After an exciting and highly successful season for the Orlando Magic franchise, they have several key players who could be leaving for other teams for more money. Notable players that could leave are Hedo Turkoglu and Marcian Gortat.
Hedo was a major player in the Magic’s run to the NBA Finals. He is a superb all around player. But his price tag for a new deal is not worth it. He is no longer a young player, and it’s not wise to give players lengthy deals in/into a player’s 30’s.
Gortat proved he was a reliable backup to Dwight Howard. He was more effective both on offense and defense than other backup center Tony Battie. If Gortat leaves the Magic have no potent backup center, and a lot less height on their front line. This would be costly due to the frequent amount of games Dwight Howard gets himself into foul trouble.
The Magic should keep Gortat and let Hedo walk. They can save the money for next year’s free agent class, or use the extra money to take on a player in a trade. By trade, I mean trading PG Rafer Alston for another solid guard or small forward. While Alston was excellent in filling in for the injured Jameer Nelson during the last portion of the season and playoffs, the Magic are still Nelson’s team.
If both point guards are kept then if Nelson starts to struggle, he will be looking over his shoulder worrying that Alston will cut into his minutes. Also, the Magic fans will want the other to play if one starts slumping. Young guards do not need that kind of pressure.
The Magic still have many nice players, including the best big man in basketball, Dwight Howard. Forward Rashard Lewis is a solid player and has several years left on his current deal. This past year’s first round pick Courtney Lee was a nice surprise, being able to shoot from the outside very well, play solid defense, and having veteran basketball smarts.
And with two solid point guards the Magic will contend. With a player like Dwight Howard who is only going to get better, who would not want to play with the Magic?