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Otis Smith Questions Riley's Actions
Topic Started: Mar 13 2008, 04:02 PM (447 Views)
MAGICMANEVAN
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http://forums.floridatoday.com/viewtopic.php?t=76617
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By John Denton
FLORIDA TODAY

ORLANDO -- The Miami Heat are no longer a threat to Orlando what with the Magic's almost-unthinkable 29 ˝ game lead in the Southeast Division.

But if you think for one second that the Magic are feeling any pity for the Heat, owners of the NBA’s worst record at 11-52, think again.

Miami president Pat Riley made life miserable for the Magic last May, holding up the appointment of Stan Van Gundy as Orlando’s next coach. Many in the Magic organization haven’t forgotten that fact and they don’t seem to mind that the Heat have faded from a championship in 2006 to the NBA’s basement in 2008.

The two teams play Friday night in Miami and the Magic will be looking for their ninth consecutive victory against the Heat.

Magic general manager Otis Smith pointed out Thursday that the Heat’s fall have been about as sudden as their rise. That rise, of course, corresponded with the addition of Shaquille O’Neal in 2004.

"They got there kind of the same way they got to where they are now,’’ smith said. "They got Shaq. You have to pay for those sins at some point in time. Those quick fixes that (the media) likes, eventually you have to pay for those sins.

"They did what they had to do and won a championship,'' he continued. "There are only five teams to win the championship in the last 20 years. They have been to a place to where we haven’t been, so you will have to ask them is it worth it?’’
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TheFalcon
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29.5 game lead in the division? That really would be "unthinkable."
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gomagic33
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I think for Miami it is worth it. Shaq was a rental. They got their ring, and now they are rebuilding. How many teams are able to win the championship Otis?

The good thing about the Miami Heat organization is that they are able to "explain" to their fans where they are heading. This season they had a sit down with the media and season ticket holders and asked for their patience and told them they have a plan and laid it out. Although I hate the Miami Heat as an opponent, I admire the way they are handling things there. I think Otis is just bitter he got raped on the last transaction. Riley saw an advantage for his organization and he used it - can't fault him for that.

EDIT: I guess this is Otis was of justifying this lack of moves.
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MagicMadness
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TheFalcon
Mar. 13, 2008 04:18 PM
29.5 game lead in the division? That really would be "unthinkable."

Seriously. Almost-unthinkable?

Many people had the Magic finishing behind the Heat in the standings this season. Sports Illustrated predicted the Magic to finish 10th in the conference - I still have the magazine issue from last year.

They had the Knicks finishing 6th. :rolleyes:
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CLos
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MagicMadness
Mar. 13, 2008 07:50 PM
Seriously. Almost-unthinkable?

Many people had the Magic finishing behind the Heat in the standings this season. Sports Illustrated predicted the Magic to finish 10th in the conference - I still have the magazine issue from last year.

They had the Knicks finishing 6th. :rolleyes:

They always have the Knicks finishing high for some reason. The big Zach Randolph acquisition hasn't gotten them anywhere as predicted. I thought they would do better but they were saying that Randolph and Curry were going to be like the new Twin Towers or something. :X
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iceveins333
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i still think the shaq trade was worth it for the heat, they won a title and thats all that matters even if they mortgaged the future for it

if the celtics win just one title w/ their big 3 it'll be worth it for them too even when they have all those years coming up of sucking a** really bad

i understand what otis is saying though but if we were a team on the cusp of the finals im pretty sure he would take the quick fix too to put us over the top (although it would prob be more like the spurs fixes since we would already have the major pieces in play)
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MagicMadness
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The Shaq trade was definitely worth it.

Even though they suck this year, now they'll have Wade/Marion/High Pick to build around for the future.

(Assuming Marion signs with them)
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Pitbullz EP
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MagicMadness
Mar. 14, 2008 01:02 PM
The Shaq trade was definitely worth it.

Even though they suck this year, now they'll have Wade/Marion/High Pick to build around for the future.

(Assuming Marion signs with them)

I think Beasley would probablly play the 3 (Assuming they get the first pick and choose him) Just seems like a log jam at the 3 with Marion and probablly Beasley. I don't think Marion will resign with them. Oh well the heat are clearly tanking the season and allowing Wade to fully recover for next year. Smart move by Riley

I'm not a fan of band aid fixes, and I wouldnt want this team to be a one hit wonder.
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MagicFan3
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I find it funny when Otis questions the actions of other GMs...
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CLos
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Hill2Howard
Mar. 14, 2008 06:07 PM
MagicMadness
Mar. 14, 2008 01:02 PM
The Shaq trade was definitely worth it.

Even though they suck this year, now they'll have Wade/Marion/High Pick to build around for the future.

(Assuming Marion signs with them)

I think Beasley would probablly play the 3 (Assuming they get the first pick and choose him) Just seems like a log jam at the 3 with Marion and probablly Beasley. I don't think Marion will resign with them. Oh well the heat are clearly tanking the season and allowing Wade to fully recover for next year. Smart move by Riley

I'm not a fan of band aid fixes, and I wouldnt want this team to be a one hit wonder.

Yeah, look for the Heat to go after Elton Brand if Marion doesn't resign.
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