Will the Magic make the leap this year?

[drsd]

If Harris is our 3rd best player next year we are in trouble.

I love Harris, but And-1

Orlando needs to seriously consider a Consolidation upgrade. How Harris, Ross and the 2023 FRP can be combined with components of other assets (one of: Okeke, the Bulls-FRP, the Nuggets-FRP, the Magic-2025 FRP, etc.).

Based on a time-line of contracts coming, this is actually a fairly pressing priority where a YES trigger might happen at the ASW break.


..

[Skybox]

If Harris is our 3rd best player next year we are in trouble.

I love Harris, but And-1

Orlando needs to seriously consider a Consolidation upgrade. How Harris, Ross and the 2023 FRP can be combined with components of other assets (one of: Okeke, the Bulls-FRP, the Nuggets-FRP, the Magic-2025 FRP, etc.).

Based on a time-line of contracts coming, this is actually a fairly pressing priority where a YES trigger might happen at the ASW break.


..

Agree...but rephrased, "If Harris is your backup SG, you're in pretty good shape"

Based on recent performance, Harris (at this moment) is, arguably, the best guard on ORL. I expect that to change quickly. If Suggs just gets to average offensive performance (I think he'll go way beyond that) and Cole just settles down and gets more efficient in his running of the offense (I could see it with a lot more talent around him now) and Fultz just plays like he can (with some improved shooting up and down the roster due to better ball movement/gravity of our forwards)...Harris should be our 4th best guard quickly -and that's a very intriguing team, considering our very promising frontline.

I really want to see a 40+% guy at SG to make the most of our frontline's gifts...to me, that most likely means Fultz is out of the starting lineup (at some point) because I'd rather see Suggs at point than on the bench. IF Suggs just can't shoot, perhaps a more refined Cole takes the PG job...it's not as unlikely that he can make big shots.

There are several (potential) 40% guys available if we can't grow our own...Trent, Herro, Heild, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, Doug McDermott, Beasley, Kennard, Grimes, Cam Johnson, Bogdanovic, Trey Murphy. There's quite a variety of values listed here - just off the top of my head and several are due for big RFA hauls next summer. Some teams trying to gather picks for a bigger deal might be willing to sacrifice a young prospect in the pursuit of a win-now guy (we could help). Some might be had for very little but may not be as good a fit (Beasley, Richardson, McDermott)...some are young, some are older place-holders...depends on what direction we go and who clicks in a more exciting offensive style "Pace and Space" might really mean something this year. We have a lot of guys that could make an argument for starting (Suggs, Cole, Fultz, Harris, Franz, TRoss, Isaac, Banchero, Bamba, WCJ)...some obviously are more likely than others, but that's a good thing and gives us options and lots of trade pieces, once we figure out who works out best for ORL.

I think we're in really good shape regarding our trajectory...but, at some point, a bold and, maybe expensive, move may present itself to grab that missing piece that immediately complements and enhances our other guys' development. I'm completely focused on PB and Franz and determining who makes them look the best and win games.

[drsd]

If Harris is our 3rd best player next year we are in trouble.

I love Harris, but And-1

Orlando needs to seriously consider a Consolidation upgrade. How Harris, Ross and the 2023 FRP can be combined with components of other assets (one of: Okeke, the Bulls-FRP, the Nuggets-FRP, the Magic-2025 FRP, etc.).

Based on a time-line of contracts coming, this is actually a fairly pressing priority where a YES trigger might happen at the ASW break.


..

Agree...but rephrased, "If Harris is your backup SG, you're in pretty good shape"

Based on recent performance, Harris (at this moment) is, arguably, the best guard on ORL. I expect that to change quickly. If Suggs just gets to average offensive performance (I think he'll go way beyond that) and Cole just settles down and gets more efficient in his running of the offense (I could see it with a lot more talent around him now) and Fultz just plays like he can (with some improved shooting up and down the roster due to better ball movement/gravity of our forwards)...Harris should be our 4th best guard quickly -and that's a very intriguing team, considering our very promising frontline.

I really want to see a 40+% guy at SG to make the most of our frontline's gifts...to me, that most likely means Fultz is out of the starting lineup (at some point) because I'd rather see Suggs at point than on the bench. IF Suggs just can't shoot, perhaps a more refined Cole takes the PG job...it's not as unlikely that he can make big shots.

There are several (potential) 40% guys available if we can't grow our own...Trent, Herro, Heild, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, Doug McDermott, Beasley, Kennard, Grimes, Cam Johnson, Bogdanovic, Trey Murphy. There's quite a variety of values listed here - just off the top of my head and several are due for big RFA hauls next summer. Some teams trying to gather picks for a bigger deal might be willing to sacrifice a young prospect in the pursuit of a win-now guy (we could help). Some might be had for very little but may not be as good a fit (Beasley, Richardson, McDermott)...some are young, some are older place-holders...depends on what direction we go and who clicks in a more exciting offensive style "Pace and Space" might really mean something this year. We have a lot of guys that could make an argument for starting (Suggs, Cole, Fultz, Harris, Franz, TRoss, Isaac, Banchero, Bamba, WCJ)...some obviously are more likely than others, but that's a good thing and gives us options and lots of trade pieces, once we figure out who works out best for ORL.

I think we're in really good shape regarding our trajectory...but, at some point, a bold and, maybe expensive, move may present itself to grab that missing piece that immediately complements and enhances our other guys' development. I'm completely focused on PB and Franz and determining who makes them look the best and win games.

You clearly have this depth chart in mind:


Fultz/Anthony/Cannady
Suggs/Harris/Hampton/Ross
F-Wagner/Okeke/Houstan
Banchero/Isaac/Bol
Carter/Bamba/M-Bamba

Beyond that one of those 16 needs to be axed, it is intersting thinking reflectively on the collective second unit.

Anthony/Harris/Okeke/Isaac/Bamba

It is balanced, has offence and defense. It is interesting. To your central point, I think Anthony and Harris will thrive as second stringers together. In particular, both of their shooting numbers should go up efficiency wise.



..

[jonbob17]

You clearly have this depth chart in mind:


Fultz/Anthony/Cannady
Suggs/Harris/Hampton/Ross
F-Wagner/Okeke/Houstan
Banchero/Isaac/Bol
Carter/Bamba/M-Bamba

Beyond that one of those 16 needs to be axed, it is intersting thinking reflectively on the collective second unit.

Anthony/Harris/Okeke/Isaac/Bamba

It is balanced, has offence and defense. It is interesting. To your central point, I think Anthony and Harris will thrive as second stringers together. In particular, both of their shooting numbers should go up efficiency wise.

..

I think it's pretty safe to leave Cannady off these lists going forward. It's not like we could trade Ross in to cap space. The only other option is if they waive Ross or he agrees to a buy out, but I doubt, there is more savingsthan the vet minimum. The Magic are going to do what they always do, overvalue Ross and think that they can trade him for anything, and as always we will be disappointed. Let's just hope it is not at the expense of the younger guys. I'd much rather see Hampton get 8 minutes a game than Ross. Frankly between the two of them last year they had an all-time competition of ineptitude.

Better yet push the big guys to the 2 anytime the guard rotation needs additional rest. Suggs/Franz/Banchero/JI/WCJ

[Skybox]

I love Harris, but And-1

Orlando needs to seriously consider a Consolidation upgrade. How Harris, Ross and the 2023 FRP can be combined with components of other assets (one of: Okeke, the Bulls-FRP, the Nuggets-FRP, the Magic-2025 FRP, etc.).

Based on a time-line of contracts coming, this is actually a fairly pressing priority where a YES trigger might happen at the ASW break.


..

Agree...but rephrased, "If Harris is your backup SG, you're in pretty good shape"

Based on recent performance, Harris (at this moment) is, arguably, the best guard on ORL. I expect that to change quickly. If Suggs just gets to average offensive performance (I think he'll go way beyond that) and Cole just settles down and gets more efficient in his running of the offense (I could see it with a lot more talent around him now) and Fultz just plays like he can (with some improved shooting up and down the roster due to better ball movement/gravity of our forwards)...Harris should be our 4th best guard quickly -and that's a very intriguing team, considering our very promising frontline.

I really want to see a 40+% guy at SG to make the most of our frontline's gifts...to me, that most likely means Fultz is out of the starting lineup (at some point) because I'd rather see Suggs at point than on the bench. IF Suggs just can't shoot, perhaps a more refined Cole takes the PG job...it's not as unlikely that he can make big shots.

There are several (potential) 40% guys available if we can't grow our own...Trent, Herro, Heild, Duncan Robinson, Josh Richardson, Doug McDermott, Beasley, Kennard, Grimes, Cam Johnson, Bogdanovic, Trey Murphy. There's quite a variety of values listed here - just off the top of my head and several are due for big RFA hauls next summer. Some teams trying to gather picks for a bigger deal might be willing to sacrifice a young prospect in the pursuit of a win-now guy (we could help). Some might be had for very little but may not be as good a fit (Beasley, Richardson, McDermott)...some are young, some are older place-holders...depends on what direction we go and who clicks in a more exciting offensive style "Pace and Space" might really mean something this year. We have a lot of guys that could make an argument for starting (Suggs, Cole, Fultz, Harris, Franz, TRoss, Isaac, Banchero, Bamba, WCJ)...some obviously are more likely than others, but that's a good thing and gives us options and lots of trade pieces, once we figure out who works out best for ORL.

I think we're in really good shape regarding our trajectory...but, at some point, a bold and, maybe expensive, move may present itself to grab that missing piece that immediately complements and enhances our other guys' development. I'm completely focused on PB and Franz and determining who makes them look the best and win games.

You clearly have this depth chart in mind:


Fultz/Anthony/Cannady
Suggs/Harris/Hampton/Ross
F-Wagner/Okeke/Houstan
Banchero/Isaac/Bol
Carter/Bamba/M-Bamba

Beyond that one of those 16 needs to be axed, it is intersting thinking reflectively on the collective second unit.

Anthony/Harris/Okeke/Isaac/Bamba

It is balanced, has offence and defense. It is interesting. To your central point, I think Anthony and Harris will thrive as second stringers together. In particular, both of their shooting numbers should go up efficiency wise.



..

MY depth chart (if I get to have one) makes no mention of Cannady, Bol, and possibly Hampton...I'd prefer to give a re-engaged TRoss some PT, even if it's just agreed to try to raise his trade value. I see NO reason to waive or buy out TRoss when our shooting has not shown up yet (unless he's just out -I don't think he is anymore). I guess we keep 13 on the active roster so, to me, that's the top 10 + Moe Wagner, Houstan, and (for now at least)TRoss. Possibly, Houstan starts in the G league with Hampton on our bench.

I also love the balance and versatility and I start Fultz and Suggs...but if there is NO sign of shooting, I switch it up before the opener to get Harris or Cole, or even TRoss in as the starting 2. I really think Suggs is a future star, but we need shooting from day one from at least one of the guard spots, IMO.

Good news is that there's a lot of tough choices to make - for better reasons than the choices we've made in recent years. Showcasing lesser guys like TRoss, Bamba, Hampton, Fultz(?) early might help us stride towards that consolidation trade that we agree should be the next big step.

[drsd]

In reply to this potential depth chart:
Fultz/Anthony/Cannady
Suggs/Harris/Hampton/Ross
F-Wagner/Okeke/Houstan
Banchero/Isaac/Bol
Carter/Bamba/M-Wagner


Yes if Ross is not traded or waived, it kind of has to be Cannady that is waived. Under that scenario, Hampton becomes the 3rd string PG leading to this depth chart, with rotational players in colour.

Fultz/Anthony/Hampton
Suggs/Harris/Ross
F-Wagner/Okeke/Houstan
Banchero/Isaac/Bol
Carter/Bamba/M-Wagner

That is a very simply 10-player rotation where Hampton and M-Wagner would be the game-dependent 11th and 12th men.
Ross' role is to be an injury replacement player for any SG or SF.
Bol and Houstan have best-fan-seat-in-the-NBA roles.

Frankly, to quote Mr. Otis Smith, "I like this team".

(( If I were coach I would start Harris over Suggs, but developmentally, I understand starting Suggs ))


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[zaymon]

If anybody has play-in expectations, I'm pretty sure you're going to be disappointed. The majority of other teams are ahead of us.
As rosters stand right now, Philly, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Boston, Miami, Toronto, Cleveland, Chicago and Atlanta are absolutely better than us. Injuries can happen to change things, but that still leaves New York, Detroit, Charlotte and Washington who you can make an argument are also better than us. I like the direction were headed, but unless there are some major injuries the only Eastern team I expect us to be better than for sure is Indy. I still think we can get close to 30 wins and be much more competitive, but we're still a bottom 6-8 team in the league.

Its true if no player gets better during summer. I am not sure if Cleveland and Atlanta are absolutly better. They are just more proven. We will propably be in a huge cluster. Look at our roster, outside Wagner who is amazing and Banchero who was #1 pick we are young but not that young. Narration with change after we see Franz in Eurocup.

Franz with cool 23 points and passes like at least solid secondary playmaker.