Orlando's Off-Season Outlook

At the beginning of the NBA season, 30 teams take the hardwood court to become the 16 teams who qualify for the playoffs and half of those teams eventually fall off to leave eight. Then the four remaining compete in the conference finals for the opportunity to be the best team in their respective conference. And then it happens,  two teams are left fighting for the most prized possession in the game, The Larry O’Brien Trophy.  Every year, 29 teams fail, leave to recoup, some trying to still reach the playoffs while certain elite teams that go at it again to go for the prize.

After one of the most devastating seasons in their 22 years of existence, the Magic have a pivotal off season on the horizon. Alex Martins will discuss Dwight Howard’s future with him to see if he willing to commit long term to the franchise or not, therefore he will know to proceed with moving the franchise player. GM Otis Smith is unsure if he wants to return for next season, seemed the mess he made is too big for him to clean and he knows the storm is coming, in other words, he’s aware his job is in jeopardy. The Most Improved Player Ryan Anderson is a restricted free agent, Orlando wants to see his value on the market and will determine if they will match his contract or not. After the no-show in the playoffs, his value took a hit, the upside, the kid is 23 years old, and did pretty well with a whole starting season under his belt. Jameer Nelson is going to opt out, there is two stories that is being thrown Jameer’s way, he is planning to sign a low contract more years with Orlando, or his camp believes he’s worth 10 million or so, and believes this could be his shot at a payday. JJ Redick have a player option, and he seems likely to opt in, Earl Clark, Daniel Orton, and DeAndre Liggins are also up. There may be a slight possibility that Fran Vazquez, the 11th pick on the 2005 draft shows up to camp in 2012.

Seven player contracts are up, and the General Manager and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy’s futures are in limbo and it's likely the head coach is the first domino to fall. The Rumor that was going around a few weeks ago Donnie Walsh could be contacted about a Management position, likely the GM position.  At this point in time,  Orlando claims the 19th and 49th picks in June's NBA Draft. The Magic's largest challenge will be during the free agency period due to having virtually no cap, but David Aldridge recommend that Orlando pick up Tracy McGrady at the veteran minimum contract. I don’t expect any other team to be busy as Orlando would be this year, this Franchise could have a different team make up coming to training camp next year. It will be interesting, but the Magic Nation is screaming for change.