With basically all 2003 and 2004 picks in their lineup that would an incredible line up of all players well before their primes. I can't see how that team could be stopped so basically its only if Lebron is willing to leave to join Dwight Howard, which I don't see why anyone WOULDN'T want to join the best young power player in the league. Here's hoping Lebron lands in Orlando and brings them a championship!
The odds we get him are slim, he can go to the big markets and get paid nicely by the likes of Nike, Coke, and every other deal he has. I think if he comes here it is to play with Dwight and to get away from home. Orlando is def a place that attracts people and its only getting bigger and better. As far as players leaving, look at those names, DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA... Dwight is a low key guy he isnt after all that crap. Dwight is a hardworking young man that has been brought up differently. I think with the cap space and the chance to play with Dwight will attract one free agent. Whether its Lebron, Wade, Bosh or whoeva someone will be calling orlando home. If and when that happens, we should be able to build enough interest in the team to get a new arena. Good things are in store for the Magic. To think what if we drafted Okafor???
Right now the Magics are getting better w/lebron james they are going to get 2x as better. its going to be good Dwight Howard and lebron. Two good man working together will overcome more victories.
First of all, let me start off by saying that Steve Francis was a good guy and for awhile he was our team's franchise player, but I'm extremely happy we traded him in return for cap room. We now have so many options and ways to improve this team and we finally have the management to get it done so I'm really anxious to see what moves Otis Smith pulls off. Every team has been trying to make their own Shaq and Kobe duo because they realize that will win games. Yao and McGrady and Wade and Shaq are two examples of top wing players teaming up with top big men in hopes of becoming a contender. Something tells me that Otis will use this approach when trying to assemble a championship contender. Since we already have Dwight and Darko down low, I see us going after a wing player like one of the following: [IMGL]http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3704.jpg[/IMGL] 1. LeBron James - James is obviously the top player we are going to try to sign because he is the best player available, we would have a hole at small forward after releasing Grant Hill, and the Dwight-LeBron duo would win games and the hearts of the fans. LeBron James equals instant marketing success and he would increase our ticket sales enormously. As Magic fans, we are always complaining that our team or players don't get enough respect from other team's fans or the media. Bringing in LeBron would be huge and the league's attention would be set on the Magic. According to a recent thread in the NBA section, many people think LeBron will be the league's biggest star in eight years (closely followed by Howard) so why not go after him. What is there to lose here? LeBron may be hardest to acquire but he also has the biggest upside if we do happen to get him. [IMGL]http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3708.jpg [/IMGL] 2. Dwyane Wade - As a fan of Dwyane Wade, my opinion is somewhat biased here. I think Wade is an amazing player who has a complete game. He has an inside game, an outside game, is clutch, and is very unselfish which is important when you are trying to pair two superstars together (see Shaq and Kobe). Wade has great chemistry with Shaq and overtime he could build that same type of thing with Dwight, who has been compared to Shaq by some. Also, I like what Gators was saying about Wade coming over after Shaq retires and purchases the Magic. I think that would be really cool and I would be very happy with that. Our chances of getting Wade are probably pretty low though because the Heat are going to do everything in their power to re-sign him and lock him up for many years. Wade is the second best player from the 2003 draft class and if we can?t get LeBron (the best player in that class), then we should offer a max contract to Wade and hope for the best. [IMGL]http://espn-att.starwave.com/i/nba/profiles/players/65x90/3253.jpg [/IMGL] 3. Paul Pierce ? Pierce has single handedly led his Boston Celtics into playoff contention this season and he would be a great addition for the Magic. He can score from inside and out and is a very versatile player. He can play shooting guard or small forward and will dominate at either. Every year there are rumors of him parting with the Celtics and by the time 2007 comes around, he will be 30 years old and probably looking to pair up with another star so that he can get a championship before he retires. Both LeBron and Wade would be better than Pierce because they will be able to contribute for a longer amount of time but if both of them re-sign with their respective teams like expected, Pierce would be the man we need to sign. Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, or Rashard Lewis would be alright additions but they wouldn't be anywhere as great as getting one of the players I mentioned above. Melo is the best player out of these three because he is young, clutch, and has a solid offensive game. Vince Carter has been struck with injuries ever since his days with the Raptors and that is the thing that scares me most about him. In 2007, he would 31 years old and he probably wouldn't have much left in him since the injuries will most likely shorten his career. Rashard Lewis has also had some injuries throughout his career and when there are five of the NBA's biggest superstars available, someone like Rashard Lewis (who isn't even the best player on his team) just doesn't jump out at you as much as the others do. It's hard to guess what the Magic are going to do in 2007 since a lot of things can happen in the next year and a half. Players can get hurt, traded or re-signed and it would screw up everything we were trying to accomplish. Just look at the Lakers and their "2007 plan." After Amare and Yao were re-signed, the Lakers were stuck. We need to be patient and evaluate each situation individually to make the right decision. To answer smokrockz's question, if we had drafted Emeka Okafor our options would be pretty limited right now. Okafor's career has started off somewhat slow due to injuries while Howard has stepped into the spot light and is playing amazing basketball. Dwight has us making a push for the playoffs in the last month of the season while if we had chosen Emeka, we would probably be one of the worst teams in the league right now because he would be sitting on our injured list. Dwight is the real deal!
as much as i would love to wear a magic jersey with james written on the back even i have to admit it wont happen...the only thing we have a chance for is vinsanity and by then he may be past his prime although i doubt it and also hes from daytona...other than that i dont really see anything else happening
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chuck:</div><div class="quote_post">Honestly... I'd take Wade or Pierce over Lebron. At this point.. Maybe things will change</div> Why would you want either of them over LeBron?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Swish15:</div><div class="quote_post">Why would you want either of them over LeBron?</div> Wade is equal with Lebron, in my opinion, when it comes to most categories... but Wade is definitely better at distributing the ball to his teammates. Pierce maybe not so much. But I would definitely prefer Wade to Lebron. Wade makes clutch shots too of course. Though, my opinion could change in the next year.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chuck:</div><div class="quote_post">Wade is equal with Lebron, in my opinion, when it comes to most categories... but Wade is definitely better at distributing the ball to his teammates. Pierce maybe not so much. But I would definitely prefer Wade to Lebron. Wade makes clutch shots too of course. Though, my opinion could change in the next year.</div> Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Wade is putting up similar stats to LeBron and at times he isn't even the number one scoring option on his team because of Shaq. I think either of those players would be amazing additions and I really can't wait until the 2007 offseason to come around.
Dwyane Wade would be a better fit than LeBron James based on their careers so far. In Miami Wade is playing great basketball alongside a dominant post player, Shaq. He would play just as great alongside Dwight Howard, who Shaq sees as his predecessor. With Wade you know he can come into Orlando and defer to Howard right away, because he's done it with Shaq. LeBron James has Big Z, but they don't have the same chemistry like Wade and Shaq do. We really have no idea how LeBron would handle being the 2nd option behind Howard. He's never been the second option on any team he's played for and I'm not sure if he's willing to either. Still either of them would be an amazing addition to this franchise.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">LeBron James has Big Z, but they don't have the same chemistry like Wade and Shaq do. We really have no idea how LeBron would handle being the 2nd option behind Howard. He's never been the second option on any team he's played for and I'm not sure if he's willing to either.</div> I don't think Lebron would be second to DH12, I think the pecking order on the roster would be: Lebron DH12 Jameer Hedo Darko with Lebron playing 2 guard, we wouldn't have any more size matchup problems, and we'd be the biggest team in the league, and have enough athleticism to do it. However I'd still aqlso want a legit 2 and would want Turk off the bench.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting GatorsowntheSEC:</div><div class="quote_post">I think the most likely is Dwayne Wade to be honest with you. He's used to Florida and Shaq wants to own part of the Magic. He might retire after next year and bring his buddy Wade with him. After saying that, I think we get 2 quality players rather than 1 superstar.</div> It all matters on Shaq for Wade. But Lebron and Howard is a dynasty. Big man, Small Man Combo for the ages, Even though Lebron is 6ft 8 lol. Maybe as good as or better then Shaq and Kobe......Dare i say it lol.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheGreatK-Bob:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think Lebron would be second to DH12, I think the pecking order on the roster would be: Lebron DH12 Jameer Hedo Darko with Lebron playing 2 guard, we wouldn't have any more size matchup problems, and we'd be the biggest team in the league, and have enough athleticism to do it. However I'd still aqlso want a legit 2 and would want Turk off the bench.</div> Well then the Magic could have problems because they are building their team to compliment Howard's game, not LeBron's. LeBron will have to drop at least 15lbs to play 2 guard. He's struggling to defend most SFs in the league because he doesn't have lateral quickness and with the new hand checking rules he can't use his strength to defend out on the perimeter.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Well then the Magic could have problems because they are building their team to compliment Howard's game, not LeBron's.</div> As of right now we're building around Howard but if we got someone like LeBron, would that change? LeBron is one of the best players in the NBA right now so I have to think if we landed him he would become our top priority and #1 scoring option.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Swish15:</div><div class="quote_post">As of right now we're building around Howard but if we got someone like LeBron, would that change? LeBron is one of the best players in the NBA right now so I have to think if we landed him he would become our top priority and #1 scoring option.</div> You don't have to worry about LeBron or Howard, they'll get their numbers regardless of who's the 1st or 2nd option. It's about the role players surrounding these guys. LeBron is more effective in an open offense where he push tempo and lead the break. However, Dwight Howard is going to be more effective in half court sets where he can dominate in the post. Dwyane Wade gives the Magic the option at either style of offense because he's proven to be successful at both. His rookie year the Heat weren't very structured, but since they traded for Shaq he's been able to adapt to a halfcourt style. Howard is going to need role players who can spread a defense and also guys who can feed him in the post. LeBron needs role players who can cover his weaknesses on defense, and wings who can fill the lane. Those are two contrasting types of role players.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting smokrockz:</div><div class="quote_post">The odds we get him are slim, he can go to the big markets and get paid nicely by the likes of Nike, Coke, and every other deal he has. I think if he comes here it is to play with Dwight and to get away from home. Orlando is def a place that attracts people and its only getting bigger and better. As far as players leaving, look at those names, DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA... Dwight is a low key guy he isnt after all that crap. Dwight is a hardworking young man that has been brought up differently. I think with the cap space and the chance to play with Dwight will attract one free agent. Whether its Lebron, Wade, Bosh or whoeva someone will be calling orlando home. If and when that happens, we should be able to build enough interest in the team to get a new arena. Good things are in store for the Magic. To think what if we drafted Okafor???</div> Coke? WTF, isn't it Sprite, or do you mean Coca Cola.
I just find it amusing how most of you are talking like this is a sure thing; first of all lebron isn't likely to leave cleveland his hometown and if he did we all know he's headed to a large market, it all comes down to money. As for wade the guy seems really happy in miami and almost no one is predicting he'll leave.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Johnnybrasco:</div><div class="quote_post">I just find it amusing how most of you are talking like this is a sure thing; first of all lebron isn't likely to leave cleveland his hometown and if he did we all know he's headed to a large market, it all comes down to money. As for wade the guy seems really happy in miami and almost no one is predicting he'll leave.</div> None of us are talking about this like it's a sure thing; we're speaking hypothetically. Who are you? I notice you don't have a favorite team or town listed... That says something to me. We are going to get a good free agent, or multiple good free agents, from that year. Wade and Lebron are unlikely, but possible. We are one of the most attractive teams to free agents: money, sun, and the next great big man.
