J.J. Redick or Gilbert Arenas - Who will grab Orlando Magic’s shooting guard position – NBA Update
The veteran shooting guard of the Orlando Magic, Jason Richardson is about to become an unrestricted free agent. Richardson has not signed a contract extension so far and it has left a vacant spot on the Magic roster. In this entire
scenario, the player who is favourite to fill Richardson’s place is J.J. Redick.
And the guard, who until now had been used by Stan Van Gundy just as a role player has expressed his delight on the fact. During a basketball camp, Redick said, "I don't know if that'll ever happen with the Magic, and to be quite
frank with you, I'm OK with that."
"I would certainly like to start. I mean every player would probably like to start. But I enjoy my role on the Magic and for me, any frustration that I've had in the last few years has been about not winning a championship. That's
kind of what my focus is."
Redick’s career average is 7.7 points with an average log time of 19 minutes. However, the 6 ft. 4 guard has enhanced his figures in the last season when his minutes were increased by Van Gundy. J.J. scored at an average of 10.1
points per game along with 1.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
However, many NBA analyst are of the view that instead of using Redick in the all important slot, the Magic should bring in the 29 years old shooting guard Gilbert Arenas. Both players participated against the Atlanta Hawks in
the first round of the playoffs. Redick played all six games while Arenas was present in five. Redick tallied an average of 6.7 points, clutched 1.8 rebounds and provided 1 assist during his 19.8 minutes stay on court. On the other hand, Arenas scored 9.3
points along with 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game and it took him just 17 minutes to achieve these stats.
Arenas is not just in front of Redick in previous season stats, but there is also a huge gap between their career averages as well. Gilbert is a far better offensive option than J.J. Redick. In fact there was a time when Arenas
was being touted as one of the very best in the business and his fortunes only fell after the infamous locker room gun incident.
Both players are of same height (6 ft 4in). However, Gilbert has more experience than Redick and still has a long way to go. Redick underwent a surgery to torn abdominal muscle last season and he is still in the recovery process.
Although he’ll be fit before the next season, but recovery time will waste most of his off season work out time. The thing that can convince Van Gundy to utilize Arenas the most, is the fact that his ace player has publically voiced concern about the under
utilization of Arenas.
So if the Magic are aiming to win the title this season by keeping Dwight Howard in the pack, the franchise should pursue with Gilbert, who has the potential to overwhelm the big stage.
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