the tandem of Howard and Smith would be scary on defense, then the defensive trio of Iguodala, Howard and Smith would be downright frightening. The Orlando Magic would instantly become title contenders.

This trade makes sense for both teams. For Philadelphia, they get rid of the position jam at wing and open up minutes for their Evan Turner. They also acquire a solid back-up in J.J. Redick and a young prospect at power forward to develop with Spencer Hawes. They also receive a first-round pick to add to their youth movement.

For Orlando, they shed a little salary cap while becoming a better team and receive their third star. Also, they would add another player to their offensive arsenal who can create his own shot off the dribble.

3. Acquire Ramon Sessions and Daniel Gibson

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Trade: Ramon Sessions and Daniel Gibson for Quentin Richardson, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark

Throughout his career Ramon Sessions has always been the odd-man out. He always provides solid starter minutes for his ball-club. However, teams don't want to retain this talented guard. For instance, Sessions was traded from the Timberwolves in 2010 when Minnesota drafted Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn. Now this scenario is playing out in Cleveland. The team already had a point guard in Baron Davis and now has drafted Kyrie Irving with the first pick.

This trade would be an absolute steal for the Magic. They would be getting a talented young guard by taking advantage of the Cav's logjam at point. Also, they would acquire "Booby" Gibson, who is a talented three-point shooter. However, Cleveland would not come up empty-handed, as they would acquire two talented players in their prime in Duhon and Richardson. Plus, they would acquire the talented Clark to add to their youth movement.

4. Get Rid of Gilbert Arenas

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Trade: Gilbert Arenas and two future second round picks for Channing Frye, Mickael Pietrus and Josh Childress

What better team to resurge Gilbert Arenas's career than the Phoenix Suns and their fantastic medical staff. They have taken Magic cast-offs before in the likes of Vince Carter and Grant Hill, so why not take one more?

In acquiring Frye, Pietrus and Childress, the Magic add three-point shooting, athleticism, experience and depth. Channing Frye can score in bunches and has tremendous height. Plus, he can play on the outside along while Howard is in the game or play center. Pietrus was a fan favorite in his first stint in Orlando, and adds a player capable of guarding fellow Floridians LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Also, Childress would add depth to the wing spots.

5. Re-Sign Jason Richardson

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This would put the Magic over the top, as they would gain a valuable sixth man. Richardson struggled a little in his first year on in Orlando, but putting him in a smaller role may do wonders to overall game. He would be able to rest more, as he gets up there in age and would be able to contribute at a higher level.