Do you see VC? In Orlando!
Wow.
First reaction to that Vince blockbuster?
How can the Raptors get Hedo out of this?
Seriously, that’s the big news out of that one for me, it has to spell the end of Turkoglu in Orlando
Carter and Ryan Anderson for Rafer, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie is, on the face of it, a trade that changes the landscape on a couple of teams but I’m not sure how much it does to alter the balance of power in the East.
Orlando has to take on almost $50 million in VC salary over the next three years, which is a huge hit but they’ve also got a new arena coming, the need to sell tickets and I think their lack of athleticism showed in the Finals.
Rafer was never going to work out there for more than the one year he’s got left on his deal and Lee, while good, is certainly not as accomplished as Carter.
The Nets? They shed one of the more odorous contracts out there, get Lee, who should be able to play alongside Devin Harris just fine, thank you very much, and, just as important, some financial wiggle room next summer.
Not a bad deal either way, is it?
I will predict this right here, though: Carter, at home, with Dwight Howard to be The Man and Jameer Nelson back and healthy, will have an excellent season next year.
Okay, now I’ve got to get to the press room to get this whole draft thing going.
Talk to you soon
Doug,
Didn't Orlando say they would go over the cap to sign Turk's anyway?
I'm thinking that maybe they decide to sepnd the money and build a championship type tema right here, right now.
Why can't they keep Turk's as well?
That team just one-upped the Cavs. Ferry must be feeling not to well after that news.
Posted by: Kelsie | June 25, 2009 at 05:35 PM
hey Doug. My first thought was also How can the Raps get Hedo!
Posted by: Charles | June 25, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Wow. Definitely a shocker. I agree that Vince will have a good season, especially with a chance at a championship and being in his home state.
Doug, do you see this as a counter-move to the Shaq trade?
Blogger's note: No, I've heard the Carter deal's been in the works
Posted by: James E | June 25, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Will VC work alongside Lewis? If he's ready to take a beating in the paint, this will work. If he just wants to camp behind the arc, it will fail. VC needs to become the old VC.
Posted by: Snas | June 25, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Doug, if there's one thing that's characterised Vince's career, it's ego (I know, it can be said of lots of athletes, but Vince always seemed to be especially me first). How do you think he'll react to being second fiddle?
Blogger's note: Entirely, absolutely comfortable. It's easier and doing the easy thing is something he does well
Posted by: Thane | June 25, 2009 at 05:48 PM
Jameer
Carter
Maybe Hedo
Rashard
Dwight
Wow. Just wow.
Posted by: chris | June 25, 2009 at 05:52 PM
These last couple days in the NBA have been fun! Can you remember a draft that had more big names move then this?
Of all the trades that have happened so far, which team do you think has made out the best?
Blogger's note: Really haven't had much time to digest it
Posted by: PK | June 25, 2009 at 06:02 PM
why do you get the thought that this will free up hedo. if the magic will spend the money, won't he just be part of the starting five listed above?
Blogger's note: Because while it's obvious the Magic will commit some money, they are not, in my opinion and the opinion of people I've spoken to in Orlando, crazy.
Posted by: jc | June 25, 2009 at 06:14 PM
VC will certainly add needed toughness to the Magic!
He'll have an excellent season... stats-wise.
Posted by: Johnnyk | June 25, 2009 at 06:22 PM
All of these teams pushing for all-star caliber players to play alongside each other. Shaq in Ohio, Vince in Fla., Crawford in GA.
Iverson in T.O.?! For Parker, Graham, and Hump?
Personally, I'd rather have Iverson than Hedo. Fans will definitely respond more to this trade. More Tickets sold, new Iverson raptor jerseys, an explosive 2-guard. Come on BC...it is a smart business move.
Posted by: Mike U | June 25, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Iverson? Please.
Posted by: Eugene | June 25, 2009 at 06:39 PM
JohnnyK: Say what you will when it comes to whether you think the Magic are better with VC on their team or not.. But DO NOT say that VC will add "toughness" to the Magic!! Such a statement is so incorrect that I question whether you watch NBA basketball.
Posted by: T i | June 25, 2009 at 06:41 PM
I'm sorry Mike U, but that's the worst trade I've ever heard. What year do you think this is? It's not 2001 anymore.
Posted by: Taher | June 25, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Why would the Raps want Turkoglu?
Doug, you wrote it right in this post that the Magic's "lack of athleticism showed in the Finals". So why would the athletically-challenged Raptors want to take on a big contract for someone who won't give them the slashing or rebounding that this team needs?
Posted by: Mark | June 25, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Mike U- AI isn't the same explosive guy. Still cat quick but not the same guy he was 2-3 years ago. He's also on the small side so a 2. The Raptors would be so undersized it isnt funny. Sure Iverson could keep the point guards in front of him, but Calderon has no hope in hell of defending any of the 2 guards in the league.
What trades today show that teams at the top or contending believe they have to improve. Raptors better do something fast. Orlando and Cleveland just improved their core players. The Raptors have been idle. I don't see anyone in the draft upping that core immediately.... Scary!!!
Posted by: LH | June 25, 2009 at 07:03 PM
a earlier poster said about Vince's ego and him wanting to be the man...I disagree i don't feel Vince has ever, ever been comfortable being the main man and will love to be just one of the guys...he will excel in that role, his personality never suited being a superstar, hence the towel over his head and his hiding, the body language, this trade makes the Magic a formidable powerhouse...
Posted by: doug | June 25, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Hedo Turkoglu to the Raptors!
Posted by: Scott | June 25, 2009 at 07:11 PM
I have been talking up DeMar for a while, but since late this afternoon, I get the feeling BC will be choosing James Johnson. Just a gut feeling. I won't be mad, as BC knows more about him than I do, so I trust his judgement, if this is where he was to go. #9 seems kinda early for JJ IMHO.
Posted by: BrianV | June 25, 2009 at 07:31 PM
That's a shame. I used to like Orlando.
Posted by: Ryan | June 25, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Toronto / Orlando games are going to have a great energy this year! We already had a bit of rivalry with them as they bumped us out last year, and the whole Bosh/Howard rivavy; now plus Carter, it'll be great.
Posted by: David Sidhu | June 25, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Is it possible to have too much scoring on a team? It sure seems like the Magic have that now. I thought the salary cap was supposed to bring parity to the league but with a soft cap and tax you still get these all-star lineups in the cities that will throw stupid amounts of money around. I just hate those teams that try to buy championships(ie Yankees and RedSox in MLB). If Orlando keeps Hedo and plays VC at the 2 they will be the best team in the NBA. As a raptor fan I can only hope that D12 tests positive for PED's(come on the guy is Ahnold huge) and gets suspended for the season. It just wouldn't be nice to wish for an injury.
Posted by: K. Byron Scott | June 25, 2009 at 09:31 PM
My reaction was wow the Nets gave Carter away for less than the Raptors did. But I think this move actually make sense for New Jersey (even though it means they will most likely be terrible next year -- which is a boost for the Raptors, one less team actually competing for a playoff spot).
Between Devin Harris, Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams, they should have a solid backcourt for the future. Robin Lopez takes care of things at Centre. Add in a possible Top 5 Draft Pick next year, plus possibly a big free agent signing next year and there's great potential for a solid nucleus for the Nets moving forward.
Posted by: JJ | June 25, 2009 at 09:46 PM
@Eugene, Taher, and LG. Say what you want about AI but he can still get to the rim better than Parker or Graham. I mean, AI actually tries to penetrate. Yea, defensively we will still have flaws but wouldn't you rather have Iverson's offense and so-so def. over Parker's offense and so-so Def.?
Highlights from Denver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bi41LBUHtA
Sure he's not the same 2001 All-star but this highlight reel is encouraging for a fan like myself.
All I'm saying is in a scenario where we could either get Hedo or AI, I'll take Iverson. Maybe if we lose Marion I'll take Hedo.
Posted by: Mike U | June 26, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Can you hear "VC sucks, Superman sucks!" chants?
I sure can!
Posted by: Nick | June 26, 2009 at 08:14 AM
Does Hedo's availability give Colangelo leverage in the S. Marion negotiations, or are there enough other suitors out there for Marion that it likely doesn't matter? Personally I'd rather have Marion for his unique defensive skills.
Posted by: Sean Smith | June 26, 2009 at 08:22 AM