How bout that AB!

[JF5]

I wonder if AB would average more assists if the team shot better?

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Sure, but doesn’t that support the argument that AB wasn’t a real useful addition to this roster? We already have a good defensive team that can’t shoot.

Are you saying Black wasn't a good pick or he was?

Black is going to be a stud.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

I think the consensus outside of the AB Homers is that he's a great defensive player but just a very subpar offensive player. The eye test and the stats back it up.

They need to probably put him in that off the bench connector role. He's just so bad at everything that isn't within 5 feet that it's impossible to feature him as the main 6th man. You need an actual playmaking scorer and a spot up shooter/scorer off the bench to cover for his terrible offense.

He's a great defender... but an absolutely terrible offensive player.

[Bensational]

I wonder if AB would average more assists if the team shot better?

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Absolutely. He averages 7.2 potential assists per game on top of the 3.6apg he already contributes.

Can’t blame AB when guys like WCJ, KCP, TDS, Houstan and Queen are all bricking the wide open 3’s he creates for them.

WCJ has been a special kind of bad lately. I think the monstar who sapped Cole’s abilities hit WCJ after. WCJ looks like a guy who lost his place on the team and now he just looks lost in general.

[JoshuaPotter]

I just don't think with the way we play defense that the 3-ball leads to a high percentage shot. We clearly get tired unfocused legs there. Many people on opposing teams are playing Matador defense at this time of the season or have a system that allows them to recover and we are chronically injured.

This entire team may just be a wash where we have to look at only a handful of games / months and make choices based off that and see. However, going back to AB.

He seems to be slowly snapping out of it. At the same time, he still needs to show us more. Cole is trying to be no2 option, and Black I think is trying to be Moe but we are still struggling. I'm not sure how else to put it. Black just needs more minutes to see if he can have his games where he snaps out of it and builds off of it. Confidence, seems to be his biggest issue followed by game consistent mindset, and lack of jump shot. Age should cure at least 2 of 3.

[Fortune Teller]

I wonder if AB would average more assists if the team shot better?

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

Sure, but doesn’t that support the argument that AB wasn’t a real useful addition to this roster? We already have a good defensive team that can’t shoot.

Are you saying Black wasn't a good pick or he was?

Black is going to be a stud.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

My personal opinion is that he wasn't a good pick, particularly given the current makeup of this roster. I wish the FO would have traded that pick for something we actually need. We already have top-tier defense, but we're the worst-shooting team in the league. So why use the #6 pick on a defense-first project who can't shoot and will hopefully, one day, look like an NBA PG?

Paolo and Franz (and Suggs) are the young core and they're ready to win now. The #3 seed in the East is attainable. Surrounding them with projects and G-Leaguers (Jett) is not a recipe for a) maximizing their potential, or b) keeping them happy so they won't want to bolt first chance they get.

[jezzerinho]

Sure, but doesn’t that support the argument that AB wasn’t a real useful addition to this roster? We already have a good defensive team that can’t shoot.

Are you saying Black wasn't a good pick or he was?

Black is going to be a stud.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

My personal opinion is that he wasn't a good pick, particularly given the current makeup of this roster. I wish the FO would have traded that pick for something we actually need. We already have top-tier defense, but we're the worst-shooting team in the league. So why use the #6 pick on a defense-first project who can't shoot and will hopefully, one day, look like an NBA PG?

Paolo and Franz (and Suggs) are the young core and they're ready to win now. The #3 seed in the East is attainable. Surrounding them with projects and G-Leaguers (Jett) is not a recipe for a) maximizing their potential, or b) keeping them happy so they won't want to bolt first chance they get.

I also would have traded that #6 pick for someone.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

I just don't think with the way we play defense that the 3-ball leads to a high percentage shot. We clearly get tired unfocused legs there. Many people on opposing teams are playing Matador defense at this time of the season or have a system that allows them to recover and we are chronically injured.

This entire team may just be a wash where we have to look at only a handful of games / months and make choices based off that and see. However, going back to AB.

He seems to be slowly snapping out of it. At the same time, he still needs to show us more. Cole is trying to be no2 option, and Black I think is trying to be Moe but we are still struggling. I'm not sure how else to put it. Black just needs more minutes to see if he can have his games where he snaps out of it and builds off of it. Confidence, seems to be his biggest issue followed by game consistent mindset, and lack of jump shot. Age should cure at least 2 of 3.

Part of me wonders if there was no Cole does AB take a bigger step and show more. He’s somewhat got to play 2nd fiddle to Cole even if he’s the better prospect.

[The-Stallion70]

Hes not very good, may be on a different team in a month.

Good defensively, inconsistent offensively. Some team may still think he has upside but i think he would do better if he went into a situation where less was expected of him and he could focus on doing what he does do well for 15mpg or so.

[CarraT]

Can’t blame AB when guys like WCJ, KCP, TDS, Houstan and Queen are all bricking the wide open 3’s he creates for them.

AB is not creating wide-open 3s for others because he is such a great playmaker. The reason we’re getting so many wide-open 3s is that opposing teams want us to take them. They’re packing the paint and leaving the perimeter open because they know we are historically bad at hitting 3s, even when they’re wide open. Until we start knocking those down consistently, this will continue to be the strategy against us.

[Skybox]

I just don't think with the way we play defense that the 3-ball leads to a high percentage shot. We clearly get tired unfocused legs there. Many people on opposing teams are playing Matador defense at this time of the season or have a system that allows them to recover and we are chronically injured.

This entire team may just be a wash where we have to look at only a handful of games / months and make choices based off that and see. However, going back to AB.

He seems to be slowly snapping out of it. At the same time, he still needs to show us more. Cole is trying to be no2 option, and Black I think is trying to be Moe but we are still struggling. I'm not sure how else to put it. Black just needs more minutes to see if he can have his games where he snaps out of it and builds off of it. Confidence, seems to be his biggest issue followed by game consistent mindset, and lack of jump shot. Age should cure at least 2 of 3.

Part of me wonders if there was no Cole does AB take a bigger step and show more. He’s somewhat got to play 2nd fiddle to Cole even if he’s the better prospect.

NOT you...but most of the objections to my suggestions start with "ORL won't even play or want a bad defender like (insert name here)"...but AB can't beat out Cole?

[yoyojw17]

I just don't think with the way we play defense that the 3-ball leads to a high percentage shot. We clearly get tired unfocused legs there. Many people on opposing teams are playing Matador defense at this time of the season or have a system that allows them to recover and we are chronically injured.

This entire team may just be a wash where we have to look at only a handful of games / months and make choices based off that and see. However, going back to AB.

He seems to be slowly snapping out of it. At the same time, he still needs to show us more. Cole is trying to be no2 option, and Black I think is trying to be Moe but we are still struggling. I'm not sure how else to put it. Black just needs more minutes to see if he can have his games where he snaps out of it and builds off of it. Confidence, seems to be his biggest issue followed by game consistent mindset, and lack of jump shot. Age should cure at least 2 of 3.

Part of me wonders if there was no Cole does AB take a bigger step and show more. He’s somewhat got to play 2nd fiddle to Cole even if he’s the better prospect.

NOT you...but most of the objections to my suggestions start with "ORL won't even play or want a bad defender like (insert name here)"...but AB can't beat out Cole?

Cole's offense (potential) is what's needed in the starting lineup... not a 2nd year PG. If we had franz right now... i'm pretty sure black would be in the starting lineup.... just like the 33 or so games he started in his rookie season.

[Skybox]

Part of me wonders if there was no Cole does AB take a bigger step and show more. He’s somewhat got to play 2nd fiddle to Cole even if he’s the better prospect.

NOT you...but most of the objections to my suggestions start with "ORL won't even play or want a bad defender like (insert name here)"...but AB can't beat out Cole?

Cole's offense (potential) is what's needed in the starting lineup... not a 2nd year PG. If we had franz right now... i'm pretty sure black would be in the starting lineup.... just like the 33 or so games he started in his rookie season.

Makes sense...I don't know why they threw $66m at KCP then.

[JF5]

Can’t blame AB when guys like WCJ, KCP, TDS, Houstan and Queen are all bricking the wide open 3’s he creates for them.

AB is not creating wide-open 3s for others because he is such a great playmaker. The reason we’re getting so many wide-open 3s is that opposing teams want us to take them. They’re packing the paint and leaving the perimeter open because they know we are historically bad at hitting 3s, even when they’re wide open. Until we start knocking those down consistently, this will continue to be the strategy against us.

Also, AB is a role player. It's not like he's Franz or Paolo... If he can't shoot or create his own shot for himself and others hel get less playing time and potentially might get traded.

[VFX]

Sure, but doesn’t that support the argument that AB wasn’t a real useful addition to this roster? We already have a good defensive team that can’t shoot.

Are you saying Black wasn't a good pick or he was?

Black is going to be a stud.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

My personal opinion is that he wasn't a good pick, particularly given the current makeup of this roster. I wish the FO would have traded that pick for something we actually need. We already have top-tier defense, but we're the worst-shooting team in the league. So why use the #6 pick on a defense-first project who can't shoot and will hopefully, one day, look like an NBA PG?

This is the better takeaway from the AB selection. This is also why skillset matters more than BPA when you were in Orlando’s position gearing up for the draft.

Two allstar potential Forwards that run the offense?
Hard nosed SG with elite defensive potential but not great playmaking on the ball?

Well that clearly says you need an on ball playmaking point guard that shoots very well and possibly a multi level scoring wing that can defend off the bench. Took them another draft to get that second guy in TDS.

Two huge projects that really don’t do any of those things was the result from 2023.

I was higher on Cason Wallace, Podziemski, and Bufkin for those reasons. Was high on AB because I thought he was going to be able to run an offense getting players in better positions to score. Turns out 90% of what he does is driving to the rim on offense if he doesn’t pick up his dribble. Not necessarily what we need next to those guys at all. Floor remains small.

[Bensational]

Can’t blame AB when guys like WCJ, KCP, TDS, Houstan and Queen are all bricking the wide open 3’s he creates for them.

AB is not creating wide-open 3s for others because he is such a great playmaker. The reason we’re getting so many wide-open 3s is that opposing teams want us to take them. They’re packing the paint and leaving the perimeter open because they know we are historically bad at hitting 3s, even when they’re wide open. Until we start knocking those down consistently, this will continue to be the strategy against us.

Defenses packing the paint is because they fear AB (or any Magic player) getting a higher % shot. AB kicking it out to open shooters is the right play. Open shooters missing shots is their failure. AB is still doing the right thing as a playmaker. What he’s slowly learning to do is to continue to put pressure on the rim and find shots even when defenses try to pack the paint.

In a lineup of Goga/Paolo/Franz/Suggs/Black I doubt defenses will be as confident to leave Paolo, Franz and Suggs wide open on the perimeter and if they do then they are some of our best shooters on high volume. Still low efficiency, but they won’t be getting the Fultz/Westbrook/Simmons treatment on the perimeter.

I see Black initiating the offense like Fultz used to, trying to find a quick or early bucket and kicking it out when that’s not available, at which point Paolo and Franz can then try to get the matchup they want and self create. That’s probably 2 years away from coming to fruition.

[yoyojw17]

NOT you...but most of the objections to my suggestions start with "ORL won't even play or want a bad defender like (insert name here)"...but AB can't beat out Cole?

Cole's offense (potential) is what's needed in the starting lineup... not a 2nd year PG. If we had franz right now... i'm pretty sure black would be in the starting lineup.... just like the 33 or so games he started in his rookie season.

Makes sense...I don't know why they threw $66m at KCP then.

Cuz it made sense... pick up the player that you need now... and allow black to grow into the role without the additional pressures and eventually replace KCP when his contract is over.... and it is time for them to possibly pay Black for what they believe he can be..... and though we are the orlando magic .... we don't have crystal ball to see whether it all works as planned. Same way we could go down the path of Simons or Sexton and though they seem to be a great addition... they might not work... we gave up assets and we let them expire. Not saying that that's what will happen .... but that is a possible reality.

[yoyojw17]

Are you saying Black wasn't a good pick or he was?

Black is going to be a stud.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

My personal opinion is that he wasn't a good pick, particularly given the current makeup of this roster. I wish the FO would have traded that pick for something we actually need. We already have top-tier defense, but we're the worst-shooting team in the league. So why use the #6 pick on a defense-first project who can't shoot and will hopefully, one day, look like an NBA PG?

This is the better takeaway from the AB selection. This is also why skillset matters more than BPA when you were in Orlando’s position gearing up for the draft.

Two allstar potential Forwards that run the offense?
Hard nosed SG with elite defensive potential but not great playmaking on the ball?

Well that clearly says you need an on ball playmaking point guard that shoots very well and possibly a multi level scoring wing that can defend off the bench. Took them another draft to get that second guy in TDS.

Two huge projects that really don’t do any of those things was the result from 2023.

I was higher on Cason Wallace, Podziemski, and Bufkin for those reasons. Was high on AB because I thought he was going to be able to run an offense getting players in better positions to score. Turns out 90% of what he does is driving to the rim on offense if he doesn’t pick up his dribble. Not necessarily what we need next to those guys at all. Floor remains small.

we all get high off of many players (FO included).... but at the end of the day.... only one selection can be made. You cast your bet... and pray that it all works out. Other than wallace who gets to play pretty much the AB role of last year but on a Muuuuuuch better team with an established superstar, and two stars in the making as well.... the other two have been lackluster years as well.... even podz who looked like he was about bust out after last season.

But.... from what i've seen of AB... if he continues clean up his handles and gain confidence in his shot... WHILE OF COURSE BRINGING THAT FIRE.... he and suggs will make a dynamic backcourt for years to come.

[Skybox]

My personal opinion is that he wasn't a good pick, particularly given the current makeup of this roster. I wish the FO would have traded that pick for something we actually need. We already have top-tier defense, but we're the worst-shooting team in the league. So why use the #6 pick on a defense-first project who can't shoot and will hopefully, one day, look like an NBA PG?

This is the better takeaway from the AB selection. This is also why skillset matters more than BPA when you were in Orlando’s position gearing up for the draft.

Two allstar potential Forwards that run the offense?
Hard nosed SG with elite defensive potential but not great playmaking on the ball?

Well that clearly says you need an on ball playmaking point guard that shoots very well and possibly a multi level scoring wing that can defend off the bench. Took them another draft to get that second guy in TDS.

Two huge projects that really don’t do any of those things was the result from 2023.

I was higher on Cason Wallace, Podziemski, and Bufkin for those reasons. Was high on AB because I thought he was going to be able to run an offense getting players in better positions to score. Turns out 90% of what he does is driving to the rim on offense if he doesn’t pick up his dribble. Not necessarily what we need next to those guys at all. Floor remains small.

we all get high off of many players (FO included).... but at the end of the day.... only one selection can be made. You cast your bet... and pray that it all works out. Other than wallace who gets to play pretty much the AB role of last year but on a Muuuuuuch better team with an established superstar, and two stars in the making as well.... the other two have been lackluster years as well.... even podz who looked like he was about bust out after last season.

But.... from what i've seen of AB... if he continues clean up his handles and gain confidence in his shot... WHILE OF COURSE BRINGING THAT FIRE.... he and suggs will make a dynamic backcourt for years to come.

Wallace was a more accomplished PG and a good defender coming out…I think they bet on size and hoped for development. As of today, Cason is still way ahead, but maybe the higher upside longshot pays off for ORL.

[yoyojw17]

This is the better takeaway from the AB selection. This is also why skillset matters more than BPA when you were in Orlando’s position gearing up for the draft.

Two allstar potential Forwards that run the offense?
Hard nosed SG with elite defensive potential but not great playmaking on the ball?

Well that clearly says you need an on ball playmaking point guard that shoots very well and possibly a multi level scoring wing that can defend off the bench. Took them another draft to get that second guy in TDS.

Two huge projects that really don’t do any of those things was the result from 2023.

I was higher on Cason Wallace, Podziemski, and Bufkin for those reasons. Was high on AB because I thought he was going to be able to run an offense getting players in better positions to score. Turns out 90% of what he does is driving to the rim on offense if he doesn’t pick up his dribble. Not necessarily what we need next to those guys at all. Floor remains small.

we all get high off of many players (FO included).... but at the end of the day.... only one selection can be made. You cast your bet... and pray that it all works out. Other than wallace who gets to play pretty much the AB role of last year but on a Muuuuuuch better team with an established superstar, and two stars in the making as well.... the other two have been lackluster years as well.... even podz who looked like he was about bust out after last season.

But.... from what i've seen of AB... if he continues clean up his handles and gain confidence in his shot... WHILE OF COURSE BRINGING THAT FIRE.... he and suggs will make a dynamic backcourt for years to come.

Wallace was a more accomplished PG and a good defender coming out…I think they bet on size and hoped for development. As of today, Cason is still way ahead, but maybe the higher upside longshot pays off for ORL.

Cason was on a muuuuuuch different team that Black in college. He was missing everything offensive that was supposed to be surrounding him. i don't think it's that much of a longshot. Once he's accustomed to the league.... he will impose his will a lot more.

Watch on YouTube

haha... ironically....

[Orlando Dawg]

I think that first year with Fultz as a mentor really messed with his head

[GelbeWand09]

Cole's offense (potential) is what's needed in the starting lineup... not a 2nd year PG. If we had franz right now... i'm pretty sure black would be in the starting lineup.... just like the 33 or so games he started in his rookie season.

Makes sense...I don't know why they threw $66m at KCP then.

Cuz it made sense... pick up the player that you need now... and allow black to grow into the role without the additional pressures and eventually replace KCP when his contract is over.... and it is time for them to possibly pay Black for what they believe he can be..... and though we are the orlando magic .... we don't have crystal ball to see whether it all works as planned. Same way we could go down the path of Simons or Sexton and though they seem to be a great addition... they might not work... we gave up assets and we let them expire. Not saying that that's what will happen .... but that is a possible reality.

It would have made sense if we signed/traded for a guy like Van Fleet and let AB grow behind a veteran PG. KCP wasn't the player we need now at all. He never made sense because it's Suggs position and KCP is just a even worse driving/playmaking version of Suggs. Now we have 2 very good defensive minded SG and a very good defensive Combo guard prospect who is bad at everything at offense and skill wise for his position except average playmaking. But Noone he can learn from or grow without pressure. Now we have no real PGs or good ballhandler at either guard spot as a professional NBA team and we might have to trade for one dimensional, horrible negative impact players like Simon's and co.

Drafting AB is not the problem, it's like always since Weltman is here roster composition, addressing needs, addressing weaknesses, Creating synergy effects because the players skills fit with each other....