<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Although PF Darko Milicic has been inconsistent this season, Magic General Manager Otis Smith expects competition for the 7-foot-1 power forward's services next summer. Milicic became a restricted free agent in November, meaning the Magic have right of first refusal. "I know I would [go after him]," Smith said. "A 21-year-old big in a time when everybody has to play small ball? I expect somebody to talk to him." Smith doesn't plan on letting Milicic leave, but it will be an interesting call, especially if he remains inconsistent. According to Milicic, he and the Magic had an offer on the table -- believed to be about $40 million for five years -- put it was pulled back. The Magic expect a busy summer as they look to extend the contracts of C Dwight Howard and PG Jameer Nelson, and re-sign Milicic and PG Travis Diener. "I don't know if we can get it all done, but I hope so," Smith said, referring to all four players.</div> Source
I don't like the comments from Otis Smith. Doesn't sound like he has a blueprint in place for this team. I really like the potential of the Magic and Dwight Howard is everything you could want as the franchise player, but you need the right GM and coach to make it work. Case in point, Kevin Garnett in Minnesota. When he was drafted the TWolves new immediately he was the franchise player for them. They took their time building the right team around him and finding the right coach to help KG win a title. I'd hate to see the Magic blow the opportunity with Dwight Howard, and if they don't have a blueprint in place, then he's going to become another "what could have been" players. I'm not sold on Darko being the complimentary frontcourt player Dwight Howard needs to win a title. Darko lacks the playmaking ability to take defensive pressure off of Howard, and lacks the competitive edge you'd want from a frontcourt player. Maybe the Magic would be better off dealing him in a sign and trade, upgrading their SG or PG position instead. The Magic didn't give up much to acquire Darko in the first place (Kelvin Cato's expiring K), so whatever they can get for him still makes them a winner in the deal. If Otis Smith doesn't know by now whether or not Darko is the solution alongside Dwight Howard, then he needs to A. Force Brian Hill to play him more or B. Start fielding trade offers for him to see what Darko's market value is currently at.
