Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith believes his team needs only an “eighth of an inch” improvement to be an NBA champion.
He told fans finding ball handlers, and adding one or two pieces to the “puzzle” would be the priority.
Orlando's lack of cap space, and multiple high-dollar contracts limit what can be accomplished via free-agency. The Magic do have a trade-exception and mid-level exception, giving them some slack.
That figures to be consumed with keeping J.J. Redick— possibly a free-agent.
Any other moves would require a sign-and-trade agreement. In the words of Smith, it takes “two teams” wanting to make a deal.
Smith described both of Orlando's back-up guards, Jason Williams and Anthony Johnson, as “long in the tooth.” We can assume that means they will be released.
The draft will provide the only other means of improving the team. Again Smith says he's looking for the best player available. At the 29th position, most draft analysts predict quite a few guards available.
That works in Orlando's favor.
I've provided what I believe the preliminary short list of players the Magic might consider drafting.
Check ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Wil Bradley
Orlando Magic Draft 2010: The Short List
June 4th, 2010 by Wil Bradley Leave a reply »
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