Kelvin Cato and a first round draft pick were sent to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for forward Darko Milicic and guard Carlos Arroyo. The trade happened in the middle of the Miami Heat game - I actually got the text message shortly before halftime. This was a great trade for the Magic. While Cato's contract would have come off the books at the end of the year, they actually make the team better with this trade.
For starters, Darko Milicic could possibly be the best kept secret in the NBA. He's been playing on a championship caliber team and practicing against some of the best players everyday. Milicic is a seven foot, 240+ pound forward/center that can shoot facing the basket. He is also known to block a few shots. Opposing big men will be forced to defend him, allowing Dwight Howard to roam free in the paint.
In Carlos Arroyo, the Magic get their first true point guard in many, many years. Arroyo is a playmaker. He has a nice assist-to-turnover ration. And while stats don't mean a whole lot to me, I have to admit I am a little anxious to see how he and Howard play together. Grant Hill should also benefit from his playmaking capabilities.
I think the Magic also made the right move in acquiring Arroyo for two reasons. One, I think we all know Steve Francis has probably played his last game in Orlando. I really like Francis and I would hate to see him go - but the fact is the Magic have commmitted to rebuilding this team. Arroyo is a playmaker that can help Milicic and Howard grow. Two, I think the Magic will connect more with the diverse population in Orlando. While one player probably won't make the difference in selling out the arena, it might help get the place just a little louder on game night.
A good trade for the Magic, considering the 2006 pick remains in Orlando and the 2007 pick is protected through 5.
1 Comments on "Kelvin Cato traded to Detroit"
Darko and Arroyo have turned out to be excellent players for the Magic. Considering Cato was polishing the pine all season with his lazy butt - the Magic got the best of this deal and then some.