microfib4thewin wrote:chubby_1_kenobi wrote:Just tank in 2012, get a high pick in 2013 and sign someone good in 2014 when Hedo and Quentin's contract contract are off the books. Rebuild around a 26 year old all star Center + 2013 draft pick + 2014 FA. If that works out, it only takes them 2 years to be a playoff team again.
I believe the Magic owner had mentioned that they actually didn't want to rebuild after spending so much money on a new arena. Even if Houston package give them more time to rebuilds, that might not be what the Magic FO wanted.
So yeah, again, Lakers offer >>> Houston offer if they refuse to take Hedo and J-rich.
If the Magic are going to tank then why don't they just take whatever Houston has to offer? Getting Bynum would make it hard to tank properly. Let's say that the Magic was able to tank anyways and got the #1 pick, how long is that pick going to take before he becomes a star player? You are going to pay Bynum 18-23 mil a year from 2014-2018 while you wait for a 2013 draft pick to develop? By the time that draft pick is fully developed Bynum's contract may already be ending. A core of Bynum and a high lotto pick simply doesn't make sense. You can't hope the second best player to be a prospect that you hope would pan out while Bynum is paid a large sum of money and the team most likely in luxury tax territory. As for getting a FA in the 2014 offseason, many other teams will also try to do the same as many of the older star players will be available. The big 3 in Miami has an ETO, Kobe, Pau, Dirk, and Pierce's contract will end by then. There is going to be a huge scramble for those FAs. The problem? The younger stars like Griffin and Love are all locked up past 2014, so most likely you will only find a star over the age of 35 to help you. With what you purpose, it would be:
Bynum
High lotto pick
An over 30 FA
As the main pieces for the Magic to contend. That team is not likely going to go anywhere and the Magic will have no picks or prospects to upgrade their roster. Getting Bynum is better, but it's hardly a slamdunk offer over what other teams are willing to give.
Dwyane Wade, Anthony, James and Bosh made significant impact on their team by their 2nd year. If the Magic gets a top 3 pick in 2013, I don't see why this won't be the case.
A quick look at 2014 FA, Monta Ellis will be expiring, Carmelo Anthony can waive his ETO to sign a longer contract.
In addition, I've been hearing good things about Nicholson, the magic draft pick this year.
So in 2014, there's a probability that the Magic roster will consist of Bynum, Anthony/Ellis, Nicholson and their 2013 draft pick. That's a damn good core.
So that scenario combined with Magic management's desire to rebuild in a flash makes the Lakers offer that much better.
To me Houston offer is essentially an opportunity for the Magic to cherrypick the young players they'd like to keep long term because they can't possibly pay them all after their rookie contract expire. So far, I don't see any of Houston's young prospects who can potentially be better or even equal to Bynum in terms of impact. Do you not agree?