In some ways, this applies to Martins too. If he really wanted Skiles braintrusting the operation last season, or, that the rebuild be 2-3 seasons, then it's time to man up and kick out the current FO. I think it's better he not be involved basketball-side whatsoever, but if he is, then grow some authority. Stop putting two chefs in the kitchen.
And going back to the FO here.. Because it is one thing if a FO is being ultra secretive and tight-knit. But it's a whole other thing when this FO is clearly too afraid to even talk about the current state of the team, to talk about the clearly missed goals of each season without the explanation and the planned resolve to fix, and worst of all, not being confident enough to put out a future plan & positive-image for the team. As it is, they don't even try to sell themselves publicly and when they do, it turns out wrong without an explanation or a strong re-commitment. I think most of us here feel it too. It feels like the biggest problem of the team. It goes beyond hating this Magic's player game or fit, or how to fix the team's losses.. it all comes from our lack of clarification and public direction of the team's own FO. What the F are you doing up there? If you raise the expectations, expect fans to demand it.
*With sarcasm* So I'd say go ahead, keep making these great closed-door pitches to FAs and other agents/FOs. And don't bother with us on the outside, where there is a huge league wide perception of every team (that affects every players' perception), a big and influential media, a lot of season ticket holder money and loyalty, and a whole City Beautiful community trying to find a reason to rally black, white and blue.
I don't want to sound so damn negative but damn it's a depressing time to be a Magic fan. And who really knows what's going on too? I'm on the outside like most of us. Maybe there was never any serious level of control taken away from the current FO at any point and time. Maybe they really are (relatively) on the path to their ultimate objectives of a sustainable elite team. Maybe they just spout playoff expectations for pre- and early season ticket money before going back to being a completely closed-off group. For me, I have still seen some really, really good resumes, trades, and drafts to believe that the current FO has title-level skill. It gives me a small hope. And that's why I think it will either end up being a FO of huge success, or a FO of huge failure.
As it is right now today tho, the team is underperforming for like its 3rd straight season.. with a FO not taking responsibility for each season.. nor setting out a confident and positive public image to the league and fans. This was a FO that was being widely touted on and where our Asst GMs were being head-hunted from a few seasons ago.. to a FO with little interest or positivity anymore today..
There's always ups and downs in sports.. so which FO is it going to turn out to be?
