Magic Staying Away From "Troubled Players" <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Magic General Manager Otis Smith said he has essentially made it known throughout the league that he has no interest in acquiring troubled players or players with suspect character. "I think I've pretty much gotten that out there," Smith said. Smith was not interested in Allen Iverson, and he said the Sacramento Kings -- who are apparently looking to trade controversial forward Ron Artest -- did not contact the Magic. Smith said he would not have had any interest in dealing Hedo Turkoglu for Artest. Their salaries come close to matching. Turkoglu played his first three NBA seasons with Kings.</div> Source Also, Brian Schmitz talked about this in his latest blog: <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest, to put it diplomatically, has been loony tunes throughout his NBA career. Now that he's apparently on the trading block (again), should the Magic deal Hedo Turkoglu to acquire him? Their salaries almost match, although the Magic might have to kick in another player or pick. I haven't asked Magic GM Otis Smith this question yet, although I think I know Otis' answer: And it will go something like this: Did we want The Answer, when he was available? No. Smith wanted no part of a trade involving Allen Iverson, and Artest has more baggage than AI. Much more baggage. Enough to put Samsonite out of business. But Artest would give the Magic a supreme defender, a hard-nosed player and low-post scorer to pair with Dwight Howard. Turkoglu would return to Sacramento, where he played his first three seasons in the NBA. He's a much different player than Artest, but a better guy and would fit into the Kings' free-flowing offense. Privately, the Magic would love to have Artest --- if somebody did a mental makeover on him. Artest is not worth the risk, though. He could poison a team in no time --- and there's some of that behind the Kings wanting to deal him. Again, Magic fans, it won't happen, just like with AI. The Magic don't want characters. They want players with character. </div>Source
That's cool. I think we can definitely count out Vince then, which is a good thing. It'll be cool to see who Smith goes after. Rashard Lewis would be good, he can shoot the 3 (great all-around shooter too), consistent offensive threat, doesn't need 20 shots a game to be effective. There's other players, I don't know who all the free agents are though. It's just good to hear that Otis Smith won't be signing any cancers.
<div class="quote_poster">Swish15 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">You think Otis counts Vince as a troubled player?</div> Yes. Otis ain't no fool.
<div class="quote_poster">d-money12 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">that's cause smith is a prick...we could have artest for turkoglu, which i would do in a heartbeat</div> What the hell are you talking about??? Artest for Turkoglu?? Are you on crack?? That's so retarded it isn't funny. Nobody would ever do that. Have you been playing too much NBA Live 07?
I doubt he considers VC a troubled player. I think he sees VC as a can't miss guy and will sign him to a max 4-5 year deal this offseason.
<div class="quote_poster">d-money12 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">that's cause smith is a prick...we could have artest for turkoglu, which i would do in a heartbeat</div> Dude, you should start following some other team. I'd rather posthumously sign Yinke Dare than Artest or Carter. Seriously man, what the hell?
I wouldn't touch Carter, especially with the way he's been playing. Ever since his 9/20 three pointer game he's hasn't been been playing motivated basketball to say the least. Although I'm one of the few who think he's a pretty good player in this league (suprising for a Raptors fan), I think that he's just too big of a wimp mentally to ever be named with the likes of other superstars.
Other players also see how their "superstar" is unmotivated and don't work as hard. Your superstar's attitude is contagious, which is why I want Dwight to be the #1 superstar.
