When Channing Frye signed a four-year, $34 million deal to join the Orlando Magic, many fans and pundits panned the deal, wondering why the Magic would overspend on a big man whose primary specialty is shooting 3-pointers.
I was one of the few who understood why the Magic had to overpay to land Frye. After trading away their best shooter in Aaron Afflalo, Orlando was suddenly short on an outside specialist who could stretch the floor. Enter Frye, a big man who can lure taller defenders out of the paint and allow the Magic’s slashers to get to the rim without hindrance. Frye will also be a valuable addition to the locker room as he can mentor the younger players on how to play winning basketball.
Whether or not you think the Frye signing was a boneheaded decision by Rob Hennigan, the investment has the potential to pay off for the Magic. Now that’s not to say that Frye couldn’t be a bust, because that is always a possibility with free agent signings of this sort; however, I believe that he can make a difference on a young Magic team looking to get back to the NBA playoffs.
For Orlando’s sake, let’s hope so.
Kareem Gantt is an NBA featured writer and covers the Orlando Magic for Rant Sports. For more from this author, ‘follow’ him on Twitter, ‘like’ him on Facebook, and ‘add’ him to your network on Google.
Chicago Bulls PF Pau Gasol has silenced doubters and is playing some of the best basketball of his career with the Bulls. Read More
Although the Miami Heat are having a rough season, they shouldn't rush into signing just any player during the trade period. Read More
The Miami Heat are in the midst of a six-game stretch against the NBA West. With the season possibly riding on the next five games, here are my game predictions. Read More
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Read More
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More