Blueprint For Rebuilding The Orlando Magic
By Simon Smith
Step 1: Acquire Paul George
Head coach Frank Vogel and Paul George had a terrific partnership throughout their six years together with the Indiana Pacers. Vogel took over for Indiana in the midst of George’s rookie season, and led the Pacers to the playoffs in five out of his six seasons at the helm. With Pacers’ team president Larry Bird looking to take the team in a different direction, Vogel was replaced and promptly scooped up by Hennigan.
The development of George’s game in his time under Vogel was phenomenal. Despite being the No.10 overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, George was not overly hyped entering the league. He arrived at a time when fellow Pacers’ forward Danny Granger was at the peak of his powers. But following George’s rookie season, Granger’s body started to fail him. George took the opportunity and ran with it.
He is now a four-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medallist. He has responded magnificently following the horrific broken leg he suffered in 2014. This season, both George and the Pacers have been more or less treading water. The Pacers are sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-28 record. George has had another All-Star season, without being spectacular.
From Hennigan’s perspective, he has some factors on his side. First, George very recently stated that he can’t guarantee that he will extend his current contract with the Pacers. Among things, George noted:
"“Say what you want; I want to compete for something. It’s frustrating just playing the game for stats or for numbers or to showcase yourself. Man, I want a chance to play for a chance to win a championship.”"
Yes, the Magic are certainly not in a position right now to win a championship. However, they do have a number of pieces they can offset that can head them in the right direction if Hennigan and his staff are on the ball.
Secondly, George is well aware that he’s played his best ball under Vogel. He’d also be mindful that there’s currently just a few legitimate contenders to the win the title. Still just 26, being traded to a current non-contender still gives George plenty of time to build toward a title. Being traded now to a contender is obviously an extremely difficult assignment.