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For me, the trade deadline is looming (Feb), Isaac's waive-by date is Jan 10, and we have too many guards that are pretty good, but it's not a healthy winning situation without any clear vision (maybe they have one, but I don't). We all seem to think this upcoming season should be at least a play-in goal, if not more, and I don't think that's unreasonable...we are walking the fine line of developing/team building and actively competing. It's a good thing, but there are definitely concerns to be sorted out. What are the BIG early season personnel questions that you think we'll be watching closely once the team hits the floor?

For me...

-Does Anthony Black come in like a fierce vet with enough self-belief to fight for minutes and establish himself as a viable starting PG?
It would certainly be understandable if he came in humble and accommodating, as he's very young and seems very pleasant and respectful. But I hope "he's not here to take part, he's here to take over". I promise you that, for better or worse, Scoot thinks he QB1.

-Does Cole Anthony come out the same way, looking to earn consideration for the job too? Will he get a big extension? a team-friendly one? (when is the deadline for that?). Will he look more like a real floor general or continue to play more like prime TRoss (not a bad thing-just a lesser role)?

-Isaac...man, if he can play a solid 10-15mins for 60+ games, it would mean a LOT to this team's ability to compete. Otherwise, start planning for his waiver/medical retirement/trade?

-Suggs...will he pick up where he left off, shooting wise? Is he given the starting SG spot and will he hold onto it and provide scoring?

-Fultz...can he shoot? Can he rack up assists and FTA's and involve his teammates? Can his game evolve to the point that other guys can have big nights when he does? I think it's him or Black, long-term, because, on-court, Cole could co-exist with either. This is a contract year and there are now two legit replacements on the roster in Cole and Black. Can Fultz take another step and lock down the job and the next big contract? I really hope he can-I mean it-he was a star coming out of U of W- him taking another leap back to that status would be the best scenario. I have my doubts for sure, but it would be an amazing outcome for ORL. When I said it's him or Black, it's with the assumption that neither is presently a floor-spreader...the world would open up if one or both proved me wrong!!

1. Is JI in the rotation?
2. Does Black beat out Cole?
3. Does Suggs win the starting SG role?
4. Does Franz increase his usage?
5. Does Paolo improve his efficiency?
6. Does Fultz increase his 3Pr?
7. Does Fultz improve his 3P%?
8. Do we improve the rate the team wins the 3PM battle?
9. Do we improve the rate the team wins the assist battle?

Easy one for me.
Will Fultz stop being chicken and finally shoot 3s within the flow of the offense?
If not he can kick rocks.

Magic CEO Alex Martins: 'By 2030 we will have won at least one championship'

Dear Alex, how's it going here?

Does Isaac stay healthy? Does the team stay healthy?

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Where does Black get his minutes?

As far as i am concerned we have our core four - Paolo, Franz, Suggs, Black. Don't really care about anything but those players turning into better players. I expect improvement and good play from others but if the the four above can hit relatively high outcomes the Magic will be a special team in a few years.

There is only one question.

Do we really have our star duo in Wagner & Banchero and, if so, what are we going to do to help them?

I agree with jezz that the most important question will continue to be about the growth of Wagner and Banchero. Everything else is dramatically less important.

To me, the most interesting lineup question right now is Suggs vs Harris as the starting SG.

I'm much less concerned about finding time for the rookies than everybody else seems to be. If they can't beat out our mediocre players for minutes, then that's on them.

GameOver25 wrote:Easy one for me.
Will Fultz stop being chicken and finally shoot 3s within the flow of the offense?
If not he can kick rocks.

He might know that too, with Black on board and his contract expiring...maybe he'll start hoisting them and maybe he'll make them

jonbob17 wrote:Where does Black get his minutes?

As far as i am concerned we have our core four - Paolo, Franz, Suggs, Black. Don't really care about anything but those players turning into better players. I expect improvement and good play from others and but if the the four above can hit relatively high outcomes the Magic will be a special team in a few years.

This is where I’m at.

I don’t have high expectations, but I’m hoping Jett is that last missing piece to the equation. If Suggs can hit that next level offensively, then we are set.

Black
Suggs/Jett
Franz
Paolo
Carter (or other)

On one hand you have a mismatch at every position. On the other you have a really high upside backcourt defensively.

For me biggest question/wish: can Suggs stay healthy? No more nagging injuries or time missed, we need to see if he is a keeper.

Can this team score efficiently? We were solid on defense the last 50 or so games of the season. I think we became a good defensive team. But, I'm dubious about this team's ability to shoot the ball well and create efficient shots on high volume to keep up with the league's best offenses.

Does JI actually play? How many games?

How many 3s does Fultz shoot?