Markelle Fultz

[thelead]

You've convinced me! But I'll take any narrative that points to Fultz being out of here.

Reduced contract is definitely happening regardless of where he signs if what we’re seeing is the finished product. I’d like to see about ~13-18 more games before I decide where I’m at with him. His defense and composure running the offense is needed but we need that 3 pointer to really show up.

Defense and composure can be found and thought on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

[eyriq]

Reduced contract is definitely happening regardless of where he signs if what we’re seeing is the finished product. I’d like to see about ~13-18 more games before I decide where I’m at with him. His defense and composure running the offense is needed but we need that 3 pointer to really show up.

Defense and composure can be found and thought on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

Cole just isn't a floor general. He's a scorer, and a damn good one it seems, and he has a great handle, but I'm not convinced he can run the offense. More like the offense can be run through him for stretches. Black though, he can run an offense. Free Black.

[Skybox]

Reduced contract is definitely happening regardless of where he signs if what we’re seeing is the finished product. I’d like to see about ~13-18 more games before I decide where I’m at with him. His defense and composure running the offense is needed but we need that 3 pointer to really show up.

Defense and composure can be found and thought on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

There's only one team in the NBA that might overpay Fultz...US!

I keep asking "Free Agency arrives...who's coming after Fultz?" He's going to be a mid-level exception at best, unless he stays here and FO uncharacteristically pays him based on what he's making now, not what the market bears...Our FO is unbelievable, so I'm not assuming anything - the deals they worked with WCJ and Cole almost worry me that we might piss off our players, but Fultz is the starter, so you just never know...best, most poised PG on the team is Franz. The first half of his rookie year, due to injuries, he was effectively the PG and he was amazing, especially for a rook who shouldn't be able to play PG. I contend that if he was in that role all year, he's ROY...I'm not saying he's a PG or should be - I'm basically saying we don't have a decent starting-worthy PG on the roster unless it's Black, which of course remains to be seen.

[VFX]

Defense and composure can be found and thought on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

There's only one team in the NBA that might overpay Fultz...US!

I keep asking "Free Agency arrives...who's coming after Fultz?" He's going to be a mid-level exception at best, unless he stays here and FO uncharacteristically pays him based on what he's making now, not what the market bears...Our FO is unbelievable, so I'm not assuming anything - the deals they worked with WCJ and Cole almost worry me that we might piss off our players, but Fultz is the starter, so you just never know...best, most poised PG on the team is Franz. The first half of his rookie year, due to injuries, he was effectively the PG and he was amazing, especially for a rook who shouldn't be able to play PG. I contend that if he was in that role all year, he's ROY...I'm not saying he's a PG or should be - I'm basically saying we don't have a decent starting-worthy PG on the roster unless it's Black, which of course remains to be seen.

He’s getting resigned by us…

The only situation he doesn’t is if Black shows himself to be at the least a very competent backup in his rookie season (unlikely) OR if another team will take him in a larger trade package (more unlikely). It’s happening, but they are using this season to determine the price. Not saying whether or not I would, but what they will do

[pepe1991]

Defense and composure can be found and thought on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

There's only one team in the NBA that might overpay Fultz...US!

I keep asking "Free Agency arrives...who's coming after Fultz?" He's going to be a mid-level exception at best, unless he stays here and FO uncharacteristically pays him based on what he's making now, not what the market bears...Our FO is unbelievable, so I'm not assuming anything - the deals they worked with WCJ and Cole almost worry me that we might piss off our players, but Fultz is the starter, so you just never know...best, most poised PG on the team is Franz. The first half of his rookie year, due to injuries, he was effectively the PG and he was amazing, especially for a rook who shouldn't be able to play PG. I contend that if he was in that role all year, he's ROY...I'm not saying he's a PG or should be - I'm basically saying we don't have a decent starting-worthy PG on the roster unless it's Black, which of course remains to be seen.

Well... given NBA now forces team into using 90% of cap it's not outside relm of possibility somebody just front loads his 3 years contract to meet requirement.

Vleet and Zach Collins would NEVER get those contracts if Houston & Spurs weren't desparate just to meet salary minimum.

On negative side, for us, we could be one of those teams
Our most important re-signed player for 2024 summer won't have new contracts kicked for 2024-25 . ofc Franz.

[Rainwater]

And I don’t want it to get confused, Fultz right now is the best option for the Magic at the PG position but going into the future I really don’t think that will be the case.

[Rainwater]

I agree that defense and composure is replaceable. Composure running the point is not a sure thing from Suggs, Black, or Cole at this point though. That’s why we need to evaluate them this season. If a trade presents itself, I’m all for it. I do like Fultz but I’m not opposed to moving him before the trade deadline if we don’t see improvement.

There's only one team in the NBA that might overpay Fultz...US!

I keep asking "Free Agency arrives...who's coming after Fultz?" He's going to be a mid-level exception at best, unless he stays here and FO uncharacteristically pays him based on what he's making now, not what the market bears...Our FO is unbelievable, so I'm not assuming anything - the deals they worked with WCJ and Cole almost worry me that we might piss off our players, but Fultz is the starter, so you just never know...best, most poised PG on the team is Franz. The first half of his rookie year, due to injuries, he was effectively the PG and he was amazing, especially for a rook who shouldn't be able to play PG. I contend that if he was in that role all year, he's ROY...I'm not saying he's a PG or should be - I'm basically saying we don't have a decent starting-worthy PG on the roster unless it's Black, which of course remains to be seen.

He’s getting resigned by us…

The only situation he doesn’t is if Black shows himself to be at the least a very competent backup in his rookie season (unlikely) OR if another team will take him in a larger trade package (more unlikely). It’s happening, but they are using this season to determine the price. Not saying whether or not I would, but what they will do

Do you think they are going to resign him to be a starter? If so I don’t think I can agree. If they resign him, I would imagine it’s to be in a reserve role.

[Audi]

You've convinced me! But I'll take any narrative that points to Fultz being out of here.

Reduced contract is definitely happening regardless of where he signs if what we’re seeing is the finished product. I’d like to see about ~13-18 more games before I decide where I’m at with him. His defense and composure running the offense is needed but we need that 3 pointer to really show up.

Defense and composure can be found and taught on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

Lol. Suggs is anything but composed and that's part of what makes him special. He's a sh-t talking, high energy, chaotic storm and so long as he can stay healthy being that, that's what we want and need him to be. Black, who knows - he's still a baby out there.

[VFX]

There's only one team in the NBA that might overpay Fultz...US!

I keep asking "Free Agency arrives...who's coming after Fultz?" He's going to be a mid-level exception at best, unless he stays here and FO uncharacteristically pays him based on what he's making now, not what the market bears...Our FO is unbelievable, so I'm not assuming anything - the deals they worked with WCJ and Cole almost worry me that we might piss off our players, but Fultz is the starter, so you just never know...best, most poised PG on the team is Franz. The first half of his rookie year, due to injuries, he was effectively the PG and he was amazing, especially for a rook who shouldn't be able to play PG. I contend that if he was in that role all year, he's ROY...I'm not saying he's a PG or should be - I'm basically saying we don't have a decent starting-worthy PG on the roster unless it's Black, which of course remains to be seen.

He’s getting resigned by us…

The only situation he doesn’t is if Black shows himself to be at the least a very competent backup in his rookie season (unlikely) OR if another team will take him in a larger trade package (more unlikely). It’s happening, but they are using this season to determine the price. Not saying whether or not I would, but what they will do

Do you think they are going to resign him to be a starter? If so I don’t think I can agree. If they resign him, I would imagine it’s to be in a reserve role.

Everything with Fultz role is entirely dependent on the development of Black IMO.

I don’t buy into this idea that you spend a top lotto pick on a guy only to play him “down” in his positional advantage because you have a fringe starter in front of him that requires a lot of development in year 7… I don’t really care if the apologists say otherwise.

[Rainwater]

Reduced contract is definitely happening regardless of where he signs if what we’re seeing is the finished product. I’d like to see about ~13-18 more games before I decide where I’m at with him. His defense and composure running the offense is needed but we need that 3 pointer to really show up.

Defense and composure can be found and taught on the current team. Suggs or Black can grow into that role. I just don't see the point of resigning Fultz.

Lol. Suggs is anything but composed and that's part of what makes him special. He's a sh-t talking, high energy, chaotic storm and so long as he can stay healthy being that, that's what we want and need him to be. Black, who knows - he's still a baby out there.

Suggs would bring the defense aspect. For Black I see him being both composed and a good defender. In college he was that calming factor in Arkansas, I feel like that will be the case in the NBA when he is ready.

[Bensational]

If Mosley doesn’t adjust rotations so that Franz or Paolo remain with the 2nd unit then there’s a big case to be made for moving Black into the 2nd unit instead of Harris or Ingles. Cole can focus on scoring but someone else needs to be running the offense and keeping everyone involved.

[Skybox]

Fultz is fine. Nothing impressive but defense has been solid, calming presence, can go get a basket if something isn’t there, and 6 assists and 1 TO in 25 minutes.

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

[zaymon]

If Mosley doesn’t adjust rotations so that Franz or Paolo remain with the 2nd unit then there’s a big case to be made for moving Black into the 2nd unit instead of Harris or Ingles. Cole can focus on scoring but someone else needs to be running the offense and keeping everyone involved.

At that speed we will soon run out of people who cant shoot. Its getting harder and harder to find them in the nba. I worry our rotation model is not sustainable in the future

[Audi]

Fultz is fine. Nothing impressive but defense has been solid, calming presence, can go get a basket if something isn’t there, and 6 assists and 1 TO in 25 minutes.

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

[eyriq]

If Mosley doesn’t adjust rotations so that Franz or Paolo remain with the 2nd unit then there’s a big case to be made for moving Black into the 2nd unit instead of Harris or Ingles. Cole can focus on scoring but someone else needs to be running the offense and keeping everyone involved.

At that speed we will soon run out of people who cant shoot. Its getting harder and harder to find them in the nba. I worry our rotation model is not sustainable in the future

Ben's approach would continue to double down on our strengths. Getting to the line, rebounding, and elite defense. I think replacing Harris with Black is a fine idea, in fact one of the best I've heard.

[Rainwater]

Fultz is fine. Nothing impressive but defense has been solid, calming presence, can go get a basket if something isn’t there, and 6 assists and 1 TO in 25 minutes.

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

Come on, regardless of the +/- the magic can find a player that fits what the magic needs.

[Skybox]

Fultz is fine. Nothing impressive but defense has been solid, calming presence, can go get a basket if something isn’t there, and 6 assists and 1 TO in 25 minutes.

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

Hall of Famer Alec Burks leading the league with +37, "All Efficiency" PG WestBeast not far behind at +30

[Audi]

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

Come on, regardless of the +/- the magic can find a player that fits what the magic needs.

Sure. Every team can find a player that fits what they need better.

Wake me up when that player is available. Until then, I'm not going to act like Fultz is getting carried as some major detriment to team success. I haven't seen what I'm wanting to see from him in the last two games as an individual player, but he's assisted on over a quarter of the baskets made while on the court and doing it on less usg% than anyone else in the SL.

[Audi]

How on Earth is "fine" and "nothing impressive" good enough? Shouldn't we at least aspire to more in such a critical role instead of just making do...Cole, Suggs, and/or Black can match those terms despite their flaws. I just don't want to accept such (less than) mediocre standards in a sport where there's only 5 guys on the floor...there's just no reason to carry a guy you need to accommodate unless he's shown ANYthing that gives you reason to think he'll develop further.

It's only 2 games, but ZERO improvement beyond haircut aerodynamics.

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

Hall of Famer Alec Burks leading the league with +37, "All Efficiency" PG WestBeast not far behind at +30

Cool. What's that have to do with our team?

[Skybox]

He's got a team high +23 over the two games. It may have not been the way we want to see it, but the "fine" has been "good enough".

Come on, regardless of the +/- the magic can find a player that fits what the magic needs.

Sure. Every team can find a player that fits what they need better.

Wake me up when that player is available. Until then, I'm not going to act like Fultz is getting carried as some major detriment to team success. I haven't seen what I'm wanting to see from him in the last two games as an individual player, but he's assisted on over a quarter of the baskets made while on the court and doing it on less usg% than anyone else in the SL.

I honestly don't feel like Fultz is dragging us down...He does a lot of the "connective tissue" stuff that people laud here. It's more like someone who is a better fit could lift us up. Your post sort of acknowledges that you'd consider it when that hypothetical is offered. I'm kind of okay with him until that opportunity arises as well...I'm just concerned that if we extend him something like what we're already paying him, we're stuck with him and his mediocrity.

I don't get the last part...our starting PG has 8 assists in 2 games. That's very weak, IMO, for a guy who doesn't score a lot.