The Anthony Black dunk tank

[RichCollab]

IF we went to such great lengths to free up MLE and signed NAW...I think AB is trade bait. I see zero reason for both and AB will be the next guy up for an extension in a year. So far, he's just interesting - a good defender, can hit an open 3 if you can get him to take it, can handle the ball a bit if you can keep him from picking it up just past the logo. No real weaknesses, just no real impact thus far-he needs to get angry or something and stake his claim.

This is a big summer for him - he really needs to do what he's been doing - but 25% more, imo. Unless there's an incoming UFA/trade vet, he's the clear #3 guard and, honestly, that's not good enough for ORL - if we hope to contend in the East. Right now, he's just a specialist like Isaac...but I do think he can be more. It's not guaranteed that he will.

NAW doesn’t fill the ultimate need and we already have AB.

I don’t think NAW is what this team needs.

In a vacuum, NAW makes a ton of sense but he isn’t a creator on a bench that’s already starved. A team that is starved.

I think we agree...any team would benefit from having 4 NAWs...but we have more pressing needs and it will take significant shuffling to get him. Just like last summer - KCP is a very solid player, but not what we needed. Look at OKC...so deep with tough defenders that can make 3's

but pairing two AB's is a zero on offense...I'll admit NAW deserves a longer look - he displayed offensive chops earlier...both scoring and playmaking, so maybe they form a terrifying long defensive wall off the bench with just enough offense. Regardless, if AB doesn't up his offensive intensity and ambition, he's going to vanish. His draft spot, physical profile, great attitude, and upside will only buy so much patience from a now contending team.

This is a critical year for AB. I’m a buyer of his stock personally but for me everyone is on the block minus the top 4 to add a PG/6th man to the bench.

[eyriq]

Scary time for him and just a lot of uncertainty. He's not a PG. He's more useful like in the connective wing spot. 2 issues are he still isn't a very good scorer/shooter for a team that cant shoot and the rumors that they're going after NAW. I just dont see a world if the Magic sign NAW, AB would still be here.

They're trying to get more offense/playmaking and he doesn't fit either profile. 3rd year and being 21 years old/having the most potential. He'd be our biggest trade chip for more fitting players/later and better draft picks for this roster in the future.

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

[RichCollab]

Scary time for him and just a lot of uncertainty. He's not a PG. He's more useful like in the connective wing spot. 2 issues are he still isn't a very good scorer/shooter for a team that cant shoot and the rumors that they're going after NAW. I just dont see a world if the Magic sign NAW, AB would still be here.

They're trying to get more offense/playmaking and he doesn't fit either profile. 3rd year and being 21 years old/having the most potential. He'd be our biggest trade chip for more fitting players/later and better draft picks for this roster in the future.

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

[eyriq]

Scary time for him and just a lot of uncertainty. He's not a PG. He's more useful like in the connective wing spot. 2 issues are he still isn't a very good scorer/shooter for a team that cant shoot and the rumors that they're going after NAW. I just dont see a world if the Magic sign NAW, AB would still be here.

They're trying to get more offense/playmaking and he doesn't fit either profile. 3rd year and being 21 years old/having the most potential. He'd be our biggest trade chip for more fitting players/later and better draft picks for this roster in the future.

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

[basketballRob]

Scary time for him and just a lot of uncertainty. He's not a PG. He's more useful like in the connective wing spot. 2 issues are he still isn't a very good scorer/shooter for a team that cant shoot and the rumors that they're going after NAW. I just dont see a world if the Magic sign NAW, AB would still be here.

They're trying to get more offense/playmaking and he doesn't fit either profile. 3rd year and being 21 years old/having the most potential. He'd be our biggest trade chip for more fitting players/later and better draft picks for this roster in the future.

Why. AB and NAW off the bench would be perfect.

Scary times? That's funny

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

[pepe1991]

Most polarizing backup SF in nba ?

[JoshuaPotter]

Scary time for him and just a lot of uncertainty. He's not a PG. He's more useful like in the connective wing spot. 2 issues are he still isn't a very good scorer/shooter for a team that cant shoot and the rumors that they're going after NAW. I just dont see a world if the Magic sign NAW, AB would still be here.

They're trying to get more offense/playmaking and he doesn't fit either profile. 3rd year and being 21 years old/having the most potential. He'd be our biggest trade chip for more fitting players/later and better draft picks for this roster in the future.

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

Yeah I like maybe 51% of this take. Cojo beat a lot of possible players out for a position that involved at most 20 minutes a game. What really helped Cojo was his ability to be efficient in limited touches and set the table just enough to get us off to a decent start.

If you lead with AB or even Cole mind you, they just lacked the perimeter shooting on low usage to actual give Paolo + Franz easy enough shots to get into rhythm.

AB in my humble opinion wasn't ready last year, but might be ready this year. Well see.

This is also where I think well see a potential Suggs + Bane backcourt shine. Although a part of me has an idea that Suggs is on the chopping block as soon as he demonstrates he can play 2 weeks.

[RichCollab]

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

[JoshuaPotter]

I don't know if its been mentioned and lol won't read.

But my opinion on AB. Is that leadership brass had doubts we would have kept 1 of those 4 picks and sent him off as part of the deal. AB is a bare minimum known commodity that has value and will have value after his contract expires in my opinion.

AB is an NBA player. We just don't really know what position. This is a big problem on a team where you think you might have a "wing" and you have one of the best F duos in the league ahead of him. I'm hoping he still becomes a PG even though all stats now point to him not being that.

[RichCollab]

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

Yeah I like maybe 51% of this take. Cojo beat a lot of possible players out for a position that involved at most 20 minutes a game. What really helped Cojo was his ability to be efficient in limited touches and set the table just enough to get us off to a decent start.

If you lead with AB or even Cole mind you, they just lacked the perimeter shooting on low usage to actual give Paolo + Franz easy enough shots to get into rhythm.

AB in my humble opinion wasn't ready last year, but might be ready this year. Well see.

This is also where I think well see a potential Suggs + Bane backcourt shine. Although a part of me has an idea that Suggs is on the chopping block as soon as he demonstrates he can play 2 weeks.

Both aren’t great in passing to others when put in touch situations. Bane’s TOs go up because he can make some bad decisions.

I feel we are top 3 in the East. We are a good team. Play making as a whole is still one of our weaknesses.

[eyriq]

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

Stop pretending it's complicated. He’s played point guard at every level, was drafted as a point guard, and is developing point guard skills right now. If you can’t even answer what position he plays after two seasons while the team clears space for him to grow on-ball then your opinion isn’t grounded in anything but noise. Whether you “support” him or not doesn’t mean much if you’re ignoring reality.

[RichCollab]

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

Stop pretending it's complicated. He’s played point guard at every level, was drafted as a point guard, and is developing point guard skills right now. If you can’t even answer what position he plays after two seasons while the team clears space for him to grow on-ball then your opinion isn’t grounded in anything but noise. Whether you “support” him or not doesn’t mean much if you’re ignoring reality.

He isn’t the style of PG we need at the moment and it’s not coming this year.

CoJo starting in the playoffs was a condemnation of AB as a PG when our stars are on the floor.

Remind me how many assists did he average in the series bs Boston.

Are you AB ‘s younger brother or something?

[eyriq]

I’m not trying to start an AB fc. I’m planting my flag because the broader fanbase is clearly misreading the situation. He’s a point guard in a system built around wing creators, and the front office sees that. I want this one on the record when the development clicks.

[RichCollab]

I’m not trying to start an AB fc. I’m planting my flag because the broader fanbase is clearly misreading the situation. He’s a point guard in a system built around wing creators, and the front office sees that. I want this one on the record when the development clicks.

I’m much higher on AB and even AB as a PG. I’m in the 9% maybe? Minority who still thinks that. I’m buying his stock even.

You are in the 1%! Congratulations.

[tiderulz]

You’re begging the question. On paper, AB is the point guard. The front office cleared out other on-ball guards and hasn’t brought any in to block him. If they sign NAW, that’s a signal they don’t see AB as a 3&D wing like KCP or Harris... they see him as a lead ball-handler who needs spacing and touches to grow.

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

my problem is, he hasnt shown those as natural abilities. With Suggs moving to PG full time last year and being a "combo guard", he also should have been working on those same items and he has not looked comfortable doing that. Black having to work on ALL that, tells me he was never really a good PG and the team seems to be forcing him into a role that he is not suited for. Maybe it eventually works, maybe it doesnt.

[eyriq]

I’m not trying to start an AB fc. I’m planting my flag because the broader fanbase is clearly misreading the situation. He’s a point guard in a system built around wing creators, and the front office sees that. I want this one on the record when the development clicks.

I’m much higher on AB and even AB as a PG. I’m in the 9% maybe? Minority who still thinks that. I’m buying his stock even.

You are in the 1%! Congratulations.

Just making sure you know your place in the hierarchy, buttercream.

[tiderulz]

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

Stop pretending it's complicated. He’s played point guard at every level, was drafted as a point guard, and is developing point guard skills right now. If you can’t even answer what position he plays after two seasons while the team clears space for him to grow on-ball then your opinion isn’t grounded in anything but noise. Whether you “support” him or not doesn’t mean much if you’re ignoring reality.

he played SF in high school and didnt move to PG until his senior year. in USA basketball as a high schooler, he was listed as a wing. and to your point, we really cant answer what position he plays. that going into year 3 he is still developing basic PG skills says a lot

[eyriq]

AB is not a capable PG today. CoJo wasn’t supposed to even play and started in the playoffs.

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

my problem is, he hasnt shown those as natural abilities. With Suggs moving to PG full time last year and being a "combo guard", he also should have been working on those same items and he has not looked comfortable doing that. Black having to work on ALL that, tells me he was never really a good PG and the team seems to be forcing him into a role that he is not suited for. Maybe it eventually works, maybe it doesnt.

Expecting a 19-year-old to show polished PG skills from day one is just outdated. AB has the tools, and the front office is clearly investing in his development. Calling that “forced” ignores both the plan and the progress.

[eyriq]

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

Stop pretending it's complicated. He’s played point guard at every level, was drafted as a point guard, and is developing point guard skills right now. If you can’t even answer what position he plays after two seasons while the team clears space for him to grow on-ball then your opinion isn’t grounded in anything but noise. Whether you “support” him or not doesn’t mean much if you’re ignoring reality.

he played SF in high school and didnt move to PG until his senior year. in USA basketball as a high schooler, he was listed as a wing. and to your point, we really cant answer what position he plays. that going into year 3 he is still developing basic PG skills says a lot

He ran point full-time at Arkansas, was drafted as a point guard, and is being developed as one now. The fact that he’s still learning isn’t some red flag. Point guard is the hardest role to grow into, and he’s only 21. The front office sees the trajectory and they’re backing it.

[JoshuaPotter]

That’s a bailout take and just lazy thinking. AB is the point guard right now, and his offseason work is all about developing point guard skills: advanced handle, decision-making in the pick and roll, finishing through contact, self-creation, vision in transition. That’s not hypothetical, it’s happening. He’s 21, going into year three, and the front office clearly sees him as a long-term on-ball player. This idea that he’s already failed because CoJo started a playoff game is unserious. Point guard is one of the slowest positions to develop in the league. You either acknowledge that or admit you’re not engaging with what’s actually happening.

You have totally lost any perspective on AB. I’m a supporter of his that he could be a PG. The fact is AB has to be a PG to be considered a good player. Ending up as a SF would be a bad outcome.

Stop pretending it's complicated. He’s played point guard at every level, was drafted as a point guard, and is developing point guard skills right now. If you can’t even answer what position he plays after two seasons while the team clears space for him to grow on-ball then your opinion isn’t grounded in anything but noise. Whether you “support” him or not doesn’t mean much if you’re ignoring reality.

This is pretty much the primary reason why I have agreed with you and in a way still do. What I don't see is that he meshes well enough to make up for his weaknesses.

In simplest terms. If Franz + Paolo were league average in 3pt % then he would also be league average due to his open looks going up. However, what we are witnessing is that the pressure is being put on Black to be an ELITE 3pt % efficiency while simultaneously developing point guard skills at an NBA level where as every prior level he is simply "the best player to play PG."