Official Speculation Thread '20-'21 VI: "I like this team"

[Knightro]

On a serious note with Cunningham, his lack of explosiveness with the ball in his hands was noticeable.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big, he played under control and he is a willing passer and rebounder. But I didn’t see *elite* skill. I saw good skill and I’m not sure good skill is going to be enough for him to for sure overcome his lack of functional athleticism and be an efficient offensive player.

That’s something I’ll try and keep an eye on all year.

[Nyce_1]

On a serious note with Cunningham, his lack of explosiveness with the ball in his hands was noticeable.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big, he played under control and he is a willing passer and rebounder. But I didn’t see *elite* skill. I saw good skill and I’m not sure good skill is going to be enough for him to for sure overcome his lack of functional athleticism and be an efficient offensive player.

That’s something I’ll try and keep an eye on all year.

For sure. Super young but I see his potential. Offensively, he's smooth af and sees the game so well. Nothing flashy but makes the right play. 1st collegiate game, im sure nerves were wild. When he realizes he's better than most...oh man.

[pepe1991]

On a serious note with Cunningham, his lack of explosiveness with the ball in his hands was noticeable.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big, he played under control and he is a willing passer and rebounder. But I didn’t see *elite* skill. I saw good skill and I’m not sure good skill is going to be enough for him to for sure overcome his lack of functional athleticism and be an efficient offensive player.

That’s something I’ll try and keep an eye on all year.

His projection from few months ago was more advanced Livingston.

He is kind a like not so athletic, not so big Ben Simmons.



Not a guy i would want if i land 1# pick.

Can Jonathan Kuminga shoot? He is 6'8 - strong build, 18 years old athletic prospect who can handle the ball and looks like top tear defender. If his jumpshot isn't terrible ( i don't know ) he is obvious top 3 pick.

[basketballRob]

I'm always optimistic and think we can make the playoffs. We were 18-21 without Isaac last season. On the general board it's a consensus opinion that we won't make the playoffs. Some are putting Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Detroit over us.

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[Ducklett]

I'm always optimistic and think we can make the playoffs. We were 18-21 without Isaac last season. On the general board it's a consensus opinion that we won't make the playoffs. Some are putting Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Detroit over us.

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Yeah, well, they don't know about our secret weapon: Evan Fournier in a contract year. 8th seed HERE WE COMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMME

[Optimus_Steel]

I'm always optimistic and think we can make the playoffs. We were 18-21 without Isaac last season. On the general board it's a consensus opinion that we won't make the playoffs. Some are putting Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Detroit over us.

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I don't have us making the playoffs, I don't consider 9th or 10th a playoff team even though there is that play in round. Atlanta was already a tough team to play and they added veteran scorers that will clearly make them better than us, they've really leaped us. Brooklyn will clearly be better. Don't believe in Detroit. Charlotte should be as good as us and may be better, same for Chicago.

[Knightro]

The only teams in the East I think you can definitely say are going to be worse than the Magic are the Cavs, Knicks and Pistons.

The Magic *may* end up with a better record than the Hawks, Wizards, Bulls and Hornets, but it feels like a coin flip/injuries situation.

It’s not out of the question at all that the Magic could end up in the bottom five without tanking which is kind of sad to think about.

[MagicFan101]

On a serious note with Cunningham, his lack of explosiveness with the ball in his hands was noticeable.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big, he played under control and he is a willing passer and rebounder. But I didn’t see *elite* skill. I saw good skill and I’m not sure good skill is going to be enough for him to for sure overcome his lack of functional athleticism and be an efficient offensive player.

That’s something I’ll try and keep an eye on all year.

For sure. Super young but I see his potential. Offensively, he's smooth af and sees the game so well. Nothing flashy but makes the right play. 1st collegiate game, im sure nerves were wild. When he realizes he's better than most...oh man.

All valid stuff from both of you. Hopefully we keep the conversation going.

FYI ... there is a “Super Early 2021 Draft” channel. Could be a good place for this now that NCAAB is live.

[Last Guardian]

I'm always optimistic and think we can make the playoffs. We were 18-21 without Isaac last season. On the general board it's a consensus opinion that we won't make the playoffs. Some are putting Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Detroit over us.

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I see very little chance in making the playoffs without Isaacs defense. Any great defensive team should make the playoffs but without the best defender and already a bad offense it doesn’t look good

[OrlChamps2030]

Did anyone watch Cade Cunningham tonight?

21 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 5 TO, 7-16 FG, 2-5 3PT, 5-7 FT.

It wasn’t a flawless performance, but you can clearly see the appeal as a big wing with skills.

He would be a bench player on the Magic.

He'd have to prove it in practice first that he's better than James Ennis.

He doesn’t fit Clifford’s system

[jonbob17]

On a serious note with Cunningham, his lack of explosiveness with the ball in his hands was noticeable.

There’s a lot to like. He’s big, he played under control and he is a willing passer and rebounder. But I didn’t see *elite* skill. I saw good skill and I’m not sure good skill is going to be enough for him to for sure overcome his lack of functional athleticism and be an efficient offensive player.

That’s something I’ll try and keep an eye on all year.

Yah, I was a little surprised that he wasn't able to get where ever he wanted at will agains UTA. I expected him to dominate. Really surprised they didn't have him bringing the ball down the court every possession and had him playing off ball and in the post so much.

The one complaint in his prep evaluations was the shot. The shot looks very good.
Going to Oklahoma State may prove to be a mistake. That they are going on probation, and the other freshman recruits opted not to join Cade under the probation. He had significantly better talent him around him in high school, which was probably a better platform to showcase his passing acumen.

I don't want to compare him to Doncic, but lack of explosiveness was the knock on him in Europe as well, which clearly wasn't the case.

[VFX]

The only teams in the East I think you can definitely say are going to be worse than the Magic are the Cavs, Knicks and Pistons.

The Magic *may* end up with a better record than the Hawks, Wizards, Bulls and Hornets, but it feels like a coin flip/injuries situation.

It’s not out of the question at all that the Magic could end up in the bottom five without tanking which is kind of sad to think about.

I think Detroit got sneakily better than they were last season.

[Stuff]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

[cedric76]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

No Thx

Shirt sighted trade

[Blue_and_Whte]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

No Thx

Shirt sighted trade

No thanks. This is going to be a big year for Mo to show further improvement. I'd rather see if that plays out.

[Skybox]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

No Thx

Shirt sighted trade

No thanks. This is going to be a big year for Mo to show further improvement. I'd rather see if that plays out.

Agreed about Mo. I really want to get Westbrook but don't think we need to empty the cupboard. Keeping Fultz makes no sense, he's a JV version of Westbrook and is about to get paid - no way he plays alongside Russ. Bamba's trade value isn't enough to give up his potential at this point. AG, Fultz, Aminu is a good deal for both teams. If they insist on Evan, I give him up but I'd much rather pair him with Westbrook to hang out and shoot 3's like Kyle Korver or JJ, etc. Evan's expiring makes him an attractive trade chip if it doesn't work out - we can get back a shooter or two for his expiring if needed.

[Skin]

Cole might be the kick in the ass that Bamba needed. I think their relationship will go a long ways in a positive direction going forward. Not interested in trading Bamba now.

[Knightro]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

After thinking about it a lot, I'm not against trading for Westbrook.

But for better or worse, any team - including the Magic- who trades for him is 100% handing him the keys to the car on every offensive possession he's on the floor and letting him do his thing.

To that end, I would have to send Fultz out in the deal. You can't play those two together and Fultz makes too much money to be a 15 MPG backup.

[Skybox]

Feast on this trade idea

Fournier, AG, Bamba
For
Westbrook & future first

Houston stays relevant and competitive. Adds some well needed defense. Fournier on expiring.

Orlando gets a shot in the arm. They get a star, granted being on a horrible contract, add some life to the monotony that has been the Magic. Might not make them the best team, but would be fun to watch. For me Westbrook is top 5 most exciting players to watch. And we get a FRP down the road.

After thinking about it a lot, I'm not against trading for Westbrook.

But for better or worse, any team - including the Magic- who trades for him is 100% handing him the keys to the car on every offensive possession he's on the floor and letting him do his thing.

To that end, I would have to send Fultz out in the deal. You can't play those two together and Fultz makes too much money to be a 15 MPG backup.

IF HOU caves and sends Russ out for (clearly) lesser present value, don't expect them to throw in a future first...If they really have to blow it up, their next few firsts might be the most valuable pieces they have.

[Knightro]

IF HOU caves and sends Russ out for (clearly) lesser present value, don't expect them to throw in a future first...If they really have to blow it up, their next few firsts might be the most valuable pieces they have.

I agree. I don't see Houston attaching any picks to get off Westbrook's money.

If anything, I think they're looking for picks in return even though I don't think they're likely to get them.