Are we too good for the tank?

[jonbob17]

I'm pretty sure WeHam finally realized we don't need to tank for Wemby when we've already got Paolo and Franz. Just build around those 2 guys and we'll be contending in a couple years.

I don't know if they're pulling the strings but I agree we have enough talent to build with. I see outside observers say we need another top 10 pick but we have 7 top 10 picks 25 or under on this roster. Plus even if we're competitive, I think we'll end up with two more top 10 picks anyway.

Wemby or Scoot would be nice, but life doesn't work that way!

I still say us sitting about where we are now in the standings the rest of the year "feels" right. Maybe we go up a spot or two, but the play-in was perhaps a goal too high.

Or Suggs and Carter could get back to full strength, be inserted into the starting lineup and we win another 8/10 and find ourselves in play-in contention.

I mean we are only 2.5 games out of the 10th seed. All of the teams 6th or worse are a major injury away from the lottery. If we play .500 from here that is probably good enough. Is a healthy Magic team a .500 team...maybe

I have no faith in Chicago or Washington (who have lost beal for an unknown period of time). Will one of the Knicks, Hawks, Heat, Pacers, or Raptors falter...I'd say the Heat and Raptors have injury cracks, but should be fine if healthy. Pacers look solid. Hawks should get better. Vanvleet got hurt again yesterday

If i had to bet on only one spot for us to finish it would be 11th in the east. Who knows how healthy any of these teams will be, and especially the Magic.

[eyriq]

I mean we are only 2.5 games out of the 10th seed. All of the teams 6th or worse are a major injury away from the lottery. If we play .500 from here that is probably good enough. Is a healthy Magic team a .500 team...maybe

That's the critical question. It's an imperfectly built team led by a rookie and sophomore. We've got injury prone and/or young players. Tons of unknowns. Such a good dark horse story.