Empty the Bench

Trevor Ariza is a little know player who could have a big effect on the Eastern Conference playoff race. Orlando Sentinel columnist Brian Schmitz recently detailed his expected impact, not only for this season but on the Magic’s future. Ariza returned to action Sunday versus the Rockets (14 points, 5 rebounds, 10-12 FTs), his first game since spraining his knee on January 10th. The Orlando Magic were 22-14 with Ariza in the lineup, and just 5-16 while he was out. One of the most important things Ariza brings to the table is youth and athleticism from the wing, something the Magic desperately need. They weren’t getting that from Hedo Turkoglu, J.J. Reddick and Grant Hill (when he plays). Trevor also plays some pretty mean defense outside, where they’ve been lacking.

While the season averages as a starter of 10.7 points, 4.6 boards and 1.7 steals on 53.5% from the field are very respectable, they don’t indicate the valuable energy and hustle he puts forth nightly. As Brian Schmitz said, “Ariza does so many things well that he makes an impact without launching a shot.” Because he is a 21-year-old, significant improvement is expected from him, especially on offense, over the next few seasons. Those in deeper fantasy basketball leagues should give him a look, as he can provide superior FG% and steals. Ariza will likely be inserted back into the starting lineup sometime this week. A second-round pick out of UCLA in 2004, Ariza has been making a name for himself around the league with his ups and hustle and has been in high demand since the Knicks included him in the Steve Francis trade last year.

When the Magic were talking about trading Steve Francis to the New York Knicks last February, they said not including Ariza — a 2004 second-round pick by the Knicks — was a deal-breaker.

When the Magic allowed Ariza to become a restricted free agent last summer, they let teams know they would match any offer and eventually re-signed him.

And when trade winds blew again last week, the Magic apparently nixed a deal to land Vince Carter from New Jersey because the Nets wanted Ariza included.

Those are ringing endorsement’s for Trevor from the front office, and I think he has a good shot to validate the decisions. One thing is for certain: If Ariza does develop the way GM Otis Smith envisions it’s going to look like another typical Isiah Thomas move. Smith is enamored with the young man, and thinks he has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone.

The word “star” even spills from General Manager Otis Smith’s mouth when he projects his future. Smith isn’t one to gush, but he’s counting on Ariza to be a go-to guy — and this is a guy who has yet to go to his jump-shot

Orlando is clearly set at center with Dwight Howard, they are counting on Darko Milicic to be the power forward and Jameer Nelson as the point guard, so the perimiter positions are where they need to focus now. This year’s lottery pick J.J. Redick has not adapted to the speed of the NBA game, and he is now projected to provide marksmanship off the bench for the forseeable future (Who didn’t see that coming?). Their actions seem to indicate that they are counting on Ariza to be one of those wing players, and it is believed the other position will be addressed in free agency this summer.

Here’s something else Ariza has done: He has put the Magic — who likely won’t have a first-round draft pick — on notice. He’s proof that gems can be found in the second round.

Two premier scorers could be on the market, Seattle’s Rashard Lewis and New Jersey’s Vince Carter (if he decides to opt out of his contract that will pay him $16.8 million next season). Orlando and and the Charlotte Bobcats are currently the only teams projected to have the salary cap space to sign either, and the Magic will likely pursue both aggressively. Hopefully they can land Rashard Lewis; he is younger, longer and a better pure shooter. Lewis recently turned down a two-year, $25 million offer and is reportedly looking for a six-year deal, something the Sonics will not be able to offer. The ninth-year small forward is among the league’s best perimiter shooters and is putting up an impressive 21.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.4 three-pointers (On extremely efficient percentages of 47.3% FGs, 90.1% FTs and 40% behindthe arc). If he signs with the Magic they will be expected to take a major step forward in the East and instantly become a young, promising team to watch.

Possibly Related Content:

1. Orlando Magic Win Big… and Should Savor the Taste of Victory While They Still Can


2. Let’s Not Bury the Orlando Magic Just Yet


3. An Official Apology to the Orlando Magic


4. Somebody Remind the Orlando Magic That They Haven’t Won Anything Yet


5. The Orlando Magic Will Not Claim Eastern Conference Supremacy This Season