We all know the Magic have been in a slump lately. The confusing part to me is how can the team get better unless there are changes. I don't panic over 3 or even 5 game losing streaks but I will be one of the first to voice displeasure with the situation or blog about how we lost a game. And I'll still watch every game and attend as many as I can. That's what fans do. But lately, in midst of losing the past 16 of 21, I'm concerned bigger problems might lie ahead.
I think the Magic made the best deal before the trade deadline by not making any moves. Moving any players for Vince Carter would have been a silly deal without a sign and trade. For starters, why trade for a player that you have a legitimate change to sign in the offseason? Second, and more importantly, with the Magic playing the way they are now - why would Carter want to stay? Better yet, if the Magic do not show some signs of improvement soon, why would Carter want to sign as a free agent this summer?
Sometimes we take things to the extreme (see firebrianhill.org) and want changes that seem to have the biggest impact. However, a few minor adjustments can make this team better. Swap Turk for Ariza in the starting lineup is a simple one. Bringing Grant off the bench in place of Dooling, Bogans or even Redick would further help to solidify our bench play while opening up the floor for the starting 5.
By the way, I'm not for or against firing Brian Hill. But I wouldn't make any moves unless I had a solid replacement lined up. We've made this mistake in the past. However, you know the seat has to be hot when ESPN starts mentioning a coach's future.
From the ESPN Power Rankings:
"Magic are suddenly three games under .500 and down to No. 9 in the East. Unless there's a big finish stored up, like we saw last spring, Hill might be finished as coach."
