Should Fultz and Carter start when they return?

[Rainwater]

The magic are clearly playing some amazing basket ball right now and are in a good groove. Black and especially Goga are playing well. Should they remain in the starting lineup to not disrupt this current squad?

I am kinda indifferent with returning Fultz to the starting lineup. If I am being honest, other than being a better defender and a little better shooter, Black is not much better than Fultz at the current moment. But with that being said, Black is the future PG in my opinion and having him in the starting lineup not only provides growth for Black but provides growth and continuity to the team as a whole going forward. And with Fultz not being in the lineup, it allows the ball to be in the hands of Franz, Paolo, and Suggs which seems to be working for the magic.

The bigger debate in my opinion is if Carter should return to the starting lineup. Goga’s defense is just amazing and he does the little things that produces wins. I think he is a huge reason why the Magic defense has been so great this season. However, with that being said, Carter brings much more on the offensive end.

Btw this is not a trade Fultz or trade Carter thread, there are other threads for that.

[RookieStar]

Add a poll.

But yeah... so far let the good times roll and let Black and Goga start. If we arent ramping up JIs minutes we can slowly ease Gogas heavy usage. Instead of bringing him out 4mins left, bring him out 6mins.

Besides this is the Magic. You know someone os gonna replace them in the injury list when they get back.

[fendilim]

Fultz no, wcj yes.

But let them heal as long as they want.

[Message Boar]

Yes, Yes if Fultz can at least come back to being last year's Fultz.

No, yes if not.

The problem is, I'd hate to bump Cole and Mo out of their bench spots when they're healthy, so I'm not sure what I'd do.

It'll be interesting what the coaches decide. My expectation is that they both start again and AB nd Goga go back to third string. I'd definitely still use Goga in certain situations/matchups regardless, though.

[Rainwater]

Add a poll.

But yeah... so far let the good times roll and let Black and Goga start. If we arent ramping up JIs minutes we can slowly ease Gogas heavy usage. Instead of bringing him out 4mins left, bring him out 6mins.

Besides this is the Magic. You know someone os gonna replace them in the injury list when they get back.

Added

[Bensational]

I personally wouldn’t change up what we have. It’s working and the guys seem to be adding new elements to the offense with each game and finding better ways to work together.

I love this starting 5 and bench unit.

[basketballRob]

I think Suggs, Franz, and Paolo are benefiting from Goga and Black being in the SL. You have to have players playing a role. Wendell and Fultz are going to require more usage and will change the dynamic.

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[Rainwater]

I personally wouldn’t change up what we have. It’s working and the guys seem to be adding new elements to the offense with each game and finding better ways to work together.

I love this starting 5 and bench unit.

The bench has truly been amazing and Paolo, Franz, and Suggs have improved greatly.

[basketballRob]

Goga seems like the perfect complement to Franz and Paolo.

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[shadrock]

WCJ to me doesnt fit the vibe of this team. I personally would be open to moving him for the right piece. I think with the way our team is structured, we are better of with hard nosed big men like Moe, JI and Goga. I worry that WCJ would become the weak link in our defensive chain, and offensively i dont think he adds much. Id prefer the ball to be in other peoples hands and in terms of second chance points and i think the other guys hit the boards harder and are better around the rim and cutting to the basket.

[basketballRob]

Wendell was out last season during our long win streak.

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[thelead]

Tough, tough, tough decision for WCJ. This is now the second time WCJ has gone out with an injury and we’ve taken off. In fairness to him, we weren’t playing bad with him to start the season either.

[tooler]

I think eventually the team is going to run out of steam on offense. They're literally playing 3 on 5. (Okay maybe 3.5 with Goga's screening and offensive rebounding.) That will provide an angle for the coaching staff to mix it up.

Let's hope the front office is taking notes though.

[fendilim]

Goga seems like the perfect complement to Franz and Paolo.

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yup, rebounder and can defend the rim.

[eyriq]

I voted to start Black and WCJ.

The thinking there is that Black and WCJ are locked up long-term and I think WCJ is better than Goga as of today.

Black over Fultz isn't necessarily about BPA, though I lack faith that we'll even get last season's version of Fultz when he does return. I just think we need to develop Black, and the fact that he actually helps our rotations is just icing on the cake.

WCJ over Goga is tough. Goga seems to be blossoming right before our eyes. He is providing terrific rim protection and is contributing across the board. I'm just more comfortable with WCJ's all around game. Also, Goga is a free agent while WCJ is locked up on a bargain. I could be talked out of this.

[VFX]

I like my Centers to do what Goga does and not jack up 4 threes a game at inopportune times.
I'm not sure if Carter slows down the offense, or I'm just imagining it. Goga isnt necessarily quick down the court.

And yeah... Black over Fultz... Focus on defense Black and keep the ball moving like it was tonight and everything will be fine.

[KillMonger]

it's crazy that this is even a question....

[drsd]

Orlando's playing 3 on 5 in offensive sets. Of course Fultz and Carter will return to the starting lineups.

[KillMonger]

Orlando's playing 3 on 5 in offensive sets. Of course Fultz and Carter will return to the starting lineups.

don't seem like it to me

[jezzerinho]

You can only nourish the team culture byn keeping things as they are. Let the two returnees earn the right to start. That's how you breed champions.