Nighty-Night, O-Town

Steve, I just want you to know, they lost because they didn’t make that trade in mid-season.

They were so close to winning this series. Games Two, Four, and Five could have all just as easily gone to Orlando.

Now that 12mil of expiring contracts is going to come off their books and they’re only going to be able to use their mid-level exception. Talk about a downgrade of options and limiting the future of your team. Again they lost because they didn’t make the trade.

Imagine if they had that extra role player or two, or quasi star. Imagine if he were in the backcourt and could have taken Mo Evan’s job. Imagine if he were a backup point so you didn’t have to live with Dooling’s madness. Imagine if he were that extra big man needed when Detroit were beating them on the backboards. Does the series still go to Detroit?

What Orlando lacks is a backcourt to guide them. They had the worst backcourt out of all 16 playoff teams. They’re lack of creativity and understanding of the game limits the Magic offense hugely.

They need a backcourt player that can create off the dribble, score and/or create plays. That’s an all-star level player. The minute they get that they’re the frontrunner in the East.

Orlando is a whole different animal when Nelson is penetrating often and freely. SVG has to keep working with the kid, he’s the variable that defines their success until they land that all-star.