How can this team turn from a Playoff team to Championship Contention?

[Magic#1]

The path is development, patience, and having the right star become available at the right time. We're still in the development phase. Granted, we are also now in a stage where we expect to win, but other teams are ahead of us for winning a 'ship and will be for some time. I'm still of the belief that if some of our younger players develop, we have some of the best assets available to go and get that next all-star level player who requests a trade. We also have all of our picks. Orlando will be an attractive place for stars who are ready to move on. We've already got some studs, a players coach and the sunshine with no state taxes doesn't hurt.

[jezzerinho]

The path is development, patience, and having the right star become available at the right time. We're still in the development phase. Granted, we are also now in a stage where we expect to win, but other teams are ahead of us for winning a 'ship and will be for some time. I'm still of the belief that if some of our younger players develop, we have some of the best assets available to go and get that next all-star level player who requests a trade. We also have all of our picks. Orlando will be an attractive place for stars who are ready to move on. We've already got some studs, a players coach and the sunshine with no state taxes doesn't hurt.

Maybe, but Boston didn't wait and it worked for them.

[SOUL]

Maybe, but Boston didn't wait and it worked for them.

Counterpoint: Denver did, and it worked out for them. More than one way to skin a cat, etc. Our Dwight Howard Finals teams were tinkered with way too much at one point and that messed us up too.

Also, not sure I entirely agree. Boston has had some iteration of Tatum/Brown/Horford/Smart as big cogs in their rotation in 5 of their 7 seasons, with at least 3 of those guys in 7 of 7 seasons.

They've tinkered a lot these last two years... in the 7th season of playing together. Paolo and Franz are heading into their 3rd together. People were whining Paolo's rookie year that we didn't completely upholster the team lol.

Also, Kyrie would've been there a few more seasons if they didn't completely sour their relationship with each other, so the only really big movement was Kemba replacing Kyrie (which, again, special forced circumstances), Hayward leaving, trading for Derrick White (5th season of Brown and Tatum) and trading Robert Will + Marcus Smart and bringing Jrue and Porzingis... again, in their 7th season.

[Bensational]

Tatum didn’t win his first championship until his 7th season, so Paolo and the Magic have 5 more seasons to try to match or beat their timeline. Jokic and Giannis took 8 seasons. Curry took 6. LeBron 9 and a new team. Durant 10 and a new team. Butler 9 and three new teams.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t try to beat the odds, but history shows it takes a lot more time than people seem to be aware of for players and teams to mature into contenders and champions.

[BadMofoPimp]

The path is development, patience, and having the right star become available at the right time. We're still in the development phase. Granted, we are also now in a stage where we expect to win, but other teams are ahead of us for winning a 'ship and will be for some time. I'm still of the belief that if some of our younger players develop, we have some of the best assets available to go and get that next all-star level player who requests a trade. We also have all of our picks. Orlando will be an attractive place for stars who are ready to move on. We've already got some studs, a players coach and the sunshine with no state taxes doesn't hurt.

Maybe, but Boston didn't wait and it worked for them.

It didn't happen overnight for Boston either. Still took them years.

[Magic#1]

The path is development, patience, and having the right star become available at the right time. We're still in the development phase. Granted, we are also now in a stage where we expect to win, but other teams are ahead of us for winning a 'ship and will be for some time. I'm still of the belief that if some of our younger players develop, we have some of the best assets available to go and get that next all-star level player who requests a trade. We also have all of our picks. Orlando will be an attractive place for stars who are ready to move on. We've already got some studs, a players coach and the sunshine with no state taxes doesn't hurt.

Maybe, but Boston didn't wait and it worked for them.

It didn't happen overnight for Boston either. Still took them years.

Exactly. Tatum and Brown took several years of deep playoff runs to get over that hump. Also, they came into a better situation than what Paolo and Franz came into. Paolo almost got us into the second round in year two and Franz was in year three. They've got at least two, three or even four more years of being in the stage of climbing the ladder. No matter who we add, I don't think we win a championship unless it's Jokic, Luka or MAYBE Shai or Ant. Even if we added the likes of Curry this year, I'm not sure we're a finals team and he is an all-time great. We're just not there yet, and that's okay. As far as I'm concerned, last year we were ahead of schedule. If we do a repeat or even make that jump to the second round, that's still on track for building a contender.
Wait. Develop. And pounce when the right player is available. Recent years have shown us that star players will ask out. We've got assets and if some of our guys (AB, Jett, TDS, maybe Cole) develop or some can stay healthy (JI, WCJ) they would be decent trade chips with picks added in. Phoenix went all in and while maybe they pull it together, last year was a huge disappointment.

[BadMofoPimp]

Maybe, but Boston didn't wait and it worked for them.

It didn't happen overnight for Boston either. Still took them years.

Exactly. Tatum and Brown took several years of deep playoff runs to get over that hump. Also, they came into a better situation than what Paolo and Franz came into. Paolo almost got us into the second round in year two and Franz was in year three. They've got at least two, three or even four more years of being in the stage of climbing the ladder. No matter who we add, I don't think we win a championship unless it's Jokic, Luka or MAYBE Shai or Ant. Even if we added the likes of Curry this year, I'm not sure we're a finals team and he is an all-time great. We're just not there yet, and that's okay. As far as I'm concerned, last year we were ahead of schedule. If we do a repeat or even make that jump to the second round, that's still on track for building a contender.
Wait. Develop. And pounce when the right player is available. Recent years have shown us that star players will ask out. We've got assets and if some of our guys (AB, Jett, TDS, maybe Cole) develop or some can stay healthy (JI, WCJ) they would be decent trade chips with picks added in. Phoenix went all in and while maybe they pull it together, last year was a huge disappointment.

Not getting any of those superstar players without giving up Paolo or Franz then this team still would be marginally better. I rather ride the development and enjoy the progression.

[eyriq]

Yeah, stick with organic until all your lotto numbers are called, then consolidate and re-tool. Still waiting on AB and Jett before it's clear what we need.

[BadMofoPimp]

Yeah, stick with organic until all your lotto numbers are called, then consolidate and re-tool. Still waiting on AB and Jett before it's clear what we need.

To me, AB and Jett look like NBA Role players, but not needle movers. AB can be a defensive stopper while Jett just a shooter. Don't think Jett lasts long term as I don't see him better than anyone in the top 10 on this team whlie AB could be a solid defensive presence off the bench on a deep playoff team. If AB could at least create for others, he would be legit starter someday but it is obvious he is lacking in too many areas. I hope that AB improves like Suggs and supplants KCP in a few years.

[drsd]

I find that a lot of the discussion here is centered around the reality of the previous salary caps.

The new CBA will dramatically change how rosters are built.

The future is clear for a title:
a) a top-10 player, a top-25 player, a top-50 player, two top-100 players as the starting five. And a lot of overachieving role players.
b) two max players, one 25-30M player, a bunch of rookie-contract and journey man contracts, sprinkled in with some vets looking for a ring (i.e. on low contracts).

It is teams that balance a and b that will be contenders. That excludes Denver and Boston type roters moving forward.
It promotes OKC and Orlando rosters, moving forward.

Orlando is far more set to have both a and b over these next three years; and OKC is already there.

In conclusion: I really, really want multi-year NBA-championship battles between two low-market teams in the Thunder and Magic. Silver might lose his mind. It will be awesome.

The days of LAL and Boston "buying" titles is over. (The new CBA will cripple the manner on how major market teams have operated).

GO MAGIC!

[MasterGMer]

What does "ahead of schedule" even mean? lol. In terms of individual player development? In terms of team building success? In terms of Championships ahead?

IMO, there are opportunities and chances awaiting to happen. If we are fixed on a schedule, then I am going to say we have 0% of heading to the NBA Finals this year. Why? Because that is not our schedule and we are ahead of schedule still. Sigh...

[pepe1991]

I find that a lot of the discussion here is centered around the reality of the previous salary caps.

The new CBA will dramatically change how rosters are built.

The future is clear for a title:
a) a top-10 player, a top-25 player, a top-50 player, two top-100 players as the starting five. And a lot of overachieving role players.
b) two max players, one 25-30M player, a bunch of rookie-contract and journey man contracts, sprinkled in with some vets looking for a ring (i.e. on low contracts).

It is teams that balance a and b that will be contenders. That excludes Denver and Boston type roters moving forward.
It promotes OKC and Orlando rosters, moving forward.

Orlando is far more set to have both a and b over these next three years; and OKC is already there.

In conclusion: I really, really want multi-year NBA-championship battles between two low-market teams in the Thunder and Magic. Silver might lose his mind. It will be awesome.

The days of LAL and Boston "buying" titles is over. (The new CBA will cripple the manner on how major market teams have operated).

GO MAGIC!

It will never happen. Lakers will land their next big thing ( Doncic probably) as soon as Lebron is goner.

Players want to win on big market teams because titles won there are valued more in eyes of fans and it helps them become more profitable and marketable.

Giannis is top 3 player today and complete afterthought in eyes of media because he plays on Bucks. Put LAL jersey on him and just wait until LA based media starts spinnign titles like: where "Giannis ranks in top 10 defenders of all time", " Is Giannis top 10 best all around players ever", "Is Giannis top 20 of all time". Over time that constant spinning turns into half through, repeated enough times to younger generation it becomes truth. ( pretty much indoctrination 101).
You ask somebody who is 16 years old why he finds Iverson/ Melo overrated but Tracy /Carter underrated and he will have no clue. In reality he just saw same article 50000 times during his youth of media telling him so. ( In reality, difference between those 4 is so minor and irrelevant to even start conversation ).

It's just harsh reality of nba in general. Not all teams are equal in terms of value. You can argue Knicks and Lakers are more valuable than 15 bottom teams combined.

[VFX]

I find that a lot of the discussion here is centered around the reality of the previous salary caps.

The new CBA will dramatically change how rosters are built.

The future is clear for a title:
a) a top-10 player, a top-25 player, a top-50 player, two top-100 players as the starting five. And a lot of overachieving role players.
b) two max players, one 25-30M player, a bunch of rookie-contract and journey man contracts, sprinkled in with some vets looking for a ring (i.e. on low contracts).

It is teams that balance a and b that will be contenders. That excludes Denver and Boston type roters moving forward.
It promotes OKC and Orlando rosters, moving forward.

Orlando is far more set to have both a and b over these next three years; and OKC is already there.

In conclusion: I really, really want multi-year NBA-championship battles between two low-market teams in the Thunder and Magic. Silver might lose his mind. It will be awesome.

The days of LAL and Boston "buying" titles is over. (The new CBA will cripple the manner on how major market teams have operated).

GO MAGIC!

It will never happen. Lakers will land their next big thing ( Doncic probably) as soon as Lebron is goner.

Players want to win on big market teams because titles won there are valued more in eyes of fans and it helps them become more profitable and marketable.

Giannis is top 3 player today and complete afterthought in eyes of media because he plays on Bucks. Put LAL jersey on him and just wait until LA based media starts spinnign titles like: where "Giannis ranks in top 10 defenders of all time", " Is Giannis top 10 best all around players ever", "Is Giannis top 20 of all time". Over time that constant spinning turns into half through, repeated enough times to younger generation it becomes truth. ( pretty much indoctrination 101).
You ask somebody who is 16 years old why he finds Iverson/ Melo overrated but Tracy /Carter underrated and he will have no clue. In reality he just saw same article 50000 times during his youth of media telling him so. ( In reality, difference between those 4 is so minor and irrelevant to even start conversation ).

It's just harsh reality of nba in general. Not all teams are equal in terms of value. You can argue Knicks and Lakers are more valuable than 15 bottom teams combined.

I mean you aren't wrong, but why does someone like Doncic go from a contending Dallas to a rebuilding Lakers in the wake of Lebron leaving? There have absolutely been some head scratching one sided trades that have benefited the larger markets in general, but I think its getting harder for the league to justify them.

The latest one was San Antonio literally giving Minnesota (a contender) their #8 pick Dillingham for absolutely nothing. I still look at that trade as some kind of NBA intervening situation where they want Edwards to be the next big thing SO bad that they are willing to make other teams give them assets or something. No other way to interpret it really. Conspiracy theories for them getting Wemby maybe?

The media narratives are absolutely a thing though and LA will always be competitive because players want to live in that hell hole while getting showered with attention.

[pepe1991]

I find that a lot of the discussion here is centered around the reality of the previous salary caps.

The new CBA will dramatically change how rosters are built.

The future is clear for a title:
a) a top-10 player, a top-25 player, a top-50 player, two top-100 players as the starting five. And a lot of overachieving role players.
b) two max players, one 25-30M player, a bunch of rookie-contract and journey man contracts, sprinkled in with some vets looking for a ring (i.e. on low contracts).

It is teams that balance a and b that will be contenders. That excludes Denver and Boston type roters moving forward.
It promotes OKC and Orlando rosters, moving forward.

Orlando is far more set to have both a and b over these next three years; and OKC is already there.

In conclusion: I really, really want multi-year NBA-championship battles between two low-market teams in the Thunder and Magic. Silver might lose his mind. It will be awesome.

The days of LAL and Boston "buying" titles is over. (The new CBA will cripple the manner on how major market teams have operated).

GO MAGIC!

It will never happen. Lakers will land their next big thing ( Doncic probably) as soon as Lebron is goner.

Players want to win on big market teams because titles won there are valued more in eyes of fans and it helps them become more profitable and marketable.

Giannis is top 3 player today and complete afterthought in eyes of media because he plays on Bucks. Put LAL jersey on him and just wait until LA based media starts spinnign titles like: where "Giannis ranks in top 10 defenders of all time", " Is Giannis top 10 best all around players ever", "Is Giannis top 20 of all time". Over time that constant spinning turns into half through, repeated enough times to younger generation it becomes truth. ( pretty much indoctrination 101).
You ask somebody who is 16 years old why he finds Iverson/ Melo overrated but Tracy /Carter underrated and he will have no clue. In reality he just saw same article 50000 times during his youth of media telling him so. ( In reality, difference between those 4 is so minor and irrelevant to even start conversation ).

It's just harsh reality of nba in general. Not all teams are equal in terms of value. You can argue Knicks and Lakers are more valuable than 15 bottom teams combined.

I mean you aren't wrong, but why does someone like Doncic go from a contending Dallas to a rebuilding Lakers in the wake of Lebron leaving? There have absolutely been some head scratching one sided trades that have benefited the larger markets in general, but I think its getting harder for the league to justify them.

The latest one was San Antonio literally giving Minnesota (a contender) their #8 pick Dillingham for absolutely nothing. I still look at that trade as some kind of NBA intervening situation where they want Edwards to be the next big thing SO bad that they are willing to make other teams give them assets or something. No other way to interpret it really. Conspiracy theories for them getting Wemby maybe?

The media narratives are absolutely a thing though and LA will always be competitive because players want to live in that hell hole while getting showered with attention.

Because Lakers always win?

That's a franchise who in just last few years menaged to:

1) trade for Hachimura for bunch of second round picks
2) flipped Westbrook to D'angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt
3) signed Austin Reaves after he declined to sign contract for PIstons , who he was drafted by ( 42th pick)
4) signed at times 29 years old Schroder, who was comming off 14 ppg, 6 apg seaso non vets minimum, because why not


And historically, it's just mockery. Traded for Worth and Magic Johnson as both landed them 1# selectoins, traded for Kobe , grabbed Shaq , traded for Jabbar, traded for AD, traded Pau Gasol pair of picks and Kwame Brown ( only by some miracle that second round pick turned into his brother , but it was 42th pick) .


: Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. 0 rings in entire history.
Lakers : 6 rings from 2000-2020.

At average, they win title every 5 years

How will big market teams get their big stars? They will probably land one star via FA and play their behind the curtains games to get the other, that's pretty much how they got AD after they got Lebron. Would probably win more ( or stayed relevant longer) if they didn't invested into Westbrook.

[MasterGMer]

I bet KAT has been an interesting piece for Minnesota for some time even before last season.

I also understand the logic of Magic front office. It is not the timing yet to put all in for a trade that could either elevate us or drop us.

As a fan, I'd love a trade for KAT or Randle. But as the FO, it should be carefully calculated and evaluated.

The most important thing now is for the growth of our young core of Franz and Paolo

That is why, imo, Franz and Paolo's improvement this season is going to be huge for us.

Can't wait... I even want to suit up for this team. lol

[Fortune Teller]

It takes 6-8 years to win a title, but you should start seeing advancement in the playoffs before that. So yes, you can be patient, but you need to see progress. If the Magic are first-round exits again the next two seasons then there’s no point in waiting 8 years before making a significant move. It’s fair to evaluate your team and realize they may be good, but will never be great. And in the case of our team, it’s not even constructed for long-term success with zero point guards and zero shooting.

[ibraheim718]

Just get older.

[Magicman125]

Just get older.

This. And better at shooting.

[Skybox]

Presently...elite defense and BAD offense.

...you can assume a small leap in efficiency offensively just by upgrading shooters (KCP, da Silva, Fultz gone) and maturing cornerstone young players, but it may not be enough to take enough of a leap to even be on track towards becoming a contender without another significant offensive-minded move. I DO feel it's reasonable to wait and see how they grow and whether AB/Suggs/Cole can pitch in more in terms of offensive creation. I'd say the FO should have a better idea of this roster's ceiling by the TD and can act accordingly, given that information. They may decide this Forward-centric offense is a dead-end and shop for a PG, they may find they have enough PG play in-house, or they may (triple down?) on their current path and roll with the roster basically as is...My guess is that they see the need to make a trade for a PG who can run an efficient offense - but I'm hoping it's just a significant off the bench role (for a combo guard that can also get buckets like CJ McConnell, Simons, Herro, or DDV). Maybe they find their missing "Bill Walton" piece in Lonzo Ball? If the offense REALLY crashes - there could be a "Supertrade" for a Ja, Trae or Garland-level guy (presuming their teams' disappoint too)...but the last option would be costly (Suggs or Franz + most likely), so it's not my hope.

Simply put, they need to become a top 12 or better offense to truly contend - even if they have the #1 defense. The inverse is also true and I'm happy to support a team with such a defensive-minded approach to build from.

[JoshuaPotter]

Win more games?