Bass Gives Magic a Physical Presence

ORLANDO -- The Orlando Magic are hoping that power forward Brandon Bass can add the inside toughness and rebounding help they need to compliment their array of outside shooters.

He agreed to a four-year deal worth a reported $18 million Friday, picking the Magic over Cleveland, New Orleans and Portland.

"We get somebody now who can defend the big power forwards,'' said Magic general manager Otis Smith. "We have the potential to be a better team now. He fits what we do. He will give us something we didn't have.''

Bass, was a reserve last season for Dallas, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 minutes while mostly playing behind Dirk Nowitzki.

The Magic have been looking for a more physical presence in the free agent market ever since they were out-muscled around the basket by the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

They had targeted Bass, along with Rasheed Wallace, in the free agent market that opened July 1. Once Wallace decided on signing in Boston, the Magic turned their full attention to Bass.

Bass is not projected to be a starter with the Magic – Rashard Lewis will remain the starting power forward – but his availability will allow Lewis to spend more time at small forward, which was occupied last season by Hedo Turkoglu, who will be playing in Toronto.

The Magic didn't have a true power forward on the roster last season. Veteran Tony Battie, who was traded to New Jersey last month, was more of a center/forward. He also is 33. Bass is 23 and more energetic at 6-8, 240 pounds.

Magic now are wavering on whether to match the offer sheet that the Mavs gave to restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat on Wednesday. They can keep Gortat if they are wiling to match the five-year, $34 million offer sheet.

Although Smith has said the price for Gortat "is a little high,'' he could match the offer and then trade him after waiting 90 days.