Who's to blame in Orlando?

[manbehindtheman]

I've had a longstanding theory that any team that has Hedo T.  as a vital piece of the puzzle isn't going too far in the playoffs.

That's a pretty bad theory given they made the Finals with him being a key cog not very long ago.

Regardless if it is a good or bad theory, it is my theory.  He does not perform well in the playoffs and I don't think a team that has him as a crucial piece is going to be kissing the trophy, which is what I should have said to begin with. 

When you have a theory that is so clearly contradicted by facts, you should probably revise it

I do think that Hedo's current level of play means he's done as an impact player.

My theory has been borne out, a team that has Hedo T. as a crucial part will not win a championship.  Once he wins a championship and is a crucial part of the win, my theory will be proven wrong, until then the theory stands.  I don't like what he brings to the table and wouldn't want him on any time I'm rooting for.

[Finkelskyhook]

My theory has been borne out, a team that has Hedo T. as a crucial part will not win a championship.

As opposed to one with Tank Carter on it?

What Orlando is doing is reminiscent of what Philly tried to do with Iverson.  Huge difference in the quality of player (not to mention character) between Iverson and Howard.  Both organizations keep/kept throwing mud at the wall.  Like Philly, Orlando keeps doubling down on their disasters.  Like Philly, when this is all said and done, Orlando will be one of the worst teams in basketball as a result.

[Jon]

I guess Howard's no Bill Russell after all.   

Still, I don't blame Otis Smith that much, at least not on the last trade.  This team was never going to win a title with Carter, Pietrus, Gortat, etc., and they're never going to win one with this core. 

I somewhat applaud him for at least rolling the dice.  At least with Arenas there was a remote possibility that he regained his form from a few years ago and took them to a new level.  Doesn't look like it's going to happen; however, I don't think Smith blew up anything special. 

[BballTim]

I've had a longstanding theory that any team that has Hedo T.  as a vital piece of the puzzle isn't going too far in the playoffs.

That's a pretty bad theory given they made the Finals with him being a key cog not very long ago.

Regardless if it is a good or bad theory, it is my theory.  He does not perform well in the playoffs and I don't think a team that has him as a crucial piece is going to be kissing the trophy, which is what I should have said to begin with. 

When you have a theory that is so clearly contradicted by facts, you should probably revise it

I do think that Hedo's current level of play means he's done as an impact player.

My theory has been borne out, a team that has Hedo T. as a crucial part will not win a championship.  Once he wins a championship and is a crucial part of the win, my theory will be proven wrong, until then the theory stands.

  I'm somewhat reminded of someone who used to post that we'd never win a title until we got rid of Pierce because he'd been on the team his whole career and we hadn't won one yet. I could claim that a team with Renaldo Balkman as it's best player and leading scorer would breeze to a title and not be proven wrong until such a team was assembled and failed.

[ManUp]

Everyone, but Dwight. Although Otis Smith and Stan Van Gundy should be the first heads to roll. Otis Smith because the only thing he's ever done right is draft Dwight. Stan Van Gundy because he really does seem to be a "master of panic".

[CeltsAcumen]

Otis Smith, why he decided not to sign Turkoglu and then blow up his roster to get him back is beyond me.

Right when the trade was made sending Gortat for Turkoglu, their season was over.