Yes that is right, the Orlando Magic got the best trade this season.
Gabriel did a wonderful job! He got ride of a player that has been really inconsistent and was not even needed on the team pretty much. And in return he got two really talented young rookies in Gooden and Giricek, and both of them started on the Grizzlies this season. So some could look at it as trading two starters for one two bench players. Humphrey was not a big loss and neither was losing the 1st round pick. Because Orlando needs a big man, plan and simple. And they have never had a really great PF on the team, and Tracy has never really played with a athletic PF also.
I think Giricek will be a much more consistent outside shooter compared to Miller. Sure he is older but I think he is a better overall scorer and will really help as a second option for Tracy. Sure Mike Miller was a close friend to Tracy but that is really the only bad thing about the trade from Orlando's side of it.
And Gooden well that is just a amazing trade for Orlando. They get a athletic big man, something they really have never had at the 4 spot. Gooden will provide a better offensive game for Orlando as a team. Not in terms of scoring so much as in terms of offensive rebounding. And I believe if Gooden plays the 4, which is most likely will do. That will provide Orlando with a big matchup problem for other teams. I think Gooden was out of position in Memphis also and that is why his production was not great, even though 12 points 6 rebounds a game is pretty good. Gooden also improves Orlando's defense with is versitility and athletic length. And with Orlando's fast pace game Gooden could get some really good scoring chances if he runs the court.
And that is why I think the Mike Miller, Ryan Humphrey and a 1st and 2nd round pick trade for Gordan Giricek and Drew Gooden was a really smart move! Miller does help Memphis out though, but I don't think he will help as much as a consistent shooter and a athletic rebounder will help Orlando. Both have shown the ability to have break out games in the future.
As the Pacers showed the Bulls last season, you should never trade two or more young talented players with upside for one experienced player. And that was shown when they basically got Artest, Miller and Mercer for Rose. And as you can see Rose did not make the Bulls instantly better, and neither will Mike Miller. But I can kind of see why West did that though. But I bet the Magic will get the better end of the trade.
What a job by the Magic!!!
What a job by the Magic!!!
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