What Does Orlando Do?

Updated

Jameer is likely done for the season. If he opts to try a comeback without surgery he puts next year at risk as well. It took Dywane Wade 15 months to come back to form after a similar injury with postponed surgery. So the Magic need to go shopping, unless they think they have a backup point guard amongst Lee, Redick or Turk.


Most Likely:

Carlos Arroyo knows the system and has the ability to return from Israel. Can be signed for rest of year without upsetting the salary cap situation too much.

Somewhat Likely:

Jason Williams knows the coach and is retired. His rights are owned by the Clippers but could probably be had for a second round pick. If interested he could be had cheap and short term. Comes with great playoff experience and can match Jameer tattoo for tattoo.

Available, but unlikely:

Keyon Dooling for Cook.

Beno Udrih, Kings. Has a contract similar to Jameer. And would be expensive.

Jamaal Tinsley, Pacers. Hated by Larry Bird. But owed $14+ million over next 3 years. Tinsley has played with Anthony Johnson before. Unfortunately, there are both more guns and strip clubs in Orlando, making this a poor fit.

Earl Watkins

Chucky Atkins

Steve Nash -- Hey why not throw this one out. Phoenix is about to be broken up (due no doubt to the curse that is Grant Hill) and no one has been complaining more publicly about the changes that have happened than Nash. So why not be bold and offer Turk and an extra contract for Nash. Pietrus moves to small forward, Nash to PG. Lee stays at SG. And we are off to the races. Nash's contract expires July 2010, by which time Nelson is fully recovered and better than ever. I can dream, can't I?

Never:

Stephon Marbury -- will be cut by Knicks, but likely after he can't qualify for post season play.
Steve Francis -- cut again.

Another Bold Move (via Brian Schmitz from Chad Ford/ESPN):

Trail Blazers trade Steve Blake, Channing Frye and Sergio Rodriguez for Hedo Turkoglu and Anthony Johnson

While neither Blake nor Rodriguez is a star, they are solid players who would give Orlando an instant point guard rotation. (Blake is currently out with his own shoulder injury, but he's expected to return with a week.) Rodriguez has more upside than Blake, but he's younger and more erratic as well. Both players could come off the books for the Magic next year -- meaning no long-term hit on their cap.

Just as important would be the acquisition of Frye, whose size and rebounding ability would give the Magic some much needed help on their front line.

The cost would be high for the Magic. Turkoglu's been solid and sometimes spectacular for the Magic the past two seasons. But they have enough talented wing players, particularly Mickael Pietrus and Courtney Lee, to fill the shoes of Turkoglu, who is a risk to opt out of his contract and leave Orlando this summer anyway.

The Blazers have been looking for a small forward, and Turkoglu would be a good, low-risk option. Portland might have to pay him to keep him, but a trade now would give the team a few months to see how he fits as he contributes to the Blazers' drive to make some noise in the playoffs this spring.