2024-2025 Regular Season Game 46: Portland Trail Blazers (15-28) at Orlando Magic (23-22) - 7pm

[eyriq]

TDS with his best game in a while. 16/5/2 on 63/40/100 shooting splits with a steal and a turnover. BPM of 9.4.

Jett showed signs of life with 10/3/0 on 50/75/50 shooting splits with 1 turnover. Hopefully he gets Caleb minutes going forward until Harris is back. BPM of 5.2.

Those two plus AB did decent, everyone else was a struggle imo.

Reminder for AB, he was 12/3/5 on 45/100/50 shooting splits with a steal and turnover. This was good enough for a 0.2 BPM, one of only three Magic to register positive.

Franz was 20/4/0 on 47/0/67 shooting splits with 1 block and 4 turnovers and a -5.6 BPM. His return was not nearly as glorious as Paolo's.

The Summer League Core did their part while the rest of the team shat the bed.

[Skybox]

This isn't complicated. We can't shoot.

At least our strategy of 100% commitment to defense over offense is keeping tanking teams from scoring 100+ routinely

…oh wait, s**t

[Bergmaniac]

Awful game obviously, Paolo had a nightmare and we committed a huge number of bad turnovers. Having so many unwilling shooters makes the offense much harder. When you have multiple players on the court at once who regularly pass on even wide open corner 3s this makes the job of the defence way easier and getting ot the rim much harder. Obviously our ballhandlers need to be better too in ball protection, we had some really awful turnovers.

And we also play way too slow on offense. When you are a young team with a lot of depth which doesn't have a good halfcourt offense but is really good defensively and forces a lot of turnovers, the obvious way to paly is to push the pace and rely on transition offense more. But for some reason we don't do that and things have gotten worse lately, we really shouldn't be the slowest team in the league. In the halfcourt we also play too slow, especially lately, I made a point of paying special attention to this tonight and there were so many possessions where we did nothing in the first 12-14 seconds of the shot clock and only started our play with 10-12 seconds left.

[Skybox]

This wasnt just a bad loss, it was a panic level loss. Idc if Paolo/Franz not up to conditioning and Suggs/Goga not back. Scoring 79 points on 76 attempted FG while shooting 34% is embarrassing and beyond fixing by two guys coming back. The defense will improve as franz get more conditions and suggs/goga returns but this putridly historically bad offense cant continue.

KCP disappointment resumes and AB is basically Fultz 2.0. We need to upgrade backcourt and add some shooting and some players that can help make some halfcourt playmaking. There are so many guys on the market right now that can help us. I will be very surprised if we pass the deadline without making a move.

At this point, trade for Simons. Idc about the contract just figure it out later. We have the players and picks. Weltman has a responsibility to address this.

Losing at home to Portland to solidify a 5-game losing streak is awful. But I really think you are missing the point. Orlando is losing because Bitadze is out. The Magic has no big-depth AT ALL. The Magic has had since M-Wagner went down to get a new combo-big or bona fide center. This problem is all on WePark, and is of their making.

From Dec 22 to this game Jan 23: Orlando has had a month to find a big. A big that would set screens, rebound, and play defense. And only that. Orlando lacks all three of those things, currently.

What are we talking about? Something like Bismack Biyombo on a pro-rated, vet-min deal to close out the season. This is not a difficult management move that "changes the future of the roster".

Yes Houstan needs to be waived to bring in a 4/5 or 5. So what. a) he sucks. b) the Magic has Howard to play that role.

For gosh-sake: just sign Colin Castleton to a 2-way deal if management is so risk adverse to waiving Houstan. Come on WePark. You are failing this team by failing to give Coach basic roster depth.

I mentioned this last year, and I'm still in favor of it. Dwight Howard would not be a bad addition. Nobody can tell me he'd be a liability given what his contract would be, give him 15-20 mins a night and see what happens. No reason not to, he'd bring some interior defense and rebounding. WCJ does not, in any realm or dimension, bring more to this team than Dwight would, even at 82 or however old he is.

I’d rather have Shaq or Kareem than Dwight…his vibe would make a bad situation worse

[The-Stallion70]

It looks like we are playing 4 on 5 with Black out there. He lacks aggressiveness and isn't really a weapon offensively. At the same time he handles it alot, usage is up to 20 from 13 last year. Bad combination.

The two 2 guard lineup was better last year.

He was more effective when he was really low usage last year and just focused on defense but right now he is not helping the offense.

[Skybox]

It looks like we are playing 4 on 5 with Black out there. He lacks aggressiveness and isn't really a weapon offensively. At the same time he handles it alot, usage is up to 20 from 13 last year. Bad combination.

The two 2 guard lineup was better last year.

He was more effective when he was really low usage last year and just focused on defense but right now he is not helping the offense.

Sadly agree…he’s (at least for now) Matisse Thybulle…deploy him to defend a guard for a few minutes while KCP or Suggs gets a rest, any offense is gravy. Examining the box score later and saying “not bad” doesn’t change the minimal impact. Maybe he gets warm on spot- ups a couple of times a month and knocks down 4 3’s while the fans go nuts.

[three3d]

Anfernee Simons gets a decent amount of hate around here because he’s so bad defensively. Well in last nights game there were a few times Paolo found himself being guarded by Simons and did absolutely nothing at all with that match up. It was pretty bad to see him not back down the smaller guard, something seems off.

[VFX]

I hate to say it but the “we can’t shoot” thing has almost nothing to do with massively lacking skillsets we have in the starting lineup and more to do with other factors. KCP is a “shooter” and took 1 3point shot last night, which he missed.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first, second, and third person to blame Weltman for the fact that he doesn’t do his job building a cohesive roster. He has failed addressing glaring weaknesses and has kept redundant players that provide nothing but eat cap space while losing value.

What I’m talking about is Mosely drawing up an offense that highlights the strengths of player skillsets currently on the roster. SOUL already alluded to this. The problem is that the FO didn’t acquire the players necessary.

Wendell Carter next to Paolo Banchero is a less than ideal pairing. It’s bad defensively, inconsistent spacing, and teams have no problem doubling Paolo with him on the floor. Goga is infinitely more valuable.

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter. How many times did we see in this game Paolo lose the ball at the point of attack? 3?4?5? Stop the madness. It’s inefficient.

I don’t care if Paolo has better handles than 80% of bigs. They aren’t good enough to replace an actual lead guard. And no, Anthony Black isn’t that player either. If he was, then we would already have seen it. Franz Wagner can’t be the only person on the court capable of not getting stripped attempting to orchestrate offense. Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

How does this help? Well instead of passing the ball around 12 times before the shot clock expires you instead get more efficient floor spacing by actually running plays off of those guys. Instead of passing into space hoping to offset a defense.

Franz and Paolo are instant mismatches for most defenders. Giving defenses easy opportunities to set up against them loses that advantage. Paolo Banchero is 6’10 250 with quick feet and a jump shot. Why the actual **** isn’t he a pick and roll/pop option? No, instead hand him the ball and back into 2-3 players for a bad attempt at the rim. Insane.

[OrlandoDream]

This wasnt just a bad loss, it was a panic level loss. Idc if Paolo/Franz not up to conditioning and Suggs/Goga not back. Scoring 79 points on 76 attempted FG while shooting 34% is embarrassing and beyond fixing by two guys coming back. The defense will improve as franz get more conditions and suggs/goga returns but this putridly historically bad offense cant continue.

KCP disappointment resumes and AB is basically Fultz 2.0. We need to upgrade backcourt and add some shooting and some players that can help make some halfcourt playmaking. There are so many guys on the market right now that can help us. I will be very surprised if we pass the deadline without making a move.

At this point, trade for Simons. Idc about the contract just figure it out later. We have the players and picks. Weltman has a responsibility to address this.

Losing at home to Portland to solidify a 5-game losing streak is awful. But I really think you are missing the point. Orlando is losing because Bitadze is out. The Magic has no big-depth AT ALL. The Magic has had since M-Wagner went down to get a new combo-big or bona fide center. This problem is all on WePark, and is of their making.

From Dec 22 to this game Jan 23: Orlando has had a month to find a big. A big that would set screens, rebound, and play defense. And only that. Orlando lacks all three of those things, currently.

What are we talking about? Something like Bismack Biyombo on a pro-rated, vet-min deal to close out the season. This is not a difficult management move that "changes the future of the roster".

Yes Houstan needs to be waived to bring in a 4/5 or 5. So what. a) he sucks. b) the Magic has Howard to play that role.

For gosh-sake: just sign Colin Castleton to a 2-way deal if management is so risk adverse to waiving Houstan. Come on WePark. You are failing this team by failing to give Coach basic roster depth.

Gogas importance has never been so obvious. While him being back will improve our defense (much needed) as WCJ is a cone out there we still need to address surrounding Paolo and Franz with more shooting.

Do agree the big situation is a program. Losing Mo was huge and now we have the bench hole. JI has regressed this year for whatever reason. Idk whats going on with him. Aside from Goga we don't have a serviceable big which is disappointing as we just signed two to an extension. WCJr does need to go and fast. He is just a liability out there.

Cole, Howard, Caleb, TQ and even AB need to be dangled with picks to upgrade this teams wing scoring. THis needs to be the last season for Weltmans evaluation. You have your core Paolo/Franz/Suggs and argue now Goga. Now go find a PG, and some shooters/playmaking to surround them with.

Our offense is so predictable right now. Its not hard for teams to draw up gameplay vs Orlando. Paolo/Franz drive, clog the paint and leave whoever else out there open bc they shoot20%. Result = forced paint shot, turnover, miss

[OrlandoDream]

I hate to say it but the “we can’t shoot” thing has almost nothing to do with massively lacking skillsets we have in the starting lineup and more to do with other factors. KCP is a “shooter” and took 1 3point shot last night, which he missed.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first, second, and third person to blame Weltman for the fact that he doesn’t do his job building a cohesive roster. He has failed addressing glaring weaknesses and has kept redundant players that provide nothing but eat cap space while losing value.

What I’m talking about is Mosely drawing up an offense that highlights the strengths of player skillsets currently on the roster. SOUL already alluded to this. The problem is that the FO didn’t acquire the players necessary.

Wendell Carter next to Paolo Banchero is a less than ideal pairing. It’s bad defensively, inconsistent spacing, and teams have no problem doubling Paolo with him on the floor. Goga is infinitely more valuable.

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter. How many times did we see in this game Paolo lose the ball at the point of attack? 3?4?5? Stop the madness. It’s inefficient.

I don’t care if Paolo has better handles than 80% of bigs. They aren’t good enough to replace an actual lead guard. And no, Anthony Black isn’t that player either. If he was, then we would already have seen it. Franz Wagner can’t be the only person on the court capable of not getting stripped attempting to orchestrate offense. Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

How does this help? Well instead of passing the ball around 12 times before the shot clock expires you instead get more efficient floor spacing by actually running plays off of those guys. Instead of passing into space hoping to offset a defense. Franz and Paolo are instant mismatches for most defenders. Giving defenses easy opportunities to set up against them loses that advantage. Paolo Banchero is 6’10 250 with quick feet and a jump shot. Why the actual **** isn’t he a pick and roll/pop option? No, instead hand him the ball and back into 2-3 players for a bad attempt at the rim. Insane.

Great point on the P&R option. We have seen little to none of that after Suggs went out. AB doesnt run P&R efficiently or Mosley has no confidence to run those plays for him.

If only there were two guards on the market who are top 10 in P&R efficiency (Sexton and SImons) who could open up this teams offense to another level?

[VFX]

I hate to say it but the “we can’t shoot” thing has almost nothing to do with massively lacking skillsets we have in the starting lineup and more to do with other factors. KCP is a “shooter” and took 1 3point shot last night, which he missed.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first, second, and third person to blame Weltman for the fact that he doesn’t do his job building a cohesive roster. He has failed addressing glaring weaknesses and has kept redundant players that provide nothing but eat cap space while losing value.

What I’m talking about is Mosely drawing up an offense that highlights the strengths of player skillsets currently on the roster. SOUL already alluded to this. The problem is that the FO didn’t acquire the players necessary.

Wendell Carter next to Paolo Banchero is a less than ideal pairing. It’s bad defensively, inconsistent spacing, and teams have no problem doubling Paolo with him on the floor. Goga is infinitely more valuable.

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter. How many times did we see in this game Paolo lose the ball at the point of attack? 3?4?5? Stop the madness. It’s inefficient.

I don’t care if Paolo has better handles than 80% of bigs. They aren’t good enough to replace an actual lead guard. And no, Anthony Black isn’t that player either. If he was, then we would already have seen it. Franz Wagner can’t be the only person on the court capable of not getting stripped attempting to orchestrate offense. Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

How does this help? Well instead of passing the ball around 12 times before the shot clock expires you instead get more efficient floor spacing by actually running plays off of those guys. Instead of passing into space hoping to offset a defense. Franz and Paolo are instant mismatches for most defenders. Giving defenses easy opportunities to set up against them loses that advantage. Paolo Banchero is 6’10 250 with quick feet and a jump shot. Why the actual **** isn’t he a pick and roll/pop option? No, instead hand him the ball and back into 2-3 players for a bad attempt at the rim. Insane.

Great point on the P&R option. We have seen little to none of that after Suggs went out. AB doesnt run P&R efficiently or Mosley has no confidence to run those plays for him.

If only there were two guards on the market who are top 10 in P&R efficiency (Sexton and SImons) who could open up this teams offense to another level?

I have zero idea as to whether or not those two players specifically can run that action with Paolo effectively.

Weltman has had YEARS now to find anyone that can.

[Idiosyncratic]

Anfernee Simons gets a decent amount of hate around here because he’s so bad defensively. Well in last nights game there were a few times Paolo found himself being guarded by Simons and did absolutely nothing at all with that match up. It was pretty bad to see him not back down the smaller guard, something seems off.

He's gotta be sick or hurt. He straight up looks like he forgot how to play basketball these last few games. His dribble has been so high.

[Idiosyncratic]

I hate to say it but the “we can’t shoot” thing has almost nothing to do with massively lacking skillsets we have in the starting lineup and more to do with other factors. KCP is a “shooter” and took 1 3point shot last night, which he missed.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m the first, second, and third person to blame Weltman for the fact that he doesn’t do his job building a cohesive roster. He has failed addressing glaring weaknesses and has kept redundant players that provide nothing but eat cap space while losing value.

What I’m talking about is Mosely drawing up an offense that highlights the strengths of player skillsets currently on the roster. SOUL already alluded to this. The problem is that the FO didn’t acquire the players necessary.

Wendell Carter next to Paolo Banchero is a less than ideal pairing. It’s bad defensively, inconsistent spacing, and teams have no problem doubling Paolo with him on the floor. Goga is infinitely more valuable.

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter. How many times did we see in this game Paolo lose the ball at the point of attack? 3?4?5? Stop the madness. It’s inefficient.

I don’t care if Paolo has better handles than 80% of bigs. They aren’t good enough to replace an actual lead guard. And no, Anthony Black isn’t that player either. If he was, then we would already have seen it. Franz Wagner can’t be the only person on the court capable of not getting stripped attempting to orchestrate offense. Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

How does this help? Well instead of passing the ball around 12 times before the shot clock expires you instead get more efficient floor spacing by actually running plays off of those guys. Instead of passing into space hoping to offset a defense.

Franz and Paolo are instant mismatches for most defenders. Giving defenses easy opportunities to set up against them loses that advantage. Paolo Banchero is 6’10 250 with quick feet and a jump shot. Why the actual **** isn’t he a pick and roll/pop option? No, instead hand him the ball and back into 2-3 players for a bad attempt at the rim. Insane.

Again I mostly agree on wanting a point guard.

I still think you're underrating how valuable this experience has been for Paolo, Franz and Suggs. They will have layers to their games they wouldn't have had if they weren't forced to handle the ball so much. If this is their ultimate strategy I question it, but if this was a developmental strategy I think it's fine.

Look how good Franz has become. If he played off-ball mostly like he did his rookie year we may never see this level of Franz so soon. Franz as the primary ball-handler was rough at 1st, but then he got so much better. Experience has been invaluable. And people complaining about wanting AB off ball, what if this season has a similar affect on his development?

Being so win-now when our whole core is under their 4th season in the league just doesn't make any sense to me. What is the rush? I agree with so many of the complaints, but it is just too early for me to panic about it. If they don't address it this offseason and next THEN I will be right there with everyone, trust me you will see. But if they are still in their mind in a mostly developmental stage, while also being able to win, I mean let's not act like they suck when healthy, then I have no gripes with the vision.

[drsd]

I mentioned this last year, and I'm still in favor of it. Dwight Howard would not be a bad addition. Nobody can tell me he'd be a liability given what his contract would be, give him 15-20 mins a night and see what happens. No reason not to, he'd bring some interior defense and rebounding. WCJ does not, in any realm or dimension, bring more to this team than Dwight would, even at 82 or however old he is.

Whatever Strictly is called in the States, Howard does still look to be fit from his dancing.

Look, he won't play 15-209 minutes a night. He would be an emergency 3rd string Center. If he would agree to 1M for that, then yes, that is better than keeping Houstan.

[eyriq]

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter...

... Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

Suggs is expected to step up and provide a playmaking release valve in the starting unit. If he can't...

KCP can provide spot up shooting and defense, the message the front office is sending to Suggs is that he needs to step up his playmaking. No excuses.

[drsd]

I’d rather have Shaq or Kareem than Dwight…his vibe would make a bad situation worse

Shaq is really taking care of himself these days.

This has got to be the bod of "I can still set screens!"

[MartinsIzAfraud]

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter...

... Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

Suggs is expected to step up and provide a playmaking release valve in the starting unit. If he can't...

KCP can provide spot up shooting and defense, the message the front office is sending to Suggs is that he needs to step up his playmaking. No excuses.

Suggs had his best year as an off-ball SG yet this FO moved him back into a role he's not comfortable at to fit KCP. Instead of going out and getting a capable on-ball guard they're forcing a circle in a square peg. Make it make sense because it doesn't no matter how badly the FO wants it to.

[drsd]

This wasnt just a bad loss, it was a panic level loss. Idc if Paolo/Franz not up to conditioning and Suggs/Goga not back. Scoring 79 points on 76 attempted FG while shooting 34% is embarrassing and beyond fixing by two guys coming back. The defense will improve as franz get more conditions and suggs/goga returns but this putridly historically bad offense cant continue.

KCP disappointment resumes and AB is basically Fultz 2.0. We need to upgrade backcourt and add some shooting and some players that can help make some halfcourt playmaking. There are so many guys on the market right now that can help us. I will be very surprised if we pass the deadline without making a move.

At this point, trade for Simons. Idc about the contract just figure it out later. We have the players and picks. Weltman has a responsibility to address this.

Losing at home to Portland to solidify a 5-game losing streak is awful. But I really think you are missing the point. Orlando is losing because Bitadze is out. The Magic has no big-depth AT ALL. The Magic has had since M-Wagner went down to get a new combo-big or bona fide center. This problem is all on WePark, and is of their making.

From Dec 22 to this game Jan 23: Orlando has had a month to find a big. A big that would set screens, rebound, and play defense. And only that. Orlando lacks all three of those things, currently.

What are we talking about? Something like Bismack Biyombo on a pro-rated, vet-min deal to close out the season. This is not a difficult management move that "changes the future of the roster".

Yes Houstan needs to be waived to bring in a 4/5 or 5. So what. a) he sucks. b) the Magic has Howard to play that role.

For gosh-sake: just sign Colin Castleton to a 2-way deal if management is so risk adverse to waiving Houstan. Come on WePark. You are failing this team by failing to give Coach basic roster depth.

Gogas importance has never been so obvious. While him being back will improve our defense (much needed) as WCJ is a cone out there we still need to address surrounding Paolo and Franz with more shooting.

Do agree the big situation is a program. Losing Mo was huge and now we have the bench hole. JI has regressed this year for whatever reason. Idk whats going on with him. Aside from Goga we don't have a serviceable big which is disappointing as we just signed two to an extension. WCJr does need to go and fast. He is just a liability out there.

Cole, Howard, Caleb, TQ and even AB need to be dangled with picks to upgrade this teams wing scoring. THis needs to be the last season for Weltmans evaluation. You have your core Paolo/Franz/Suggs and argue now Goga. Now go find a PG, and some shooters/playmaking to surround them with.

Our offense is so predictable right now. Its not hard for teams to draw up gameplay vs Orlando. Paolo/Franz drive, clog the paint and leave whoever else out there open bc they shoot20%. Result = forced paint shot, turnover, miss

[eyriq]

No point guard exists on the roster that can work with Franz and Paolo on the perimeter...

... Sign a phking point guard you idiots.

Suggs is expected to step up and provide a playmaking release valve in the starting unit. If he can't...

KCP can provide spot up shooting and defense, the message the front office is sending to Suggs is that he needs to step up his playmaking. No excuses.

Suggs had his best year as an off-ball SG yet this FO moved him back into a role he's not comfortable at to fit KCP. Instead of going out and getting a capable on-ball guard they're forcing a circle in a square peg. Make it make sense because it doesn't no matter how badly the FO wants it to.

Suggs wanted to get paid. He got paid to do a job he can't do very well. He's still developing, he needs to figure it out.

[VFX]

I still think you're underrating how valuable this experience has been for Paolo, Franz and Suggs. They will have layers to their games they wouldn't have had if they weren't forced to handle the ball so much. If this is their ultimate strategy I question it, but if this was a developmental strategy I think it's fine.

No, I'm not. I take absolutely nothing away from how valuable I think they are as players. They are all elite options in different ways. I take issue with how they are being utilized within the construct of an NBA offense. And no, I don't buy this idea that development is linear and time solves everything without changes. Is it more or less beneficial for Paolo, Franz, and Suggs to be playing with a point guard that can get them in better positions to score on the court? The answer to that is more.

I get this theory that someone in an office believes Paolo + Franz is enough ball handlers that can operate all offense in isolation. I 100% disagree with that as being the most effective offense in 2025. I'd rather they be DEVELOPING their offense in this timeframe with easier looks at the basket. Run plays. Run actions. More efficiently run basketball makes more sense than inefficient unsustainable bully ball.

Look how good Franz has become. If he played off-ball mostly like he did his rookie year we may never see this level of Franz so soon. Franz as the primary ball-handler was rough at 1st, but then he got so much better. Experience has been invaluable. And people complaining about wanting AB off ball, what if this season has a similar affect on his development?

And? He got injured this season driving to the rim every possession for lack of options. He should be a GREAT option handling the ball and not the ONLY option. In order for Franz to take the next step he must play off ball and open the court. We already know what his bag is WITH the ball. I don't buy this idea that everything should be extraordinarily difficult because these guys are young and need reps with weights attached to their feet. Jayson Tatum played with Kyrie Irving and now Jrue Holiday. Does that take away from how he's developed into a playmaker?

Being so win-now when our whole core is under their 4th season in the league just doesn't make any sense to me. What is the rush? I agree with so many of the complaints, but it is just too early for me to panic about it. If they don't address it this offseason and next THEN I will be right there with everyone, trust me you will see. But if they are still in their mind in a mostly developmental stage, while also being able to win, I mean let's not act like they suck when healthy, then I have no gripes with the vision.

It isnt "win now". Nobody here once in 3 seasons, that should be taken seriously at least, has said "we need to push all the chips in for Haliburton, Brunson, or Kyrie, or whoever" acquiring a B to B+ point guard starter isn't "win now" its called filling out a roster with required skill sets. Is there no availble point guard that could have been acquired in 3+ seasons that can run a pick and roll? Are we avoiding those players because we want Franz and Paolo to develop doing **** they absolutely wont 100% of the time on a title team?