Official Speculation Thread 2016 Volume VII - Defense Wins Championships

[VFX]

That is exactly how I felt since day one when people around here started talking about signing him. I just didn't want to be the team to sign the next Kwame. Obviously, Biz is better than Kwame, but you get the idea. Glad to have him, but he shouldn't make more than $8-12 mil per. There are reasons why Charlotte let Biz walk for only $5 mil per.

Frank Vogel led teams are notorious for their paint defense and I'm going to assume Vuc is probably gone (as reports are indicating). Signing Biz and resigning Ibaka solidify that. I don't think signing Biz was an overpay based off of that alone. The guy plays very hard and does exactly what we paid him for. Let's also not forget that everyone is going to get paid soon.

That reasoning wouldn't make any sense since he's been one of our better post defenders.

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/12/could-it-be-magic-if-cousins-goes-on-block.html

The Magic could emerge as the best trading partner if the Kings ever get serious about moving DeMarcus Cousins, Chris Mannix of The Vertical speculates in his latest column.

The Kings have shown no inclination to trading Cousins, particularly since they’re in the running for a playoff spot, as Mannix emphasizes. If that dynamic changes, Orlando has enough young pieces and expendables bigs to make an attractive offer for Cousins, Mannix continues. A package that includes Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic would hold some appeal to Sacramento and give the Magic a clearcut franchise player to build around, in Mannix’s view.

Orlando’s glut of power forwards and centers has left Mario Hezonja, the fifth overall pick in 2015, scrounging for minutes despite a lack of floor spacers, Mannix adds. Hezonja would benefit from Orlando paring some frontcourt players.

We do have a few guys that can play PF but I don't see this glut of centers people keep talking about.

Someone please point out the supposed glut:

C: Biz/Vuc

It's not that we have a 'glut', it's that we have arguably two starters at a position that doesn't require that much depth. Not to mention the fact that this team has obviously glaring needs other than a C off the bench that can shoulder the load offensively.

Do I think Vuc is more valuable than Biz? Yes. Why? Because his contract is great and he provides what we need - offensive production. Also, yes he has been great this year at defending the post.

NOW

Having said all that- He's our biggest trade chip outside of AG and EP. We aren't trading Biz after just signing him. Acquiring Ibaka and signing Biz ,as well as Vogel prior, wasn't some kind of mistake. Lastly, name a team with a legitimate chance at winning the championship in the last 5 years and look at their Centers (starters,bench etc.). It's not a position that requires heavy value or depth in today's NBA in my opinion.

[Furinkazan]

It's probably just me, but I get the feeling that if Cousins gets a serious change of scenery and it's in a proper environment, his attitude will improve. I think Orlando is just one of those types of franchises and places. I could see things working out here without him being much of a liability.

No idea if it'd actually happen or not, but I'd definitely jump on it if the opportunity arose.

just let this guy talk to him
via Imgflip Meme Generator

I should have put Martins face in it

[Audi]

It's probably just me, but I get the feeling that if Cousins gets a serious change of scenery and it's in a proper environment, his attitude will improve. I think Orlando is just one of those types of franchises and places. I could see things working out here without him being much of a liability.

No idea if it'd actually happen or not, but I'd definitely jump on it if the opportunity arose.

just let this guy talk to him
via Imgflip Meme Generator

I should have put Martins face in it

Lol. I was thinking more along the lines of this guy...

[Blue_and_Whte]

Frank Vogel led teams are notorious for their paint defense and I'm going to assume Vuc is probably gone (as reports are indicating). Signing Biz and resigning Ibaka solidify that. I don't think signing Biz was an overpay based off of that alone. The guy plays very hard and does exactly what we paid him for. Let's also not forget that everyone is going to get paid soon.

That reasoning wouldn't make any sense since he's been one of our better post defenders.

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/12/could-it-be-magic-if-cousins-goes-on-block.html

We do have a few guys that can play PF but I don't see this glut of centers people keep talking about.

Someone please point out the supposed glut:

C: Biz/Vuc

It's not that we have a 'glut', it's that we have arguably two starters at a position that doesn't require that much depth. Not to mention the fact that this team has other obviously glaring needs other than a C off the bench that can shoulder the load offensively.

Do I think Vuc is more valuable than Biz? Yes. Why? Because his contract is great and he provides what we need - offensive production. Also, yes he has been great this year at defending the post.

NOW

Having said all that- He's our biggest trade chip outside of AG and EP. We aren't trading Biz after just signing him. Acquiring Ibaka and signing Biz ,as well as Vogel prior, wasn't some kind of mistake. Lastly, name a team with a legitimate chance at winning the championship in the last 5 years and look at their Centers (starters,bench etc.). It's not a position that requires heavy value or depth in today's NBA in my opinion.

OKC is similarly built. Having two centers capable of starting is called depth which is completely different than glut. My main point is that any trades involving Nik are going to be lateral in nature, and the only way I see us getting an upgrade is if we get lucky or Henny is willing to part with some of our young core players. There is absolutely no reason to trade for Rudy Gay for example when all its going to do is force yet ANOTHER brand new rotation player that the guys have to get accustomed to and one whos going to take minutes away from AG, who imo, is starting to figure it out. Just leave it alone and give this team more than 30 damn games to build some type of chemistry.

[Blue_and_Whte]

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/12/could-it-be-magic-if-cousins-goes-on-block.html

The Magic could emerge as the best trading partner if the Kings ever get serious about moving DeMarcus Cousins, Chris Mannix of The Vertical speculates in his latest column.

The Kings have shown no inclination to trading Cousins, particularly since they’re in the running for a playoff spot, as Mannix emphasizes. If that dynamic changes, Orlando has enough young pieces and expendables bigs to make an attractive offer for Cousins, Mannix continues. A package that includes Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic would hold some appeal to Sacramento and give the Magic a clearcut franchise player to build around, in Mannix’s view.

Orlando’s glut of power forwards and centers has left Mario Hezonja, the fifth overall pick in 2015, scrounging for minutes despite a lack of floor spacers, Mannix adds. Hezonja would benefit from Orlando paring some frontcourt players.

Well it's from a reputable source and we have been linked to Cousins for quite some time so the speculation holds some value.

If we can get Cousins with a package centered around Vucevic & Gordon and a "future" low protected 1st you pull the trigger and don't look back. A risky move indeed, but if we retain Ibaka this off season and with the new CBA in affect we could have a potent all- star caliber front court for years to come.

But you cant win wit da socrin' centers. Id pull the trigger on a Cousins deal I'm just skeptical that it could happen.

[Furinkazan]

It's probably just me, but I get the feeling that if Cousins gets a serious change of scenery and it's in a proper environment, his attitude will improve. I think Orlando is just one of those types of franchises and places. I could see things working out here without him being much of a liability.

No idea if it'd actually happen or not, but I'd definitely jump on it if the opportunity arose.

just let this guy talk to him
via Imgflip Meme Generator

I should have put Martins face in it

Lol. I was thinking more along the lines of this guy...

or

[BadMofoPimp]

Frank Vogel led teams are notorious for their paint defense and I'm going to assume Vuc is probably gone (as reports are indicating). Signing Biz and resigning Ibaka solidify that. I don't think signing Biz was an overpay based off of that alone. The guy plays very hard and does exactly what we paid him for. Let's also not forget that everyone is going to get paid soon.

That reasoning wouldn't make any sense since he's been one of our better post defenders.

http://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/12/could-it-be-magic-if-cousins-goes-on-block.html

We do have a few guys that can play PF but I don't see this glut of centers people keep talking about.

Someone please point out the supposed glut:

C: Biz/Vuc

It's not that we have a 'glut', it's that we have arguably two starters at a position that doesn't require that much depth. Not to mention the fact that this team has obviously glaring needs other than a C off the bench that can shoulder the load offensively.

Do I think Vuc is more valuable than Biz? Yes. Why? Because his contract is great and he provides what we need - offensive production. Also, yes he has been great this year at defending the post.

NOW

Having said all that- He's our biggest trade chip outside of AG and EP. We aren't trading Biz after just signing him. Acquiring Ibaka and signing Biz ,as well as Vogel prior, wasn't some kind of mistake. Lastly, name a team with a legitimate chance at winning the championship in the last 5 years and look at their Centers (starters,bench etc.). It's not a position that requires heavy value or depth in today's NBA in my opinion.

FYI. What do you think happens when a teams starting center is injured and out for a few weeks or more? Teams need more than one quality Center. There is no glut here. If anything, Magic can impose matchup problems offensively and defensively when needed.

[tiderulz]

It's probably just me, but I get the feeling that if Cousins gets a serious change of scenery and it's in a proper environment, his attitude will improve. I think Orlando is just one of those types of franchises and places. I could see things working out here without him being much of a liability.

No idea if it'd actually happen or not, but I'd definitely jump on it if the opportunity arose.

why? because we have some record of dealing with malcontents? we seem to be the other way. Players come here and get a big head, think they become THE man. I think he would be just as much a liability here as in Sacramento. Its not like he is some transcendant talent that he has drug the Kings to the playoffs even once. in fact, they only won more than 30 games once since he has been there. Orlando won more than 35 last year with our lack of talent.

[VFX]

That reasoning wouldn't make any sense since he's been one of our better post defenders.


We do have a few guys that can play PF but I don't see this glut of centers people keep talking about.

Someone please point out the supposed glut:

C: Biz/Vuc

It's not that we have a 'glut', it's that we have arguably two starters at a position that doesn't require that much depth. Not to mention the fact that this team has obviously glaring needs other than a C off the bench that can shoulder the load offensively.

Do I think Vuc is more valuable than Biz? Yes. Why? Because his contract is great and he provides what we need - offensive production. Also, yes he has been great this year at defending the post.

NOW

Having said all that- He's our biggest trade chip outside of AG and EP. We aren't trading Biz after just signing him. Acquiring Ibaka and signing Biz ,as well as Vogel prior, wasn't some kind of mistake. Lastly, name a team with a legitimate chance at winning the championship in the last 5 years and look at their Centers (starters,bench etc.). It's not a position that requires heavy value or depth in today's NBA in my opinion.

FYI. What do you think happens when a teams starting center is injured and out for a few weeks or more? Teams need more than one quality Center. There is no glut here. If anything, Magic can impose matchup problems offensively and defensively when needed.

Again, never said there was a 'glut'. Just responding to saying why Vuc is being looked at as traded. Getting center depth isn't an issue most teams have. I don't look at a team and say "if they only had more depth at center. They need like 3 6'10 - 7 ft guys that can all rebound and play defense."

I'm against moving Vuc for different reasons other than the "we have a glut of Centers" idea. The offensive production has to come elsewhere if we move him and it will be a lateral move. They should trade him in the offseason in a bigger deal if it's possible.

[j-ragg]

I think there's a "glut".

Jeff Green is basically who makes it a glut. No one can play starters minutes as long as he gets his 25-30 mins at power forward. The whole 96 minutes between 3 players is cool and all but Jeff Green plays almost as much as everyone else for some reason.

[OrlandoDream]

I think there's a "glut".

Jeff Green is basically who makes it a glut. No one can play starters minutes as long as he gets his 25-30 mins at power forward. The whole 96 minutes between 3 players is cool and all but Jeff Green plays almost as much as everyone else for some reason.

Dat veteran leadership dough

[PrimeThyme]

I wouldn't mind getting Cousins here. He is putting up amazing numbers this year. It's very rare that a top ten superstar becomes available on the market. If the opportunity to get him presents itself I can't imagine us not jumping at the chance of it. An Ibaka-Boogie frontcourt would easily be the best in the eastern conference if not league.

Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. Cousins attitude seems to come from his passion for the game. That doesn't bother me. We need a player with extreme passion for the game on this team.

[RickB-Orlando]

I wouldn't mind getting Cousins here. He is putting up amazing numbers this year. It's very rare that a top ten superstar becomes available on the market. If the opportunity to get him presents itself I can't imagine us not jumping at the chance of it. An Ibaka-Boogie frontcourt would easily be the best in the eastern conference if not league.

Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. Cousins attitude seems to come from his passion for the game. That doesn't bother me. We need a player with extreme passion for the game on this team.

His off-court antics seem to come from being, well, an ****. I love his talent; could Ibaka teach him not to act like a prima donna?

[Audi]

Speaking of off court antics, Matt Barnes called Orlando home for a while and seemed to be pretty well behaved...

[VFX]

I wouldn't mind getting Cousins here. He is putting up amazing numbers this year. It's very rare that a top ten superstar becomes available on the market. If the opportunity to get him presents itself I can't imagine us not jumping at the chance of it. An Ibaka-Boogie frontcourt would easily be the best in the eastern conference if not league.

Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. Cousins attitude seems to come from his passion for the game. That doesn't bother me. We need a player with extreme passion for the game on this team.

His off-court antics seem to come from being, well, an ****. I love his talent; could Ibaka teach him not to act like a prima donna?

I'm a fan of Boogies game, but I don't think landing him would solve our problems. It would only create more questions. The package we would have to put together to get him would set us back further IMO. Also, he's one of those players i could NEVER see in a magic jersey for whatever reason.

[tiderulz]

I wouldn't mind getting Cousins here. He is putting up amazing numbers this year. It's very rare that a top ten superstar becomes available on the market. If the opportunity to get him presents itself I can't imagine us not jumping at the chance of it. An Ibaka-Boogie frontcourt would easily be the best in the eastern conference if not league.

Sometimes guys just need a change of scenery. Cousins attitude seems to come from his passion for the game. That doesn't bother me. We need a player with extreme passion for the game on this team.

depends on how you define "superstar". i dont consider him one

[Furinkazan]

Speaking of off court antics, Matt Barnes called Orlando home for a while and seemed to be pretty well behaved...

He was happy with Gloria back then it propably had a calming effect...didnt last long though

[sportsrock37]

Regarding Cousins, if they would take any kind of package that doesn't include our 1st this year, AG and Ibaka sign me up. I wouldn't give up AG or our 1st for him. He's too volatile.

[Audi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall DMC at one point saying some great things about Elf...anyone remember that?

[Furinkazan]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I recall DMC at one point saying some great things about Elf...anyone remember that?

never heard of it