Official Spec Thread: Regular Season

[yoyojw17]

I'd say just Goga.

will basically mean we're running it back. FA will be a snooze for us outside of an extension for Cole/Fultz which would be scary times.

If they bring back Goga, it's likely 13-14 guaranteed contracts as is assuming Fultz and Bol are guaranteed after tomorrow. I do not think they are waiving Isaac so the only suspense is on Gary Harris.

Unless a trade is happening, most of the action will be around the 15th spot (Mo Wagner could be resigned) and the remaining Two-Way slots.

Other than maybe grabbing a defensive backup center, I don't think much happens unless a trade is made.

No long-term money should be spend on free agents this summer either.

2023-2024 deal? not $13-14 million deal... just making sure lol

[RookieStar]

We pretty much traded AG (same Fournier) at the lowpoint of his value & pretty much got almost nothing for him in consequence. If we had traded him after the Slam Dunk hype, we probably get a top 12 pick for him at least because of the hype and ''potential'' (was younger). If Chicago wasnt so desperate we could have ended up like Washington, getting almost nothing for our ''top'' players.

You telling me, AG being traded for a FRP , a young upcoming rookie and a solid rotation player is his lowpoint?

Seriously???

Hampton had all the potential in the world, the FRP..
Well who knew DEN was gonna be a powerhouse when we traded with them? Gary is still a serviceable player amd if nothong else, cap relief

Yea as long as Jokic is healthy this was always going to be a pick in the mid-late 20's, which is pretty much the range of pick they trade every year away for cash considerations. Harris looked cooked at the time & Hampton was the 24th pick, who showed nothing in Denver or New Zealand. AG was a young player in the mold of one of the most wanted arche types in the leaque. Big athletic wing, who is super versatile on defense & at least not broken 3Point shot.

''Well who knew DEN was gonna be a powerhouse when we traded with them?''
Denver was in the Western Conference Finals a few months before & had a .653 winning % in the season we traded with them despite Murray missing games. They were already a top team

Sorry but no one can predict the total wins of a team especially a team 3-4 years away. No on can predict a team imploding or not. Yes, the FRP was always gong to be in the 20s though.

Harris was injured (again) but he showed some signs if life lately then. Yes, RJ was a 24th pick. You forgot when he came to our squad he did pretty good? Winning rookie of the month even? No revisionist history here but during the end of the season, between Cole Okeke and RJ, a lot of us thought RJ had the brightest future of them.

[RookieStar]

Actually that’s a perfect example of “one step back, two steps forward”…probably some short-term pain, but get to the good stuff sooner.

I’ve said all along- start Cole…he likely has a chance of being better than his first go-round. I wouldn’t give Fultz a 20m extension if we had 12 centers and him on the roster…he’s likely the best PG on the roster today, but not for long and nowhere near good enough to keep up with this team’s trajectory. If he’s not replaced, it’ll be at the TD or next summer…why delay the inevitable? And why commit to a risky contract? Last year, when he finally played, Fultz looked physically good…but beyond the nonexistent 3pt shooting, the inability to draw fouls, and the lack of assists, don’t ever forget the health history. It always comes up with WCJ and Suggs profiles, but Suggs is in Zion/Isaac territory for availability. Just too many reasons NOT to getting chained to him.

I’d be more than okay with 2nd string Fultz making $12m…but I don’t see that happening on this team, maybe elsewhere like Elf.

We don't know if Fultz can demand a 20m extension. If FO thinks they arent on the same page, im sure they will talk with Fultz on where he wants to go. We did it with Vuc AG Evan after all.

Also, how do we know Black can get us "sooner to the good stuff". We don't know if we throw him to the wolves right away without anyone teaching him the ropes might be bad for his development.

This is not some legacy superstar with years of noble service like Dame…we revived his dead career and gave him a raise for doing rehab. How many actual games played vs games paid? He goes wherever we can get something back that we want and thanks us.

I think that’s also kinder to him…to send him to a team that can give him a fresh opportunity.

How much would you guess he’ll want, coming off a $17m deal?

“

Depends on his performance this season. IF no improvement but the same stuff last season? I would guess a 3yr 50m deal.

[Howard Mass]

will basically mean we're running it back. FA will be a snooze for us outside of an extension for Cole/Fultz which would be scary times.

If they bring back Goga, it's likely 13-14 guaranteed contracts as is assuming Fultz and Bol are guaranteed after tomorrow. I do not think they are waiving Isaac so the only suspense is on Gary Harris.

Unless a trade is happening, most of the action will be around the 15th spot (Mo Wagner could be resigned) and the remaining Two-Way slots.

Other than maybe grabbing a defensive backup center, I don't think much happens unless a trade is made.

No long-term money should be spend on free agents this summer either.

2023-2024 deal? not $13-14 million deal... just making sure lol

13-14 guaranteed contracts.

[Howard Mass]

The Magic now have 10 guaranteed deals(Assuming Anthony Black and Jett Howard sign).

The contracts for Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris and Bol Bol become guaranteed if they are not waived by the end of the day tomorrow. There is some suspense on Gary Harris (I think they keep him) but if they all become guaranteed, that is 13.

Jonathan isaac is part-guaranteed this year due to injury protection in his contract. He is not expected to be waived so that is 14.

This means there is one spot left on the 15 man roster.

One of the three Two-Way Deals is filled with Kevon Harris.

So, unless The Magic are planning to make a trade or cut someone, this roster is pretty set.

[Bensational]

Vuc made allstar game twice, was best player on playoff team- twice.

In playoffs after stinker vs Raptors (champions) he averaged 28-11-4 on 50-40-90 splits against also- champions year later.

Magic got a houl for him because he was ( and still is) very good player.

Fultz on other hand.... isn't top 2 player on non playoff team.

Neither is Vuc in recent years. After he was traded he lead the Bulls into the lottery as a top 2 option. The next season he was a #3 option with Lonzo at #4 and they made the playoffs. This season no Lonzo, Vuc still #3 - and he leads them back into the lottery. In fact, Fultz and the rookie Magic team were nipping at their heels for a play-in spot.

And Vuc didn’t become an all star until he was 28, which would be at the end of Fultz’s next extension.

Bit revision of history?

After trade they only had 26 games on schedule. Lavine missed 13 out of those 26 games . Lonzo nor Derozan were Bulls players that year.

Next year they won 46 games ( 46-36) and yet again , Lonzo Ball played only 35 games. They made playoffs.

This year Lonzo played 0 games, they had 40-42 record. And lost playin game vs team that eventually went to NBA finals.


You make it sound like Magic were 1,5 games behind playoffs, in reality they were 6 wins away and actually were 3rd worst team , record vise, in conference. But you framed it how it was way more fitting to your point Good manipulation i have to admit

"Lead to lottery " =40-42 team but " Fultz and rookie team nipping playoffs with 34-48

It’s just the facts. When Vuc was a top 2 option for Chicago they weren’t a playoff team. He has been the #3 option behind LaVine and DeRozan since then and they’ve had one playoff series and they won one game. They couldn’t even achieve a winning record in the east this season. You want to claim 40-42 record as a good team result?

The Magic’s record with Fultz was 29-31, but the last 3 games were complete tank jobs and Fultz didn’t play in one of them. Take them off and it’s 29-29, which is better, but at the very least equally as competitive as that veteran Vuc team.

If Fultz doesn’t improve his X factor elements like shooting and drawing fouls he’s likely to end up like Vuc as a capable player who’s game isn’t efficient enough to make the kind of elite impact real playoff contenders can.

[The-Stallion70]

Bamba waived.... hope he likes really authentic Chinese food

[pepe1991]

Neither is Vuc in recent years. After he was traded he lead the Bulls into the lottery as a top 2 option. The next season he was a #3 option with Lonzo at #4 and they made the playoffs. This season no Lonzo, Vuc still #3 - and he leads them back into the lottery. In fact, Fultz and the rookie Magic team were nipping at their heels for a play-in spot.

And Vuc didn’t become an all star until he was 28, which would be at the end of Fultz’s next extension.

Bit revision of history?

After trade they only had 26 games on schedule. Lavine missed 13 out of those 26 games . Lonzo nor Derozan were Bulls players that year.

Next year they won 46 games ( 46-36) and yet again , Lonzo Ball played only 35 games. They made playoffs.

This year Lonzo played 0 games, they had 40-42 record. And lost playin game vs team that eventually went to NBA finals.


You make it sound like Magic were 1,5 games behind playoffs, in reality they were 6 wins away and actually were 3rd worst team , record vise, in conference. But you framed it how it was way more fitting to your point Good manipulation i have to admit

"Lead to lottery " =40-42 team but " Fultz and rookie team nipping playoffs with 34-48

It’s just the facts. When Vuc was a top 2 option for Chicago they weren’t a playoff team. He has been the #3 option behind LaVine and DeRozan since then and they’ve had one playoff series and they won one game. They couldn’t even achieve a winning record in the east this season. You want to claim 40-42 record as a good team result?

The Magic’s record with Fultz was 29-31, but the last 3 games were complete tank jobs and Fultz didn’t play in one of them. Take them off and it’s 29-29, which is better, but at the very least equally as competitive as that veteran Vuc team.

If Fultz doesn’t improve his X factor elements like shooting and drawing fouls he’s likely to end up like Vuc as a capable player who’s game isn’t efficient enough to make the kind of elite impact real playoff contenders can.

Vuc was best player on playoff teams twice buddy.

Fultz was never ever best player on any team he was on. With or without playoffs.

And it's not like some over a top fans voted Vuc for allstar like Lin fans almost voted him, it's coaches who voted him in.

[basketballRob]

At least we should be able to pass Chicago next season.

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[pepe1991]

Mo Bamba

[Bensational]

Bit revision of history?

After trade they only had 26 games on schedule. Lavine missed 13 out of those 26 games . Lonzo nor Derozan were Bulls players that year.

Next year they won 46 games ( 46-36) and yet again , Lonzo Ball played only 35 games. They made playoffs.

This year Lonzo played 0 games, they had 40-42 record. And lost playin game vs team that eventually went to NBA finals.


You make it sound like Magic were 1,5 games behind playoffs, in reality they were 6 wins away and actually were 3rd worst team , record vise, in conference. But you framed it how it was way more fitting to your point Good manipulation i have to admit

"Lead to lottery " =40-42 team but " Fultz and rookie team nipping playoffs with 34-48

It’s just the facts. When Vuc was a top 2 option for Chicago they weren’t a playoff team. He has been the #3 option behind LaVine and DeRozan since then and they’ve had one playoff series and they won one game. They couldn’t even achieve a winning record in the east this season. You want to claim 40-42 record as a good team result?

The Magic’s record with Fultz was 29-31, but the last 3 games were complete tank jobs and Fultz didn’t play in one of them. Take them off and it’s 29-29, which is better, but at the very least equally as competitive as that veteran Vuc team.

If Fultz doesn’t improve his X factor elements like shooting and drawing fouls he’s likely to end up like Vuc as a capable player who’s game isn’t efficient enough to make the kind of elite impact real playoff contenders can.

Vuc was best player on playoff teams twice buddy.

Fultz was never ever best player on any team he was on. With or without playoffs.

And it's not like some over a top fans voted Vuc for allstar like Lin fans almost voted him, it's coaches who voted him in.

Best player who’s never won more than a single game in a series? Big achievement. And like I said, he didn’t have a standout season until he was 28. Give Fultz 4 more years and let’s see if he can get a playoff win and some votes in a popularity contest. I mean, Gordon has already won his first championship at a younger age than when Vuc first made the playoffs, including a game-leading 27 point effort in the game 3 win in the finals. Plenty of people didn’t think he’d be capable of that.

I’m glad Vuc got paid by Chicago but if he wants to win he’s going to have to play a smaller role behind better players and work on the things which eat into his efficiency.

[pepe1991]

It’s just the facts. When Vuc was a top 2 option for Chicago they weren’t a playoff team. He has been the #3 option behind LaVine and DeRozan since then and they’ve had one playoff series and they won one game. They couldn’t even achieve a winning record in the east this season. You want to claim 40-42 record as a good team result?

The Magic’s record with Fultz was 29-31, but the last 3 games were complete tank jobs and Fultz didn’t play in one of them. Take them off and it’s 29-29, which is better, but at the very least equally as competitive as that veteran Vuc team.

If Fultz doesn’t improve his X factor elements like shooting and drawing fouls he’s likely to end up like Vuc as a capable player who’s game isn’t efficient enough to make the kind of elite impact real playoff contenders can.

Vuc was best player on playoff teams twice buddy.

Fultz was never ever best player on any team he was on. With or without playoffs.

And it's not like some over a top fans voted Vuc for allstar like Lin fans almost voted him, it's coaches who voted him in.

Best player who’s never won more than a single game in a series? Big achievement. And like I said, he didn’t have a standout season until he was 28. Give Fultz 4 more years and let’s see if he can get a playoff win and some votes in a popularity contest. I mean, Gordon has already won his first championship at a younger age than when Vuc first made the playoffs, including a game-leading 27 point effort in the game 3 win in the finals. Plenty of people didn’t think he’d be capable of that.

I’m glad Vuc got paid by Chicago but if he wants to win he’s going to have to play a smaller role behind better players and work on the things which eat into his efficiency.

Opposite of being one of worst 1st ovrerall draft busts in history, who also never was best player anywhere as pro?

Fultz is 25, in 3 years he will be either out of nba, not starter any more OR bench player somwhere.

Gordon plays on team that has best player on planet Earth. As 4th best player.

I love how you still hang onto that Gordon stuff while guy averages 13 ppg in playoffs and calls himself role player. LIke, dude, he gave up on "star Gordon " thing, maybe it's time for you too?

Vuc is 33 and still starter and gets payed. Thing that most people Magic had ( and probably majority of players Magic have) won't be able to say once they hit his age. Championships are team achivments and evaluating players based on them is chidlish. Kevin Garnett almost went ringless in his career, Barkley went ringless, in same time some random jabroni Joel Anthony or Patrick MaCaw won 2 rings.

Hell, Tristan Thompson and Mario Chalmers were starters on championship teams.

[Bensational]

Vuc was best player on playoff teams twice buddy.

Fultz was never ever best player on any team he was on. With or without playoffs.

And it's not like some over a top fans voted Vuc for allstar like Lin fans almost voted him, it's coaches who voted him in.

Best player who’s never won more than a single game in a series? Big achievement. And like I said, he didn’t have a standout season until he was 28. Give Fultz 4 more years and let’s see if he can get a playoff win and some votes in a popularity contest. I mean, Gordon has already won his first championship at a younger age than when Vuc first made the playoffs, including a game-leading 27 point effort in the game 3 win in the finals. Plenty of people didn’t think he’d be capable of that.

I’m glad Vuc got paid by Chicago but if he wants to win he’s going to have to play a smaller role behind better players and work on the things which eat into his efficiency.

Opposite of being one of worst 1st ovrerall draft busts in history, who also never was best player anywhere as pro?

Fultz is 25, in 3 years he will be either out of nba, not starter any more OR bench player somwhere.

Gordon plays on team that has best player on planet Earth. As 4th best player.

I love how you still hang onto that Gordon stuff while guy averages 13 ppg in playoffs and calls himself role player. LIke, dude, he gave up on "star Gordon " thing, maybe it's time for you too?

Vuc is 33 and still starter and gets payed. Thing that most people Magic had ( and probably majority of players Magic have) won't be able to say once they hit his age. Championships are team achivments and evaluating players based on them is chidlish. Kevin Garnett almost went ringless in his career, Barkley went ringless, in same time some random jabroni Joel Anthony or Patrick MaCaw won 2 rings.

Hell, Tristan Thompson and Mario Chalmers were starters on championship teams.

Gordon joins new team and becomes a #3 option and wins a championship. Vuc joins a new team and becomes a #3 option and wins a lottery pick

In the 11 years Vuc has been a top 2 or 3 option his teams have only had a winning record TWICE. 2/11 years! And we can’t blame the support because Oladipo, Harris, Gordon have all moved on to winning teams since.

Nobody has called Gordon a star, it’s just you. I’ve called him an NBA Champion - because he is.

Championships are won by players who accept roles and do what needs to be done to win behind star players. Vuc isn’t good enough to be a star player and hasn’t become specialised enough to be a role player despite having all the tools - great rebounder, great passer, good shooter. Marc Gasol became a 3&D C to win a ring. I think Vuc could do similar on the right team.

[VFX]

2018 draft was an abject failure on multiple levels.

Bamba - #6 - traded and waived from subsequent team 5 years later.
Carter - #7 - Starting in Orlando
Sexton -#8 - Starter in Utah
M. Bridges - #10 - Star in Brooklyn
SGA - #11 - Superstar in OKC
Porter - #14 - Starter on Championship team

It was actually more impressive that they didn't draft a competent starter from this draft.

In 2018/19 DJ Augustine started 81 games for Orlando at 28mpg and MCW was playing 19mpg.
Jonathan Simmons and Terrance Ross were also each playing 22-26mpg.

[The-Stallion70]

I agree with Cammo's post he made the other day, we have ALOT of young players. Time to consolidate talent go after that star talent or key veteran piece that could tie it all together.

[The-Stallion70]

2018 draft was an abject failure on multiple levels.

Bamba - #6 - traded and waived from subsequent team 5 years later.
Carter - #7 - Starting in Orlando
Sexton -#8 - Starter in Utah
M. Bridges - #10 - Star in Brooklyn
SGA - #11 - Superstar in OKC
Porter - #14 - Starter on Championship team

It was actually more impressive that they didn't draft a competent starter from this draft.

In 2018/19 DJ Augustine started 81 games for Orlando at 28mpg and MCW was playing 19mpg.
Jonathan Simmons and Terrance Ross were also each playing 22-26mpg.

Agreed the Bamba selection is the single biggest blunder for Weltman during his tenure here. And Okeke was also taken before quite a few good players the following year. These are the reasons why I don't have absolute confidence in Weltman even though it appears he killed the Franz and Paolo picks.

Cole was also a good pick.

[SOUL]

I agree with Cammo's post he made the other day, we have ALOT of young players. Time to consolidate talent go after that star talent or key veteran piece that could tie it all together.

I think people will be surprised how many years it takes young guys to reach that level that we want them at.

Star talent doesn't become available often, but enough that they can pick and choose. Not sure it's worth it for anyone right now relative to what it will cost.

[basketballRob]

Brook Lopez might be the most getable free agent for the Magic. He's way better than Vuc

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[Optimus_Steel]

Bamba waived.... hope he likes really authentic Chinese food

What happened? I guess he couldn't figure out Jokic...

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[Dub_Sax]

Brook Lopez might be the most getable free agent for the Magic. He's way better than Vuc

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IF, big IF, BL comes to the Magic, does he start at 5, WCJ at 4? Does he back up WCJ? Does WCJ become the backup?

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