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

[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. 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.

Can’t really blame the +/- thing solely on him. He played with McW/Bacon(IIRC)/Birch and I think the PF was Clark. Some weird random lineups that Cliff ran in the 2nd quarter. I’m actually glad he tried. It wouldn’t be as bad if we had TRoss than Bacon in that lineup, IMO.

Though I think that lineup would still be bad cause at least DJ is a pretty good shooter compared to Cole. Cole still needs a lot of work with his body. He has a quick first step though.

[pepe1991]

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"!!

Pokusevski is one of most fluid 7 footers i have ever watched.
Main issue and fear with him is his skinny frame

That being said, he is yet to turn 19 so it's not suprising he is skinny.

But even in game 1 you can see that he'll be hell of a player once his body is ready.

[basketballRob]

If we drafted Poku he probably wouldn't have been cleared for contact this season.

By the way, Cliff always refers to Lindsay giving him the amount of minutes a player is allowed to play. I guess he's referring to Lindsay Winninger.

I remember Cliff saying that Lindsay hasn't cleared Mo to play yet. So in fairness to Cliff, it isn't his fault.


https://www.nba.com/magic/orlando-magic-name-lindsay-winninger-high-performance-director-20200909
Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

[Nyce_1]

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.

Well said. Sacrificing energy & defense for offensive capability.

I hope he gets consistent minutes and a true role on this team.

[T-Cat]

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"!!

Pokusevski is one of most fluid 7 footers i have ever watched.
Main issue and fear with him is his skinny frame

That being said, he is yet to turn 19 so it's not suprising he is skinny.

But even in game 1 you can see that he'll be hell of a player once his body is ready.

I thought Weltman like guys with long wingspan plus he rare player!

Cole will be solid and efficient for us one day, but I don't see Super

[jonbob17]

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"!!

Pokusevski is one of most fluid 7 footers i have ever watched.
Main issue and fear with him is his skinny frame

That being said, he is yet to turn 19 so it's not suprising he is skinny.

But even in game 1 you can see that he'll be hell of a player once his body is ready.

We could have traded AG for 16 (poku), a future first, and a start-able SF. Of course management would have had the courage and vision to take Poku there.
Opportunity-lost.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Did I miss it or are we not doing fantasy basketball this season.

[JBSouthpaw]

Did I miss it or are we not doing fantasy basketball this season.

I've logged into the league, haven't seen a draft date. I'm in though (All eyes on me).

[MagicFan101]

I understand AG at SF has been horrible in a traditional lineup but with Isaac out and Cole + Chuma here, what if we throw away conventional wisdom and just role out:

Cole
Fultz
AG
Chuma
Vuc

?

It should be fun to watch and help us with our 2021 draft goals!

[nicnac215]

I understand AG at SF has been horrible in a traditional lineup but with Isaac out and Cole + Chuma here, what if we throw away conventional wisdom and just role out:

Cole
Fultz
AG
Chuma
Vuc

?

It should be fun to watch and help us with our 2021 draft goals!

I would much prefer this line up to close out games.

Cole
Kelle
Ross
AG/Okeke
Vuc

[JBSouthpaw]

I understand AG at SF has been horrible in a traditional lineup but with Isaac out and Cole + Chuma here, what if we throw away conventional wisdom and just role out:

Cole
Fultz
AG
Chuma
Vuc

?

It should be fun to watch and help us with our 2021 draft goals!

I would much prefer this line up to close out games.

Cole
Kelle
Ross
AG/Okeke
Vuc

Can't wait to actually watch the next game.

[Skybox]

Just a thought...if the problem with Evan is too much "improv", why not move him out of the starting lineup and let Evan try being the "green light is always on" super-sub? He handled the ball and initiated offense quite a bit for the French national team. Maybe give him the keys...maybe he'll rack up points and assists in that role without infringing on the starting 5's quick-strike, Fultz-based offense. Obviously, he'll play a fair amount of minutes with Fultz and Vuc, but he could subvert that role a bit when he's not driving the offense.

We may not be that great, but we seem to be deep. We could have a really potent second unit with Evan striving for 6th MOY...I'd even consider moving Cole into the starting lineup (at least as an experiment.

Vuc/Bamba
AG/Okeke
Bacon/TRoss
Anthony/MCW
Fultz/Fournier

Deep Bench...Ennis, Clark, Aminu, Bone

[Ducklett]

Just a thought...if the problem with Evan is too much "improv", why not move him out of the starting lineup and let Evan try being the "green light is always on" super-sub? He handled the ball and initiated offense quite a bit for the French national team. Maybe give him the keys...maybe he'll rack up points and assists in that role without infringing on the starting 5's quick-strike, Fultz-based offense. Obviously, he'll play a fair amount of minutes with Fultz and Vuc, but he could subvert that role a bit when he's not driving the offense.

We may not be that great, but we seem to be deep. We could have a really potent second unit with Evan striving for 6th MOY...I'd even consider moving Cole into the starting lineup (at least as an experiment.

Vuc/Bamba
AG/Okeke
Bacon/TRoss
Anthony/MCW
Fultz/Fournier

Deep Bench...Ennis, Clark, Aminu, Bone

I assume Evan would throw a poopfit if you moved him to the bench,

[Skybox]

Just a thought...if the problem with Evan is too much "improv", why not move him out of the starting lineup and let Evan try being the "green light is always on" super-sub? He handled the ball and initiated offense quite a bit for the French national team. Maybe give him the keys...maybe he'll rack up points and assists in that role without infringing on the starting 5's quick-strike, Fultz-based offense. Obviously, he'll play a fair amount of minutes with Fultz and Vuc, but he could subvert that role a bit when he's not driving the offense.

We may not be that great, but we seem to be deep. We could have a really potent second unit with Evan striving for 6th MOY...I'd even consider moving Cole into the starting lineup (at least as an experiment.

Vuc/Bamba
AG/Okeke
Bacon/TRoss
Anthony/MCW
Fultz/Fournier

Deep Bench...Ennis, Clark, Aminu, Bone

I assume Evan would throw a poopfit if you moved him to the bench,

so? Maybe he'd go Jimmy Butler on us and be MVP...Technically, he could start and get the same minutes- I was just looking for a way to let him Be Evan for a bit and then play like JJ Reddick when he's out there with the starters

[zaymon]

Just a thought...if the problem with Evan is too much "improv", why not move him out of the starting lineup and let Evan try being the "green light is always on" super-sub? He handled the ball and initiated offense quite a bit for the French national team. Maybe give him the keys...maybe he'll rack up points and assists in that role without infringing on the starting 5's quick-strike, Fultz-based offense. Obviously, he'll play a fair amount of minutes with Fultz and Vuc, but he could subvert that role a bit when he's not driving the offense.

We may not be that great, but we seem to be deep. We could have a really potent second unit with Evan striving for 6th MOY...I'd even consider moving Cole into the starting lineup (at least as an experiment.

Vuc/Bamba
AG/Okeke
Bacon/TRoss
Anthony/MCW
Fultz/Fournier

Deep Bench...Ennis, Clark, Aminu, Bone

I assume Evan would throw a poopfit if you moved him to the bench,

so? Maybe he'd go Jimmy Butler on us and be MVP...Technically, he could start and get the same minutes- I was just looking for a way to let him Be Evan for a bit and then play like JJ Reddick when he's out there with the starters

Fournier is a great fit next to Fultz, why change it ? In preseason he already reduced his usage below Fultz and has 63% TS. Anthony can play against reserves and form a great backcourt with Ross. Fultz/Fournier and Anthony/Ross are much more balanced.

[MagicFan101]

Fournier is a great fit next to Fultz, why change it ?

lol, wrong.

But we know about your bromance. It’s not cute anymore.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Fournier is a great fit next to Fultz, why change it ?

lol, wrong.

But we know about your bromance. It’s not cute anymore.

They're our second highest rated two man rotation.... Top 3 man rotation (Fultz, Evan, Vooch), so they do play well together. Speaking of rotations did ya'll know Bamba is not in any of our top 7 rotations? Its birch.... Thought that was interesting.

[MagicFan101]

Fournier is a great fit next to Fultz, why change it ?

lol, wrong.

But we know about your bromance. It’s not cute anymore.

They're our second highest rated two man rotation.... Top 3 man rotation (Fultz, Evan, Vooch), so they do play well together. Speaking of rotations did ya'll know Bamba is not in any of our top 7 rotations? Its birch.... Thought that was interesting.

1) We were in the bottom 10 of team offensive rating (Unadjusted and Adjusted) last year. I don’t care if they are “the best we have” — it stinks.

2) Why are you talking about Bamba in this conversation?



Evan makes this TEAM worse. If people can’t see that they should find another sport because basketball isn’t their thing.

[Furinkazan]

I cant stand to watch same **** another year.I tried.I Just get so upset and angry every time I see buddyball.How can you roll out same team year after year.....it’s insane...and Inhumane

[Xatticus]

Fournier is a great fit next to Fultz, why change it ?

lol, wrong.

But we know about your bromance. It’s not cute anymore.

They're our second highest rated two man rotation.... Top 3 man rotation (Fultz, Evan, Vooch), so they do play well together. Speaking of rotations did ya'll know Bamba is not in any of our top 7 rotations? Its birch.... Thought that was interesting.

I don't know where you are getting this, but it isn't accurate.