Last year, I introduced Magic Math at Believing in Magic and I have to say, it was pretty accurate. My score ended up giving 50 wins, just two off. Basically it is a simple add/subtract method based on last year’s play. Damien got 53, so it was accurate for two avid Magic fans. Aside from a few Darko fans on a MB that didn’t understand that you could subtract too, it was a hit. I will give it a shot again this year and see if Magic Math is an accurate measure for predicting Magic success. (more…)

Here is what Otis Smith had to say on the matter:
“It gives us some flexibility; it’s a little bit, but it’s not a little bit when you’re talking about the cap and getting close to the luxury tax. It’s the flexibility it gives us. It’s more about where we are salary-wise.”

Smith went on to say they will now turn their attention to Adonal Foyle, as they would like him to return.

“Adonal’s a big body, he knows how to play,” Smith said. “We’ll see where it goes.”

Smith also said he wants to add a third point guard.  So, no need to worry yet, as he is aware that we need a 3rd string point guard.

Fun Facts:
On July 25th, the Orlando Magic officially put the first shovel in the ground.  I hate to say, but I wasn’t able to make it.  Still, it’s going to be exciting to watch this new events center being built over the next two years. 

You can watch it as it happens here:
www.orlandoeventscenter.com

Of course we know this events center is scheduled to open in 2010.  The Magic are also lobbying the NBA to host the 2012 All-Star game.  That would be pretty cool, as the NBA All-Star game has only made one appearance in Orlando.  And what a moment in history it turned out to be…

Speaking of “new”…  The Magic are planning on unveiling a new jersey next season.  Rumor has it they are going a little “old school”, with a modern twist; needless to say I’m expecting some form of pinstripes.  I hope they look good.

Lastly, the Orlando Magic will offer its 2008-2009 media guide on a 128MB memory stick that can be plugged into any computer.  The flash drive guides will be available to a select number of season ticket holders for free and they will also be sold for $10 to the general public.

I know most people could careless, but as a computer nerd, I thought it was a good idea.  If my season ticket holder friend doesn’t hook me up, I’ll probably spend the $10 bucks.

Just to recap, here was rumor: 
The purposed trade had the Magic sending Turkoglu, Redick, Cook, Bogans, and a 1st round pick to the Kings for Artest, Thomas, and a 2nd rounder. 

I can see how both sides could have interest in this deal.  At the same time, I could never see it actually happening.  Two big reasons; Thomas has two years averaging over 8 million per, and Artest’s questionable character.

Despite the unlikelihood of this deal, it did get me thinking; mainly about Hedo Turkoglu, and where or if he fits into the Magic’s plans. 

The notion of what should happen with Turkoglu is pretty broad.  Will he remain a starter or be our 6th man (ala Ginobili)?  Some say he’ll be traded before the season starts, if not then, before the deadline?  Others have him opting out next off-season.  If so, what happens then?

This is where it could get interesting, especially if you start thinking about the following off-season.  Every team in the NBA is trying to prepare for the summer of 2010, as it should be a huge off-season due to the large amount of talented free agents available.  Until this recent rumor, I wasn’t thinking of the Magic as a “player” that summer, however the possibility is there.  This is what made me think so. 

Here is an excerpt from that trade rumored article:
“On Orlando’s side he said they feel that if Turkoglu has a season like he had last year that they will not be able to afford him. Apparently, the Magic have little intention of resigning Turk anyways, and were already planning on trading him at the deadline, but had concerns about the effects that could have on team chemistry at mid-season”.

Now I know this is just a random rumor, and there will be many more; but like I said, it got me thinking.  So I went and looked up who the Magic will have under contract once the 2010 off-season hits.  I know it will probably change some, but I doubt much.

Here is that list:
Lewis
Howard
Pietrus
Nelson
Redick (Qualifying Offer)
Lee (Team Option)

All the core players are there, except Turkoglu.  If Turk is, that’s great.  But if he’s not, that could open another door.  Those players salaries should total right over 50 million.  I’d be very surprised if Redick is still on this roster come that time, so another 3.8 could be off the books.  Of course I understand money will be taken up by role players and what not.  But either way, it’s got to make you wonder what Otis Smith’s plan is, because there is a chance that the Magic could be a player in the much talked about 2010 free agent crop.

Personally, I think Smith will go into next season with Turkoglu on this roster, and see how the team plays with the new additions.  If he likes what he sees, the team will probably stay intact throughout the playoffs.  But if he thinks the team isn’t good enough to compete for a championship, I could see him trading Turkoglu before the trade deadline.

I know that 2010 off-season is two years away, yet I’m sure it’s a conversation that every NBA organization has had and will continue to have as it approaches.  As for Orlando, it seems the Magic’s future is largely tied around Hedo Turkoglu.  Depending on what they do with him, will determine much about the future, especially as it relates to flexibility.

This is where Otis Smith is going to be really tested.  I know we’ve all had our doubts about him.  But to his credit, to date he’s done a solid job.  However, if you ask me, most of his decisions have been “no-brainers”.  We knew we had to dump Francis.  Moving on from the Hill era (both of them) was needed.  We had to extend Howard.  Most of us all wanted to sign Lewis, and for Nelson to be extended (maybe not at the costs).  Hell, even Lee, Pietrus, and Johnson made a lot of sense to Magic fans. 

Then there is Hedo Turkoglu.  Who I believe will be Otis Smith’s greatest challenge and most important decision to date.  Can we afford him?  If we can, do we re-sign him?  Or, do we go in another direction and look for a true power forward so Lewis can move back to his natural position?  No matter what, there are considerable risks.  We can’t forget that Turkoglu was relied on last season just as much as Howard, even more so at the end of games, which goes to show you his importance to this teams success. 

So what will Otis Smith do?

What would you do? 

Let the speculation begin!

Johnson is a veteran guard who will bring a good defensive presence off the bench for the Magic. At 33, Johnson offers a lot of experience, and that was one of the reasons why Otis Smith sot him out. (more…)