My question to the gentlemen and gentlewomen of the board is, do you believe that either Juwan Howard or Reece Gaines will provide strength to this team? Juwan Howard was one of my favorite players many moons ago. I looked at his stats this past season, and they looked pretty solid. I know there was no other offensive individuals on the team except him and mcgrady, but I think he will be an upgrade offensively over MO if we keep him. Also, Reece Gaines. Do you all think this guy may turn into somethng special. I simulated the trade for mcgrady on ESPN Basketball, and in year 3 after the trade Gaines was a solid player, averaging 16 points and 9 assists. I know this is a video game, but do you think he could turn into that. I loved him in college. Lemme know what you guys think....
I bet JVG hasn't even watched any of Reece Gaines. He's only in the Orlando game films when they pan down to the end of the bench. I know he was a first rounder but I can't even remember seeing a minute of Louisville.
It's much too early to make that assumption... and this rush to judgment! Magic coaching last year began in turmoil and ended in distress. As a result, the whole team was in disarray. As I said in another thread, Gaines needs a half season, perhaps a whole season, of JVG instruction in how to be a point guard. Then we will be able to make a judgment. But, for heaven's sake, he was drafted 15th and was out of a strong program (Louisville). Give the NBA scouts some credit. If they didn't see something worthwhile, he would not have been drafted at all.
Gaines was a VERY good player at Louisville. People are going to have to chill with calling a guy a scrub after one year of playing. If you look at McGrady's rookie year stats you would think he was a scrub as well. And take a look at Jermaine O'Neal's stats sometime. Even the great players take time to develop.
gaines is a beast in espn basketball. i use him and tmac to allyoop to each other all the time. if he pans out then i'd be very happy with him as a 6'6 replacement for francis.
Gaines is just a throw in, didn't do much last season: 1.8ppg 1rp 1apg---Shot 64%FT Howard had a surpisingly good season. 17ppg 8rpg, he's old, but still does some dirty work. His contract is long however, 5yrs left.
I am pretty sure the Magic are keeping Gaines to play point with Francis. It would make the most scence. I think Reece was needed to make the trade work if they made the trade when SF is a BYC. If they wait two more days to complete the trade they won't have to include Gaines.
Considering Francis' 2003-04 salary was $10m and his BYC value 1/2 that, I don't see how Gaines' $1.2m is relevant to whether or not Francis is traded as a BYC player. It would mOre likely be Howard at $5.9m for the TE.
Never qualify your post with support from a video game. My comment was a bit tongue and cheek - I realize that he was a great player in college and has the potential to be more than a servicable in the NBA; but so far he has done very little and, as Gucci stated, he's pretty much a toss in as far as this trade is concerned.
Too bad the spelling test is not still going on (or is it??). SERVICEABLE!!!! Gaines, given some minutes, I think will be a solid filler for the time being. Hard to say what he will amount to.
The worst thing about Juwan Howard is his contract. Other than that, I'm pleased he's part of the deal.
Reece Gaines needs some good solid coaching and playing time. I think he could still become something, and at the very least a solid backup. I hope he's included in the trade.
