2025-2026 Preseason Game 2: Orlando Magic (1-0) v. Philadelphia 76ers (0-2) - 7pm ET

[BadMofoPimp]

In college, Anthony Black earned the title of best NCAA point guard in his draft class by doing the things that actually matter: dominating minutes, initiating offense, defending the point, and drawing fouls, and none of his peers matched that blend. He was a true lead guard at Arkansas who played heavy minutes, broke freshman records, and carried real two-way responsibility. Orlando didn’t bring in Tyus to block his path; they brought him in to steady the ship this season while Black develops. Already in camp and early games, AB is running offense, making reads, defending top assignments, and showing progress as a shooter. His trajectory looks exactly like what you want from a young lead guard learning under control, and every indicator points to him being Orlando’s point guard of the future, not just a project waiting for minutes.

AB was 3rd in usage at Arkansas, behind Nick Smith Jr who got 5 mins a game for the Lakers last year and behind Ricky Council IV, who is an unsigned FA having been cut by the Sixers.

Arkansas played a committee approach to ball handling, in which Black was 3rd banana.He wasnt their go-to initiator and he wasnt a "true lead guard". Like Council (who I rated coming out) he was a swiss army guy for the Razorbacks, but with more defensive responsibility than Smith Jr or Council IV.

Still presenting opinion as fact and still making statements that evidence doesnt back up...

AB is a good player. But your fervent desire for him to be something he has never been so far, is unlikely on its own to make it happen.

Arkansas didn’t hide Anthony Black; they leaned on him to run a balanced offense. He led the team and SEC in minutes, started all 36 games, was top five in the SEC in assists, set the Arkansas freshman records for steals and free-throw attempts, and handled primary creation even when Nick Smith Jr. was available. Smith missed large chunks of the season, and Ricky Council IV was the leading scorer and foul-drawer but more of a finisher with modest assists, which fits a lineup where Black initiates and others cash in. Eric Musselman literally framed Black as the quarterback, which is exactly how Orlando is using him now: big, unselfish, two-way guard who controls tempo, makes the next read, takes top perimeter assignments, and is nudging the jumper forward. That is a true lead-guard profile, and it explains why his trajectory tracks as Orlando’s point guard of the future, while Tyus stabilizes the present.

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts. Haven't seen anything elite but defense may get there.

[eyriq]

AB was 3rd in usage at Arkansas, behind Nick Smith Jr who got 5 mins a game for the Lakers last year and behind Ricky Council IV, who is an unsigned FA having been cut by the Sixers.

Arkansas played a committee approach to ball handling, in which Black was 3rd banana.He wasnt their go-to initiator and he wasnt a "true lead guard". Like Council (who I rated coming out) he was a swiss army guy for the Razorbacks, but with more defensive responsibility than Smith Jr or Council IV.

Still presenting opinion as fact and still making statements that evidence doesnt back up...

AB is a good player. But your fervent desire for him to be something he has never been so far, is unlikely on its own to make it happen.

Arkansas didn’t hide Anthony Black; they leaned on him to run a balanced offense. He led the team and SEC in minutes, started all 36 games, was top five in the SEC in assists, set the Arkansas freshman records for steals and free-throw attempts, and handled primary creation even when Nick Smith Jr. was available. Smith missed large chunks of the season, and Ricky Council IV was the leading scorer and foul-drawer but more of a finisher with modest assists, which fits a lineup where Black initiates and others cash in. Eric Musselman literally framed Black as the quarterback, which is exactly how Orlando is using him now: big, unselfish, two-way guard who controls tempo, makes the next read, takes top perimeter assignments, and is nudging the jumper forward. That is a true lead-guard profile, and it explains why his trajectory tracks as Orlando’s point guard of the future, while Tyus stabilizes the present.

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts.

That’s mostly about role, not ability. Orlando’s offense runs through Paolo and Franz, with Suggs handling most of the guard creation, so Black hasn’t been asked to be a full-time facilitator yet. Even so, his assist-to-turnover ratio and potential assists per 36 have both improved, and he’s been one of their best at pushing pace and making live-dribble reads. The team has focused on defense and shooting first, but the passing instincts are real and already showing through when he gets the ball.

[BadMofoPimp]

Arkansas didn’t hide Anthony Black; they leaned on him to run a balanced offense. He led the team and SEC in minutes, started all 36 games, was top five in the SEC in assists, set the Arkansas freshman records for steals and free-throw attempts, and handled primary creation even when Nick Smith Jr. was available. Smith missed large chunks of the season, and Ricky Council IV was the leading scorer and foul-drawer but more of a finisher with modest assists, which fits a lineup where Black initiates and others cash in. Eric Musselman literally framed Black as the quarterback, which is exactly how Orlando is using him now: big, unselfish, two-way guard who controls tempo, makes the next read, takes top perimeter assignments, and is nudging the jumper forward. That is a true lead-guard profile, and it explains why his trajectory tracks as Orlando’s point guard of the future, while Tyus stabilizes the present.

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts.

That’s mostly about role, not ability. Orlando’s offense runs through Paolo and Franz, with Suggs handling most of the guard creation, so Black hasn’t been asked to be a full-time facilitator yet. Even so, his assist-to-turnover ratio and potential assists per 36 have both improved, and he’s been one of their best at pushing pace and making live-dribble reads. The team has focused on defense and shooting first, but the passing instincts are real and already showing through when he gets the ball.

With all the injuries last season, he has had his chance including when playing with Bench players. Nothing exceptional except defense. He is a capable stopgap, but in my opinion, he would make for a solid KCP type player.

[Blue_and_Whte]

AB was 3rd in usage at Arkansas, behind Nick Smith Jr who got 5 mins a game for the Lakers last year and behind Ricky Council IV, who is an unsigned FA having been cut by the Sixers.

Arkansas played a committee approach to ball handling, in which Black was 3rd banana.He wasnt their go-to initiator and he wasnt a "true lead guard". Like Council (who I rated coming out) he was a swiss army guy for the Razorbacks, but with more defensive responsibility than Smith Jr or Council IV.

Still presenting opinion as fact and still making statements that evidence doesnt back up...

AB is a good player. But your fervent desire for him to be something he has never been so far, is unlikely on its own to make it happen.

Arkansas didn’t hide Anthony Black; they leaned on him to run a balanced offense. He led the team and SEC in minutes, started all 36 games, was top five in the SEC in assists, set the Arkansas freshman records for steals and free-throw attempts, and handled primary creation even when Nick Smith Jr. was available. Smith missed large chunks of the season, and Ricky Council IV was the leading scorer and foul-drawer but more of a finisher with modest assists, which fits a lineup where Black initiates and others cash in. Eric Musselman literally framed Black as the quarterback, which is exactly how Orlando is using him now: big, unselfish, two-way guard who controls tempo, makes the next read, takes top perimeter assignments, and is nudging the jumper forward. That is a true lead-guard profile, and it explains why his trajectory tracks as Orlando’s point guard of the future, while Tyus stabilizes the present.

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts. Haven't seen anything elite but defense may get there.

I mean his role in Arkansas is well known, and I’ve said the last two years that he isn’t a pg. I still think he tops out as a slightly better version of MCW. His defensive impact is undeniable, but I have no clue how anyone can think he’s a true PG. So far, and it’s early, but so far Jase has looked like a more polish pg than AB.

[BadMofoPimp]

Arkansas didn’t hide Anthony Black; they leaned on him to run a balanced offense. He led the team and SEC in minutes, started all 36 games, was top five in the SEC in assists, set the Arkansas freshman records for steals and free-throw attempts, and handled primary creation even when Nick Smith Jr. was available. Smith missed large chunks of the season, and Ricky Council IV was the leading scorer and foul-drawer but more of a finisher with modest assists, which fits a lineup where Black initiates and others cash in. Eric Musselman literally framed Black as the quarterback, which is exactly how Orlando is using him now: big, unselfish, two-way guard who controls tempo, makes the next read, takes top perimeter assignments, and is nudging the jumper forward. That is a true lead-guard profile, and it explains why his trajectory tracks as Orlando’s point guard of the future, while Tyus stabilizes the present.

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts. Haven't seen anything elite but defense may get there.

I mean his role in Arkansas is well known, and I’ve said the last two years that he isn’t a pg. I still think he tops out as a slightly better version of MCW. His defensive impact is undeniable, but I have no clue how anyone can think he’s a true PG. So far, and it’s early, but so far Jase has looked like a more polish pg than AB.

Jase already appears to have better court vision from the PG perspective. Just depends on play. I am fine with AB as a backup PG who can also backup SG.

[rcklsscognition]

Philly broadcast crew was nice, no homerism.

My lingering question/fear is how to we generate offense from the 2 (Bane)? Does the coaching staff have the knowledge and ability to intentionally generate points from the 2 position and if so I’m really curious how they do it. This is the #1 thing I’m watching over the next month and it will have a big impact on our ability to make a deep playoff run.

[basketballRob]

We're going to need to push the pace so everyone can get enough touches. Maybe we can play Penda some at the 5 since he can get the rebound and push it.

Penda is what we hoped Chuma would be. Penda has around 20 lbs and 3 or 4 inches of standing reach on Chuma.

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[eyriq]

Haven't seen alot in the realm of being lead facilitator yet in the NBA after 2 seasons where he got plenty of starts.

That’s mostly about role, not ability. Orlando’s offense runs through Paolo and Franz, with Suggs handling most of the guard creation, so Black hasn’t been asked to be a full-time facilitator yet. Even so, his assist-to-turnover ratio and potential assists per 36 have both improved, and he’s been one of their best at pushing pace and making live-dribble reads. The team has focused on defense and shooting first, but the passing instincts are real and already showing through when he gets the ball.

With all the injuries last season, he has had his chance including when playing with Bench players. Nothing exceptional except defense. He is a capable stopgap, but in my opinion, he would make for a solid KCP type player.

That view overlooks what he did when the games actually mattered. In the Play-In against Atlanta, AB scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 3-of-3 from three while defending Trae Young and keeping the offense steady under pressure. That’s not a role player performance, that’s a young guard showing poise, efficiency, and control on a playoff stage. His defense is already elite for his age, but his shooting, tempo management, and passing are catching up fast. Calling him a KCP type misses what he’s becoming: a big, composed guard who can run a team when the moment calls for it.

[basketballRob]

That’s mostly about role, not ability. Orlando’s offense runs through Paolo and Franz, with Suggs handling most of the guard creation, so Black hasn’t been asked to be a full-time facilitator yet. Even so, his assist-to-turnover ratio and potential assists per 36 have both improved, and he’s been one of their best at pushing pace and making live-dribble reads. The team has focused on defense and shooting first, but the passing instincts are real and already showing through when he gets the ball.

With all the injuries last season, he has had his chance including when playing with Bench players. Nothing exceptional except defense. He is a capable stopgap, but in my opinion, he would make for a solid KCP type player.

That view overlooks what he did when the games actually mattered. In the Play-In against Atlanta, AB scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 3-of-3 from three while defending Trae Young and keeping the offense steady under pressure. That’s not a role player performance, that’s a young guard showing poise, efficiency, and control on a playoff stage. His defense is already elite for his age, but his shooting, tempo management, and passing are catching up fast. Calling him a KCP type misses what he’s becoming: a big, composed guard who can run a team when the moment calls for it.

AB showed up in a lot of big games last season. He hit a big 3 to clinch a win against Indiana in the Paolo 50 pt game. He hit two 3s in the 4th quarter of the Cavs game in Cleveland. He had b2b steals against the Celtics in the playoffs to turn the momentum and give us a win.

Black is still 6-7 months younger than Suggs was in his 3rd season when he broke out.

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[TheChaser]

So far Bane is not any better than Pope but it’s only 2 preseason games

Bane looks amazing imo.

Agreed. And 1000

[GelbeWand09]

That’s mostly about role, not ability. Orlando’s offense runs through Paolo and Franz, with Suggs handling most of the guard creation, so Black hasn’t been asked to be a full-time facilitator yet. Even so, his assist-to-turnover ratio and potential assists per 36 have both improved, and he’s been one of their best at pushing pace and making live-dribble reads. The team has focused on defense and shooting first, but the passing instincts are real and already showing through when he gets the ball.

With all the injuries last season, he has had his chance including when playing with Bench players. Nothing exceptional except defense. He is a capable stopgap, but in my opinion, he would make for a solid KCP type player.

That view overlooks what he did when the games actually mattered. In the Play-In against Atlanta, AB scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 3-of-3 from three while defending Trae Young and keeping the offense steady under pressure. That’s not a role player performance, that’s a young guard showing poise, efficiency, and control on a playoff stage. His defense is already elite for his age, but his shooting, tempo management, and passing are catching up fast. Calling him a KCP type misses what he’s becoming: a big, composed guard who can run a team when the moment calls for it.

Does the ''real'' Playoffs count too as games that actually matter? Because in those he delivered 0 Assists as a PG and was unable to get inside the 3Pointline with the ball in his hand because he coudnt beat anyone of the dribble, which is pretty much a no go thing for a PG because a big part of creating for others is to collapse the defense.

[eyriq]

With all the injuries last season, he has had his chance including when playing with Bench players. Nothing exceptional except defense. He is a capable stopgap, but in my opinion, he would make for a solid KCP type player.

That view overlooks what he did when the games actually mattered. In the Play-In against Atlanta, AB scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 3-of-3 from three while defending Trae Young and keeping the offense steady under pressure. That’s not a role player performance, that’s a young guard showing poise, efficiency, and control on a playoff stage. His defense is already elite for his age, but his shooting, tempo management, and passing are catching up fast. Calling him a KCP type misses what he’s becoming: a big, composed guard who can run a team when the moment calls for it.

Does the ''real'' Playoffs count too as games that actually matter? Because in those he delivered 0 Assists as a PG and was unable to get inside the 3Pointline with the ball in his hand because he coudnt beat anyone of the dribble, which is pretty much a no go thing for a PG because a big part of creating for others is to collapse the defense.

Sure and he was one of the most impactful players in our only win against Boston.

[dsg2021]

Forgot to put my notes on this game. Maybe it’s a biased fan recap to browse before the next preseason game tonight.

- With the massive disclaimer that it’s Preseason and opinions reset to 0% on Game 1 and then again on Playoffs Game 1, I have not seen any true PG magic yet that a lot of people I trusted have been talking about (not that it’s a big thing when we have our top 3-4 stars in other positions anyways).
I was the stupid one saying Tyus should start for like 18 MPG and Suggs comes in for 25-30 MPG. But Tyus has been a little invisible. Poor shooting in preseason makes you appreciate AB and Suggs because I can’t even say “well let’s trade offense for defense”. I can’t. Tyus didn’t hit a 3 through two games until the last moments of the starters’s 3rd Q. Maybe 40% 3P% is too close to 33%? I will say Tyus’ defense looks pleasantly solid so far, with a high level understanding of team defense, and he doesn’t gamble taking one or two steps too far. Players just don’t seem eager to attack him for some reason. So that’s been the best thing by a mile.
But overall, this might soon be the quickest turnaround to me eating my crow and never recommending any true PG to start over Suggs or Bane in the future. And I have always been a big believer of Paolo and Franz-led point forward offenses.

- Jase got absolutely cooked by star player Maxey and even a bit by some other PHI PG from the bench reinforcements, but Jase was also the only good shooting player on the Magic past 10 feet out.
Jase even bought a lot of points back versus Maxey, a star. It wasn’t just the Magic’s first 4-point play that Jase did on Maxey, one of them was also a smooth midrange jumper on the dribble iirc.
Based on this fan’s eye test, Jase might be playing overly aggressive on some defensive possessions instead of holding his angle and forcing a pass. Remember everything I said about Tyus’ defense so far? That’s literally what I mean/want. And ironically, out of all players on the Magic, Jase should be asking Tyus for some veteran advice on defense. Similar heights and close enough roles, etc.
Given all that, Jase is still very weirdly looking like a top 4 Magic player on the offensive side. He’s now jumped from a rookie college season to a summer league and to 2 preseason NBA games with absurd shooting efficiency and turnover efficiency. And his on-ball actions are even starting to show up. He looks like someone who is playing their 4th season in the league, and maybe it’s just that. That he has an ice cold mind and a high floor, even if the ceiling is not high. But.. I think his FG% is at 100% and TO per game are at 0 through two Preseason games so far with big minutes deployment and with/without Starters looks. So let me go ahead and slightly push the expectations a tiny bit closer to the next 6’0-6’3 type star in the league)

- Paolo was amazing, he has historically had a slow wind up period of games to reach peak Paolo in seasons past. He’s playing like that’s maybe not a thing anymore. His regular season might be getting a lot closer to Playoffs Paolo.. We’re the fans who see everything but sometimes we look too much at our Tyus Jones and Jase Richardsons and not enough at our Paolo Bancheros and Franz Wagners leading the charge.

- Desmond Bane is amazing. Don’t get tricked by some slightly muted box scores in shooting. Once again he has this synergy with anyone playing the 5 for ORL (WCJ always but now with Goga on 1 or 2 possessions). Like as good as, or better than, anyone else connecting with a Magic 5 on PnR or a drop down pass, or etc. etc.
Des is also displaying really high IQ passing and that is really interesting when I wonder about how essentially our three All Stars are like this without any of them being a PG. Additionally, I have yet to feel like “hmm, that was not good defense there”.
I know he’s not shooting great yet but he’s also oddly relaxed and not forcing shots. Like an ice cold sniper mentality.

- Franz’s 1st game and looked as active and elite on defense as ever. Was a little invisible and unselfish on offense, I was really wanting to see Franz point forward/quarterback. It’s almost as if some of these players (Franz, Des, Tyus, etc.) are playing in Preseason games.. lol

- WCJ looked really good yet again. Really good on offense I’d even say. My favorite was this sniper confidence in two or three deep 2’s. Something for 44% instead of a 33% 3PT (that ofc we’d all still love like 1.8 3PM @ 33 3P%). His lack of true C measurables can still hurt at times both ways but we’re talking about the 5th starter, not the 2nd starter all star expectations guy.

- TDS still looking like he wants 6MOTY Award, Rising Stars Sophomores, top 5 MIP votes, or something. Ofc, he’s very old as a sophomore and maybe it’s just a high floor, but TDS is also looking like a bit of a rising star.