Markelle Fultz

[Knightro]

if your #4 option can't shoot then it's less of an issue.

I actually go the opposite way with this. The Magic’s #1 and #2 options offensively already have and should continue to create even more gravity as dribble drive players which makes it even more critical to have shooters to surround those players with.

If the plan is to forge ahead with Paolo/Franz as the primary offensive threats, then getting guys capable of really taking advantage of their top two guy’s ability to bend the floor is what they need to do.

[SOUL]

if your #4 option can't shoot then it's less of an issue.

I actually go the opposite way with this. The Magic’s #1 and #2 options offensively already have and should continue to create even more gravity as dribble drive players which makes it even more critical to have shooters to surround those players with.

If the plan is to forge ahead with Paolo/Franz as the primary offensive threats, then getting guys capable of really taking advantage of their top two guy’s ability to bend the floor is what they need to do.

Sure, but by the time Orlando are realistic playoff threats I don't think Fultz is in the same position he is now or maybe even on the team at all.

I'm playing it more by ear in terms of if we extend Fultz or not, I don't think it's as much of a guarantee even if he does re-sign that it means he's the future. The FO has explicitly talked about shooting needs so it's not like they're unaware of it, just don't think there are many obvious trades without giving away someone we covet (Suggs) or is a big part of our bench when healthy (Isaac).

[p0peye]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe even he was never that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, because Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation. They both got traded here to resurrect their career and prove that they belong to NBA, both given plenty of opportunity to prove more, but we are at the point where it is time to get Rashard Lewis and set Fultz free.

[Last Guardian]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

[p0peye]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

He is elite finisher as much as Darko being elite shot blocker. Chris Paul, Deron Williams in his prime, Jason Kidd, John Stockton are gloor generals - Fultz has none of their ability and impact. He is good in transition, but has no particular role in half court set offense.

My point, in case it wasn't clear, is that only discussion-worthy thing about him is mystery of no.1 pick that was hyped up going into the draft. That has expiration date.

[JoshuaPotter]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

What are you citing that describes his ability to finish as "elite".

Frankly, if that were true I would expect more of him even in todays NBA.

[Residual-Heat]

Is he injured BTW? Cole closed out the last game.

cole closed cuz he outplayed markelle. plain and simple.

it will be interesting what mose decides to do in future late game close situations. Markelle is a better organizer but when the game is on the line, the ball will mainly be in paolo or franz's hands, cole gives them more options with his 3pt ability

the reason i ask is because there was a play where he fell and grabbed his hand. He continued playing but just wondering if he felt the pain later.

[Last Guardian]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

What are you citing that describes his ability to finish as "elite".

Frankly, if that were true I would expect more of him even in todays NBA.

Probably the fact that when he attacks the basket he usually scores.

I mean lets break it down. Markelle shot 51.4% from the field last season. He's an awful perimeter shooter. How does a guard shoot so well from the field if he's an awful perimeter shooter? He must be good at something.

I mean do you just want me to change the wording to really damn good finisher or something? Is elite too much of a complement?

I'm literally agreeing with the naysayers that we probably shouldn't extend him to a huge contract and then they still try to downplay the things he's actually good at.

[Last Guardian]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

He is elite finisher as much as Darko being elite shot blocker. Chris Paul, Deron Williams in his prime, Jason Kidd, John Stockton are gloor generals - Fultz has none of their ability and impact. He is good in transition, but has no particular role in half court set offense.

My point, in case it wasn't clear, is that only discussion-worthy thing about him is mystery of no.1 pick that was hyped up going into the draft. That has expiration date.

Ok so let me get this straight...if you aren't one of the best floor generals of all time...then you are a terrible floor general?

I can't take this thread seriously anymore at all. I won't even touch trying to compare a PG who shot over 50% from the field to a C who played 20 years ago shotblocking ability. I mean my goodness.

[eyriq]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe it never has been that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, as Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation.

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

Perfect breakdown of this thread.

[JoshuaPotter]

Not sure where you are getting any of that. The whole discussion is his actual skill and performance lol.

He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line. He's a good floor general/decision maker but doesn't get high assists. He's a solid mid-range shooter but can't go further than that. The whole discussion is based on these things and whatever people find is more important that the other. Obviously the vocal minority here are very clear that the not being able to go beyond mid-range is the deal breaker and that nothing else really matters because it doesn't fit the rest of the team.

Personally, I think we need him right now. But, I acknowledge that the team may outgrow needing him in the near future. Franz is already fairly calm and can settle us down. Cole is taking a leap finally in maturity on the court. Suggs is still a bit wild but he's reeling it in a bit better so far.

So in this way, I wouldn't go for 20million or more on him. I love what he does but I do think AB could provide a little bit of the same probably as soon as next season.

What are you citing that describes his ability to finish as "elite".

Frankly, if that were true I would expect more of him even in todays NBA.

Probably the fact that when he attacks the basket he usually scores.

I mean lets break it down. Markelle shot 51.4% from the field last season. He's an awful perimeter shooter. How does a guard shoot so well from the field if he's an awful perimeter shooter? He must be good at something.

I mean do you just want me to change the wording to really damn good finisher or something? Is elite too much of a complement?

I'm literally agreeing with the naysayers that we probably shouldn't extend him to a huge contract and then they still try to downplay the things he's actually good at.

Naw, you are good. I have just found in my basketball absence that statistics have taken over. (As they should have.) To tell us whether or not someone is elite at something.

Considering your openness I am down with you saying whatever you want.

I don't know if I would use the word elite. But that is OK if you do.

[Last Guardian]

What are you citing that describes his ability to finish as "elite".

Frankly, if that were true I would expect more of him even in todays NBA.

Probably the fact that when he attacks the basket he usually scores.

I mean lets break it down. Markelle shot 51.4% from the field last season. He's an awful perimeter shooter. How does a guard shoot so well from the field if he's an awful perimeter shooter? He must be good at something.

I mean do you just want me to change the wording to really damn good finisher or something? Is elite too much of a complement?

I'm literally agreeing with the naysayers that we probably shouldn't extend him to a huge contract and then they still try to downplay the things he's actually good at.

Naw, you are good. I have just found in my basketball absence that statistics have taken over. (As they should have.) To tell us whether or not someone is elite at something.

Considering your openness I am down with you saying whatever you want.

I don't know if I would use the word elite. But that is OK if you do.

I feel it is pretty clear when watching games that he's fantastic around the basket. Considering he's 31% from 3, IIRC 40-42% from mid-range...then being overall 51% from the field means he must be doing something great in the paint. I feel the eye test supports that. Not directing this at you, you seem to be a reasonable person, but I don't understand why some people just can't accept that he's good at ANYTHING. Apparently he's pretty terrible at every facet of the game.

Also, I am fine to acknowledge that he doesn't get the attention say Paolo gets, therefore it might be easier for him to see a lane and take advantage of it.

Like I said, my opinion right now is that for what he gives us and will continue to give us is not worth a big contract. He also doesn't have to be some horrible player just to justify that opinion.

What's funny is his replacement is pretty much a taller version of him...I'll be fine with it.

[JoshuaPotter]

Probably the fact that when he attacks the basket he usually scores.

I mean lets break it down. Markelle shot 51.4% from the field last season. He's an awful perimeter shooter. How does a guard shoot so well from the field if he's an awful perimeter shooter? He must be good at something.

I mean do you just want me to change the wording to really damn good finisher or something? Is elite too much of a complement?

I'm literally agreeing with the naysayers that we probably shouldn't extend him to a huge contract and then they still try to downplay the things he's actually good at.

Naw, you are good. I have just found in my basketball absence that statistics have taken over. (As they should have.) To tell us whether or not someone is elite at something.

Considering your openness I am down with you saying whatever you want.

I don't know if I would use the word elite. But that is OK if you do.

I feel it is pretty clear when watching games that he's fantastic around the basket. Considering he's 31% from 3, IIRC 40-42% from mid-range...then being overall 51% from the field means he must be doing something great in the paint. I feel the eye test supports that. Not directing this at you, you seem to be a reasonable person, but I don't understand why some people just can't accept that he's good at ANYTHING. Apparently he's pretty terrible at every facet of the game.

Also, I am fine to acknowledge that he doesn't get the attention say Paolo gets, therefore it might be easier for him to see a lane and take advantage of it.

Like I said, my opinion right now is that for what he gives us and will continue to give us is not worth a big contract. He also doesn't have to be some horrible player just to justify that opinion.

What's funny is his replacement is pretty much a taller version of him...I'll be fine with it.

I currently only tune into highlights and the radio. Why? Don't have cable.

And listening to radio might as well be getting the rosiest prettiest picture possible.

[Skybox]

"He's an elite finisher but he doesn't get to the line."...then - he's not!

It's not two separate categories...drawing and finishing through contact is what makes someone an "elite" finisher... again, 3>2

"elite" sure does get thrown around here

[Bensational]

Where’s all this blame going to go once Fultz isn’t on the team anymore? Watch out Paolo and Black, they’ll be coming for you next!

[Skybox]

Where’s all this blame going to go once Fultz isn’t on the team anymore? Watch out Paolo and Black, they’ll be coming for you next!

If you're talking to me, I'm not "blaming" anything, I'm evaluating a particular player...that's why the thread has his name on it. I'm not blaming him for losses, I'm also not ridiculously crediting him for wins without any measurable or obvious visual reason. He may well get a cummerbund for a big win tonight or tomorrow...I'm not at all reluctant to give credit where it's due. Why don't you stop giving credit where it's not due...some of you sound like his mom screaming from the bleachers at the YMCA 6 year old league, "stop being mean to my baby".

Stick to the facts

[MasterGMer]

To be honest with you, I want Markelle Fultz to succeed not only this season but beyond wearing Magic uniform.

But the cold truth of reality always hit us sooner than later. Is he a fit for us getting a Championship?

First of all, it always comes down to his 3 pt shooting. Plus he has to get more aggressive on the court scoring the ball. We can not afford to have 4 scorers on the court and the other just making plays for others. NBA is too modern for that. Nowadays, everyone on the court has to score to earn a rotational spot especially a starting spot for a team deemed to go to the playoff this year.

The approach I'd use this season is "Wait and see how it goes". We still have time to evaluate, whether it is Fultz, Suggs, Harris, Isaac or even our rookies Anthony Black and Jett Howard. Trade deadline is the time we have to or will make a move. But before that, just let the guys prove and show what they've got.

First of all, I am not a GM or player. But I am just speaking as a Magic fan. And fans do hold opinions and ideas for the franchise. That is our "job". lol

Can't wait to see how this season goes. We have a lot on the chip on the shoulder and we have a lot to prove!

[drsd]

So many pages in this thread. Too many people cling on what Fultz "might be" as former No. 1 pick disregarding that skill which got him that status is no longer there. Maybe even he was never that good as during those 30+ games in Washington, because Fultz wasn't that good in high school. This is not discussion driven by Fultz actual skillset and performance, there's nothing much to be said there. He is capable of playing a role of the bench, but your team ain't going anywhere if he is featured.

This is, in a way, essentially Darko 2.0 situation. They both got traded here to resurrect their career and prove that they belong to NBA, both given plenty of opportunity to prove more, but we are at the point where it is time to get Rashard Lewis and set Fultz free.

Fultz has played three games and is 10/5/3 for the season. Basically that is what his final-season stats are projected to look like.

Positives start with his +/- of positive 7.7. When he is on the court, the Magic score more plints than surrendered. His assist / To is a nice 3. He is a good rebounder and competent defender.

Negatives start with he is 0.00% from the three-point line this year. Only three attempts, with zero makes. That is amplified with hi having a 0.00% FT percentage, as in three games he has not taken a SINGLE free throw.

What we are left with is a player than can guide others but cannot manufacture points. Fultz will never be more than the 4th or 5th starter on this, or any team. Can Orlando win like that? Well a lot of teams have ignored their PG and done well. But those teams used the PG as 3-D players.

I still cannot assess him on this team though, as until there is a 37% three-point shooter taking 4 or more at the SG slot, this is a big INCOMPLETE.

In conclusion, if the Magic retain Fultz, it is clear that Suggs would need to be traded. These three games have made that point crystal clear.

[Skybox]

having a 0.00% FT percentage, as in three games he has not taken a SINGLE free throw.

In conclusion, if the Magic retain Fultz, it is clear that Suggs would need to be traded. These three games have made that point crystal clear.

THIS we can agree on…however, both are presently flawed and one is showing significant growth while on a rookie deal…not sure we’d agree who’s more impactful. Black will, hopefully, be entering the equation soon too.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

having a 0.00% FT percentage, as in three games he has not taken a SINGLE free throw.

In conclusion, if the Magic retain Fultz, it is clear that Suggs would need to be traded. These three games have made that point crystal clear.

THIS we can agree on…however, both are presently flawed and one is showing significant growth while on a rookie deal…not sure we’d agree who’s more impactful. Black will, hopefully, be entering the equation soon too.

If they were to keep Fultz and move Suggs woooo. it would be blatantly clear this FO doesn’t know how to put a roster together.