If there is one thing we can say about being a fan of the Magic, it is this: you are rarely bored during the off-season. This has been one of the most eventful off-seasons in recent years, and it doesn’t appear to be over yet. For kicks, let’s run through the list, shall we?
The off-season officially began with about three minutes left in the 4th game against the Pistons, despite the fact that we were up by five. The Pistons called a timeout to give us a chance to contemplate the end of the season.
What followed shortly thereafter was an awkward time period when every part of the Magic operation was being scrutinized, so we were told. Brian Hill’s coaching, the players, even Otis himself. There were town hall meetings about the arena, there was speculation about free agents, ours and those of other teams, and there was speculation about a coaching change. But there wasn’t a peep heard from the Magic. This silent treatment continued through much of the month of May.
After nearly three weeks of silence, in which coach Brian Hill “twisted in the wind,” it was announced that Hill’s second turbulent tenure with the team was over. Well, few of us saw that as a surprise! Many of us were actually relieved. Although few players commented, it wasn’t hard to believe that they were relieved as well. I heard JJ Redick was buying rounds of drinks and passing out cigars.
Apparently there was some extreme excitement during the period of May 31st through June 7th or so. It is all very blurry to me now. Something about a popular local coach who was almost the coach of the Magic, but then wasn’t. Ultimately, we got this guy Stan Van Gundy, a coach that everyone on the team and most people around the league feel is a “players coach” and will rev the engines a bit more.
Ok, so let’s take a look at the changes so far…new coach, new coaching staff. So far, so good. But what about the players?
Keyon Dooling, a key piece off the bench last year, decided he liked it hear enough that he elected to use his player option for an extra year on his contract. Considering that he previously enjoyed both personal and team success while playing for SVG in Miami, it isn’t a surprise that he chose to stick around. Even less surprising is the fact that fan favorite Pat Garrity also elected to exercise a player option for next season, certainly his last in a Magic uniform. So, that means Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Trevor Ariza, JJ Redick, Keyon Dooling, Pat Garrity, Tony Battie, Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans, and James Augustine (only partly guaranteed).
Travis Diener will likely be quietly signed to a small, two year deal. His three point shooting will be valuable in SVG’s offense, even if he rarely sees floor time. Bo Outlaw is only likely to come back if the Magic cannot reach agreement with draft pick Marcin Gortat or can’t find a more serviceable big man in free agency. So, the big questions are Darko Milicic and Grant Hill. The Grant Hill decision is likely out of the Magic’s hands. The Magic want him back, and would gladly give him the veteran’s minimum for at least two years. But Hill has to decide if he wants to remain loyal to a team that stuck by him, or if he wants to reach for the ring with a team like the Suns or Pistons. Either way, it won’t have much affect on the Magic’s other free agent plans, and that is because…
…the Magic managed to once again snag the biggest free agent available! You have to admit, when the Magic manage to have cap space, they sure can make a splash! Rashard Lewis wasn’t the big FA that every Magic fan was talking about (that would be Mr. Vince Carter). But he is perhaps the one that provides the best fit. With the money that will be committed to Lewis over the next five to six seasons, combined with the extension that Howard should receive next week, our small forward and center positions are locked up. Rashard Lewis is young enough that he and Howard should quickly form a bond and develop chemistry while each is still developing his game. Their skill sets should fit in nicely with the game plan that SVG plans to instill.
But what about the other free agent? Does Darko have a shot at coming back? Does he want to come back? Who will help man the middle if Darko leaves? Battie can’t do it alone. James Augustine is a 12th man at best. Is Marcin Gortat ready? Stay tuned….
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"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8127 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
Originally posted by WPMagic: When will all this **** speculation end!?!
July 11th? I hope!!!!
"My life will go on, this much I know. Cars and games will come and go. But never once will I forgetta, the way we danced, dear Dick Bavetta." - from "I Left My Heart In Dick Bavetta"
Posts: 8127 | Location: Catching up with the OCTB. | Registered: February 09, 2006
orlandomagiczone.com 
