Gordan

Giricek

Juwan Howard will move back and forth between small forward and center depending on the opponent. Since the Magic are an Eastern Conference team, Giricek will probably start the majority of the time. However, the plan will still limit his value.

Giricek has missed three games with the injury, and could go on the IL if Pat Garrity is activated Friday.

He’s day-to-day with a sprained arch in his right foot.

Britton Johnsen is expected to start at small forward for the Magic to provide hustle and defense. Giricek should still see plenty of minutes with his primary responsibility being outside shooting.

Utah also has expressed an interest in Giricek and could be offering Carlos Arroyo or Jarron Collins. Giricek is in demand for his long-distance shooting and expiring contract. If the Magic are considering adding Fizer, you’d have to assume that would mean Juwan Howard is on his way out of town.

Sources say that the Magic are inclined to re-sign Giricek, who can become a free agent after the season, to a three-year deal. They would still like to acquire Eric Snow from the Sixers, and are willing to part with the expiring contracts of Steven Hunter and Shammond Williams.

The Magic will receive DeShawn Stevenson in return for Giricek, who should have some fantasy value in Utah. The Jazz will send Keon Clark and Ben Handlogten to Phoenix for Googs and two first-round picks.

Possibility number one has Gordan Giricek and Steven Hunter headed to Salt Lake in exchange for DeShawn Stevenson. The Magic are also pursuing possible deals for Philadelphia point guard Eric Snow, Chicago forward Marcus Fizer. They are believed to have offered Drew Gooden, along with Giricek and Tyronn Lue to the Warriors for Erick Dampier, who can become a free agent this summer. They also continue to talk with the Timberwolves about Juwan Howard for Michael Olowokandi. The fact that Orlando is willing to deal Gooden and Howard is an indication they may have their sights set on UConn’s Omeka Okafor in the draft.

Jerry Sloan expects Giricek to play “a lot of minutes.” He’s worth picking up if you need 3’s. The Jazz want him to shoot at will.

Giricek has gone hom to Orlando for the birth of his his first child.