Magic Exercising 20-21 Option on Fultz

[NBAFan93]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

It's easy to see why Philli fans hate him, but wonder why so many other people do as well.

I don't see any reason for a philly fan to hate the guy. I'm not aware of him doing ANYTHING to justify such a strong reaction. All I've seen is a guy who seems to work hard, keep his mouth shut, and who's clearly had a run of bad luck. Maybe he never pans out but there's no reason to hate a guy for failing.

Didn’t he demand a trade from Philly and blame them for mismanaging his injury?

[dhsilv2]

If he doesn’t actually start to play in games on a regular basis, It’s ridiculous and very wrong. Dude probably makes more than elite players if you look at his pay per games played.

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

[VDT]

His salary next year is not that important in the grand scheme of things so the risk is relatively low.

However it still doesnt make any sense for the Magic to pick up his option now. They could wait to see how he looks on the court first before deciding or they could simply not pick it up at all. It is highly unlikely that he will get more money next year that what the Magic could offer him.

If anything this decision speaks volumes on how desperate the Magic are to find a player to build around.

The Magic could realistically be a top 4 team in the East this year without Fultz stepping on the court...

I know the Magic aren't the sexiest team to watch if you aren't a fan, but at least do a bit of reading before your "hot" takes.

So because you think that the Magic could be a top 4 seed next year in the eastern conference means that my post was wrong?

Why dont you tell us who they are building around. Their lottery picks (Gordon, Isaak, Bamba) havent shown much yet and their best player is a soon to be 29 years old Vucevic whom their fans wanted to get rid of until last year and who in his career year managed to lead them to the 7th seed and then was completely exposed in the first round. The Magic have pieces but not a top 2 player in a contender which is why they have gone all in with Fultz.

[Ball so hard]

This should be extremely encouraging for Magic fans with regard to his development. There was no pressure to extend him now, and it's not like his cap hold is insignificant. Right?

The Magic were in a difficult spot. This isn't an extension, this is picking up his option - meaning if they opt against it, and Fultz comes back healthy and blows up, the Magic can only offer him something like 120% of what he is making this year. On the other hand, they've now committed $12M to 20-21 for a guy who might give them nothing. I'm guessing the sunk cost fallacy had some sway here, since they already invested in Fultz it would be a real shame for him to fulfill (even 80% of) his potential and then not be able to retain him.

Yeah "extend" wasn't the right word. My point in the OP was that they could have waited to see how he does the next 2 months before making a final decision, but they were confident enough to pull the trigger now. To me that seems telling.

Seems telling indeed. Either they know something we don't know or they're incredibly incompetent.

[Ball so hard]

The only Magic here is how this guy will end up bagging $40 in career earnings while barely lifting a finger. Or shoulder rather

If he doesn’t actually start to play in games on a regular basis, It’s ridiculous and very wrong. Dude probably makes more than elite players if you look at his pay per games played.

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

Not even in the same ballpark from a comparison standpoint. Two completely different situations.

[VDT]

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

Fultz is not an elite athlete nor has he elite handles and he is definitely not a killer in transition. I have heard these things before and i have no idea how anyone that has seen him play would reach such conclusions. If Fultz were an elite athlete with excellent handles he would be able to play even without a 3point shoot. It is precisely because he is neither of these that he is unplayable in his current state.

Moreover dont compare Embiid with Fultz. Embiid had a real injury and was a much better prospect in college. I am not even sure Fultz has a real injury, he literally stopped playing after he got his option picked up and was moved to the bench. He spent the whole summer last year shooting 3s supposedly without any issues and as soon as he secured one more year of money and was moved to the bench he suddenly was injured again.

I hope he overcomes whatever issues he has but lets not kid ourselves that this is a typical injury. He will be paid for the full 4 years of his rookie contract and to this day he has played back up minutes in 33 games and even in those he hasnt shown much. He is literally being paid based on his perceived potential, because he hasnt shown anything on the NBA court yet.

[drosereturn]

My prediction is this guy kinda chills in his own room and plays nba 2k20 with his own character.
Whats the matter even showing up when you are guaranteed 20 for next 2 yrs and made 50mil by age 20?
(I am seriously wondering he might be one of the richest at that age.)

Life isnt gonna change much even if you worked hard for 100,200 mil.
Fultz knows this and will take advantage of management but ownership will have to make silly excuses he reinjured his shoulder to avoid the shame.

[dhsilv2]

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

Fultz is not an elite athlete nor has he elite handles and he is definitely not a killer in transition. I have heard these things before and i have no idea how anyone that has seen him play would reach such conclusions. If Fultz were an elite athlete with excellent handles he would be able to play even without a 3point shoot. It is precisely because he is neither of these that he is unplayable in his current state.

Moreover dont compare Embiid with Fultz. Embiid had a real injury and was a much better prospect in college. I am not even sure Fultz has a real injury, he literally stopped playing after he got his option picked up and was moved to the bench. He spent the whole summer last year shooting 3s supposedly without any issues and as soon as he secured one more year of money and was moved to the bench he suddenly was injured again.

I hope he overcomes whatever issues he has but lets not kid ourselves that this is a typical injury. He will be paid for the full 4 years of his rookie contract and to this day he has played back up minutes in 33 games and even in those he hasnt shown much. He is literally being paid based on his perceived potential, because he hasnt shown anything on the NBA court yet.

Seems you're a pretty bad judge of talent then. There's a reason the magic traded for him and picked up that option.

[dhsilv2]

If he doesn’t actually start to play in games on a regular basis, It’s ridiculous and very wrong. Dude probably makes more than elite players if you look at his pay per games played.

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

Not even in the same ballpark from a comparison standpoint. Two completely different situations.

Two guys with health issues that kept them off the floor far longer than anyone expected and were both being called busts, never would play...etc etc etc

[JB2]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

The garbage hate might for for his garbage play....

[dhsilv2]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

The garbage hate might for for his garbage play....

That's be rather irrational.

[NBAFan93]

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

$40M in free money may be his motivation. If he got out there and realized “wow - this is hard and I’m over my head”, maybe he’s just milking it for one more year only to blame his “injury” and then fade into obscurity w/ his millions.

He may pan out this year, but he also may be robbing the NBA blind. What if he worked just hard enough to get them to pick up that option before the season starts (can’t really prove anything ATM, can he?). We’ll see.

[NBAFan93]

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

Not even in the same ballpark from a comparison standpoint. Two completely different situations.

Two guys with health issues that kept them off the floor far longer than anyone expected and were both being called busts, never would play...etc etc etc

No one ever called Embiid a bust - the he may never play stuff was said, but everyone knew he was good but they also knew his injuries were legit. And embiid was a #3 pick...Fultz was a number 1 that a team traded another 1st to move up to pick him. That’s a little different too.

Also, Embiid was known to be seriously injured when Philly picked him, the expectation that he would miss a lot of time was already there. And the moment Embiid actually did get in a game he dominated and always has since - Fultz this is not the case.

[dhsilv2]

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

$40M in free money may be his motivation. If he got out there and realized “wow - this is hard and I’m over my head”, maybe he’s just milking it for one more year only to blame his “injury” and then fade into obscurity w/ his millions.

He may pan out this year, but he also may be robbing the NBA blind. What if he worked just hard enough to get them to pick up that option before the season starts (can’t really prove anything ATM, can he?). We’ll see.

That simply doesn't make any sense. Occam's razor at some point has to apply. Someone who suddenly can't shoot likely has an ailment the needs to be resolved. It isn't like he doesn't look like an NBA level athlete when he's been on the floor. The kid CAN play.

[dhsilv2]

Not even in the same ballpark from a comparison standpoint. Two completely different situations.

Two guys with health issues that kept them off the floor far longer than anyone expected and were both being called busts, never would play...etc etc etc

No one ever called Embiid a bust - the he may never play stuff was said, but everyone knew he was good but they also knew his injuries were legit. And embiid was a #3 pick..fultz was a number 1 that a team traded another 1st to move up to pick him. That’s a little different too.

Embiid certainly was getting called a bust. People were trashing the 76ers for drafting him. It was the same garbage we're seeing here. And yes he was a 3rd pick...not sure why that matters. Fultz didn't make anyone trade for him nor did he force the 76ers to draft him. Shouldn't matter if he's the first pick or the last pick, the way people take delight in this guy's misery is just gross.

[LloydFree]

But Embiid looked absolutely amazing in those few games he played and had injuries that were much more cut and die/verifiable. I thought that 3rd or 4th opinion on what was wrong w/ Fultz said he was going to be able to play after the ASB last season? What happened to that?

Embiid didn't play a single game his first 2 years. We've actually seen fultz on an nba court. I don't recall anyone saying Embiid was going to miss 2 seasons when he was drafted, it was seen as a 1 year injury. Mean while fans were calling him a bust, saying he'd never stay healthy, blah blah blah.

Fultz has had issues and I guess fans are upset he doesn't spam us on twitter with updates on his issue?

So far we've seen a guy with elite athletic ability. He's got huge defensive upside, looks like he can be an actual impact defensive point guard. Excellent handles, very good passer, and already a killer in transition. Youngest guy to ever have a triple double to add to that. No, he's not been good overall but it isn't like we haven't seen a hell of a lot of potential in those moments he'd been on the floor.

Spoiler:

I don't see the guy as a future superstar at this point but if he can find that jumper he had...he's going to be a good nba player for years to come. Why would anyone not be rooting for him to get there? Again...because he doesn't spam us with twitter posts about his rehab progress? Because we're annoyed doctors couldn't figure out his issue right away? Because *gasp* there might be something mental and requires help?

I mean do you think this guy worked his butt off for all those years to make the NBA and now just wants to collect a pay check and never compete at the NBA level? Why?

Fultz is not an elite athlete nor has he elite handles and he is definitely not a killer in transition. I have heard these things before and i have no idea how anyone that has seen him play would reach such conclusions. If Fultz were an elite athlete with excellent handles he would be able to play even without a 3point shoot. It is precisely because he is neither of these that he is unplayable in his current state.

Spoiler:

Moreover dont compare Embiid with Fultz. Embiid had a real injury and was a much better prospect in college. I am not even sure Fultz has a real injury, he literally stopped playing after he got his option picked up and was moved to the bench. He spent the whole summer last year shooting 3s supposedly without any issues and as soon as he secured one more year of money and was moved to the bench he suddenly was injured again.

I hope he overcomes whatever issues he has but lets not kid ourselves that this is a typical injury. He will be paid for the full 4 years of his rookie contract and to this day he has played back up minutes in 33 games and even in those he hasnt shown much. He is literally being paid based on his perceived potential, because he hasnt shown anything on the NBA court yet.

Exactly.

[Dan Z]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

There are reasons and they've been stated on Realgm numerous times. He was the #1 pick and with that comes big expectations. Had he fulfilled them the Sixers would look a lot different now (which also would change things in the East).

But he didn't and the answers we got (the fans) are questionable at best. The Magic obviously believe in him so we'll see how he does going forward.

[dhsilv2]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

There are reasons and they've been stated on Realgm numerous times. He was the #1 pick and with that comes big expectations. Had he fulfilled them the Sixers would look a lot different now (which also would change things in the East).

But he didn't and the answers we got (the fans) are questionable at best. The Magic obviously believe in him so we'll see how he does going forward.

"High expectations" is not a reason to act like people are doing with him.

[dhsilv2]

I'm not sure I've ever wanted a guy to success more than Fultz with all the countless garbage hate he's gotten for no reason.

There are reasons and they've been stated on Realgm numerous times. He was the #1 pick and with that comes big expectations. Had he fulfilled them the Sixers would look a lot different now (which also would change things in the East).

But he didn't and the answers we got (the fans) are questionable at best. The Magic obviously believe in him so we'll see how he does going forward.

"High expectations" is not a reason to act like people are doing with him.

[Ball so hard]

Embiid played 31 games his first 3 seasons. Philly didn't drop him. Fultz has played 33 more games in his first two years than Embiid who's an MVP candidate now.

Not even in the same ballpark from a comparison standpoint. Two completely different situations.

Two guys with health issues that kept them off the floor far longer than anyone expected and were both being called busts, never would play...etc etc etc

That's about where the comparison ends. Sure there were some calling Embiid a bust, but that was primarily a result of his lack of playing. Those people were simply wrong. I'm not sure how you can legitimately label a player bust who was a top pick despite well known injuries and have not yet played a in the NBA. Embiid was a far better prospect coming out of college. Embiid also dominated at both level, albeit on a limited number of games in the NBA. Fultz didn't dominate at either level. There are several teams that would've lined up to sign Embiid had the 6ers not offer him a contract; there would be no such scenario in the case of Fultz. The type of injuries are also completely different. I'm not even sure anyone know much about Fultz's injury. The differences between the two are nearly endless.