Its time for the Magic to rebuild completely

[aleZ]

I think that has to to more with competent management. [cut] Not having Dwight on this team is not a death sentence for the Magic.

Yep. we've had one finals appearance since we drafted him, a few lottery years and quite a few early postseason eliminations. Part of the blame falls on managament, but Dwight isn't the kind of superstar that single handedly can lead a team to a title. And, like you said, there's no Lebron, Durant, or Kobe on the free agent or trade's horizon. Sooner or later we'll have to restart from square one, better do it now.

[drsd]

In these playoffs, it is quite clear that a healthy Magic team would have made some damage. But until Deron Williams settles on a team, Orlando will have a difficult time deciding the correct path to resign Howard; or to trade Howard.

If Williams intends to bolt and predetermines Orlando, then a Nelson, Richardson-2, and Anderson(SnT) for Williams and Petro might be a reasonable offer.

Orlando waives Duhon and drafts Doron Lamb(19) and Scott Machado(53).

The 2012/13 Magic start as:
Williams/Smith/Machado
Redick/Liggins/Lamb
Turkoglu/Richardson
Davis/Clark/Harper
Howard/Petro

Orlando needs a combo big and a 3rd string wing, and this is a team that could compete for the #2 or #3 seed (depending on the Heat gaining a PG or C). I will call it Sam Young and Jason Collins just to fill out the roster (both could fit in existing signablitiy space).

Your 2012/2013 Orlando Magic is:
Williams/Smith/Machado
Redick/Liggins/Lamb
Turkoglu/Young/Richardson
Davis/Clark/Harper
Howard/Petro/Collins

In the immortal words of former-GM Smith, "I like this team!" There are two ball handlers, and outside shooter, a mid-range guy, and a power dunker as the starting offense; on defense the starters would be above-average, but not elite. The bench continues to be a strength. All positions have guys that could contribute, and a 9 player rotation would be standard (Smith,Young,Clark, and Petro would be the major-minutes guys). The team is also buffered against injuries. If the team stayed healthy all season (unlikely), the above Magic roster could win the regular-season East and clearly has talent and depth to compete for a title.


..

[bigmoe1952]

Dwight Howard does not seem interested in returning. Fact is that if he does return the same issues that plagued us this season will plague us next year. The media is not going to let go of the Dwight drama. We also don’t know how this injury is going to affect him. It’s time the franchise makes a tough decision concerning the future of this team. Its time to start making sacrifices and start the rebuilding process. First by getting young players and good draft picks for Dwight. Second, to start shedding large contracts by trading them or letting them expire (Jamer, Hedo, Jrich, Baby, Q). The point is to reach financial flexibility with the cap. If we need to make signings on free agency then make them short term deals with team options. We need to cut Duhon right away and eat his pathetic contract because it will cost a first round pick to get rid of him. Keep the young players and play them to see what they have in the tank. We need to start accumulating young assets and draft picks while playing for as many ping pong balls as we can get for when we send Pat Williams to represent us in the draft lottery. We need to make the sacrifice to be bad for a couple of years to set up the foundation of a long term contender. We are already cleaning house with Otis and Stan gone, we might as well start rebuilding completely thru the draft with a new GM and coach. Now is the right time to make the tough decisions for the long term future of this team. If continue down the same path we are now, reaching to get good to decent players with large contracts to help Dwight then we are going to be stuck in this mess for years to come.

I agree. But what I fear is going to happen is the Magic will try to hover somewhere between rebuilding and staying in playoff contention. They will NOT commit to either course. They need to turn the page on Dwight and move on. They CAN NOT carry Dwight on the roster until the trade deadline. Geez! Enough is enough. If he does not sign an extension soon, it should be trade-city for Dwight...and his oh-so-loyal persona.

[BadMofoPimp]

I think that Dwight is leaning towards returning. There are no other options out there better than the Magic. The new GM will do everything within his power to reduce cap space so that the summer of 2013, the Magic can make a run at Josh Smith, Ellis and/or Iggy. Book it. Howard isn't leaving no matter how many people post in this thread hoping he does.

[steelej1]

Hey guys I just wanted to get the perspective of a Magic fan on this. I know Dwight might not be traded but if he does decide he wants to be, what would you think of the following:

Nets sign Ryan Anderson to $7mill offer sheet and Orlando doesn’t match because they cannot afford to pay $14mill per year for being over the cap. The Nets come to Orlando in a Dwight trade agreeing to take back Hedo as well and give the Magic back Anderson (who is signed long-term at a reasonable salary), rookie Marshon Brooks, Gerald Wallace (assuming he doesn't opt out), Jordan Farmar and a 2013 1st rd pick.

It gives you guys some good young pieces plus major salary relief so you can make a move or two and then have unlimited options next summer.

Thoughts?

[OrlandO]

Hey guys I just wanted to get the perspective of a Magic fan on this. I know Dwight might not be traded but if he does decide he wants to be, what would you think of the following:

Nets sign Ryan Anderson to $7mill offer sheet and Orlando doesn’t match because they cannot afford to pay $14mill per year for being over the cap. The Nets come to Orlando in a Dwight trade agreeing to take back Hedo as well and give the Magic back Anderson (who is signed long-term at a reasonable salary), rookie Marshon Brooks, Gerald Wallace (assuming he doesn't opt out), Jordan Farmar and a 2013 1st rd pick.

It gives you guys some good young pieces plus major salary relief so you can make a move or two and then have unlimited options next summer.

Thoughts?

[tiderulz]

Hey guys I just wanted to get the perspective of a Magic fan on this. I know Dwight might not be traded but if he does decide he wants to be, what would you think of the following:

Nets sign Ryan Anderson to $7mill offer sheet and Orlando doesn’t match because they cannot afford to pay $14mill per year for being over the cap. The Nets come to Orlando in a Dwight trade agreeing to take back Hedo as well and give the Magic back Anderson (who is signed long-term at a reasonable salary), rookie Marshon Brooks, Gerald Wallace (assuming he doesn't opt out), Jordan Farmar and a 2013 1st rd pick.

It gives you guys some good young pieces plus major salary relief so you can make a move or two and then have unlimited options next summer.

Thoughts?

if Ryan is looking for $7mil, we would just match the offer. Orlando isnt over the cap right now.

[steelej1]

the cap is 58 mil and you guys are at 65.8 for next year without anderson

[tiderulz]

the cap is 58 mil and you guys are at 65.8 for next year without anderson

$55 or so guaranteed. Unless Nelson has picked up his option, which he hasnt commented on.

[eyriq]

the cap is 58 mil and you guys are at 65.8 for next year without anderson

I think you are confusing the cap with the tax.

[Nemesis21]

The only rebuilding that needs to happen is the rebuilding around Dwight.

You guys are fools for constantly harping on the idea that Dwight is the problem.

[BadMofoPimp]

The only rebuilding that needs to happen is the rebuilding around Dwight.

You guys are fools for constantly harping on the idea that Dwight is the problem.

So true.

[kidd135]

If D12 wants to be here great we explain our goal for 2013 and have him go recruit like wade did. I think Otis played his cards so close that he failed to let the organization know what the plan(if there was one) was. Im not saying players get to make personnel decisions but your star player should atleast be allowed to vioce opinions and concerns to management. Pat Riley definitely did this with wade ange with Peirce.

If D12 wants out.. i say send him to nyc( bring chandler and Amare) send jj and something to NO for Ariza, okafur and #10. This is the least painful rebuild scenario that keeps us competitive.

[Last Guardian]

So, Shaq was an offensive Juggernaut. A dominant big man of any category can lead a team to a title. Dwight is a top 5 player in this league and top 5 players paired with a decent offensive team around them will win titles.

Except you need dominant offensive player. Sorry, Dwight and a "decent offensive team" around him is not even going to come close. Other big man who won titles leading there teams like Shaq, Hakeem and Duncan....offensively wipe the floor with Dwight.

A Dwight led Magic team has a chance of winning a title. Magic with no Dwight Howard has zero chance of winning a title and a 99% chance of being a perrenial 20-40 win team for the next decade with no shot of contending for a title. I can't believe people would actually think that this team could do better without Dwight. They sure would change their mind 2-3 years from now when the Magic continually suck ass.

I can't believe people actually think a Dwight led Magic team has a chance. We are far more likely to be out of the first round than ever get close to winning title. So basically we aren't contenders and we don't get a high pick. You sure would change your mind 2-3 years from now when the Magic lose in the first round yet again. Much better to completely rebuild and be in contention for the #1 pick.

[Last Guardian]

Dwight led Magic team has zero chance. Not with this competition and not with his average offensive ability. If he focused on being Bill Russell I'd feel better, but we'd still need an offensive juggernaut on par with Durant or Lebron. So we have little to no chance.

Better to be in contention for a #1 pick easily.

So, Shaq was an offensive Juggernaut. A dominant big man of any category can lead a team to a title. Dwight is a top 5 player in this league and top 5 players paired with a decent offensive team around them will win titles.

A Dwight led Magic team has a chance of winning a title. Magic with no Dwight Howard has zero chance of winning a title and a 99% chance of being a perrenial 20-40 win team for the next decade with no shot of contending for a title. I can't believe people would actually think that this team could do better without Dwight. They sure would change their mind 2-3 years from now when the Magic continually suck ass.

I don't think people want this team without Dwight.

Exactly. Not sure some understand the concept of complete rebuilding.