The Magic took Norfolk State big man Kyle O'Quinn 49th overall on Thursday. (Photo: Dennis Adair/dbadair on flickr)
With the 2012 NBA Draft in the books, the Orlando Magic selected big men Andrew Nicholson and Kyle O’Quinn. However, there was a lot that was learned this draft:
Dwight Howard Stays Put… For Now
From what looked like an enticing offer from the Houston Rockets, the Magic and Rockets failed to swap picks and the center.
If there was anytime to dump Howard, last night was the time. From what looked like multiple draft picks, and a team that looks to be in rebuilding stages, the offer just wasn’t good enough for the Magic and Rockets to pull the trigger.
Regardless of where Howard wants to go, the situation has reached a point where the Magic can’t worry about the happiness of the All-Star center but what will be beneficial for the team in the future.
By drafting two big men, it seems as if GM Rob Hennigan is looking to ship Howard and prepare for the future. However it looks as if he missed out on a golden opportunity to send Howard on his way.
Drafting Without a Head Coach
GM Rob Hennigan managed to draft two players without any input from the head coach. That’s because, he doesn’t have one. Certainly a rookie move, Hennigan doesn’t know exactly what philosophy the new head coach will instill. It seems as if the Magic kept their old identity as they drafted a big man that can shoot in Andrew Nicholson.
Will the Magic still be a three point shooting team next year? Will they let their big pieces walk out the door? Regardless the first priority for Hennigan was to hire a head coach and make the drafting process a little easier and draft players that mold into the team’s game plan.
What Happens to the Four Key Players?
The first piece was Dwight Howard who hasn’t shown any intentions to stay and is in his final year of his contract.
The next is Ryan Anderson. The Magic extended a qualifying offer to the third-year forward before the draft Thursday afternoon that allows them to retain the right to match any offer for the reigning Most Improved Player.
The final two keys belong to a pair of career-long Magic players.
Point guard Jameer Nelson holds a player option for next season that must be exercised by Friday should Nelson want to stay in Orlando next season.
The Magic also has to decide what they want to do with J.J. Redick as well. The team will have to decide by July 7th whether or not they will pay Redick for the final year on his three-year deal.
Hennigan said that he has reached out to the agents of all four players.
“I think the next few days are going to be really big for us in terms of trying to map our strategy and what our goals are in free agency, I think there is a chance we could be active in free agency but a lot is going to depend on the priorities we come up internally and the goals and needs we identify. We’re gonna be prepared to I think make good decisions.”
This first free agency period for Hennigan will determine what the rookie’s approach will be and declare the state of the franchise for upcoming seasons.
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