The Magic have not made any significant player moves this summer. The key acqusition was Keyon Dooling and the key release was Doug Christie. The NBA draft produced one runaway draft pick and the other, Travis Diener, will be competing for time at the point guard position against Jameer Nelson, Steve Francis and Dooling. DeShawn Stevenson can also fill time in the one or two position.
Here is what we know so far. Doug Christie is gone. Andrew DeClercq and Brandon Hunter most likely will not be resigned. Mark Jones and Andre Barret were late season fill-ins and are not expected to be back this year. The following is alist of players that are under contract for the upcoming season:
Tony Battie
Ruben Boumtje Boumtje
Kelvin Cato
Travis Diener
Keyon Dooling
Steve Francis
Pat Garrity
Grant Hill
Dwight Howard
Mario Kasun
Jameer Nelson
DeShawn Stevenson
Hedo Turkoglu
The Magic are looking at a couple players to fill one additional roster spot. The biggest name mentioned so far is Christian Laettner. Although I am reasonably unsure what exactly he would be doing, the Magic are required to acquire at least one player a year that is already injured.
How is our front-court shaping up? It all seems to be up in the air, though Cato is expected to be back in top shape and playing during a contract year. He will be looking to secure his last big contract next summer. Battie will provide the solid minutes he did last year - also playing for a contract next year.. Of course, Howard will be the man who solidifies the Magic front court with his athletic play.
With training camp still a month away, I'll take a quick stab at the starting five. I will expect Jammer Nelson, Steve Francis, Grant Hill, Dwight Howard and Kelvin Cato to begin the season. During training camp we should see a few things develop. Here are the stories to look for in the coming weeks.
1. Is Howard a center or forward?
2. Can Dooling battle for the starting point guard spot?
3. Wil Francis play shooting or point guard?
4. Is Grant Hill the Magic's new 6th man?
Stay tuned as these questions are answered and the season begins. We will post the news as we hear it.
2 Comments on "Updates on 2005-2006 roster"
I like how our roster has rounded out, and NOT had any major changes, this offseason. For me, the biggest question going into the season is how Francis will work at the 2, especially on defense. I like the pickup of Dooling as I think our gaurds are undersized and week in the defensive department.
If the word on Grant Hill's progress this summer is true, I don't think we need to worry ourselves with him being our six. If he's indeed more explosive with a more solid handle, we should see a return to the allstar game, even though he won't be getting the 'sympathy' votes that put him there last year.
I see this year shaping up for the Magic much as last year did for the Sonics. Like Orlando last year, two years ago Seattle was a lottery team who had just undergone massive roster renovation. It took a year of struggling, sharp critisim from the media and the 'smart' fans for not making changes the following summer and some key frontcourt players in contract years (see Cato and Battie). After a year together, they push the eventual champs to six games in the second round.
I think with a solid year of this roster playing together, Howard's continued climb to greatness, Hill's continued return to greatness and Cato/Battie playing for thier futures, we're going to see a deep playoff run out of our boys this season.
I agree - I think our roster is filling in. I just hate that we essentially wasted both draft picks and came out with nothing. I would have rather them trade one or both of those picks for another solid center or power forward.
In regards to Hill, I personally like him in the starting lineup. However, think about these two things. One, Turkoglu in the starting lineup has provided us a more consistent player than when he comes off the bench. Two, think about the problems Hill would create off the bench. With his speed and floor leadership, we'd have a very solid second unit. Additionally, his minutes would average around 25-30 leaving him fresh for the end of the year. I just think it is an all around win-win situation for the Magic.
As for the roster playing together all year - that remains to be seen. I expect at least one trade before the deadline this year. We have a couple valuable players and expiring contracts that might attract the right team who might not be in the playoff picture around that time.