The Fan Voice: "Carlos's Choice?"

By Live or Die Magic | January 25th, 2008


With the exception of JJ Redick, no Magic player is discussed more than Carlos Arroyo. Not Rashard Lewis, not Hedo Turkoglu, and not even Dwight Howard. The only reason that Jameer Nelson might be close is that it is often hard to discuss Carlos Arroyo without Nelson coming into the conversation and vice versa.

For over a year now, we have speculated about Arroyo’s future here in Orlando. This speculation has been almost exclusively from the perspective of the Orlando Magic, i.e., what the Magic’s plans are for Arroyo. But it got me to wondering about what Arroyo himself wants.

I think the idea that Carlos may CHOOSE not to be here next year is one that probably deserves more discussion.

Let's face it, there will be a team (or teams) that needs an upgrade at the point guard position and may be willing to offer Arroyo the starting spot. He might even be offered the Mid Level Exception (crazier things have happened) and be offered more than 3 years. Regardless of the off-the-court attractions to playing here – close to home, many of his fellow Puerto Ricans residing in the area – Carlos is a professional basketball player and a very competitive one. Ultimately, the opportunity to play – and lead – more will weigh heavily in his decision.

So, if the Magic choose NOT to trade him during this season, things will get touchy in negotiations. There is no reason for Arroyo to take less money than he is currently making (4 million), and conversely, why would the Magic pay him the same amount of money per year or more (with more years added) when we just invested so much money in our starter? After all, despite Nelson’s injury, and Arroyo’s solid play in place of Nelson, Otis will most certainly stick with his decision to extend Nelson and keep him as our starter, right? Right?!

I wouldn’t be surprised if Carlos Arroyo is traded, and I also wouldn’t be surprised if he walks this Summer and we get nothing for him. Faced with those two options, I would rather trade him and hopefully get a contributing player in return.

Observations from Media Seating - Magic vs. Pistons

No one finds Howard in the lane better than Turkoglu.

19 seasons in this town and there are WAY too many people cheering on the Pistons.

Barely 10 minutes into the game, and already SVG is incensed about the Magic’s defense.

I tell you what, if you can’t play team defense, you don’t get playing time for the Pistons.

Whatever SVG said to the team about its defense it worked. The Magic allowed 30 points in the 1st quarter but then locked it down in the 2nd, only allowing 19. There was a similar trend in the 2nd half: the Magic allowed 29 in the 3rd quarter but only 22 in the 4th.

The Magic appeared hungry for most of the night. You could tell how much this game mattered to them.

I’m just curious, but in getting Primoz Brezec, didn’t the Pistons basically get Darko back, except, you know…better?

I almost lost my voice screaming when Chauncey Billups took 15 steps before nailing that 3 pointer to tie the game. Almost.

Thankfully, I had a tiny bit of my voice left, because I used it all up when Rashard Lewis rattled that buzzer beater home. Down go the Pistons!

At The Buzzer
You know what would make next Monday feel just like a Friday? Being able to walk into work with the euphoria of victories over the Pistons and Celtics still fogging up my brain.


This message was not subject of approval by the NBA or the Orlando Magic. The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Orlando Magic or the NBA, but solely the writer.

"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"

quote:

Ultimately, the opportunity to play – and lead – more will weigh heavily in his decision.

It seems that the real question is whether the opportunity to play more out-weights the other considerations (puertorrican population, playing for a contending team, playing along with the best to be NBA player (Dwight Howard). I say, Arroyo would stay after this year with the Magics if he is offered at least 4 mill. and substantive playing time (not necessarily the starting job) because of the other considerations. Not everything is about money! Obviously I want him to stay, I think he is a perfect fit for the Orlando Magic organization as a player and for business reasons. The mistake was made by the GM when he contracted for too much money with Nelson, now (as I see it)they have a tough decision to make in terms of what they do with Arroyo and Nelson.

quote:

Originally posted by Live or Die Magic:
You know what would make next Monday feel just like a Friday? Being able to walk into work with the euphoria of victories over the Pistons and Celtics still fogging up my brain.

How amazing would that be? After the Pistons game was so much of a playoff feel I can only imagine when we beat them tonight and then beat Boston Sunday. Pretty awesome.

so how were you able to sneak up to the media section?

quote:

Originally posted by FENDI:
so how were you able to sneak up to the media section?

I jumped over the railing while no one was looking. I'm deceptively fast.

OMG! Who taught you that?