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Could Oladipo shift back into the PG position, as he is a better shooter/scorer than Payton, and nearly as good of a defender? I know it's unconventional but if you bring in a second ball-handler (or even a point-forward) option, it could make for an intriguing lineup that is more versatile/has more fire power. I will use the popular rumors/trades/signings on here as a groundwork for this discussion, but please feel free to put your own spin on it.

Trade: Vuc + 1st for Butler (there is your other ball-handler/scoring option)
Sign: Horford (I think if the Magic offered Horford he would nearly be a lock)
Match: Fournier (can also be a primary ball handler/point forward) OR: Bring in another point-forward type of FA

Horford/Dedmon/Smith
Gordon/Ilyasova/Smith
Fournier/Hezonja
Butler/Oladipo/Payton
Oladipo/Payton/CJ

With these players already on-board the Magic could afford one other Max-Level guy if they wanted (either Jr. Max, or Mid-level Max) for 2016, or possibly wait until 2017 off-season. Not sure which position you would want the other Max level guy to play, but probably would fit in alright into the SF, PF, or C slot (while moving the other potential starters around accordingly). I think a roster such as this one would offer Maximum flexibility with ISO scorers, good defense, shooters, as well as athleticism. If Chicago would bite, it really wouldn't be hard to pull off the rest, and would only bring in 2 new guys (Butler and Horford) while keeping our core (minus Vuc) intact. Horford would be a good replacement for Vuc (slightly less offense, but better defense).

I think the only way Oladipo can move to the PG slot though is with a Point-Forward type of player out there (man wish Hedo was in his prime and still available) as Oladipo isn't a good enough passer to be a play-making PG. As a PG though, he could be a poor-man's Westbrook. Any thoughts on who else is a FA that might be attainable for that Point-Forward role? Thoughts on Oladipo starting at PG, while also playing mins at the PG, with Payton coming off the bench, but also playing the more conventional role next to Oladipo for stretches as well? I would also consider flipping Fournier and Butler at the 2/3 as needed, as they both have played both positions and could do it effectively.

Oladipo can do many things, but he at the PG would be a trainwreck. This was painful enough to watch in his first and second year. I think we got enough proof than that he is a SG in this league. Also with as great as EP played to end the season, why are we replacing him?

OrlandoDream wrote:Oladipo can do many things, but he at the PG would be a trainwreck. This was painful enough to watch in his first and second year. I think we got enough proof than that he is a SG in this league. Also with as great as EP played to end the season, why are we replacing him?

I think Oladipo was a trainwreck his first yr because he was forced into that traditional play-making PG role, which he is not. He effectively would still be a 2 guard in this lineup, but would be guarding the PG for all intents and purposes. Basically you would have 2 SGs (Oladipo and Butler), plus a point-forward in Fournier (or FA). I don't think that would be quite the trainwreck it was when you had a lineup of Oladipo, Afflalo, and Harris at the 1/2/3.

As for replacing Elf, we are just adding more scoring to the lineup, as you lose some with Horford in place of of Vuc, and AG still isn't a reliable scoring threat right now. Our #1 scoring option would then be Butler, with our 2nd option being Oladipo. Fournier/Horford would be 3rd option in that lineup.

If by play you mean he could be slotted in as a pg... Of course he can. Is it ideal? Not really, Nor is it a detriment. I'd rather let Payton grow there.

I'm fine with Payton growing there as well. I guess this lineup is equally as exciting...

Horford/Dedmon/Smith
Gordon/Ilyasova
Butler/Hezonja
Oladipo/Fournier
Payton/CJ

In spurts yes but by no means should he be a full time pg.

Doesn't get in the paint enough and doesn't pass well enough.

Yes.

Your Welcome.

I'd prefer a more traditional PG (like Payton). Plus, Oladipo seems to thrive best when he's got open, unrestricted room to create shots.

I think the PG experiment helped his handles some, but I don't think he's a really good fit there.

Honestly I think either direction could work. Much like the dilemma of stick with Vucevic at C or switch to a more defense-first type of C. Could work either way, but have to build the pieces around him accordingly.

NO he cant his neck is too short to be able to see over defenders...

Nah. Also what's the deal? Ilyasova over Nicholson?!?!?!

TodGre wrote:

OrlandoDream wrote:Oladipo can do many things, but he at the PG would be a trainwreck. This was painful enough to watch in his first and second year. I think we got enough proof than that he is a SG in this league. Also with as great as EP played to end the season, why are we replacing him?

I think Oladipo was a trainwreck his first yr because he was forced into that traditional play-making PG role, which he is not. He effectively would still be a 2 guard in this lineup, but would be guarding the PG for all intents and purposes. Basically you would have 2 SGs (Oladipo and Butler), plus a point-forward in Fournier (or FA). I don't think that would be quite the trainwreck it was when you had a lineup of Oladipo, Afflalo, and Harris at the 1/2/3.

As for replacing Elf, we are just adding more scoring to the lineup, as you lose some with Horford in place of of Vuc, and AG still isn't a reliable scoring threat right now. Our #1 scoring option would then be Butler, with our 2nd option being Oladipo. Fournier/Horford would be 3rd option in that lineup.

Fournier is in no way a point forward.

Yes if the SG was someone like Harden

tiderulz wrote:

TodGre wrote:

OrlandoDream wrote:Oladipo can do many things, but he at the PG would be a trainwreck. This was painful enough to watch in his first and second year. I think we got enough proof than that he is a SG in this league. Also with as great as EP played to end the season, why are we replacing him?

I think Oladipo was a trainwreck his first yr because he was forced into that traditional play-making PG role, which he is not. He effectively would still be a 2 guard in this lineup, but would be guarding the PG for all intents and purposes. Basically you would have 2 SGs (Oladipo and Butler), plus a point-forward in Fournier (or FA). I don't think that would be quite the trainwreck it was when you had a lineup of Oladipo, Afflalo, and Harris at the 1/2/3.

As for replacing Elf, we are just adding more scoring to the lineup, as you lose some with Horford in place of of Vuc, and AG still isn't a reliable scoring threat right now. Our #1 scoring option would then be Butler, with our 2nd option being Oladipo. Fournier/Horford would be 3rd option in that lineup.

Fournier is in no way a point forward.

Yeah, not ideal for that role. He's more like a 2 guard that can pass. That's why I suggested a FA for the point-forward role.

the_hobo wrote:Nah. Also what's the deal? Ilyasova over Nicholson?!?!?!

Yes. Why not?

No

I don't think he's train-wreck at pg but its certainly not ideal. If there was another ball handler on the floor I wouldn't mind it. However the bulls are not trading Butler for Vuc and our 1st unless we jump in the top 3. Even then they might not. Oladipo or Mario would have to be involved.

Not full time.

I don't think he is a good enough decision maker for that role. I wouldn't want him there for any long period of time.

thelead wrote:Yes if the SG was someone like Harden

That's very funny.