<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">So how do the Magic go about fixing the team and making it a legitimate contender? That’s where things could get interesting with General Manager Otis Smith and Hill. Smith clearly thinks the Magic need some scoring punch. With Dwight Howard and Darko Milicic not yet ready to carry the team offensively and Grant Hill contemplating retirement, Smith thinks Orlando needs to go get a top scorer who can bail out of the offense at the end of the shot clock and at the end of games. Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis, who will become free agents when they opt out of their contracts on July 1, would certainly fit the description of a player who could put up 25 points a game and take some of the defensive pressure off Howard’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Hill preferred to avoid the quick-fix analysis on Sunday, saying he would defer to Smith’s assertion that the Magic need a scorer. But you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that Hill would prefer that the Magic address their issues at point guard. Here’s what the head coach had to say on Sunday: ``We have to sit down and see exactly what we need. It would be hard to say either one of those things (scoring guard or point guard) right now. I’ll let (Smith) address it. I’ll let Otis handle that one. A go-to (scorer), I won’t argue with that. I don’t want to get into it right now with emotions still fresh and me critiquing guys.’’ I’ll say what Hill can’t say: The Magic must address their point guard position in the offseason. Jameer Nelson is a valuable piece of the franchise, but he might be better served in a reserve role where he can provide instant offense and a change of pace. His lack of height was a huge hindrance in the playoffs when the Pistons repeatedly picked on him, going to Billups when Nelson was guarding the point and Richard Hamilton when Nelson was switched to shooting guard for defensive purposes. And the Magic’s offense was a mess most of the season, ranking 29th in the NBA in assists and turnovers and 27th in points scored. While not all of that is the fault of Nelson or reserve point guard Carlos Arroyo, you would have to think that a point guard with a pass-first mentality would make a huge difference. So it will be interesting to see which one, Smith or Hill, wins out in the debate over how to fix the Magic this summer.</div> Source: Florida Today <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Magic GM Otis Smith makes it clear: He wants a scorer this summer. When I asked Coach Brian Hill about what was atop his wish-list, he said . . . . Well, Hill wouldn't say. Hill said he'd "defer" to Smith. If you read between the lines, Hill might want a point guard instead. Should be an interesting meeting between them this week when Smith has his year-end chat with the coach, who has his critics. Jameer Nelson is the starter , and struggled at times running the offense cleanly and had trouble defending in the playoffs. The Magic want to keep him and should, but perhaps in an off-the-bench Vinnie Johnson-type role. Finding a quality point guard is as difficult as finding a quality center. The bottom line with Hill and Smith is: They can't improve both of those areas overnight.</div> Source: Orlando Sentinel
Hill is smarter than I gave credit for. He knows PG is a weak area for us. I agree. I would prefer if we had a real(not a shoot first) PG, though. Otis is also right in us needing a go to scorer, but honestly, we should be getting a big man coach to help develop both Darko and Dwight more than a guy that can take the shots at the end. Redick, in my opinion, is perfect for the Magic. He can hit from the outside and take the pressure off of our big men. I say we play conservatively this off season. Maybe go after Steve Blake, or another pass first mentality PG. Give Redick more playing time for the 07-08 season, and see what happens.
