Weighing their options without Nelson

Only two days have passed since Jameer Nelson's injury and it is still unclear what path he will take to get back. But it is clear (even with a blowout win against the Clippers) that the Magic cannot stand pat and expect to still compete for an Eastern Conference title.

Anthony Johnson has been good this year. He has done everything that has been asked of him. But we all know he can not start nearly half the season and the playoffs. At least, if Orlando wants to be successful.

More than one site has conjectured how the Magic will try to replace Nelson. It is clear at the very least they need another body at the point.

You can read Brian Schmitz or Marc Stein's interesting takes on and solutions to the situation.

Johnson is playing quite well tonight (20 points in the first half), but he is not going to keep that up and the Magic do not face the Clippers anymore.

So where does Orlando go?

The first option is to try and find a free agent. But who is available?

Darrell Armstrong already took that coaching position with the Mavericks. Steve Francis cannot play anymore (and we do not want to go down that road again). Former Magic player Sidney Green's son, and Florida alum, Taurean Green is not doing anything. Edgewater alum Darius Washington has NBA experience and can at least imitate Nelson with his scoring ability.

These are all kind of far-fetched ideas. But what else is available in a trade?

Raymond Felton from Charlotte is definitely available and would be a long-term backup for Nelson (sorry Anthony). Plus he is still working on his rookie contract so that would make him a bargain. Felton is a guy that could really work.

Another guy on the block is Jamaal Tinsley. The maligned Pacers point guard has wanted out of Indianapolis for some time now. He is an experienced starter, which is probably the most important thing Orlando can get out of a replacement. His contract is no fun ($14.5 million over two years). But if the Magic are serious about contending, he is a pretty good option.

There are other options out there in the trade market, but the next question Otis Smith has to ask is: What is the cost?

It is no secret that Courtney Lee has rendered Keith Bogans pretty useless (or at best an older version of Lee). So he is on the table. But to get anyon really fantastic in the trade market, it may cost Hedo Turkoglu. I do not think they can trade him.

Orlando simply does not have a lot to offer other teams in a trade. The team does not have a whole lot of draft picks (although do not be surprised to see Fran Vazquez to be put on the table) and does not have a lot of young talent it can part with.

I think free agency is the route most likely taken then. Who the Magic bring in is anybody's guess. But it has to be someone who can take some of the scoring burden off of Johnson and the other key players.

But who they bring in and how they do it will be a sign of whether Otis Smith believes this is the year Orlando can win a title.