Official Speculation Thread (Pt. XXXIII Off-Season Edition)

[OrlChamps2030]

Why do people bring up the Kobe situation like it has any relevance to the Dwight situation? If anything it's more like the T-Mac situation.

Kobe had guys like Smush/Walton/Kwame starting while he was in his prime and the best player in the NBA and on a multi-year contract. He just wanted to win.

If Dwight was about winning he would sign off on a trade to CHI/LAL/OKC in a second.

Dwight primary focus is his marketability and extending his brand. Dwight and his people aren't dumb, they see the huge marketing opportunity in Brooklyn.

But to act like he wants out to Brooklyn for basketball reasons is a facade to save face.

[woosah]

There are a finite number of superstars in the league. Every team cannot have a superstar, especially these days when the few superstars we have are teaming up. Small market teams have no way to attract a superstar unless they draft one or happen to be the hometown of a superstar who wants to come home.

True.

It feels like this is the new NBA. I feel like Dirk winning a title and then the lockout was like the death of the old way of doing things and players working within the system. How fitting that Dirk would win, who is a player that waited and waited for the right team to come together to win. How fitting that the first team to win post lock out was Miami, the team who changed things by having stars come together in their primes and created this "i don't have to be patient" mentality among the stars.

The stars now are affecting the regular players, as we are gonna see with Gordon in NOLA. Forcing your way out of contracts is about to become the norm it seems, which is bogus because it is grossly unfair for the players to sign the contract only to lock in the money and then create a ruckus so they go where they want to. Small markets are now farm teams, but one every now and then beats the system which gives the others hope that they can do it too, and that's why they stay in it. If it becomes obvious they will never win, they would probably sell the teams.

[MagicTownBaller]

I think the problem here is that people are waiting for a trade that would've already happened by now had Otis still been here. Championship-caliber teams like the Spurs and Thunder don't make impulsive trades under pressure from the media ala Otis. Instead, they carefully weigh out options and evaluate every possible scenario in regard to the way it affects the franchise going forward. People are like "omg its been over a year lets trade this d-bag!!!!", when in reality the guy calling the shots has only been around to evaluate for less than a month? C'mon guys. The bad men are gone, now support the guy who everyone of you lobbied for.

We're all tired of the drama that has been here for awhile now. This one season felt like it went on forever. We're all just ready for it to end.

Although, I do agree with you. On one hand, I don't want us to rush and I want us to take our time and find a nice trade. On the other hand, I want this over with now.

Which makes you just as selfish as Dwight. It's all about me. Not what's best for the team, but what's best for me. SMH.

What's best for the team is to get pieces for Dwight while we still can. Between now and September is when Dwight needs to be traded though, once training camp starts is when teams won't want to risk trading for him.

[T-Rob]

anybody else kinda excited for summer league? i might be the only one.....i'm eager to watch anything magic basketball related or NBA basketball in general.....is there a schedule out? who's playing first and when?

I'm pumped, just tore my ACL and Meniscus so during those dark days of rehab summer league is going to keep me entertained, picked up the summer league pass a few days ago.

[thelead]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

[MagicTownBaller]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

I agree with everything you said except for the bolded part. Let's be real here, Nash wanted to go to the Lakers, Phoenix took 4 draft picks and S&T'd him there. Atlanta wanted to shed Joe Johnson's contract, so they traded him for expiring contracts. Ray Allen is old and a ring chaser now, that's it.

[mattyBoi]

The goal of this year should have been try to trade Dwight for expirings, youth, and picks,tank and clear cap space. Anything else is a fail.

[rcklsscognition]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

Where is Dwight Howard calling Steve Nash like Kobe did last week? Where is Dwight Howard putting a picture of Ray Allen in a Magic jersey on his twitter like Lebron did? Where is Dwight Howard saying "Orlando is a nice play for free agents to play" like Kevin Durant did? Where is a perennial all-star on a terrible contract that we can trade to another team? So Ferry is a genious for being able to move a 6 time NBA all-star (who isn't old and washed up) averaged 19/4/4 and plays one of the 2 NBA positions that gives teams significant advantages?

5 players on a championship team can't make the max contract. Some guys have to make less money. Jameer Nelson is the 18th highest paid NBA starting PG in the league, 18th! The majority of the guys getting paid less than him are either on rookie contracts or are in their late 30s.

[thelead]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

I agree with everything you said except for the bolded part. Let's be real here, Nash wanted to go to the Lakers, Phoenix took 4 draft picks and S&T'd him there. Atlanta wanted to shed Joe Johnson's contract, so they traded him for expiring contracts. Ray Allen is old and a ring chaser now, that's it.

Sure, but if we had a legit championship caliber team, Nash would have probably considered us. We have no expirings the year Dwight was to become a free agent, that's, again, on Otis's/management's planning. And like you said about ray, he was ring chasing, but that easily could have been here if we were a true championship caliber team.

[OrlandO]

Why do people bring up the Kobe situation like it has any relevance to the Dwight situation? If anything it's more like the T-Mac situation.

Kobe had guys like Smush/Walton/Kwame starting while he was in his prime and the best player in the NBA and on a multi-year contract. He just wanted to win.

If Dwight was about winning he would sign off on a trade to CHI/LAL/OKC in a second.

Dwight primary focus is his marketability and extending his brand. Dwight and his people aren't dumb, they see the huge marketing opportunity in Brooklyn.

But to act like he wants out to Brooklyn for basketball reasons is a facade to save face.

Yeah, I could see using the Kobe argument last year, but not after everything that's happened. Dwight may want to win, but it's also about location, lifestyle and other opportunities. He wants it all and he wants it his way. His personality is too big for Orlando now and he's ready to move on as evident by his second straight season of making a trade request (some would say he never really changed his mind).

Kobe was already in one of the more favorable locations for NBA players and he just wanted to win. His trade request was more of an empty threat to get management to make a move... and they came through. I was hoping Dwight was doing the same thing, but he's clearly not.

[rcklsscognition]

Simple fact is that Dwight Howard has failed to recruit and/or make good friends with anyone that matters in the NBA. The Orlando Magic had just as much cap space, expiring contracts, and draft picks as all of the teams that just made moves.

[thelead]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

Where is Dwight Howard calling Steve Nash like Kobe did last week? Where is Dwight Howard putting a picture of Ray Allen in a Magic jersey on his twitter like Lebron did? Where is Dwight Howard saying "Orlando is a nice play for free agents to play" like Kevin Durant did? Where is a perennial all-star on a terrible contract that we can trade to another team? So Ferry is a genious for being able to move a 6 time NBA all-star (who isn't old and washed up) averaged 19/4/4 and plays one of the 2 NBA positions that gives teams significant advantages?

5 players on a championship team can't make the max contract. Some guys have to make less money. Jameer Nelson is the 18th highest paid NBA starting PG in the league, 18th! The majority of the guys getting paid less than him are either on rookie contracts or are in their late 30s.

Where is our championship team? That's on management.

I never said Nelson's contract was a bad contract for pg's. I said it was not the best contract for our future. Two VERY different things.

[SolidSnake008]

anybody else kinda excited for summer league? i might be the only one.....i'm eager to watch anything magic basketball related or NBA basketball in general.....is there a schedule out? who's playing first and when?

I'm pumped, just tore my ACL and Meniscus so during those dark days of rehab summer league is going to keep me entertained, picked up the summer league pass a few days ago.

oh damn man how's everything going? you alright?

[Nolimit1211]

Simple fact is that Dwight Howard has failed to recruit and/or make good friends with anyone that matters in the NBA. The Orlando Magic had just as much cap space, expiring contracts, and draft picks as all of the teams that just made moves.

Dwight has listed everyone from Ellis, to Jackson, to Boozer over the years... and Otis said those guys don't fit with what he's trying to do (Stretch 4)...

This is part of his frustration.

[woosah]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

No, Billy King is doing what Orlando did. Him taking on Joe is Otis taking on Rashard when we had space. Deron re-signing is the same as Dwight signing his extension at the time to pair with Rashard. IF we don't gift them Howard, they will be the new us, complete with rich owner willing to spend. They will contend but they are not championship level and will have no money to work with. It remains to be seen if they will get players but the odds are better because of NY. I already said I am not hating because of the market, but don't act like the basketball situation up there is so much better than what was here. If anything it's the exact same plan, and we had a better coach (although he was tempermental).

[dariusl7]

Simple fact is that Dwight Howard has failed to recruit and/or make good friends with anyone that matters in the NBA. The Orlando Magic had just as much cap space, expiring contracts, and draft picks as all of the teams that just made moves.

In summary - poor leadership.

[rcklsscognition]

Simple fact is that Dwight Howard has failed to recruit and/or make good friends with anyone that matters in the NBA. The Orlando Magic had just as much cap space, expiring contracts, and draft picks as all of the teams that just made moves.

Dwight has listed everyone from Ellis, to Jackson, to Boozer over the years... and Otis said those guys don't fit with what he's trying to do (Stretch 4)...

This is part of his frustration.

I hear you, but Otis is gone. Jackson would have been a great move, but wouldn't have won us a ring. Ellis is still very much on the table. Boozer, lol. How about BBD?

[T-Rob]

anybody else kinda excited for summer league? i might be the only one.....i'm eager to watch anything magic basketball related or NBA basketball in general.....is there a schedule out? who's playing first and when?

I'm pumped, just tore my ACL and Meniscus so during those dark days of rehab summer league is going to keep me entertained, picked up the summer league pass a few days ago.

oh damn man how's everything going? you alright?

Hah yeah dude its all good, surgery will fix me up plus now me and DRose have something else in common aside from our mad handles and unstoppable penetration.. k actually its just the ACL tear that we have in common.

[rcklsscognition]

Rudolph is right. Where's our Nash deal for scraps, or Joe Johnson for scraps, or Ray Allen for the mini MLE? A lot of you trashed me for wanting Otis fired years ago, you finally agreed after being knocked out of the first round TWICE and now you don't agree that our GM sucked again? I'm willing to give Hennigan the benefit of the doubt, but what choice do I have? I'm going to be a magic fan for life. But the reality is, although he's only been here for a few weeks, Ferry over in Atlanta has done more in a few less days. We've done nothing but add more to our cap by resigning Jameer which again hurts our future because we've lost space to attract players like Monta or JSmith. You all know we're not championship material right now and are hating on someone who is saying the same thing. I'm not surprised.

No, Billy King is doing what Orlando did. Him taking on Joe is Otis taking on Rashard when we had space. Deron re-signing is the same as Dwight signing his extension at the time to pair with Rashard. IF we don't gift them Howard, they will be the new us, complete with rich owner willing to spend. They will contend but they are not championship level and will have no money to work with. It remains to be seen if they will get players but the odds are better because of NY. I already said I am not hating because of the market, but don't act like the basketball situation up there is so much better than what was here. If anything it's the exact same plan, and we had a better coach (although he was tempermental).

This is a great point of view on all this. If Orlando had been gifted a superstar in addition to Dwight/Rashard like the Nets are trying to to with Dwight, we'd have won 5 titles in a row. The line between success and complete failure is a thin one in the NBA and right now, the Nets are on the bad side. Unless they're gifted something we're not, they're bound to fail. Too great of odds they mess something up with a long term contract on a guy that gets injured or just sucks and kills their flexibility.

Looked back at the press release from Rashard's signing in 2007, oh how the mighty fall. All-star, averaged 22.4 PPG, over 20 in 3 seasons, "the answer".

[Nolimit1211]

Simple fact is that Dwight Howard has failed to recruit and/or make good friends with anyone that matters in the NBA. The Orlando Magic had just as much cap space, expiring contracts, and draft picks as all of the teams that just made moves.

Dwight has listed everyone from Ellis, to Jackson, to Boozer over the years... and Otis said those guys don't fit with what he's trying to do (Stretch 4)...

This is part of his frustration.

I hear you, but Otis is gone. Jackson would have been a great move, but wouldn't have won us a ring. Ellis is still very much on the table. Boozer, lol. How about BBD?

A dollar short and a day late.... Otis is gone, but what he left behind is gonna take more than just an offseason to repair. Dwight knows this is his prime.