Orlando Sentinel Rumor

[XERXES]

Today's Orlando paper suggests that if the Magic land the No. 1 pick in the draft they might ship it to Dallas for Antoine Walker (and filler) - with Dallas taking Grant Hill's contract back as well. Hmmmmmmm.

[kg_veteran]

Wonder if they got that rumor here?

Link

Credit grbh for being the unnamed 'source' on this one.

[toucandave]

Why do they have to get the first pick in the draft to do this? I would be happy with any in the top five.

[dirno2000]

What paper did you see this in...I can't find it in the Sentinel. I did find the following bits

The talk last month about trading Tracy McGrady if he doesn't assure the Magic he will re-sign after becoming a free agent in 2005 really won't intensify until later this summer -- after the draft and the free-agent signings.

But that hasn't kept the initial inquiries and rumors from flying and floating. They are a good indication, though, that Magic never will get equal value if they made the awful decision to trade him.

Phoenix, for example, is ready to send Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and Jake Voskuhl to Orlando for McGrady. There is talk about an Al Harrington/Jonathan Bender combination for McGrady. Houston would give up an unhappy Steve Francis (right) and just about anyone else on the roster except Yao Ming for McGrady.

But 20 good players don't add up in value to one great one in the NBA. It's a game won by superstars, not wannabes.

and

If McGrady is here, watch for the Magic to make a bid to sign Dallas free agent Marquis Daniels

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: dirno2000
What paper did you see this in...I can't find it in the Sentinel. I did find the following bits

and

It's called Wishful Thinking, dirno. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Jeremiah]

Originally posted by: XERXES
Today's Orlando paper suggests that if the Magic land the No. 1 pick in the draft they might ship it to Dallas for Antoine Walker (and filler) - with Dallas taking Grant Hill's contract back as well. Hmmmmmmm.

Hill patiently waits for another shot as boss

Trading down

You can be sure that teams around the league will pounce quickly if the Magic land the No. 1 draft pick in the lottery later this month. It's well known they will be looking to trade it for immediate veteran help.

One of the more interesting trade scenarios that already has grown legs is with Dallas. The Mavs would send a combination package involving forward Antoine Walker in exchange for that pick and taking the contract of injured Grant Hill.

T-Mac watch

The talk last month about trading Tracy McGrady if he doesn't assure the Magic he will re-sign after becoming a free agent in 2005 really won't intensify until later this summer -- after the draft and the free-agent signings.

But that hasn't kept the initial inquiries and rumors from flying and floating. They are a good indication, though, that Magic never will get equal value if they made the awful decision to trade him.

Phoenix, for example, is ready to send Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and Jake Voskuhl to Orlando for McGrady. There is talk about an Al Harrington/Jonathan Bender combination for McGrady. Houston would give up an unhappy Steve Francis (right) and just about anyone else on the roster except Yao Ming for McGrady.

But 20 good players don't add up in value to one great one in the NBA. It's a game won by superstars, not wannabes.

Quick shots

Funny comparison this week in Sports Illustrated, noting the resemblance -- just mug shots -- between Heat Coach Stan Van Gundy and actor Ron Jeremy. . . . If McGrady is here, watch for the Magic to make a bid to sign Dallas free agent Marquis Daniels. . . . If the Golden State Warriors and new General Manager Chris Mullin pull the plug on Eric Musselman, don't be surprise to see him in Orlando again in some capacity, at some time. He was very well regarded during his stay as an assistant coach. . . . Sometimes the arrogance of the young guys in this league is astounding. Denver rookie Carmelo Anthony, now being considered for the United States Olympic team, said he isn't interested unless he's informed that he will get considerable playing time. Being a role player on the best team in the world doesn't interest him. "I'm going to want to play. I'm not going just to sit on the bench," he told the Rocky Mountain News. "I can just stay home and work out." . . . Pistons Coach Larry Brown, also on the U.S. Olympic team as coach, has heard the rumblings about security concerns in Athens, Greece, but that won't stop him from enjoying the whole atmosphere. He plans to take his entire family to Greece. . . . Although Byron Scott, who took the Nets to the Finals twice before being fired, will be high on everyone's list with a coaching vacancy, he won't make a decision until he sees what Phil Jackson does with the Lakers. If Jackson steps down, Scott will be knocking on the door quickly.

[jayC]

I'm on board. Jabari Smith declared for the draft, as well as livingston. I'd like to see Dwight Howard on this team, hes a good kid 6ft 10, 4.0 GPA.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: MightyToine
It's called Wishful Thinking, dirno. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Before you accuse people of making stuff up, you might want to make sure you're right.

[grbh]

Credit grbh for being the unnamed 'source' on this one

As much as I would like to take credit. I initially saw this posted on Hoopsworld. I thought it was an interesting trade scenario so I posted. Funny stuff though.

[Dirkenstien]

I would do this trade for the simple fact that we could place Okafor down low in the post on offense...and while on defense, match him up with the other team's best post player. A lineup of Quise/Jho/Fin/Okafor/Dirk is an ideal defensive lineup that is extremely athletic whereas if you wanted an offensive lineup with somme D you could just replace Quise with Nash. Or if you wanted shot blocking GALORE you could have a lineup of Quise/Jho/Finley/Okafor/and Bradley. ...the possibilities are endless.

[bcrav4]

Who would we draft if we had the #1 pick. Let me see your top 5 in order of preference....

[nowitzki_prophecy]

I've heard Orlando has high hopes that the combination of Okafor and Tracy could build them a strong eastern team for the immedate future,dunno where that trade proposal came from...
If this goes down,Orlando is rebuilding their entire roster.

[samoan-maverick]

Originally posted by: bcrav4
Who would we draft if we had the #1 pick. Let me see your top 5 in order of preference....

1. Emeka Okafur
2. Luol Deng
3. Dwight Howard

-------------------------------------------------------------------

But also in this deal, there is a big possibility we could lose Daniels right???

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: samoan-maverick

1. Emeka Okafur
2. Luol Deng
3. Dwight Howard

-------------------------------------------------------------------

But also in this deal, there is a big possibility we could lose Daniels right???

There is no order of preference. If the Mavs trade for and keep the No. 1 pick, they're taking Okafor. Believe that.

[dalmations202]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

There is no order of preference. If the Mavs trade for and keep the No. 1 pick, they're taking Okafor. Believe that.

Does Okafor become the 5 or the 4, and Dirk at the 5 ?

[ddh33]

I just posted in a different thread that I see no practical way for Dallas to get Okafor. I believe the only way Orlando would consider dealing their pick is if they couldn't get Emaka. Otherwise, they should just sit still and take him - live with Hill's contract.

Of course, if Orlando can't get Okafor, I would still be interested in their pick. I think Walker needs to be moved out regardless, and I think the Mavs could find a very good player in the #2-5 spots of this draft. I'm thinking Howard, Perovic, Padkolzine, Ramos, etc.

Part of the problem is that Orlando would have even more of a glut of PF that would need playing time. I think they would need to deal one of them for a center (Olowakandi?) or send one back to Dallas for more help. Would they ask for one of our young kids? Believe it or not, that might be my deal-breaker, depending on what's available.

This is possible, but at this point, we really need to know where the Magic are picking.

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

Before you accuse people of making stuff up, you might want to make sure you're right.

Well I *was* referring to the fact that there was no article mentioning Walk and that deal until it just recently popped up....

So I stand corrected. No need to be so smug about it, Kg.

[kg_veteran]

Well I *was* referring to the fact that there was no article mentioning Walk and that deal until it just recently popped up....

No, you were suggesting that Xerxes had manufactured the story.

So I stand corrected. No need to be so smug about it, Kg.

Not being smug, but if you want people to take you seriously you can't go around saying stuff like that.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: ddh33
I just posted in a different thread that I see no practical way for Dallas to get Okafor. I believe the only way Orlando would consider dealing their pick is if they couldn't get Emaka. Otherwise, they should just sit still and take him - live with Hill's contract.

I agree with you, but the Sentinel seems to suggest differently.

*snip*

Trading down

You can be sure that teams around the league will pounce quickly if the Magic land the No. 1 draft pick in the lottery later this month. It's well known they will be looking to trade it for immediate veteran help.

One of the more interesting trade scenarios that already has grown legs is with Dallas. The Mavs would send a combination package involving forward Antoine Walker in exchange for that pick and taking the contract of injured Grant Hill.

*snip*

The Sentinel says that it's well known the Magic want to trade their No. 1 pick for immediate veteran help.

I think it'd be crazy to deal the No. 1 pick for Walker, even if you do get the salary cap relief, but I'm not Weisbrod.

[XERXES]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

No, you were suggesting that Xerxes had manufactured the story.

Not being smug, but if you want people to take you seriously you can't go around saying stuff like that.

Thanks for defending my honor, KG. You're like a white knight or something...in a very hetero way.

I like MightyToine - but if he wants to be taken seriously- he needs a serious name change.

Back to the thread. I do this deal if Orlando winds up with picks 1-3. If not, I think somebody else will offer more for Walker. I think he is a very desirable commodity at the moment.

[grbh]

Well if they are looking to do a salary dump, here are their options:

Stoudamire
Abdur Rahim
Ray Allen
Sprewell

I probably missed a couple too.

Those are the other large expiring contracts this season, and I don't really see any of them as very good trading partners with the Magic. Granted, I am sure there are a few package deals with multiple expiring contracts, but I am not spending the time to look them up.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: dalmations202
Does Okafor become the 5 or the 4, and Dirk at the 5 ?

Okafor would be the 5 under this scenario.

[dalmations202]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

Okafor would be the 5 under this scenario.

So with Dirk at the 4, and Okafor at the 5:
Defensively (except when playing Shaq) - Okafor takes the better offensive player at the 4-5 and Dirk takes the other ? ?
When playing Shaq, they really need a banger, and Dirk to go to the 3 against George/Fox/or whomever.

If done, doesn't this really make Jamison more available to trade, since Okafor will get most of the low-post scoring?

I really don't see the need for Jamison if we trade for Brand or Okafor, since they have the low-post game, and Howard is a better defender.

[kg_veteran]

Originally posted by: dalmations202

So with Dirk at the 4, and Okafor at the 5:
Defensively (except when playing Shaq) - Okafor takes the better offensive player at the 4-5 and Dirk takes the other ? ?
When playing Shaq, they really need a banger, and Dirk to go to the 3 against George/Fox/or whomever.

I think you start Okafor and bring a banger off the bench, if you have a designated "Shaq-banger". [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

If done, doesn't this really make Jamison more available to trade, since Okafor will get most of the low-post scoring?

I really don't see the need for Jamison if we trade for Brand or Okafor, since they have the low-post game, and Howard is a better defender.

Absolutely. If this trade was done, I would try and deal Jamison for the No. 4 pick from Charlotte so that I could select the young PG of my choice (probably Jameer Nelson). You'd have your frontcourt of the future in place (Okafor, Nowitzki, Howard) and your backcourt of the future waiting in the wings (Daniels and Nelson).

[dalmations202]

A lineup of:
Okafor, Bradley, Ostertag preference over Fortson
Nowitzki, Najera
Howard, Hill (assuming he can play a little)
Finley, Daniels
Nash, Jameer Nelson

That looks like it would be good for quite some time.
If Stefansson actually develops, that could be sweet.
Especially when you let Nash and Finley adapt into 2nd team shooters and role players as their age gets up there.

Maybe add a 3-4 with lots of defensive athleticism. Maybe a Darvin Ham type ? ? (Forget it, Nellie would never play him)

[XERXES]

Magic dilemma weighs heavily as draft nears
Published May 11, 2004






Since the NBA became a prom chaperone, the Orlando Magic have avoided such duty. They have dodged this stress. They never have been forced to decide whether to entrust a high schooler with their future.

Neanderthals around the league have had to, and the Magic quietly have pondered their successes and failures with the assumption that one day they might be unlucky enough to be in such a position.

Now that day is here.

Maybe they should stay in bed.

The most critical draft in the most critical offseason in franchise history nears. Monday marked the deadline for college underclassmen, high school players and teenage international players to declare for the draft.

They declared, all right. Rummage through the early entrants, and there are nine high schoolers. The Magic must consider two of those preps -- Dwight Howard and Shaun Livingston -- because they are too good to ignore.

As the worst team in the league last season, the Magic are guaranteed a top-five pick. The May 26 draft lottery will decide whether they pick first, second, third or fifth (Charlotte is promised fourth). Howard or Livingston could be their choice.

If they don't trade the pick, I believe the next Magic player will come from this pool: Emeka Okafor, Howard, Livingston, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Pavel Podkolzine (because you always must consider somebody 7 foot 5).

Those six players have a combined seven years of college experience. Okafor and Gordon both played three seasons at Connecticut and won a national championship. Deng went to the Final Four as a Duke freshman. Then, there is Podkolzine, a 19-year-old Russian who plays 11 minutes a game. Howard and Livingston are smooth and blessed with incredible basketball intelligence, but their bodies are underdeveloped.

Welcome to a new NBA reality, Magic. If the pingpong balls bounce wrong, you might be forced to take a teenager. Or you might fall in love with a talented toddler during individual workouts.

Such a decision might put your franchise on the line. Although you might be investing in a future star, you might be losing one at the same time.

The Tracy McGrady Factor will come into play. The Magic are under pressure to rebuild quickly, so that McGrady will not flee as a free agent or force them to trade him this fall because of his unhappiness.

Orlando cannot ignore McGrady, but it cannot throw away a year's worth of scouting to appease him. John Weisbrod, the Magic general manager/chief operating officer/Zeus, has said his team will pick the best player.

"Sometimes, you start factoring in so many things, and the goal is lost," Weisbrod said last month. "We have to find a player who can help us. We'll pick the player we like the most."

The Magic will consider trading the pick because of The Factor. It would be a bad choice. Fear would motivate it. Why trade a top-five choice, a perennial all-star if you draft smart, for a veteran some team wants to unload? The Magic must take the risk for a shot at the reward.

If they land No. 2 and another team takes Okafor, the Magic should select Howard. If they land No. 3 and Okafor and Howard are gone, they should select Livingston. No Antoine Walker trades, please, even if Dallas would do the unimaginable and take Grant Hill's contract.

"Be careful of how much you overthink this," one NBA executive advised Monday. "You can't. If the Magic have the belief that Livingston is the next Scottie Pippen, take him. Don't let other factors get in the way."

Take heed, Magic.

Your first jaunt into the unknown doesn't have to be an unsuccessful venture.

Jerry Brewer can be reached at jbrewer2@orlandosentinel.com

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

No, you were suggesting that Xerxes had manufactured the story.

I'm sorry if it seemed that way. That was NOT my intention, I assure you.

Not being smug, but if you want people to take you seriously you can't go around saying stuff like that.

I'm hardly taken seriously 95% of the time ANYWAY. What's the point? [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-disgusted.gif[/img]

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: XERXES
Magic dilemma weighs heavily as draft nears
Published May 11, 2004






Since the NBA became a prom chaperone, the Orlando Magic have avoided such duty. They have dodged this stress. They never have been forced to decide whether to entrust a high schooler with their future.

Neanderthals around the league have had to, and the Magic quietly have pondered their successes and failures with the assumption that one day they might be unlucky enough to be in such a position.

Now that day is here.

Maybe they should stay in bed.

The most critical draft in the most critical offseason in franchise history nears. Monday marked the deadline for college underclassmen, high school players and teenage international players to declare for the draft.

They declared, all right. Rummage through the early entrants, and there are nine high schoolers. The Magic must consider two of those preps -- Dwight Howard and Shaun Livingston -- because they are too good to ignore.

As the worst team in the league last season, the Magic are guaranteed a top-five pick. The May 26 draft lottery will decide whether they pick first, second, third or fifth (Charlotte is promised fourth). Howard or Livingston could be their choice.

If they don't trade the pick, I believe the next Magic player will come from this pool: Emeka Okafor, Howard, Livingston, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Pavel Podkolzine (because you always must consider somebody 7 foot 5).

Those six players have a combined seven years of college experience. Okafor and Gordon both played three seasons at Connecticut and won a national championship. Deng went to the Final Four as a Duke freshman. Then, there is Podkolzine, a 19-year-old Russian who plays 11 minutes a game. Howard and Livingston are smooth and blessed with incredible basketball intelligence, but their bodies are underdeveloped.

Welcome to a new NBA reality, Magic. If the pingpong balls bounce wrong, you might be forced to take a teenager. Or you might fall in love with a talented toddler during individual workouts.

Such a decision might put your franchise on the line. Although you might be investing in a future star, you might be losing one at the same time.

The Tracy McGrady Factor will come into play. The Magic are under pressure to rebuild quickly, so that McGrady will not flee as a free agent or force them to trade him this fall because of his unhappiness.

Orlando cannot ignore McGrady, but it cannot throw away a year's worth of scouting to appease him. John Weisbrod, the Magic general manager/chief operating officer/Zeus, has said his team will pick the best player.

"Sometimes, you start factoring in so many things, and the goal is lost," Weisbrod said last month. "We have to find a player who can help us. We'll pick the player we like the most."

The Magic will consider trading the pick because of The Factor. It would be a bad choice. Fear would motivate it. Why trade a top-five choice, a perennial all-star if you draft smart, for a veteran some team wants to unload? The Magic must take the risk for a shot at the reward.

If they land No. 2 and another team takes Okafor, the Magic should select Howard. If they land No. 3 and Okafor and Howard are gone, they should select Livingston. No Antoine Walker trades, please, even if Dallas would do the unimaginable and take Grant Hill's contract.

"Be careful of how much you overthink this," one NBA executive advised Monday. "You can't. If the Magic have the belief that Livingston is the next Scottie Pippen, take him. Don't let other factors get in the way."

Take heed, Magic.

Your first jaunt into the unknown doesn't have to be an unsuccessful venture.

Jerry Brewer can be reached at jbrewer2@orlandosentinel.com

Can't say I disagree with this. Okafur and maybe Howard are the sure things in this upcoming draft. But Livingston and Deng aren't that bad a choice either and you can NEVER go wrong with a guy who is 7 foot 5(Pavel). You just better hope Pavel isn't another Shawn Bradley.


Now that I think about it, it would be sheer suicide for the Magic to do this trade (#1 and Hill for Walker).....


I still say that it's either Chicago or Bust(Walker staying for his final year of his contract) for Antoine....

[FilthyFinMavs]

Orlando are some idiots to even consider this. Magic have let Shaq, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, and Penny Hardaway all sip through there hands. If they do this deal T-Mac will be the next added to that list.

[DubOverdose]

I think TMac is threatening to leave if they DON'T do this. I think he is wanting veteran help instead of a rook.

[ddh33]

Originally posted by: DubOverdose
I think TMac is threatening to leave if they DON'T do this. I think he is wanting veteran help instead of a rook.

I hope T-Mac wants to play with Antoine Walker so bad that he forces this no matter what. I just think that McGrady could be convinced that Okafor would be a nice teammate to have.

I think the issue is more about Walker's ability to provide the team with cap room so that Orlando can bring in more of the guys that Tracy does want to play with.

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: ddh33

I hope T-Mac wants to play with Antoine Walker so bad that he forces this no matter what. I just think that McGrady could be convinced that Okafor would be a nice teammate to have.

I think the issue is more about Walker's ability to provide the team with cap room so that Orlando can bring in more of the guys that Tracy does want to play with.

Interesting analysis, ddh. Though I think this Walker/T-Mac pairing would work similarly to the Walker/Pierce one(meaning they will get back to the playoffs), it's probably just for one season.....

[Nash13]

Originally posted by: FilthyFinMavs
Orlando are some idiots to even consider this. Magic have let Shaq, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, and Penny Hardaway all sip through there hands. If they do this deal T-Mac will be the next added to that list.

Add Chauncey Billups, Troy Hudson, and Darrell Armstrong to that list.

I digress from my point. This trade is too much of a gamble. You would have to ask Okafor to play a big role in a team full of stars. If he doesn't pan out, we're screwed. Also, isn't Grant Hill making his final comeback next season?

[jayC]

Getting rid of Walker might be the cure that ails the mavs. No more three power forwards even playing together at the same time. It forces nellie's hand to either play najera or bradley in the starting line-up. Isn't that a good thing.

[Murphy3]

Originally posted by: jayC
Getting rid of Walker might be the cure that ails the mavs. No more three power forwards even playing together at the same time. It forces nellie's hand to either play najera or bradley in the starting line-up. Isn't that a good thing.

If Najera is a starter, the Mavs are in deep crap. They have to throw out a better player out there than him. He simply isn't good enough defensively to start for any team that hopes to play solid defense consistently.

[dalmations202]

Originally posted by: Murphy3

<u>If Najera is a starter, the Mavs are in deep crap</u>. They have to throw out a better player out there than him. He simply isn't good enough defensively to start for any team that hopes to play solid defense consistently.

IMO,
Najera is a role player. A good one, but a role player. He brings hustle, and energy. He can for a few minutes each game play anywhere from the 3 to the 5. Great assett as the 8th - 12th man.........NO where near a starter in this league though.

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: jayC
Getting rid of Walker might be the cure that ails the mavs. No more three power forwards even playing together at the same time. It forces nellie's hand to either play najera or bradley in the starting line-up. Isn't that a good thing.

But what makes you so sure he would be more apt to play Bradley? I think the jackass will find some *excuse* NOT to play bradley....

[NYCdog]

Houston would give up an unhappy Steve Francis (right) and just about anyone else on the roster except Yao Ming for McGrady.

Hmm.......doesnt look bad. (Working on PHX and Indy version of T-Mac)