<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Time for Ariza, Redick to step it up Brian Schmitz | Sentinel Staff Writer July 6, 2007 The Orlando Magic's team photo this season will be without shooting guard Grant Hill and most likely without power forward Darko Milicic in the frame. So what does the big picture look like for the Magic? They currently are thin at guard and need two more big guys, but General Manager Otis Smith said he likes how his team is shaping up. He still is looking to add pieces through free agency or trades while trying to re-sign Milicic -- a long shot. The Magic accomplished their loftiest offseason goal, reaching an agreement in principle with coveted free-agent small forward Rashard Lewis last week. Smith said Hill's decision to sign next week with the Phoenix Suns "left us short-handed" at shooting guard, but the club has veteran reserves Keyon Dooling and Keith Bogans along with J.J. Redick, a rookie last season. Hedo Turkoglu, who played small forward last season, could move to the starting role at off-guard. That could give the Magic a big lineup of Turkoglu at 6-10, Lewis at 6-10, power forward Tony Battie at 6-11 and center Dwight Howard at 6-11. They'd all have to look around to find point guard Jameer Nelson, all of 5-10. Trevor Ariza, a promising third-year 6-foot-8 small forward, also factors into the mix, likely becoming Lewis' backup. Smith expects Nelson to have a better season, Ariza to blossom and Redick to fully unveil his threat as a shooter. The Magic were looking for a scorer and found one in Lewis. They gained Lewis' 22.4 points per game average but could lose an exact equal output in Hill's 14.4 ppg and Milicic's 8.0 ppg. Orlando likely will have only the veteran exceptions ($1.2 million) to offer free agents, perhaps banking on players to take less for the chance to play with Lewis and Howard. The Magic might simply have to wait to see which players are left looking for work. Devean George and Chucky Atkins (former Magic player) are two free-agent guards who still could be available. Smith still hopes to bring back Milicic by working a sign-and-trade deal with Lewis' former team, the Seattle SuperSonics, or making other trades to address needs. Dooling, forward Pat Garrity and point guard Carlos Arroyo -- Nelson's backup -- all have expiring trade-friendly contracts. Milicic is now an unrestricted free agent after the Magic withdrew a $6.8 million one-year qualifying offer. If he doesn't return -- and it's likely he signs elsewhere -- Orlando will be hurting for big men. Milicic also gave the Magic a shot-blocking presence. Some free-agent bigs on the market: Veterans Joe Smith, Jamaal Magloire and Melvin Ely. The Magic also have Polish center Marcin Gortat -- acquired in the 2005 draft -- playing on their summer-league team. "We like our team; we like the way it's shaping up," Smith said. "We're not sitting here crying. We would have liked to have had Grant back, but now maybe our younger guys will have to step up and other guys will have to show some leadership."</div> Source: Orlando Sentinel
You know i do think it's time for Reddick and especially Ariza to stepup. But I really think Hedo is very undrerated. He's just so versatile and causes a lot of mismatches and always has the potential to have a 20 point night. I mean he started last year didnt he and did okay. I Think now that we have so many bigs (height wize) and now that he have better shooters. Were gonna be a dangerous team if we can spread the court out. Also I had no idea Jamaal Magloire was a FA! Anybody besides me think we should snag him If Darko and his agent decide to be punks?
Turkoglu isn't underrated actually. He's okay but is soooooooo damn streaky. I think it's time for Redick especially to shine. He didn't get any playing time with Brian Hill and needs to show SVG that he's worth it. Also, besides the occassional dunking on Jermaine O'Neal and Emeka Okafor, Ariza needs to become more of an offensive player.
When Ariza develops at least a decent crossover, or ball handling in general, he'll be a pretty deadly slasher. He also needs to work on his jumper. Redick got underused, but we all know he is a deadly shooter. When/if he bulks up, he'll be a pretty decent player. On the FA part of that article: George would create an insane SF jam if he signed with us. Atkins, while bringing a veteran presence, is not the best of PG's. He makes tons of bad decisions, and is a bad play maker. I would not mind the signing of Joe Smith as a big man, though. Solid big man with an inside/outside game, he can rebound, and he can defend.
<div class="quote_poster">The One & Only Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">When Ariza develops at least a decent crossover, or ball handling in general, he'll be a pretty deadly slasher. He also needs to work on his jumper. Redick got underused, but we all know he is a deadly shooter. When/if he bulks up, he'll be a pretty decent player. On the FA part of that article: George would create an insane SF jam if he signed with us. Atkins, while bringing a veteran presence, is not the best of PG's. He makes tons of bad decisions, and is a bad play maker. I would not mind the signing of Joe Smith as a big man, though. Solid big man with an inside/outside game, he can rebound, and he can defend.</div> Who's George?? Also, Atkins who?? Chucky?? Joe Smith is solid but I really personally don't want him on this team. He should be going after someone else.
Joe Smith would be a good complement to Dwight if we can't resign Darko and if we can't trade Hedo for a better big. Hopefully Joe Smith is our last resort though. Devean George and Chucky Atkins.
<div class="quote_poster">GatorsowntheNCAA Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Joe Smith would be a good complement to Dwight if we can't resign Darko and if we can't trade Hedo for a better big. Hopefully Joe Smith is our last resort though. Devean George and Chucky Atkins.</div> Devean George?? He's like a taller version of JJ Redick. I don't really want him here. Chucky Atkins?? How many PGs do we need?
<div class="quote_poster">CLos Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Devean George?? He's like a taller version of JJ Redick.</div> Uh...George is a better defender, bulkier, more athletic, and is a better rebounder. No way would/could they be compared. Since we're losing out on Bo Outlaw(hopefully we resign him), Joe Smith could be that veteran presence in the locker room, who comes off the bench with energy.
I've been saying all along that we need a player like Joe smith he's a major upgrade at the pf spot right now esspecially if we don't re-sign Darko
<div class="quote_poster">The One & Only Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Uh...George is a better defender, bulkier, more athletic, and is a better rebounder. No way would/could they be compared. Since we're losing out on Bo Outlaw(hopefully we resign him), Joe Smith could be that veteran presence in the locker room, who comes off the bench with energy.</div> Devean George isn't good anymore man. No need to sign him on this team. How many SFs do we need? I don't see him playing the SG spot.
