... can't say I'm surprised.
Right now Hedo's stock is at its absolute highest, and given that he's 29 turning 30, this will be his last significant payday in his NBA career. Some might think last season was a fluke year for Hedo, but I doubt it. His numbers might dip just a tad given the added attention he'll receive this year, but even in that case, Rashard Lewis will simply pick up the slack and neutralize that tactic.
It's a tricky situation for us. If the Magic get off to a quick start to the season, it'll be hard to imagine Otis Smith trading away Hedo simply because he would like to see how far we could go this year, especially after adding Pietrus and getting Battie back. But at the same time, if we're unable to re-sign Hedo, we obviously have to get value back for him in some shape or form. The only way I see the Magic trading Hedo away is if we get off to a slow start to the season, and it becomes apparent that we won't be able to contend for an Eastern Conference title. At that point, I think Otis Smith would cut his losses, get value for Hedo, and simply reload for 2009. Give our team's youth, time is on our side in that regard.
I won't be surprised, though, if Hedo cuts the Magic a discount and re-signs. He absolutely loves Orlando, loves playing with Dwight and SVG, and the Magic definitely got bonus points for signing his close friend Pietrus. How likely is that scenario? 50/50 at best, but I wouldn't be surprised nevertheless.
Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds ...
Right now Hedo's stock is at its absolute highest, and given that he's 29 turning 30, this will be his last significant payday in his NBA career. Some might think last season was a fluke year for Hedo, but I doubt it. His numbers might dip just a tad given the added attention he'll receive this year, but even in that case, Rashard Lewis will simply pick up the slack and neutralize that tactic.
It's a tricky situation for us. If the Magic get off to a quick start to the season, it'll be hard to imagine Otis Smith trading away Hedo simply because he would like to see how far we could go this year, especially after adding Pietrus and getting Battie back. But at the same time, if we're unable to re-sign Hedo, we obviously have to get value back for him in some shape or form. The only way I see the Magic trading Hedo away is if we get off to a slow start to the season, and it becomes apparent that we won't be able to contend for an Eastern Conference title. At that point, I think Otis Smith would cut his losses, get value for Hedo, and simply reload for 2009. Give our team's youth, time is on our side in that regard.
I won't be surprised, though, if Hedo cuts the Magic a discount and re-signs. He absolutely loves Orlando, loves playing with Dwight and SVG, and the Magic definitely got bonus points for signing his close friend Pietrus. How likely is that scenario? 50/50 at best, but I wouldn't be surprised nevertheless.
Should be interesting to see how it all unfolds ...