Official Speculation Thread '20-'21 VI: "I like this team"

[pepe1991]

Entering 2021 Magic power will still look the same
Vuc
Isaac
Gordon/Evan


and miles and miles away nobody comes close.

We can make playoffs if Vuc has elite season, Gordon has 17-18 ppg season, Evan and Ross shoot at respecful clip and we sign backup PG worth talking about.

But whole double-rookies thing will require lot of work. I'm terrified about idea of Cole Anthony -Bamba bench unit. They will devalue each other so much.

[PrimeThyme]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college. Inefficient (3-10 from the field 1-4 from 3), lack of impact (-20 plus/minus only behind birch’s), and did a lot of inexperienced young guard things out there tonight (3 turnovers && 5 personal fouls).

I could be wrong and Clifford/Weltman could just be fully committed to development this year and having the young guys play, but I just don’t think Clifford is going to have the patience with a young guard like that.

If this team is serious when they say they want to make the playoffs, which I believe they are, I don’t see Cole lasting for long in this rotation. I would expect them to hit the trade or free agency market for a backup.

I will still keep an open mind though && look for serious improvement over the preseason.

[pepe1991]

since nobody talked about Atlanta i'll do a bit

I'm very interested to see are Young and Collins ready to drop down to 24 and 16 ppg (or so) to win more games.
Trea has incredible potential as playmaker if he is commited to that, he'll be hell of a offensive player.
Collins same story, if he is ready to not rush hiw on offense, it will come to him naturally.

Capela is huge upgrade over whoever was C last year.
Galo off bench is instant offense, he might be 6th player of a year contender. ( 15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg should put him there i assume, especially because it's time to stop giving away that award for chuckers like Lou )

Reddish, I am always harsh of. Maybe because i find him having incredible potential yet playing like poo poo such a frustration.
Hunter will be really good player.
Huerter is my nba sleeper for " great career nobody saw comming". He is solid ballhandler, can shoot but also can make plays off dribble.

I saw like countless amount of Bogdan games, dating back when he was 18. Underrated player..Well now he is payed a lot so probly not underrated.

If Hawks can find some solid rotation that will give them enough defense and offense with some balance, they will be really good.

[basketballRob]

Entering 2021 Magic power will still look the same
Vuc
Isaac
Gordon/Evan


and miles and miles away nobody comes close.

We can make playoffs if Vuc has elite season, Gordon has 17-18 ppg season, Evan and Ross shoot at respecful clip and we sign backup PG worth talking about.

But whole double-rookies thing will require lot of work. I'm terrified about idea of Cole Anthony -Bamba bench unit. They will devalue each other so much.

We need more Birch.

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[drsd]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college.

Well: he is a clear #3 on the PG depth chart.

..

[tiderulz]

since nobody talked about Atlanta i'll do a bit

I'm very interested to see are Young and Collins ready to drop down to 24 and 16 ppg (or so) to win more games.
Trea has incredible potential as playmaker if he is commited to that, he'll be hell of a offensive player.
Collins same story, if he is ready to not rush hiw on offense, it will come to him naturally.

Capela is huge upgrade over whoever was C last year.
Galo off bench is instant offense, he might be 6th player of a year contender. ( 15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg should put him there i assume, especially because it's time to stop giving away that award for chuckers like Lou )

Reddish, I am always harsh of. Maybe because i find him having incredible potential yet playing like poo poo such a frustration.
Hunter will be really good player.
Huerter is my nba sleeper for " great career nobody saw comming". He is solid ballhandler, can shoot but also can make plays off dribble.

I saw like countless amount of Bogdan games, dating back when he was 18. Underrated player..Well now he is payed a lot so probly not underrated.

If Hawks can find some solid rotation that will give them enough defense and offense with some balance, they will be really good.

wow, that is a big change from what you have posted about him for the past 2 years.

[fendilim]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college.

Well: he is a clear #3 on the PG depth chart.

..

Have you heard him talk? when he talks... he “shoot”s. Lol

[JBSouthpaw]

Ever see Trae's 1st pre-season box score??
20 min FG 5-16 - 31.3%
3ptfg - 1-6 - 16.7%
Assist - 8
TO - 2
Pts - 11

You think ATL wanted to write him off then?
Cole's was almost mirror to this.
a bit better shooting #s, 1 more TO.

[JBSouthpaw]

Cole Anthony after Fri's game:
When a reporter asked Anthony to evaluate his performance, Anthony answered, “You want it on a scale of 1 to 10 or something? … One. I mean, shoot, I didn’t play well. I’m going to be honest. I was probably a little nervous out there. But once I got into the game, I just realized that at the end of the day, this is basketball. This is what I love to do. I feel like I got into a little bit of a rhythm. The game started to open up for me. But yeah, my overall performance was terrible.”
Via https://theathletic.com/2256134/2020/12/12/cole-anthony-chuma-okeke-debut/?source=weeklyemail

Good to see high standards from him.

[Knightro]

I’m not particularly concerned with Anthony or Okeke. They’re both gonna have significant struggles at times this year and that’s ok. If they both play hard and can learn and grow from their mistakes, Clifford will hopefully continue to play them both.

Considering they’re both non-lottery pick rookies coming off long layoffs, I wasn't all that discouraged.

I thought they each flashed a little bit of what they're going to need to do to see more playing time.

Okeke made a couple of threes and flashed defensively a couple of times, which is exactly what he’s going to need to do.

Anthony made three shots off the dribble, which is something the Magic have DESPERATELY lacked for the last several seasons.

Let's see how they can grow from here.

[KillMonger]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college. Inefficient (3-10 from the field 1-4 from 3), lack of impact (-20 plus/minus only behind birch’s), and did a lot of inexperienced young guard things out there tonight (3 turnovers && 5 personal fouls).

I could be wrong and Clifford/Weltman could just be fully committed to development this year and having the young guys play, but I just don’t think Clifford is going to have the patience with a young guard like that.

If this team is serious when they say they want to make the playoffs, which I believe they are, I don’t see Cole lasting for long in this rotation. I would expect them to hit the trade or free agency market for a backup.

I will still keep an open mind though && look for serious improvement over the preseason.

he did with kemba....relax bro, this is like summer league for the rooks right now plus i don't know how realistic they think making the playoffs really is considering their lack of movement and pretty much every other team in the division at least trying to make their team better....the FO knows this is a shot year, clifford may not but he's going to coach the same way no matter what just like he did in charlotte....and hopefully at least for me his fate will be the same here as it was in charlotte

[pepe1991]

since nobody talked about Atlanta i'll do a bit

I'm very interested to see are Young and Collins ready to drop down to 24 and 16 ppg (or so) to win more games.
Trea has incredible potential as playmaker if he is commited to that, he'll be hell of a offensive player.
Collins same story, if he is ready to not rush hiw on offense, it will come to him naturally.

Capela is huge upgrade over whoever was C last year.
Galo off bench is instant offense, he might be 6th player of a year contender. ( 15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg should put him there i assume, especially because it's time to stop giving away that award for chuckers like Lou )

Reddish, I am always harsh of. Maybe because i find him having incredible potential yet playing like poo poo such a frustration.
Hunter will be really good player.
Huerter is my nba sleeper for " great career nobody saw comming". He is solid ballhandler, can shoot but also can make plays off dribble.

I saw like countless amount of Bogdan games, dating back when he was 18. Underrated player..Well now he is payed a lot so probly not underrated.

If Hawks can find some solid rotation that will give them enough defense and offense with some balance, they will be really good.

wow, that is a big change from what you have posted about him for the past 2 years.

He will always blow on defense, but last night only 1 shot he took was moronic one, that 35 footer that he laughed off, so i guess he grows as player

[Bakomagic]

since nobody talked about Atlanta i'll do a bit

I'm very interested to see are Young and Collins ready to drop down to 24 and 16 ppg (or so) to win more games.
Trea has incredible potential as playmaker if he is commited to that, he'll be hell of a offensive player.
Collins same story, if he is ready to not rush hiw on offense, it will come to him naturally.

Capela is huge upgrade over whoever was C last year.
Galo off bench is instant offense, he might be 6th player of a year contender. ( 15 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg should put him there i assume, especially because it's time to stop giving away that award for chuckers like Lou )

Reddish, I am always harsh of. Maybe because i find him having incredible potential yet playing like poo poo such a frustration.
Hunter will be really good player.
Huerter is my nba sleeper for " great career nobody saw comming". He is solid ballhandler, can shoot but also can make plays off dribble.

I saw like countless amount of Bogdan games, dating back when he was 18. Underrated player..Well now he is payed a lot so probly not underrated.

If Hawks can find some solid rotation that will give them enough defense and offense with some balance, they will be really good.

wow, that is a big change from what you have posted about him for the past 2 years.

He will always blow on defense, but last night only 1 shot he took was moronic one, that 35 footer that he laughed off, so i guess he grows as player

Hawks will be interesting this year, second year people are expecting them to be a playoff team.

I saw Trae shoot two really deep threes that seemed really unnecessary and throw a couple stupid passes. He will need to reign those in a little now that he has more offensive talent around him with Bog, Gallo and improving Hunter, Reddish etc...

Their defense was still trash last night. We have pretty much all agreed as magic fans that we will be below average this year and we were giving their defense the business last night.

Either way things are just getting started and the Hawks have the talented to take that step, they just need to learn to value possessions and focus on improving their defense.

Coach Clifford would actually be great coach for that team.

[jonbob17]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college. Inefficient (3-10 from the field 1-4 from 3), lack of impact (-20 plus/minus only behind birch’s), and did a lot of inexperienced young guard things out there tonight (3 turnovers && 5 personal fouls).

I could be wrong and Clifford/Weltman could just be fully committed to development this year and having the young guys play, but I just don’t think Clifford is going to have the patience with a young guard like that.

If this team is serious when they say they want to make the playoffs, which I believe they are, I don’t see Cole lasting for long in this rotation. I would expect them to hit the trade or free agency market for a backup.

I will still keep an open mind though && look for serious improvement over the preseason.

he did with kemba....relax bro, this is like summer league for the rooks right now plus i don't know how realistic they think making the playoffs really is considering their lack of movement and pretty much every other team in the division at least trying to make their team better....the FO knows this is a shot year, clifford may not but he's going to coach the same way no matter what just like he did in charlotte....and hopefully at least for me his fate will be the same here as it was in charlotte

Clifford's 1st year with Charlotte he was coaching a 23 year old Kemba who had already been a starter for the previous 2 years in Charlotte.

Cole will be lucky to get 2nd unit minutes. I don't see how how at this point he is getting minutes over MCW or Ross, and Fultz should be getting a lot more minutes this season. I would like to see Fultz getting 33 minutes or so.

[Xatticus]

wow, that is a big change from what you have posted about him for the past 2 years.

He will always blow on defense, but last night only 1 shot he took was moronic one, that 35 footer that he laughed off, so i guess he grows as player

Hawks will be interesting this year, second year people are expecting them to be a playoff team.

I saw Trae shoot two really deep threes that seemed really unnecessary and throw a couple stupid passes. He will need to reign those in a little now that he has more offensive talent around him with Bog, Gallo and improving Hunter, Reddish etc...

Their defense was still trash last night. We have pretty much all agreed as magic fans that we will be below average this year and we were giving their defense the business last night.

Either way things are just getting started and the Hawks have the talented to take that step, they just need to learn to value possessions and focus on improving their defense.

Coach Clifford would actually be great coach for that team.

I liked what I saw from Atlanta last night. Collins still got his despite the presence of Capela. Capela has magnificent synergy with Young. Capela is a great roll man that can go up and get just about anything you throw near him. He was impressive on the offensive glass last night and he has the mobility to be active there while still getting back on defense. I thought Hunter and Reddish looked good. One of their huge problems last year was Goodwin, and while he played last night, he won't be near the rotation if they are anywhere near healthy. Dunn, Rondo, and Okongwu were all out last night. Dunn is one of the best perimeter defenders in the whole of the NBA. Gallo will ensure that their offense doesn't tank when Young is off the floor. I'm always impressed by Huerter when I watch him. He isn't there yet. He sucks on defense and the accuracy of his passes must improve, but he makes good reads and he doesn't need much space to get his shot off. I just love the pieces they have. We will just have to see what Pierce does with them. I'll definitely tune in to watch them from time to time this year.

[basketballRob]

Didn't we trade Talen Horton Tucker for cash?

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[KillMonger]

It’s only been one game, && it is the preseason, but it’s not encouraging that in Coles first appearance he was the exact player we saw in college. Inefficient (3-10 from the field 1-4 from 3), lack of impact (-20 plus/minus only behind birch’s), and did a lot of inexperienced young guard things out there tonight (3 turnovers && 5 personal fouls).

I could be wrong and Clifford/Weltman could just be fully committed to development this year and having the young guys play, but I just don’t think Clifford is going to have the patience with a young guard like that.

If this team is serious when they say they want to make the playoffs, which I believe they are, I don’t see Cole lasting for long in this rotation. I would expect them to hit the trade or free agency market for a backup.

I will still keep an open mind though && look for serious improvement over the preseason.

he did with kemba....relax bro, this is like summer league for the rooks right now plus i don't know how realistic they think making the playoffs really is considering their lack of movement and pretty much every other team in the division at least trying to make their team better....the FO knows this is a shot year, clifford may not but he's going to coach the same way no matter what just like he did in charlotte....and hopefully at least for me his fate will be the same here as it was in charlotte

Clifford's 1st year with Charlotte he was coaching a 23 year old Kemba who had already been a starter for the previous 2 years in Charlotte.

Cole will be lucky to get 2nd unit minutes. I don't see how how at this point he is getting minutes over MCW or Ross, and Fultz should be getting a lot more minutes this season. I would like to see Fultz getting 33 minutes or so.

this is the kind of hyperbole that kills me man....if cole comes out next game and is perfect what will you say then? i'm going to wait until the kid has more of a body of work before i make proclamations like this after what is essentially a summer league game....i concede the point, man you win i'm just going to wait and see

[T-Cat]

Didn't we trade Talen Horton Tucker for cash?

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Why did we pass up on this guy again?

https://youtu.be/qMLHQ3JHov8



I remember screaming at the TV, saying "Draft Poku at 15"!!

[basketballRob]

Didn't we trade Talen Horton Tucker for cash?

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

Why did we pass up on this guy again?

https://youtu.be/qMLHQ3JHov8



I remember screaming at the TV, saying "Draft Poku at 15"!!

Maledon got 20 also.

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[Knightro]

Bacon attempted 9 shots in 22 minutes in the first preseason game.

In 182 career games, Wes Iwundu attempted more than 9 shots just three times.

I liked Wes a lot and really thought he should have played more, but it's clear the Magic were willing to sacrifice what Iwundu brought to the table from an energy and defender standpoint in exchange for someone more capable/more willing to attempt to score.

Bacon has topped 15 points in an NBA game 14 times in 135 career games. Iwundu's only done it 4 times in 182 career games.