2023-2024 Regular Season Game 40: Orlando Magic (21-18) at New York Knicks (23-16) - 3pm

[Rainwater]

Everyone wants to bench Cole or trade him until he saves your ass like he did today

The Cole hate is annoying considering all he has done for this team this year. He will have his off nights but he is perfect in his role.

It's not that he has off nights bc everyone does, it's that when he's off he only looks for his own shot no matter what's going on then on the other end they hunt him down for an easy 2 points.

Getting his own shots is basically what he gets paid to and has lead to a few wins. I feel like this is what you have to deal with when you have Cole.

[KillMonger]

don't know how to feel about AB not getting minutes at all

[ogmagicfan]

Big W and don’t care they didn’t have Brunson.

im willing to bet brunson wouldve came back against most other teams, but coming back with Suggs on him, after how he strapped him last game wouldnt be the best confidence booster and he was gonna have to work hard for his baskets

[eyriq]

were people here seriously talking about trading cole? talk about bipolar....i have my issues with cole but when he's on he's valuable

100% lol

I mean, I don't really mind trading anyone other than Paolo, Franz, Suggs, but I'm not vocal about it.. it just matters what the trade package would be.

You forgot to include Black

[eyriq]

I've always considered the game thread like a Las Vegas trip, what happens there stays there.

My thoughts exactly. haha, hot take paradise!

[Knightro]

I'm only interested in trading Cole if the Magic end up acquiring a lead guard who can play 32-35 MPG and score 20+ a night efficiently like a Murray or Simons.

Because if you get that player, then you could transition Fultz (if he isn't also in the trade) into the pure backup PG role which he's probably best suited for.

[thelead]

Cole is shooting 33% from deep for the season… if ya’ll are okay with that, you’re not serious about wanting to win. I’m begrudgingly ’ok’ with letting him develop but to think he’s doing great in his role is crazy considering he’s a negative on defense.

[ibraheim718]

I'm only interested in trading Cole if the Magic end up acquiring a lead guard who can play 32-35 MPG and score 20+ a night efficiently like a Murray or Simons.

Because if you get that player, then you could transition Fultz (if he isn't also in the trade) into the pure backup PG role which he's probably best suited for.

I think they're going to make a move. They can't keep running the offense they've been running. A PG who can set tables for Franchero, Suggs, and the rest will make the team a lot better. So it's either Jones, Murray, I like Morris but he's still hurt, Simons doesn't set tables so he's out.. I would probably sacrifice a little size and D and trade for Jones. Let Suggs guard the opposing teams best perimeter player.

You can't keep off loading all that play making onto Banchero and Franz when he gets back. Fultz you can't trust and he can't shoot.. Black they're not going to take the reigns off of yet. Cole can keep coming off the bench.

Tyus Jones
Jalen Suggs
Franz Wagner
Paolo Banchero
WCJ/Goga/Mo

[eyriq]

I'm cool with trading Cole but we have so many assets, e.g., draft equity, expiring contracts, and rookie contracts, that I'd be disappointed if we do trade him.

[KillMonger]

franz being out may be a blessing? he hasn't has a lot of rest.....went from fiba straight into the season

[thelead]

franz being out may be a blessing? he hasn't has a lot of rest.....went from fiba straight into the season

100%

It’s really a blessing for him as long as it’s not going to be a lingering injury (which it shouldn’t be)

[Skybox]

I have to say that Fultz looked really good with the ball...probably doesn't mean I'm in on Fultz - just that I haven't seen someone in a Magic uni that can handle like an NBA PG in recent memory.

[Blue_and_Whte]

The Cole hate is annoying considering all he has done for this team this year. He will have his off nights but he is perfect in his role.

It's not that he has off nights bc everyone does, it's that when he's off he only looks for his own shot no matter what's going on then on the other end they hunt him down for an easy 2 points.

Getting his own shots is basically what he gets paid to and has lead to a few wins. I feel like this is what you have to deal with when you have Cole.

People always want two way players. That’s just not reality all the time. Cole is a microwave scorer. That’s what he does and plays well within that role. That’s like expecting DNPAB to be a premier offensive player.

[Blue_and_Whte]

don't know how to feel about AB not getting minutes at all

I know how to feel…

[BadMofoPimp]

I wonder if Rozier from Charlotte is available.

[Rainwater]

Cole is shooting 33% from deep for the season… if ya’ll are okay with that, you’re not serious about wanting to win. I’m begrudgingly ’ok’ with letting him develop but to think he’s doing great in his role is crazy considering he’s a negative on defense.

His role is to get points not to be a defensive anchor and he has been good in that role. The Magic have been great defensively but lacking offensively and Cole provides that offensive spark plug off the bench. He has won the Magic games multiple times this year do this including tonight.

The bench has been so great this year because they each bring something different. Mo and Cole are the scorers, Harris is supposed to be the shooter, Joe the distributor, and Issac the defensive anchor. Knowing this you can’t blame Cole for doing what he is supposed to do. He is not a passer, he is not a defender, his job is just to get points.

[thelead]

Our offensive efficiency is just downright terrible. 22nd in the NBA with a TS% of 57%. League average is 58%. Paolo is at 54. Cole is at 56. WCJ is at 55. Franz is at 56. Fultz is at 44...

For reference, Indy, OKC, and Milwaukee are at 62% as a team...

At least the defense is still effective.

[TheChaser]

THIS IS A GREAT WIN

AMAZING!!!

I LOVE it! Love you all!!!!!!! I needed a good victory tonight.

[TheChaser]

There are no consistent players on this team outside of Paolo, Franz, and Suggs/Isaac defense and Ingles playmaking. A lot of y'all live and die with every play and change your opinions massively within 3-4 plays. The line between "bench/cut Cole" and "leave him in the rest of the game" is like within 3 plays.

We still need spacing like a mf via trade. Houstan can catch fire but he's still too young too depend on like that, and we obviously have spacing problems with the other guys.[/quot

That's then game thread sway of emotions homie lol!

[Rainwater]

It's not that he has off nights bc everyone does, it's that when he's off he only looks for his own shot no matter what's going on then on the other end they hunt him down for an easy 2 points.

Getting his own shots is basically what he gets paid to and has lead to a few wins. I feel like this is what you have to deal with when you have Cole.

People always want two way players. That’s just not reality all the time. Cole is a microwave scorer. That’s what he does and plays well within that role. That’s like expecting DNPAB to be a premier offensive player.

I completely agree. I am not expecting Cole to go out there to get 10 assists and to be a defensive stopper, that is not his game. If Cole is not scoring that is when I would be upset because that is his job. It’s the same why I got upset with Houston tonight, his one job is to shoot and couldn’t do that.