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MAGIC 117, BUCKS 94
Diener doesn't see future in Orlando
Brian Schmitz
Sentinel Staff Writer
April 10, 2007
Magic point guard Travis Diener said he wasn't thinking about whether Monday night's game would be his last at Milwaukee's Bradley Center, his home floor when he played at Marquette.
Diener, who becomes a restricted free agent after the season, doubts he figures into the Magic's long-term plans. He is the fourth guard and hasn't been activated the past 10 games.
"You just look at the numbers," said Diener, the Magic's second-round pick in 2006. "We've got Jameer [Nelson], Keyon [Dooling] and Carlos [Arroyo]. So . . . we'll see. I think, I hope, I'll be playing somewhere [next season]."
General Manager Otis Smith said several teams before the trade deadline had expressed interest in Diener, but they wanted him as a third point guard.
"Obviously, it's been frustrating," Diener said. "But I approached it with a smile and just enjoy the opportunity to play basketball every day. There are a lot of people worse off than me. I think sooner or later my chance will come."
I hope he gets picked up by somebody who needs a backup point. Most games he does play in he does very well. I watched him play some garbage time against NJ earlier this year and he was more than serviceable. It's just tough when you're the 4th string and for some reason your GM doesn't want to trade you.
You can go back and look and the Orlando Magic fan boards when Diener was playing and find a significant portion of posters who thought they played best with Diener running point. Better than Nelson and better than Aroyo.
I just can't believe he won't catch on as a backup somewhere. Are there really 60 better point guards in the NBA?
Somebody's going to sign him. Phoenix as well as a couple other teams showed interest in him before the trade deadline.
it wouldn't surprise me at all if he finds a team that will play him quite a bit next year. I'm pretty sure he'll land on his feet somewhere. And he has played very well in his limited playing time. It really doesn't surprise me that some fans think the Magic play better w/ Diener running the point.
Miami needs a backup point guard for when the aging-wonderlesses start choking wind. Not too mention gives them a 3-pt threat.
Quote from: marqptm on April 10, 2007, 06:50:54 PM
Miami needs a backup point guard for when the aging-wonderlesses start choking wind. Not too mention gives them a 3-pt threat.
I agree. This is one of the best - if not THE BEST - situations for Travis:
- Wade will drive and attract two defenders, pass out, Diener shoots.
- Shaq will drive and attract two defenders, pass out, Diener shoots.
- Countless PGs will blow by Diener, help D steps up or Shaq blocks.
- Diener pushes up the ball, drags defenders, pass out, Kapono for three.
- Ditto...Wade shot.
- Ditto...Shaq dunk.
;D
That is definately up hsi alley I see him being a Steve Kerr liek player in the Future.
as much as i like diener, i don't see him as a kerr like role player. mostly b/c b4 kerr played for the spurs he had already established himself as the record holder for the highest 3 pt. percentage in nba history. but i see where you're going, diener could definitely be a good role player on any team that needs a 3 pt. shooter