Official 2025-2026 Regular Season Thread

[eyriq]

$15M for a 10 MPG specialist is wild.

$7M for 12 mins of bad play is sad.

$22M for a crap back of bench rotation is sad.

You can play that game for 75% of the rosters in the league...it's an imperfect science.

OKC is just about a mistake-free roster. HOU and, arguably, DEN too...anything after that requires some digging.

I don't think you can. Prove it

[SOUL]

Two airball start nice

[Skybox]

$15M for a 10 MPG specialist is wild.

$7M for 12 mins of bad play is sad.

$22M for a crap back of bench rotation is sad.

You can play that game for 75% of the rosters in the league...it's an imperfect science.

OKC is just about a mistake-free roster. HOU and, arguably, DEN too...anything after that requires some digging.

I don't think you can. Prove it

30 teams...give me 7 teams without an overpay - I already gave you 3 (and I could even argue that $12.7m for DFS and KD making $46m on his 40th birthday are questionable. Jamal Murray is a stud, but is he worth $46.4m and 3 more seasons well north of $50m, Zeke Nnaji making $8m and has 3 more years of sitting on the bench. Christian Braun is a nice player, but $21-27m over the next 4 years ...but I won't ) ...This is easy

[eyriq]

You can play that game for 75% of the rosters in the league...it's an imperfect science.

OKC is just about a mistake-free roster. HOU and, arguably, DEN too...anything after that requires some digging.

I don't think you can. Prove it

30 teams...give me 7 teams without an overpay - I already gave you 3 (and I could even argue that $12.7m for DFS and KD making $46m on his 40th birthday are questionable. Jamal Murray is a stud, but is he worth $46.4m and 3 more seasons well north of $50m, Zeke Nnaji making $8m and has 3 more years of sitting on the bench. Christian Braun is a nice player, but $21-27m over the next 4 years ...but I won't ) ...This is easy

9th/10th men that make near $22M, that's the criteria. Hand waving doesn't count

[Skybox]

I don't think you can. Prove it

30 teams...give me 7 teams without an overpay - I already gave you 3 (and I could even argue that $12.7m for DFS and KD making $46m on his 40th birthday are questionable. Jamal Murray is a stud, but is he worth $46.4m and 3 more seasons well north of $50m, Zeke Nnaji making $8m and has 3 more years of sitting on the bench. Christian Braun is a nice player, but $21-27m over the next 4 years ...but I won't ) ...This is easy

9th/10th men that make near $22M, that's the criteria. Hand waving doesn't count

I'm not going to even try if you're already changing the rules Plus, I don't want to even encounter the reams of obscure stats you'll dig up

You win

[eyriq]

30 teams...give me 7 teams without an overpay - I already gave you 3 (and I could even argue that $12.7m for DFS and KD making $46m on his 40th birthday are questionable. Jamal Murray is a stud, but is he worth $46.4m and 3 more seasons well north of $50m, Zeke Nnaji making $8m and has 3 more years of sitting on the bench. Christian Braun is a nice player, but $21-27m over the next 4 years ...but I won't ) ...This is easy

9th/10th men that make near $22M, that's the criteria. Hand waving doesn't count

I'm not going to even try if you're already changing the rules Plus, I don't want to even encounter the reams of obscure stats you'll dig up

You win

LOL fair enough!

[Idiosyncratic]

Crazy we expected a Paolo or Franz breakout to carry us over the top, but right now it is Suggs with the major breakout. AB and TDS with major step forwards as well. Still think Paolo and Franz have more in the tank.

I was feeling pretty negative those first few games probably because deep down I kind of questioned that Bane trade, but even the Suns look decent and that doesn't look like it'll hurt that bad. Bane is gradually creeping up to his career numbers and is opening up the offense. Things are looking up right now.

I really think we could have something special brewing, team is starting to gel. Emergence of AB and TDS has been massive. If we can get 1 or both of Penda/Jase to join them next year that would be amazing.

Think we can legitimately compete for the East. Should be a fun ride.

[AdamTheGreek]

Heat-Philly Sunday afternoon is a fun league pass watch (it’s free this weekend).

Boston second night of a back-to-back after the Celtics also lost a rough one at home to the Nets in cup play screams trap game, letdown, and/or schedule loss.

But we did lose to them last meeting. And it’s a chance to jump up to 4th/5th depending on other game results.
It’s a real test of our energy levels.

And then that sets up the huge cup games in Philly on Tuesday, and then a rested Black Friday meeting in Detroit. Two teams we’ve already lost to on their floor. Plenty of redemption opportunities.

[GelbeWand09]

Crazy we expected a Paolo or Franz breakout to carry us over the top, but right now it is Suggs with the major breakout. AB and TDS with major step forwards as well. Still think Paolo and Franz have more in the tank.

I was feeling pretty negative those first few games probably because deep down I kind of questioned that Bane trade, but even the Suns look decent and that doesn't look like it'll hurt that bad. Bane is gradually creeping up to his career numbers and is opening up the offense. Things are looking up right now.

I really think we could have something special brewing, team is starting to gel. Emergence of AB and TDS has been massive. If we can get 1 or both of Penda/Jase to join them next year that would be amazing.

Think we can legitimately compete for the East. Should be a fun ride.

Some positive things about Franz & Paolo: Paolo got career high efficiency so far and his defense is better/rebounding improved. Franz improved his FTr so far to Paolo carrer average level. Thats still one of the for me by far most underrated and undertalked jumps this season.
They doesnt made a big jump and especially Paolo needs to be still much more effective for his playertype & Franz 3 is still bad but there are some positive improvements.

[Idiosyncratic]

Some positive things about Franz & Paolo: Paolo got career high efficiency so far and his defense is better/rebounding improved. Franz improved his FTr so far to Paolo carrer average level. Thats still one of the for me by far most underrated and undertalked jumps this season.
They doesnt made a big jump and especially Paolo needs to be still much more effective for his playertype & Franz 3 is still bad but there are some positive improvements.

Yeah I agree there are positive signs for both.

-Paolo showing the ability to fit in the system and lower his usage while maintaining focus on defense.

-Franz staying confident with his shot and it falling at a higher rate.

Still think we will need one of those guys to become a top 10ish player if we want to win a ring. Right now some metrics would have Suggs in that range and while I do think he has made a jump, I would expect the shooting to come down a bit.

[GelbeWand09]

Some positive things about Franz & Paolo: Paolo got career high efficiency so far and his defense is better/rebounding improved. Franz improved his FTr so far to Paolo carrer average level. Thats still one of the for me by far most underrated and undertalked jumps this season.
They doesnt made a big jump and especially Paolo needs to be still much more effective for his playertype & Franz 3 is still bad but there are some positive improvements.

Yeah I agree there are positive signs for both.

-Paolo showing the ability to fit in the system and lower his usage while maintaining focus on defense.

-Franz staying confident with his shot and it falling at a higher rate.

Still think we will need one of those guys to become a top 10ish player if we want to win a ring. Right now some metrics would have Suggs in that range and while I do think he has made a jump, I would expect the shooting to come down a bit.

Yea, you need a top 10 player to win a ring. Maybe this year and next year you dont need one to reach the finals in the east.

[Bergmaniac]

Suggs' lineup data looks just incredible so far this season. Every 2 man combo with players from the main rotation which includes him has been great on defence (defensive rating of 104 or lower) and has a net rating of 15 or better (except with Tyus of course where the offense is only 93 while the defense is still great at 104). In his minutes with Black we have an incredible 89.8 defensive rating and 31.7 net rating. if he can keep up anything close to this for the rest of the season now that he has started to play bigger minutes he would have a fantastic year.

[Idiosyncratic]

Suggs' lineup data looks just incredible so far this season. Every 2 man combo with players from the main rotation which includes him has been great on defence (defensive rating of 104 or lower) and has a net rating of 15 or better (except with Tyus of course where the offense is only 93 while the defense is still great at 104). In his minutes with Black we have an incredible 89.8 defensive rating and 31.7 net rating. if he can keep up anything close to this for the rest of the season now that he has started to play bigger minutes he would have a fantastic year.

I've been calling for Suggs and AB to share the floor more together since they won us the opening game against the Heat in their limited minutes.

One thing about Paolo being out is it has forced Mose into playing a little smaller at times which he has typically not done a whole lot. Suggs and AB were not playing together at all and now we are seeing them really thrive out there with Franz and TDS at the 4. A lot of those lineups have been absolutely massive for us.

I think finding lineups that work for the right moments will be a key to maximizing this team. With the positional versatility and defensive switchability of a lot of our guys there might always be a way to find a lineup that can work better in any given circumstance--sometimes that will mean going bigger as well. Sometimes it will mean Paolo at the 5.

[pepe1991]

Suggs' lineup data looks just incredible so far this season. Every 2 man combo with players from the main rotation which includes him has been great on defence (defensive rating of 104 or lower) and has a net rating of 15 or better (except with Tyus of course where the offense is only 93 while the defense is still great at 104). In his minutes with Black we have an incredible 89.8 defensive rating and 31.7 net rating. if he can keep up anything close to this for the rest of the season now that he has started to play bigger minutes he would have a fantastic year.

I've been calling for Suggs and AB to share the floor more together since they won us the opening game against the Heat in their limited minutes.

One thing about Paolo being out is it has forced Mose into playing a little smaller at times which he has typically not done a whole lot. Suggs and AB were not playing together at all and now we are seeing them really thrive out there with Franz and TDS at the 4. A lot of those lineups have been absolutely massive for us.

I think finding lineups that work for the right moments will be a key to maximizing this team. With the positional versatility and defensive switchability of a lot of our guys there might always be a way to find a lineup that can work better in any given circumstance--sometimes that will mean going bigger as well. Sometimes it will mean Paolo at the 5.

Suggs has bit of advantage over everybody as he plays sub 30 min a game, and usually only plays 2 games a week, never plays back to backs etc.

18 games into a season he already missed 5 without being hurt, rather just preserving him. That also explains his mindblowing 68% TS shooting.

He is very important for Orlando because he brings intensity and bit of dirt & flopping ,that irritates opposing players. Goal is to make sure he is healthy in playoffs.

[jezzerinho]

Suggs' lineup data looks just incredible so far this season. Every 2 man combo with players from the main rotation which includes him has been great on defence (defensive rating of 104 or lower) and has a net rating of 15 or better (except with Tyus of course where the offense is only 93 while the defense is still great at 104). In his minutes with Black we have an incredible 89.8 defensive rating and 31.7 net rating. if he can keep up anything close to this for the rest of the season now that he has started to play bigger minutes he would have a fantastic year.

I've been calling for Suggs and AB to share the floor more together since they won us the opening game against the Heat in their limited minutes.

One thing about Paolo being out is it has forced Mose into playing a little smaller at times which he has typically not done a whole lot. Suggs and AB were not playing together at all and now we are seeing them really thrive out there with Franz and TDS at the 4. A lot of those lineups have been absolutely massive for us.

I think finding lineups that work for the right moments will be a key to maximizing this team. With the positional versatility and defensive switchability of a lot of our guys there might always be a way to find a lineup that can work better in any given circumstance--sometimes that will mean going bigger as well. Sometimes it will mean Paolo at the 5.

Suggs has bit of advantage over everybody as he plays sub 30 min a game, and usually only plays 2 games a week, never plays back to backs etc.

18 games into a season he already missed 5 without being hurt, rather just preserving him. That also explains his mindblowing 68% TS shooting.

He is very important for Orlando because he brings intensity and bit of dirt & flopping ,that irritates opposing players. Goal is to make sure he is healthy in playoffs.

To be fair, I think Suggs is a lot more than that.

But on the intensity part, I voted him for the Vest vs the Warriors, not because he had the gaudiest stats (tho he had a great Q1). No, I gave it to him because he doesnt take any shït from the Greens and the Butlers and the Currys, who win by intimidation a lot of the time. Jalen set the Orlando tone that game, which was "we dont care who you think you are, we're here to win". And its no coincidence we won. Suggs block in the 4th was gaudy and highlight-worthy but it was also a psychological nail in the coffin for GSW.

Thats what the kid brings and its impossible to fake. Add some stellar shooting and better ball security and he's really indispensable to our success, maybe more than anyone else.

[The-Stallion70]

Franz might honestly be better than paolo.... he doesn't need to dominate the ball and dribble the air out of it to score

[VFX]

I've been calling for Suggs and AB to share the floor more together since they won us the opening game against the Heat in their limited minutes.

One thing about Paolo being out is it has forced Mose into playing a little smaller at times which he has typically not done a whole lot. Suggs and AB were not playing together at all and now we are seeing them really thrive out there with Franz and TDS at the 4. A lot of those lineups have been absolutely massive for us.

I think finding lineups that work for the right moments will be a key to maximizing this team. With the positional versatility and defensive switchability of a lot of our guys there might always be a way to find a lineup that can work better in any given circumstance--sometimes that will mean going bigger as well. Sometimes it will mean Paolo at the 5.

Suggs has bit of advantage over everybody as he plays sub 30 min a game, and usually only plays 2 games a week, never plays back to backs etc.

18 games into a season he already missed 5 without being hurt, rather just preserving him. That also explains his mindblowing 68% TS shooting.

He is very important for Orlando because he brings intensity and bit of dirt & flopping ,that irritates opposing players. Goal is to make sure he is healthy in playoffs.

To be fair, I think Suggs is a lot more than that.

But on the intensity part, I voted him for the Vest vs the Warriors, not because he had the gaudiest stats (tho he had a great Q1). No, I gave it to him because he doesnt take any shït from the Greens and the Butlers and the Currys, who win by intimidation a lot of the time. Jalen set the Orlando tone that game, which was "we dont care who you think you are, we're here to win". And its no coincidence we won. Suggs block in the 4th was gaudy and highlight-worthy but it was also a psychological nail in the coffin for GSW.

Thats what the kid brings and its impossible to fake. Add some stellar shooting and better ball security and he's really indispensable to our success, maybe more than anyone else.

The benefit of Suggs a lot of the time comes down to leading the defense and defensive playmaking, which isn’t really talked about in classic terms of “playmaking”. Winning those extra possessions on that side of the floor is what changes a lot of games IMO. It goes unnoticed a lot of times. When he’s playing at home it’s a massive advantage in shifting the game.

Taking the charge on a push off, disrupting passing lanes, setting tough screens for a call on offense, taking chit, and locking down opponents at half court are all just ways of winning games when the blade cuts the right way. We have seen some games where Suggs isn’t getting those calls or they go the other way. People write that off as Suggs being insane, but that’s his game. When he is more “controlled chaos” good things happen.

The Golden State game was a perfect example. A player like Curry will hate Suggs because he has to try a little harder. He still got his points, (12-23fg and 7-15 from 3) because he is Curry, but he also turned the ball over 6 times if i remember correctly, which is double his average.

[cedric76]

If JI cant get more minutes with WCJ and Goga out, it s a clear message that we wont let him play more than 52 games this season (so only 8M$ is GTD next season and $0 after that)

Hopefully we can sign Jett for very cheap this summer (below the 7.3M he would have got if we had picked his option)

Next season, Bye Tyus + JI (whom is one of my favorite Player unfortunately)

Suggs, AB, Jase
Bane, Jett
Franz,TDS, Penda
P5, Moe, Penda
WCJ,Goga, Moe

[Skybox]

Hopefully we can sign Jett for very cheap this summer (below the 7.3M he would have got if we had picked his option)

Someone else on here (Pepe maybe?) said the team is prohibited from doing that...anyone have an official ruling?

I'm not sure I want him, but at $2 or 3m I could be convinced...having said that, if he does enough to convince ORL he deserves to stay, others may also want him...this is NOT a big issue regardless

[JoshuaPotter]

Hopefully we can sign Jett for very cheap this summer (below the 7.3M he would have got if we had picked his option)

Someone else on here (Pepe maybe?) said the team is prohibited from doing that...anyone have an official ruling?

I'm not sure I want him, but at $2 or 3m I could be convinced...having said that, if he does enough to convince ORL he deserves to stay, others may also want him...this is NOT a big issue regardless

I think the Jett experiment is done. I am confident he can find a deep bench role but otherwise his ship has sailed.