Hey guys, I got an old old old computer running at my house, so hopefully I am back for now.
Anyways, I only got to watch through the first half of the second quarter, but unfortunately I saw this happening.
Since I didn't watch most of the game, I won't comment really on it. I just wanted to add that while Amare's absence was obviously a factor for us, the Orlando magic have absolutelly no inside presence. This is the team would should be able to handle without Amare, imagine against the bigger teams in the league (I can think of about 27) how we will do.
Back to the age old JJ discussion. It appears he frustrated even the most patient of you guys tonight. I saw a lot of people claiming they should see what they can get in a trade. I simply do not see that being a good idea. You do not buy high and sell low. We gave up a lot to get him, and not to much would come back right now.
He just needs to be able to play through this season at least. We took his 4th year option, so he isn't a free agent until after next season. He is still very young. Yes he is in his third NBA season, and yes he should be doing better. However that doesn't mean we need to give up hope with him. Unless he is included in a bigger deal that would bring in a real impact player, JJ needs to stay until he has value.
I do agree it will be interesting to see how he responds to a real coach. IMO, he was handled completely wrong from the beginning. Everyone knows he was set up to fail last season when he was given the start for no reason. Even I said I wanted Penny to start at the beginning of this year, and maybe ease JJ into it midway through the season. A young player shouldn't be thrown into the starting lineup for game 1 unless you are 100% sure he is ready, which I don't think anyone was.
I will end it with this. Rookie contracts were implemented for a couple reasons. First off, it prevented teams from overpaying rookies, and put them on a standard pay scale. Secondly, it locked every rookie into a guaranteed 3 year contract, with a team option for a 4th year, all at minimal rate (by NBA standards). This was done so that teams may evaluate the talent they have before committing or not committing to a player. This became more necessary as the average draft age continued to fall, and draft picks became more of projects instead of quick fixes.
JJ should be allowed to be evaluated through his rookie deal, which has one more year on it. If at any point the management team feels they have a deal where he can be moved either by himself, or with other players for people who will make a better consistant, long term impact on this team, then they should do it. Otherwise, there is no reason to move him just for the sake of moving him.
Andy
