Starting Isaac @ SF?

[SHAQ32]

I'm thinking this team needs some weak-side shot blocking

I know he's currently injured, but would starting the rookie at SF when he comes back make us a better team this season?

[fendilim]

It would be nice but i think he is more effective guarding forwards right now. I dont think Isaac has the speed to chase players off screens and all, at this time.

Terrence Ross, while he hasnt been shooting well, has been defending the opposing wing players quite effectively.

If you think we need some weak side defense, I think Aaron Gordon is more suited at that role since most of the players (fours primarily) stay closer to the basket than who Isaac would end up defending.

There’s no way you’d want Fournier to be the primary defender of your the two guard, right?

[shadrock]

Absolutely. Having him on the floor instantly bolsters our defense. I think starting Isaac is a better idea than starting Simmons.

[PennytoShaq]

I would do it without hesitation. His defense is so good that I doubt his offense would hurt us that much. Honestly with minutes I think he could give us more than TRoss rather quickly.

I also kind of like our bench now. We put Biz at PF and let Speights play C, and it was working pretty well. Ross may find his mojo playing off the bench.

[drsd]

Ross cannot continue to start. I think Fournier should slide to his natural SG slot and Simmons should take the starting SF role.

[Skybox]

The difference between this year and last year's second half is, in part, our bench strength...I'd be real hesitant to start my best 5. I hope Isaac eventually moves into that role, but leave Simmons in the sixth man of the year role. Generally speaking, we are scoring enough to win, so I like a defense-playing, hasn't found his shot yet Ross as a starter (for now).

[MagicFan101]

Simmons starting alongside Fournier and Vuc would be a disaster. Simmons has been fantastic as “the guy” for the second unit. His greatest value to us would be reduced in that role.

Isaac is already a great, super active defender who has shown good b-ball IQ for a rookie. More importantly, he doesn’t need the ball or a certain number of shots to stay engaged and focused.


If a change had to be made, I would move Isaac to starting SF and run with DJ, Ross, Simmon, Mario, Biz as the second unit.

[PennytoShaq]

Simmons is definitely our 6th man. I would not change that either. Isaac is our most talented (also rawest)player and makes a huge impact on the court.

The more Isaac plays, the faster his offense develops. His weakside help D is already better than anyone's on this team, and Vuc needs that badly.

I also like the Speights/Biz combo off the bench. If Speights can handle the backup C minutes, I think we have something. Additionally, the Magic could make a swap of Mario for Okafor, then they could give him 15 minutes back there as well so Speights is fresh.

[j-ragg]

I hate Speights and Biz together off the bench. Neither has the foot speed on defense to switch onto guards. Actually blows my mind Frank is even attempting it, but I’m hoping it’s only because Isaac is injured. Wish Speights could just take Biz’s place in the rotation.

[PennytoShaq]

Biz has been switching on to guards all the time. The main reason I like it is because Biz has been so bad at C lately, that we need to build his value up somehow.

[Optimus_Steel]

Issac is not ready yet, he doesnt even know to carry blazers. Give him time he still has some maturing to do physically and mentally.

[Mc-o]

Biz has been switching on to guards all the time. The main reason I like it is because Biz has been so bad at C lately, that we need to build his value up somehow.

I agree , I actually think the biz and speights lineups haven't been terrible , the bench actually played some good defense the last couple games .

[Shady Franchise]

Sure, as long as it happens before the All-Star game. Then I'd hit another BOLD prediction.

[j-ragg]

Biz has been switching on to guards all the time. The main reason I like it is because Biz has been so bad at C lately, that we need to build his value up somehow.

I don’t think it’s been super exposed, but basically any bench pf could drive past either imo. I’d love Biz to get some value back, or assume his role when he was in Toronto, just doesn’t seem in the cards. Maybe if Frank took him out of the rotation it’d help him realize he needs to do more.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Absolutely and the sooner the better.

The starters minus ross + isaac went 128.6 ortg and 62.3 drtg.

Vooch & Isaac combo (9 minutes together)....

105.9 ORTG
48.8 DRTG

The stats back this move so I see this being implemented soon.

*the only reason I could see why they keep Ross in the staring lineup is to raise Ross value to then ship him out near deadline which I guess I'm okay with (even though he's been playing horribly and probably doing the exact opposite to his trade value).

Isaac's trajectory is elite.

[j-ragg]

Isaac's trajectory is elite.

How? I hope it is as elite as it comes but I haven’t seen anything to indicate this.

Also I’m in the minority but I think his hesitancy on the perimeter offensively + his lack of foot speed on the perimeter defensively makes me think I’d rather have him start at center than small forward. But to each their own.

[Skin]

Just waiting for Vogel to grow some balls.

But sooner or later, WeHam are going to need to force his hand if he continues to be stubborn.

My wish for this season....

Payton gets healthy.
Simmons starts at SG.
Isaac at SF on offense, PF on defense.
AG at PF on offense, SF on defense.
Speights starts at C.

Gives us the best combination of playing 2 way basketball that we are capable of fielding atm.

Fournier and Vucevic off the bench (still being 25+ mpg players) providing all the scoring punch they want and they can play their passing tango to each other without the concern of others.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Just waiting for Vogel to grow some balls.

But sooner or later, WeHam are going to need to force his hand if he continues to be stubborn.

My wish for this season....

Payton gets healthy.
Simmons starts at SG.
Isaac at SF on offense, PF on defense.
AG at PF on offense, SF on defense.
Speights starts at C.

You're just trolling now.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Biz has been switching on to guards all the time. The main reason I like it is because Biz has been so bad at C lately, that we need to build his value up somehow.

I don’t think it’s been super exposed, but basically any bench pf could drive past either imo. I’d love Biz to get some value back, or assume his role when he was in Toronto, just doesn’t seem in the cards. Maybe if Frank took him out of the rotation it’d help him realize he needs to do more.

He cant do more. There isn't some hidden ability that Biz is holding back, this is exactly who he is.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Just waiting for Vogel to grow some balls.

But sooner or later, WeHam are going to need to force his hand if he continues to be stubborn.

My wish for this season....

Payton gets healthy.
Simmons starts at SG.
Isaac at SF on offense, PF on defense.
AG at PF on offense, SF on defense.
Speights starts at C.

Gives us the best combination of playing 2 way basketball that we are capable of fielding atm.

Fournier and Vucevic off the bench (still being 25+ mpg players) providing all the scoring punch they want and they can play their passing tango to each other without the concern of others.

Who scores in the first unit?

Simmons and Payton simply cant coexist together. Simmons is too ISO happy and Payton shot is too broke for that to work. Speights going against starting level centers is laughable.

The only two positions that need to be tweaked in the starting lineup is at PG/SF IMO.

I honestly might go back to starting Augustine and have Payton come off the bench.