2016 Official Speculation Thread: Episode V - The Preseason Strikes Back

[Tayswagzzz]

Gordon has one of the highest probabilities on the team to be a 20PPG scorer which makes it hard for me to believe he's as inept on that end as many make him out to be. I don't think it's necessary for Gordon to be a "good" 3 point shooter for this to work either. The issue, is finding a spot for him on the team and running and offense he can shine in. Aaron "Pro-Am" Gordon is living and breathing inside this kid waiting to come out and this may be the season it happens.

Sky is the limit for AG. He could be really really special.

[MagicStarwipe]

I misread what's happening to the Magic on the Realgm board? No man, to me it was pretty obvious that the Magic are trying to build around Vuc even though he is an odd player to do that for.

If you guys truly think AG is gonna become a star you got another thing conin'. He doesn't have the skillset nor the disposition of an alphadog.

It's strange to me that you're this low on Gordon while being so high on Oladipo. Gordon is straight up better.

Can you give me a good argument as to why he is? I think Gordon could have been like Draymond because of his defense and open court abilities to handle and pass at 6'9 but if we're trying to make him into a star wing scorer like Paul George it seems a bit misguided because he has never learned to shoot the ball. Watching his slow shootiing stroke is painful to me.

I just like AG's mixture of size, athleticism, skill and IQ more than Oladipo's. Ok,technically he hasn't proven to be without a doubt "better" yet, but hey... I'm excited for the season over here.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Gordon has one of the highest probabilities on the team to be a 20PPG scorer which makes it hard for me to believe he's as inept on that end as many make him out to be. I don't think it's necessary for Gordon to be a "good" 3 point shooter for this to work either. The issue, is finding a spot for him on the team and running and offense he can shine in. Aaron "Pro-Am" Gordon is living and breathing inside this kid waiting to come out and this may be the season it happens.

Nik Vucevic and Evan Fournier are my most probable 20ppg scorers, easily. I don't think AG breaks 20ppg this season. Those are some LOFTY expectations for a guy whos limited as a scorer. I also think its absolutely imperative that he becomes a good 3pt shooter on a team that has such poor shooting at the pg slot and if we expect he an Biyombo to play any minutes together.

[Rick Rolled]

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[Blue_and_Whte]

I have high hopes for Gordon but I cant say for certain that he's going to be a star. I think its a joke to think he'll be as good as PG13 scoring wise, and so I'm sticking to my Shawn Marion comp. I'd love to get an above average starting PG in here. Sick of people shielding him with the potential/injury card. He better step up.

we talking about Gordon or Payton? because they both have received that same shielding

I was referring to Payton but you're absolutely right. Although I personally feel that AG has more upside.

[thelead]

AG is younger today than Oladipo was as a rookie... da hell is wrong with people

[yoyojw17]

Gordon is str8 oozing with potential. The thing that separates him from many is his desire to be better than everyone else as well. That actually also goes for Mario as well. For me... those two will be our top player in the next 2 years and hopefully be our pillars for years to come.

I think everyone is mainly sour about the oladipo trade because they saw him trending upwards.... and by "his stats" Ibaka was trending downwards. I'm not going to judge Ibaka by last years stats.... just going to see a 26 yo who is still coming into his own and trying to make a leap that he's wanted to do in previous years. Same goes for payton, Gordon and Hezonja. They have yet been unleashed and I can't judge someone's ability to "run" if they've been put in a cage the entire time.

From the interviews which Vogel have had.... unlike skiles.... Vogel has pretty much reiterrated that he was going to pull out every ounce of talent that he sees in these guys and give them the chance to flourish as he has done with other in Indiana. That alone should give enough hope as to temper our knee jerk reactions till at least until midseason.

And yes....lower players in the NBA do ball out in Pro-am..... but so do the elites.... now that Gordon will be depended on to shine and not just be a defender and low usage guy..... we will see which category he fits in.

[Rick Rolled]

This seems to be how it goes. Leaving the Magic opens all kinds of doors. It's really frustrating. Does he get this endorsement if he was still here? OKC isn't even a big market team.

Stuff like this, and JJ Redick not being invited to a 3pt shootout until he left Orlando makes me shake my head.

Victor Oladipo‘s first three seasons in the NBA have been impressive. Career averages of 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4 assists per game suggest it’s only a matter of time before he’s an All-Star. Watching him play makes all that potential feel even more real—his game has all the makings of a versatile threat for years to come.

The folks at Jordan Brand have taken notice, and they’re rewarding Oladipo with a sneaker. The Jordan Extra.Fly isn’t technically Vic’s signature line, but he’ll be the leading face of the sneaker, which is decked out with Nike Zoom Air cushioning, flywire and a unique training-sneaker silhouette. (If you were paying close attention at OKC’s media day, Vic was rocking the Extra.Fly already.)

http://www.slamonline.com/kicks/victor-oladipo-jordan-extra-fly/#VFyWYQgUDlpwrMLS.99

*This is not a shot at Vic at all. Good for him.

[MagicFan101]

I misread what's happening to the Magic on the Realgm board? No man, to me it was pretty obvious that the Magic are trying to build around Vuc even though he is an odd player to do that for.

If you guys truly think AG is gonna become a star you got another thing conin'. He doesn't have the skillset nor the disposition of an alphadog.

I don't believe the next franchise talent for Orlando currently sits on our roster.

That doesn't mean we can't make the scene here more attractive for such a player to want to come some time soon.

[Tayswagzzz]

This seems to be how it goes. Leaving the Magic opens all kinds of doors. It's really frustrating. Does he get this endorsement if he was still here? OKC isn't even a big market team.

Stuff like this, and JJ Redick not being invited to a 3pt shootout until he left Orlando makes me shake my head.

Victor Oladipo‘s first three seasons in the NBA have been impressive. Career averages of 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4 assists per game suggest it’s only a matter of time before he’s an All-Star. Watching him play makes all that potential feel even more real—his game has all the makings of a versatile threat for years to come.

The folks at Jordan Brand have taken notice, and they’re rewarding Oladipo with a sneaker. The Jordan Extra.Fly isn’t technically Vic’s signature line, but he’ll be the leading face of the sneaker, which is decked out with Nike Zoom Air cushioning, flywire and a unique training-sneaker silhouette. (If you were paying close attention at OKC’s media day, Vic was rocking the Extra.Fly already.)

http://www.slamonline.com/kicks/victor-oladipo-jordan-extra-fly/#VFyWYQgUDlpwrMLS.99

*This is not a shot at Vic at all. Good for him.

I didn't take it as a shot to Vic at all. It's pretty well known the NBA and surrounding markets tend to overlook us all the time.

[PennytoShaq]

Jesus is this really a question? Sometimes im legit baffled by the way others see the team. Its like comparing Jamal Crawford to someone of Blake Griffin potential.

You know if you go to the General Board and go to the Aaron Gordon topic from a few months ago, the consensus was that he'll end up being a good player/starter right?

But then again, we're in our own forum so we tend to over hype our own players.

Sure, but citing the General Board as a bastion of insight and solid opinions isn't really an effective way to drive home any statement.

AG put up really, really good advanced stats for a 20 year old and is a higher commodity for our team, and most other teams in the league. It's hard to compare them since they have entirely different games, but let's not pretend like Oladipo was anything more than an average SG for us during his time here (and I'm not trying to put him down, he was well worth being invested in). He had some games where he played extremely above average, and others where he was very below average.

Also disagree with whoever said Gordon doesn't have an alpha mentality. The dude is dripping in confidence and I see him developing into a team captain soon. Nobody walks in the NBA and demands that kind of respect aside from legends like Jordan or Magic.

Agree with all of this. Anyone who thinks Gordon is not a leader has clearly never followed his career. As an 18 year old at Arizona he was the leader of the team. That's insane in itself, considering AZ almost always has Pro and NBA talent on it's roster.

I have a lot of confidence in Gordon this year. He has already shown that he can take over games and put up 10-12 points in a quarter when he catches fire. That was last year. He improves at a rapid rate. For an example of that see his summer league from year 1 to year 2. It was like a different player.

[Tayswagzzz]

I misread what's happening to the Magic on the Realgm board? No man, to me it was pretty obvious that the Magic are trying to build around Vuc even though he is an odd player to do that for.

If you guys truly think AG is gonna become a star you got another thing conin'. He doesn't have the skillset nor the disposition of an alphadog.

I don't believe the next franchise talent for Orlando currently sits on our roster.

That doesn't mean we can't make the scene here more attractive for such a player to want to come some time soon.

That's weird. You don't trust Vogel's assessment in molding Aaron Gordon to be our Paul George? If he believes in AG, why shouldn't we?

[MagicFan101]

I misread what's happening to the Magic on the Realgm board? No man, to me it was pretty obvious that the Magic are trying to build around Vuc even though he is an odd player to do that for.

If you guys truly think AG is gonna become a star you got another thing conin'. He doesn't have the skillset nor the disposition of an alphadog.

I don't believe the next franchise talent for Orlando currently sits on our roster.

That doesn't mean we can't make the scene here more attractive for such a player to want to come some time soon.

That's weird. You don't trust Vogel's assessment in molding Aaron Gordon to be our Paul George? If he believes in AG, why shouldn't we?

lol. You probably believe Trump is going to build that wall as well.

You're the fresh coach on the scene just a short while after being kicked out of town by another franchise. Obviously you are going to hype up everyone.

I think we have some fantastic pieces.

For the record, I only saw one franchise player in GS in recent years (Durant makes 2 now). But with FANTASTIC all-stars around their franchise guy, they were a championship teams.

Again, I think we have a number of players who can become those all-star compliments. I just don't see a franchise talent yet. But oh how I would love to be wrong!!!

[Tayswagzzz]

I don't believe the next franchise talent for Orlando currently sits on our roster.

That doesn't mean we can't make the scene here more attractive for such a player to want to come some time soon.

That's weird. You don't trust Vogel's assessment in molding Aaron Gordon to be our Paul George? If he believes in AG, why shouldn't we?

lol. You probably believe Trump is going to build that wall as well.

You're the fresh coach on the scene just a short while after being kicked out of town by another franchise. Obviously you are going to hype up everyone.

I think we have some fantastic pieces.

For the record, I only saw one franchise player in GS in recent years (Durant makes 2 now). But with FANTASTIC all-stars around their franchise guy, they were a championship teams.

Again, I think we have a number of players who can become those all-star compliments. I just don't see a franchise talent yet. But oh how I would love to be wrong!!!

The hell did that come from?

[Blue_and_Whte]

The possibility that should only be considered PRESUMING extreme negligence and ineptitude of management. Instead, it has generally been thrown about to PROPOSE extreme negligence and ineptitude of management by those who lean that way.

All indications have always been that Serge and Rob have a longstanding relationship that made for a high comfort level trading for him. Expressing this "concern" seems a bit peevish at best, and seems to reflect other postures much more so than the actual possibility of Serge leaving.

A MUCH more likely scenario is that Ibaka becomes a lead-by-example cornerstone of the club in his first year, cooperatively sits on his cap hold before getting paid, and helps to recruit while the Magic go after another big free agent next Summer. These are things that would help us as a team, would be consistent with management being at least reasonable at their jobs, AND are more likely to actually occur.

So as a FAN, that's what I'm expressing!

Congratulations, your whole post seems peevish because you want everyone to put on blinders and pretend the move wasn't risky least of all talk about it.

You don't know what's more likely to occur because you aren't clairvoyant and there isn't a "more likely to actually occur" scenario. The concern isn't peevish, its legitimate and it has nothing to do with other postures. It has to do with the fact that he'll reach a status we call UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENT which means, there's just as much a chance of him leaving as there is of him staying.

I'm not accusing management of extreme negligence and ineptitude, matter of fact I've been one of Hennigans biggest supporters and I'm sure they performed as much due diligence prior to the trade as possible. That said, Unless they've mastered the art of mind control he could just as easily go elsewhere regardless of the dialogue he had with them prior to the trade if the right opportunity presents itself.

I like that they finally took a risk with Ibaka (and Biyombo for that matter) but I also understand that the whole thing could blow up in our face. Its naïve to believe the words of a player on the verge of free agency when he gives a canned, fan friendly answer at media day and I refuse to pretend everything is cherry blossoms and rainbows. I hope your best case scenario is actually what happens.

I'll let the board rate the relative Peevishness however they see fit. Just seems rather Douchey to harp on the possibility that Ibaka will leave when Henny has known him personally for the longest of any named executive; was allowed to speak with him before the trade; and then made the trade with confidence. It WOULD be an unprecedented and likely fatal mistake to Rob's tenure if Ibaka walked. That in itself is the strongest indication that he will almost assuredly stay here barring some fiasco.

Serge's life story article this Summer, his basic personalty and attitude, and his demonstrative statements about the Magic put your point of view into a whiny detractor minority: "But, but... He COULD leave!" That technical possibility doesn't support your attitude whatsoever, whether you like it being pointed out or not. I'll leave it to the board to "And1" whoever they agree with on the topic as I don't intend to waste any more time on this with you. Peace out!

You're the one that has obviously caught feelings and are currently harping on the topic harder than anyone with your last two posts so maybe look in the mirror before you start labeling others opinions as douchey and whiney just because you don't align with yours.

I don't give a flying **** about his "Life Story" but his demonstrative statements toward the Magic, personality and attitude while encouraging are only just that, encouraging. It doesn't mean the possibility of him leaving doesn't exist, diminish that possibility, or that people shouldn't talk about it. Don't read the boards if it bothers you that bad. If a team that's closer to competing for a title comes at him with a deal that's as good if not better than ours there exists the possibility of him leaving.

[MagicFan101]

That's weird. You don't trust Vogel's assessment in molding Aaron Gordon to be our Paul George? If he believes in AG, why shouldn't we?

lol. You probably believe Trump is going to build that wall as well.

You're the fresh coach on the scene just a short while after being kicked out of town by another franchise. Obviously you are going to hype up everyone.

I think we have some fantastic pieces.

For the record, I only saw one franchise player in GS in recent years (Durant makes 2 now). But with FANTASTIC all-stars around their franchise guy, they were a championship teams.

Again, I think we have a number of players who can become those all-star compliments. I just don't see a franchise talent yet. But oh how I would love to be wrong!!!

The hell did that come from?

Someone stands on a stage spitting out prophecies and you take them as inevitable fact. In this case, AG becoming a PG style super star.

Does anyone take a moment to think of how many road blocks have to be overcome for him to reach that goal? I love setting the goal high, but don't just assume because he says it.

I'll start by reminding you that I am in Texas. So Trump, the wall and immigration is big here. Just as you heard a coach speak into a mic and ate it up without considering the challenges, people here think all of Trump's rediculous promises will come true.

It was hard not to immediately associate these two.

[Blue_and_Whte]

That's weird. You don't trust Vogel's assessment in molding Aaron Gordon to be our Paul George? If he believes in AG, why shouldn't we?

lol. You probably believe Trump is going to build that wall as well.

You're the fresh coach on the scene just a short while after being kicked out of town by another franchise. Obviously you are going to hype up everyone.

I think we have some fantastic pieces.

For the record, I only saw one franchise player in GS in recent years (Durant makes 2 now). But with FANTASTIC all-stars around their franchise guy, they were a championship teams.

Again, I think we have a number of players who can become those all-star compliments. I just don't see a franchise talent yet. But oh how I would love to be wrong!!!

The hell did that come from?

[The Other Ankle]

![/quote]You're the one that has obviously caught feelings and are currently harping on the topic harder than anyone with your last two posts so maybe look in the mirror before you start labeling others opinions as douchey and whiney just because you don't align with yours.

I don't give a flying **** about his "Life Story" but his demonstrative statements toward the Magic, personality and attitude while encouraging are only just that, encouraging. It doesn't mean the possibility of him leaving doesn't exist, diminish that possibility, or that people shouldn't talk about it. Don't read the boards if it bothers you that bad. If a team that's closer to competing for a title comes at him with a deal that's as good if not better than ours there exists the possibility of him leaving.[/quote]

Yawn...

[tiderulz]

Gordon has one of the highest probabilities on the team to be a 20PPG scorer which makes it hard for me to believe he's as inept on that end as many make him out to be. I don't think it's necessary for Gordon to be a "good" 3 point shooter for this to work either. The issue, is finding a spot for him on the team and running and offense he can shine in. Aaron "Pro-Am" Gordon is living and breathing inside this kid waiting to come out and this may be the season it happens.

sorry, Vuc has the highest probability followed by Fournier.

[tiderulz]

I have high hopes for Gordon but I cant say for certain that he's going to be a star. I think its a joke to think he'll be as good as PG13 scoring wise, and so I'm sticking to my Shawn Marion comp. I'd love to get an above average starting PG in here. Sick of people shielding him with the potential/injury card. He better step up.

we talking about Gordon or Payton? because they both have received that same shielding

I was referring to Payton but you're absolutely right. Although I personally feel that AG has more upside.

you mean "potential"?