Official 2024-2025 Magic General Season Thread I

[RookieStar]

Suggs is everywhere.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

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Suggs living that life

[pepe1991]

Suggs is everywhere.

Read on Twitter

?s=19

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Suggs living that life

All mighty power of puss.

[drsd]

NBA has solid amount of not athletic players that had excellent careers. But you have to have elite BBIQ and read and process game well, and be very, very, VERY skilled. Jett Howard just isn't one of them.

And-1

Look at Georges Niang as an example. He is carrying at least 5kg of fat he should not have. And thus is a real "below the rim" guy. But he plays M-Wagner-style defense (be an irritant) and is really good at setting picks and hitting shots.

Howard might develop NBA skills and hang around the league for another 5-8 year. I hope he does. That's not the point. The point is that the Magic need now a combo wing that can provide 15 mpg over 70+ games; Howard's not that guy.

For a team like Utah making a trade of Sexton for Anthony, Howard and a FRP, Howard would be in an excellent opportunity to develop. There is nothing about the Magic that can develop Howard. He has got to go. (Did I just advocate trading for Sexton; yuck?).

[KillMonger]

Nothing yucky about sexton..... It's actually realistic

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[CZ Eddie]

Sunday afternoon reading from Grok:
--------------------------------------------

A 42-40 regular season record in the NBA typically places a team in the middle of the pack, often landing them in the play-in tournament or as a lower playoff seed (6th to 8th). Historically, teams with this exact record have rarely made deep playoff runs, as the postseason tends to favor higher-seeded teams with better records. However, there are notable exceptions where 42-40 teams (or very close records) exceeded expectations. Below, I’ll outline some examples of teams with a 42-40 record (or equivalent .512 winning percentage) that achieved “good things” in the playoffs, meaning at least advancing past the first round or making a notable impact.

### Historical Examples of 42-40 NBA Teams with Playoff Success

1. **1998-99 New York Knicks (27-23 in lockout-shortened season, equivalent to ~42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: The 1998-99 NBA season was shortened to 50 games due to a lockout. The Knicks finished 27-23, which projects to roughly 44-38 over 82 games but is close enough to 42-40 for consideration.
- **Playoff Performance**: As the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks made an improbable run to the NBA Finals. They upset the 1st-seeded Miami Heat in the first round (3-2 series, capped by Allan Houston’s game-winning shot in Game 5), swept the Atlanta Hawks in the second round (4-0), and defeated the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals (4-2). They lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals (4-1), but reaching the Finals as a low seed was remarkable.
- **Key Factors**: Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston provided scoring punch, while Patrick Ewing and a gritty defense anchored the team. Their underdog mentality and clutch play defined their run.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Making the Finals as an 8th seed is one of the most significant playoff achievements for a team with a modest regular-season record.

2. **2006-07 Golden State Warriors (42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: The Warriors finished 42-40 in the 2006-07 season, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference. This was their first playoff appearance since 1994, driven by the “We Believe” campaign under coach Don Nelson.
- **Playoff Performance**: In one of the most memorable upsets in NBA history, the Warriors defeated the 1st-seeded Dallas Mavericks (67-15) in the first round (4-2 series). Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis led a high-octane, fast-paced attack that overwhelmed Dallas. They lost to the Utah Jazz in the second round (4-1), but the first-round upset was iconic.
- **Key Factors**: The Warriors’ small-ball style, fueled by Davis’s leadership and Jackson’s toughness, exploited mismatches against Dallas. The electric Oracle Arena crowd also played a role.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Knocking off a 67-win team as an 8th seed is a historic achievement, even without advancing further.

3. **2010-11 Memphis Grizzlies (46-36, close to 42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: While the Grizzlies finished 46-36, I’m including them as their record is near 42-40, and they’re a standout example of a lower seed doing “good things.” They earned the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
- **Playoff Performance**: The Grizzlies pulled off a stunning first-round upset against the 1st-seeded San Antonio Spurs (61-21), winning the series 4-2. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol dominated inside, and Tony Allen’s defense on Manu Ginobili was pivotal. They pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the second round but lost.
- **Key Factors**: The “Grit and Grind” identity—physical defense and interior scoring—overpowered San Antonio. Randolph’s 31-point, 11-rebound Game 6 performance sealed the upset.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Defeating a 61-win team and nearly reaching the Conference Finals as an 8th seed qualifies as a significant playoff achievement.

### Notes on 2024-25 Season
For the 2024-25 NBA season, specific final standings aren’t fully detailed in my data, as the regular season concludes today, April 13, 2025. However, based on available information:
- Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers (noted at 42-25 earlier but likely finishing higher) and others in the Western Conference’s tight 4th-to-10th seed race (e.g., Clippers, Nuggets, Warriors, Timberwolves, Grizzlies) could end up near 42-40.
- Without exact final records, I can’t confirm which 2024-25 teams hit precisely 42-40. Historically, teams in this range (e.g., 7th or 8th seeds) often face tough first-round matchups but can succeed if they have star power or stylistic advantages, as seen in the examples above.

### General Trends for 42-40 Teams
- **Playoff Challenges**: A 42-40 record usually means a 7th or 8th seed, facing top teams like the 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers (63+ wins) or Oklahoma City Thunder. Advancing requires exceptional performances or opponent weaknesses.
- **Success Factors**: Teams that do “good things” often have:
- A superstar or clutch performer (e.g., Baron Davis, Zach Randolph).
- A unique playstyle (e.g., Warriors’ small ball, Grizzlies’ physicality).
- Momentum or home-court energy (e.g., Knicks’ 1999 grit, Warriors’ 2007 crowd).
- **Rarity of Deep Runs**: Beyond the Knicks (1999) and Warriors (2007), few 42-40 teams reach the Conference Finals or beyond. The 2010-11 Grizzlies (46-36) are an outlier, but their record is slightly better.

### Conclusion
The most prominent examples of 42-40 (or near) teams achieving playoff success are the 1998-99 Knicks (Finals appearance), 2006-07 Warriors (first-round upset), and 2010-11 Grizzlies (first-round upset, second-round competitiveness). These teams defied their seeding through star performances, tactical advantages, or unexpected chemistry. For 2024-25, teams finishing around 42-40 might include play-in contenders like the Timberwolves or Grizzlies, but their playoff outcomes depend on matchups and late-season form. If you’d like me to dig deeper into a specific season or team, let me know!

[eyriq]

Sunday afternoon reading from Grok:
--------------------------------------------

A 42-40 regular season record in the NBA typically places a team in the middle of the pack, often landing them in the play-in tournament or as a lower playoff seed (6th to 8th). Historically, teams with this exact record have rarely made deep playoff runs, as the postseason tends to favor higher-seeded teams with better records. However, there are notable exceptions where 42-40 teams (or very close records) exceeded expectations. Below, I’ll outline some examples of teams with a 42-40 record (or equivalent .512 winning percentage) that achieved “good things” in the playoffs, meaning at least advancing past the first round or making a notable impact.

### Historical Examples of 42-40 NBA Teams with Playoff Success

1. **1998-99 New York Knicks (27-23 in lockout-shortened season, equivalent to ~42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: The 1998-99 NBA season was shortened to 50 games due to a lockout. The Knicks finished 27-23, which projects to roughly 44-38 over 82 games but is close enough to 42-40 for consideration.
- **Playoff Performance**: As the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks made an improbable run to the NBA Finals. They upset the 1st-seeded Miami Heat in the first round (3-2 series, capped by Allan Houston’s game-winning shot in Game 5), swept the Atlanta Hawks in the second round (4-0), and defeated the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals (4-2). They lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals (4-1), but reaching the Finals as a low seed was remarkable.
- **Key Factors**: Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston provided scoring punch, while Patrick Ewing and a gritty defense anchored the team. Their underdog mentality and clutch play defined their run.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Making the Finals as an 8th seed is one of the most significant playoff achievements for a team with a modest regular-season record.

2. **2006-07 Golden State Warriors (42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: The Warriors finished 42-40 in the 2006-07 season, securing the 8th seed in the Western Conference. This was their first playoff appearance since 1994, driven by the “We Believe” campaign under coach Don Nelson.
- **Playoff Performance**: In one of the most memorable upsets in NBA history, the Warriors defeated the 1st-seeded Dallas Mavericks (67-15) in the first round (4-2 series). Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, and Monta Ellis led a high-octane, fast-paced attack that overwhelmed Dallas. They lost to the Utah Jazz in the second round (4-1), but the first-round upset was iconic.
- **Key Factors**: The Warriors’ small-ball style, fueled by Davis’s leadership and Jackson’s toughness, exploited mismatches against Dallas. The electric Oracle Arena crowd also played a role.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Knocking off a 67-win team as an 8th seed is a historic achievement, even without advancing further.

3. **2010-11 Memphis Grizzlies (46-36, close to 42-40)**
- **Regular Season Context**: While the Grizzlies finished 46-36, I’m including them as their record is near 42-40, and they’re a standout example of a lower seed doing “good things.” They earned the 8th seed in the Western Conference.
- **Playoff Performance**: The Grizzlies pulled off a stunning first-round upset against the 1st-seeded San Antonio Spurs (61-21), winning the series 4-2. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol dominated inside, and Tony Allen’s defense on Manu Ginobili was pivotal. They pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the second round but lost.
- **Key Factors**: The “Grit and Grind” identity—physical defense and interior scoring—overpowered San Antonio. Randolph’s 31-point, 11-rebound Game 6 performance sealed the upset.
- **Why It Counts as “Good Things”**: Defeating a 61-win team and nearly reaching the Conference Finals as an 8th seed qualifies as a significant playoff achievement.

### Notes on 2024-25 Season
For the 2024-25 NBA season, specific final standings aren’t fully detailed in my data, as the regular season concludes today, April 13, 2025. However, based on available information:
- Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers (noted at 42-25 earlier but likely finishing higher) and others in the Western Conference’s tight 4th-to-10th seed race (e.g., Clippers, Nuggets, Warriors, Timberwolves, Grizzlies) could end up near 42-40.
- Without exact final records, I can’t confirm which 2024-25 teams hit precisely 42-40. Historically, teams in this range (e.g., 7th or 8th seeds) often face tough first-round matchups but can succeed if they have star power or stylistic advantages, as seen in the examples above.

### General Trends for 42-40 Teams
- **Playoff Challenges**: A 42-40 record usually means a 7th or 8th seed, facing top teams like the 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers (63+ wins) or Oklahoma City Thunder. Advancing requires exceptional performances or opponent weaknesses.
- **Success Factors**: Teams that do “good things” often have:
- A superstar or clutch performer (e.g., Baron Davis, Zach Randolph).
- A unique playstyle (e.g., Warriors’ small ball, Grizzlies’ physicality).
- Momentum or home-court energy (e.g., Knicks’ 1999 grit, Warriors’ 2007 crowd).
- **Rarity of Deep Runs**: Beyond the Knicks (1999) and Warriors (2007), few 42-40 teams reach the Conference Finals or beyond. The 2010-11 Grizzlies (46-36) are an outlier, but their record is slightly better.

### Conclusion
The most prominent examples of 42-40 (or near) teams achieving playoff success are the 1998-99 Knicks (Finals appearance), 2006-07 Warriors (first-round upset), and 2010-11 Grizzlies (first-round upset, second-round competitiveness). These teams defied their seeding through star performances, tactical advantages, or unexpected chemistry. For 2024-25, teams finishing around 42-40 might include play-in contenders like the Timberwolves or Grizzlies, but their playoff outcomes depend on matchups and late-season form. If you’d like me to dig deeper into a specific season or team, let me know!

AI is so good and useful!

Win on Tuesday and then shock the world against Boston.

[fendilim]

So with Berlin hosting an NBA game next season, safe to assume we will be playing in Germany next yr?

[AdamTheGreek]

So with Berlin hosting an NBA game next season, safe to assume we will be playing in Germany next yr?

I would be stunned if it doesn’t include us. We didn’t have one this season. Martins is not passing this up.

[Skybox]

Perhaps OKC will draft Maluach and Silver will force them to trade Hartenstein to ORL for the trip

[RichCollab]

Nothing yucky about sexton..... It's actually realistic

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As 6th man? Not sure he is starter level on a playoff team. Sure he has every right to earn it.

Suggs/AB
KCP/Sexton

Drop Harris and Cole from the rotation.

AB and Sexton complete to take the 2 starting guard spot.

AB/Sexton
Suggs/KCP

[pepe1991]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

[JoshuaPotter]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

We should need to brush our teeth after saying that....

[VFX]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

Weltman will use that fact to change nothing.

[pepe1991]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

Weltman will use that fact to change nothing.

Winning formula is there, we just need 8 men to play at least 81 games to move to second round

[eyriq]

I'm thinking about re-tool options in tiers of impact.

Tier 1 high impact: re-tool the core of Suggs, Franz, and Paolo.

Tier 2 medium impact: re-tool the starter group of WCJ and KCP.

Tier 3 low impact: re-tool the bench group of JI, Goga, Cole, Harris, and Moritz.

Tier 4 medium impact: use rookie scale contracts and draft equity to upgrade the core or starting group.

My feel for things is that Weltman will be patient with Suggs. Patience means that tier 1 and tier 4 moves are off the table.

Tier 2 moves are probably going to be decided based on playoff performance. If we overachieve we are probably running back KCP and WCJ as starters.

Tier 3 moves are guaranteed, IMO. We'll almost certainly see a new bench, I think 2-3 new players in the rotation as a result of moves here.

[ogmagicfan]

Read on Twitter

[basketballRob]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

We have a winning record. 41-41 is winning.

Suggs is going to be crying more than the girls tonight when Paige and Hailey get drafted.

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[VFX]

We made history.
We are only nba team in history to win division without having winning record

We have a winning record. 41-41 is winning.

Suggs is going to be crying more than the girls tonight when Paige and Hailey get drafted.

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41-41 is neither winning or losing. 0-0 is the same.

What does your second sentence even mean in this conversation? You might as well give us interesting facts on giraffes. It’s about as relevant.

[Idiosyncratic]

Read on Twitter

Proof it can hold up without Suggs, which the stats had said previously fwiw. It really just was putrid for that stretch because Paolo wasn't moving at all when he first came back.

Still a Suggs fan, but Franz deserves his flowers. Guy is a defensive anchor as well.

[basketballRob]

Black 21/8/5 when playing without Franz and Paolo. With 2.5 spg.

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/anthony-black-stats-over-last-2-games

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