GeorgeSears wrote:If PG goes to Orlando over Philly, that's a "comfort" move. Meaning, he's going there because of the weather and taxes, and not because he's serious about winning.
Not to disparage the Magic, who I picked as dark horse team before the season, but they're not ready yet to take that next step until Paolo really rounds out his game and some of their other players mature. They're still about 2-3 years away from scaring teams.
Philly's ready to win now. He would be playing alongside Embiid and Maxey. There would be little pressure on him to carry the load.
I partially agree, but I don't believe Orlando is as far away as the collective may think. If PG started next to Suggs/Paolo and Franz, with their elite defense already, they would have the kind of talent that could theoretically go blow for blow with Boston, even while being younger. He would actually have less pressure than he would in Philadelphia. If he went to Philly, the expectation is that they need to be a title contender and if he doesn't live up to a MAX deal at his advancing age, the media/fans will eviscerate him. In Orlando, his job would be more talented sage vet.
Basically, I am saying if PG signs with Orlando, they vault to top 3 in the East (behind Boston and healthy New York) in my rankings.