The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

September 24, 1997: "Mavs send veteran Harper to Magic for 3-D"

The Orlando Magic acquired veteran point guard Derek Harper and F Ed O’Bannon from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for F Dennis Scott and $500,000 in cash.

Note: All 3 players will be free agents after this season.

1997 - 1998 Salaries:

Dennis Scott, Dallas: $3 M.

Derek Harper, Orl.: $1.6 M.

Ed O’Bannon, Orl.: $1.472 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Dallas.

Why?

In Dennis Scott, the Mavs acquired their starting small forward as well as their best 3 point shooter for a veteran (Harper) who asked to be traded and an underachiever (bust?—O’Bannon).  Considering all the off - season turmoil Scott has been involved in this past summer, look for him to have a big year in order to prove those who doubted his commitment to basketball were very wrong.

Granted, without a dominant low post scoring center like Shaq; Dennis, for the 2nd season in a row, won’t have as many wide open 3 point opportunities.  However, Dennis now weighs 228 pounds (his lowest since his playing days at Georgia Tech) which should allow him to flourish in the up tempo style the Mavs will play.  He sank an NBA record 267 3 - pointers just 2 seasons ago.

With Scott at the small forward spot, Michael Finley will play big guard.  Finley should really enjoy going against players he’s quicker and bigger than as opposed to playing at small forward as he did last season.

The Mavs starting five should be Shawn Bradley at center; either Kurt Thomas or A.C. Green at power forward; Scott at small forward; Finley at big guard; and either Robert Pack or Erick Strickland running the offense.  A considerable upgrade over last year’s starting unit which finished the season.

In Derek Harper, 36, in November, Orlando acquired the veteran point guard they have wanted since the end of last season.  With Harper, Penny Hardaway will move to his best position—big guard.  Harper will provide leadership, stability, and defense.

Nick Anderson will move from big guard to small forward.  The Magic won’t be a very good 3 point shooting club since Scott was the club’s best long range shooter.  However, new coach Chuck Daly doesn’t rely on the 3 pointer very much.  Daly believes in tough team defense and versatility.  The Magic now have both.

Dennis Scott wasn’t in the Magic’s future plans anyway.  Backing up Anderson will be ‘97 first round pick Johnny Taylor and last year’s first round pick Brian Evans.

Harper will compete with Darrell Armstrong for the starting point guard spot.  Brian Shaw will play back up at point as well as big guard.

Ed O’Bannon will be hard pressed to make the Magic’s opening day roster.