Mar 4, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Willie Green (34) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
3. Which of Frye, Gordon, Green and Ridnour have the biggest impact off the court?
Oliver: Willie Green. I wrote this about him being ready to take on a leadership role and I think it’s a role he’ll thrive in. Ronnie Price took that role with the team last season, and from talking with some of the guys, was a big help in getting them more comfortable in the league. Green is well traveled and a guy who could end up as a coach when he finally hangs the sneakers up for the final time, so having him in the locker room will be big for the young Magic team.
Hutson: I’ll say Frye again because of his relationship with his cousin, Tobias Harris. Harris really needs a legitimate three-point shot to become a go-to player in Orlando, so it’d be nice if Frye could mentor him and rub off some of his shooting ability onto the young forward. I don’t think things really work out so conveniently like that, but there’s no doubt he’ll take over as the one to provide some of that veteran guidance to what’s still a very young team.
Wolf: I’ll go with Luke Ridnour. The 11-year veteran has seen his fair share of good teams and bad teams, though mostly bad. Though Ridnour hasn’t won any championships in the NBA, he’s still carved out a long career for himself. Anyone who has played 11-years in the NBA probably has some valuable insights that they can share. Insights that probably include how to stay involved even when you’re on a losing team. Ridnour’s ability to keep the team positive in a transitional time will do wonders for the development of the younger players.
Babazadeh: I think Frye, Green and Ridnour will all make a big impact on this young squad. I like the veteran presence Frye and Green bring, both having great attitudes and professional mindsets, but I’ll have to go with Ridnour on this one by a close margin. My reasoning here is that Ridnour will be looked at as a mentor for the young Payton. The two could form a relationship similar to what Oladipo and Nelson had last year, and that could play a pivotal role in the rookie’s development.
Taylor: In my opinion I think Green will have a pretty big impact. Like Ridnour, Green has been around the league for 11 years and has been on his fair share of teams, most recently with the Los Angeles Clippers. Green spent the last two years around the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and of course head coach Doc Rivers last season. In his opening press conference with the Magic, Green did not seem like a player upset after changing teams from a playoff contender to a project team like the Magic and that shows off his maturity and professionalism, something the Magic love to have in the locker room.