Magic Sign Pietrus, Maybe Lose Dooling

The Orlando Magic signed free agent swing man Mickael Pietrus to a four year, $24 million contract. He's expected to replace Mo Evans, last years' starting 2G on the roster. Pietrus brings brings athleticism and a solid defensive work ethic to the lineup.

Where this leaves the rest of the back court remains to be seen with today's announcement by Keyon Dooling's camp that he will not return to the Magic for the 2008/09 season. Dooling is seeking a contract in the $4 million per year range, but team president Bob Vander Wiede has recently stated that the Magic are unwilling to exceed the luxury tax cap threshold.

Dooling served as a combo guard specializing in defense, and playing the role of igniter with his consistently high energy level. His departure would leave the Magic currently with only one PG under contract, Jameer Nelson.

General Manager Otis Smith will have his work cut out for him in the coming months in trying to solidify a weak back court. The addition of Pietrus should be of help, but the depletion of the PG position has just become an urgent issue, and one that will be difficult to fix given the team's reluctance to exceed the luxury tax.

Whether or not the Dooling departure turns out to be a mistake is unknown at this time, but what is known is that the Magic are losing a player of high character, consistent work ethic, and having the ability to be versatile in the back court. Four million seems like a bargain.....