Official Speculation Thread (Pt.LIX Offseason Edition)

[OrlandO]

did the US win?

[Noonskadoodle]

did the US win?

Yup 82-68

http://prague2013.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe ... /game.html

[LBPTarHeel27]

Houston shopping Lin. AA for Lin? East Colonial will LOVE some Lin-sanity in Or-Lin-do.

If it weren't for his hit on the cap, I'd love to have him in Orlando. I think he'd be perfect for this team. But he'd kill the flexibility we're all waiting for. We're almost out from under some bad contracts. Need to be patient and not blow it before we can take advantage of it.

I agree that his contract is a little ugly once it takes the huge jump...

...but how does it affect our flexibility?

So many people look at a contract and if it is longer than a year, for a somewhat substantial amount, that it is going to ruin our future.

We all need to come to the realization that we will not be players in Free Agency until the summer of 2015...at the earliest.

Hennigan's main focus will be retaining our own guys and looking to make a big move, ala the Houston Rockets, in the trade market...not free agency. Look at all of the contracts being handed out this summer...how many of those players actually deserve those contracts? Dwight only does if he comes back to his old form. The rest are VERY questionable contracts.

So, even if we did go for anyone in Free Agency during the summer of 2015....Lin would be off the books.

I don't necessarily want Lin...but the notion that his contract is a major deterrent because we lose flexibility...well that is just wrong.

[jgosche]

So...not that it's a big deal or anything, but is the first post of this thread ever getting "cleaned up"?

[Darth Magic]

For all of those doubters who Orlando Magic rookie Victor Oladipo says have fueled his legendary work ethic and his meteoric rise as a basketball star, there was a little bit of everything in the guard’s NBA debut on Sunday.

Thought to be a somewhat shaky shooter at times during his college career, Oladipo drilled a 3-pointer seconds into Sunday’s Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League opener. Then, for good measure, he stroked another long jumper and converted a tough layup in traffic for the Magic’s first eight points.

And for the critics wondering if the 6-foot-3 Oladipo can make the transition from college shooting guard to NBA point guard, he offered up a play that was a thing of beauty late in the fourth quarter.

With the outcome still hanging in the balance, Oladipo rubbed off a high ball screen and crossed over Boston power forward Kelly Olynyk to create some space. Then, after drawing the defense to him, Oladipo found Kyle O’Quinn with a nifty no-look pass. O’Quinn finished off the layup as he was fouled, causing Oladipo to flash a broad smile and pump his fist.

And after Oladipo’s stat-stuffing debut of 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and two 3-pointers in the Magic’s 95-88 defeat of the Celtics, the guard looked every bit worthy of being the No. 2 pick in the recent NBA Draft.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

[jgosche]

For all of those doubters who Orlando Magic rookie Victor Oladipo says have fueled his legendary work ethic and his meteoric rise as a basketball star, there was a little bit of everything in the guard’s NBA debut on Sunday.

Thought to be a somewhat shaky shooter at times during his college career, Oladipo drilled a 3-pointer seconds into Sunday’s Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League opener. Then, for good measure, he stroked another long jumper and converted a tough layup in traffic for the Magic’s first eight points.

And for the critics wondering if the 6-foot-3 Oladipo can make the transition from college shooting guard to NBA point guard, he offered up a play that was a thing of beauty late in the fourth quarter.

With the outcome still hanging in the balance, Oladipo rubbed off a high ball screen and crossed over Boston power forward Kelly Olynyk to create some space. Then, after drawing the defense to him, Oladipo found Kyle O’Quinn with a nifty no-look pass. O’Quinn finished off the layup as he was fouled, causing Oladipo to flash a broad smile and pump his fist.

And after Oladipo’s stat-stuffing debut of 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and two 3-pointers in the Magic’s 95-88 defeat of the Celtics, the guard looked every bit worthy of being the No. 2 pick in the recent NBA Draft.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

[MasterGMer]

Oladipo could be a star in the NBA. I am hyped about him. But want to see more of him though. Turn the ball over too much, which is a common problem.

[MellowRose]

For all of those doubters who Orlando Magic rookie Victor Oladipo says have fueled his legendary work ethic and his meteoric rise as a basketball star, there was a little bit of everything in the guard’s NBA debut on Sunday.

Thought to be a somewhat shaky shooter at times during his college career, Oladipo drilled a 3-pointer seconds into Sunday’s Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League opener. Then, for good measure, he stroked another long jumper and converted a tough layup in traffic for the Magic’s first eight points.

And for the critics wondering if the 6-foot-3 Oladipo can make the transition from college shooting guard to NBA point guard, he offered up a play that was a thing of beauty late in the fourth quarter.

With the outcome still hanging in the balance, Oladipo rubbed off a high ball screen and crossed over Boston power forward Kelly Olynyk to create some space. Then, after drawing the defense to him, Oladipo found Kyle O’Quinn with a nifty no-look pass. O’Quinn finished off the layup as he was fouled, causing Oladipo to flash a broad smile and pump his fist.

And after Oladipo’s stat-stuffing debut of 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and two 3-pointers in the Magic’s 95-88 defeat of the Celtics, the guard looked every bit worthy of being the No. 2 pick in the recent NBA Draft.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

All about dem adjectives lol.

[MagicTownBaller]

Why does everyone keep saying that Lin's contract is $5M this year and $15M next year when the CAP HIT IS ONLY $8.3M THIS YEAR AND $8.3M NEXT YEAR!!! God man, this is infuriating that people continue to ignore this SIMPLE fact. It would have ONLY BEEN A CAP HIT OF $15M NEXT YEAR IF NEW YORK WOULD HAVE MATCHED!!!!!!!!

[Noonskadoodle]

Looking back at some of KOQs games.

SERIOUSLY how many big men make this kind of pass around the 1:05 mark?...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCQBZpDTKg[/youtube]

[MasterGMer]

Why does everyone keep saying that Lin's contract is $5M this year and $15M next year when the CAP HIT IS ONLY $8.3M THIS YEAR AND $8.3M NEXT YEAR!!! God man, this is infuriating that people continue to ignore this SIMPLE fact. It would have ONLY BEEN A CAP HIT OF $15M NEXT YEAR IF NEW YORK WOULD HAVE MATCHED!!!!!!!!

Is Jeremy Lin even possible?? It is just speculations,right? I don't think there is mutual interest between Rockets and Orlando.

[MellowRose]

Looking back at some of KOQs games.

SERIOUSLY how many big men make this kind of pass around the 1:05 mark?...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCQBZpDTKg[/youtube]

Lol bro, you're massively overrating KOQ's passing skills. His first pass in that clip is nice. But the pass around 1:05, not so much. Tobias was standing right in front of him. All KOQ did was bounce pass it to him.

[Noonskadoodle]

Looking back at some of KOQs games.

SERIOUSLY how many big men make this kind of pass around the 1:05 mark?...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmCQBZpDTKg[/youtube]

Lol bro, you're massively overrating KOQ's passing skills. His first pass in that clip is nice. But the pass around 1:05, not so much. Tobias was standing right in front of him. All KOQ did was bounce pass it to him.

In that no look fashion...How many bigs do that?

The next pass following that is impressive as well.

Overrating his passing skills?.....Right.

[LBPTarHeel27]

For all of those doubters who Orlando Magic rookie Victor Oladipo says have fueled his legendary work ethic and his meteoric rise as a basketball star, there was a little bit of everything in the guard’s NBA debut on Sunday.

Thought to be a somewhat shaky shooter at times during his college career, Oladipo drilled a 3-pointer seconds into Sunday’s Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League opener. Then, for good measure, he stroked another long jumper and converted a tough layup in traffic for the Magic’s first eight points.

And for the critics wondering if the 6-foot-3 Oladipo can make the transition from college shooting guard to NBA point guard, he offered up a play that was a thing of beauty late in the fourth quarter.

With the outcome still hanging in the balance, Oladipo rubbed off a high ball screen and crossed over Boston power forward Kelly Olynyk to create some space. Then, after drawing the defense to him, Oladipo found Kyle O’Quinn with a nifty no-look pass. O’Quinn finished off the layup as he was fouled, causing Oladipo to flash a broad smile and pump his fist.

And after Oladipo’s stat-stuffing debut of 18 points, seven assists, six rebounds, five steals and two 3-pointers in the Magic’s 95-88 defeat of the Celtics, the guard looked every bit worthy of being the No. 2 pick in the recent NBA Draft.

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

Even past summer league MVP's didn't typically "dazzle"

People are expecting to see the top players just straight up dominate. That rarely, if ever, happens. There are stat stuffers...but guys are going to make some ugly plays to go along with the great ones. That is why there is a summer league. These players need a transition period.

I remember one guy that did "dazzle" to a degree a couple times during summer league. Britton Johnson. He had a great NBA career, didn't he?

Summer league games should be taken with a grain of salt and people need to realize that drawing conclusions from watching one...or even multiple summer league games is foolish. Flashes don't mean much. The biggest story teller in summer league games is turnovers. To a lesser degree, rebounds and steals. Those two things show effort and IQ. I don't pay attention to points, shooting percentages, assists, etc.

I understand that you are just comparing the article to his play...but his play was outstanding for his first summer league game in which he was playing out of position.

[jgosche]

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

All about dem adjectives lol.

I do love stupendous adjectives.

[LBPTarHeel27]

Why does everyone keep saying that Lin's contract is $5M this year and $15M next year when the CAP HIT IS ONLY $8.3M THIS YEAR AND $8.3M NEXT YEAR!!! God man, this is infuriating that people continue to ignore this SIMPLE fact. It would have ONLY BEEN A CAP HIT OF $15M NEXT YEAR IF NEW YORK WOULD HAVE MATCHED!!!!!!!!

...and I keep trying to tell people that it wouldn't affect our situation either way.

Unless we acquire a contract that extends in to the 2015-2016 season, we are fine and will have basically the ENTIRE cap to sign our guys.

[jgosche]

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

Even past summer league MVP's didn't typically "dazzle"

People are expecting to see the top players just straight up dominate. That rarely, if ever, happens. There are stat stuffers...but guys are going to make some ugly plays to go along with the great ones. That is why there is a summer league. These players need a transition period.

I remember one guy that did "dazzle" to a degree a couple times during summer league. Britton Johnson. He had a great NBA career, didn't he?

Summer league games should be taken with a grain of salt and people need to realize that drawing conclusions from watching one...or even multiple summer league games is foolish. Flashes don't mean much. The biggest story teller in summer league games is turnovers. To a lesser degree, rebounds and steals. Those two things show effort and IQ. I don't pay attention to points, shooting percentages, assists, etc.

I understand that you are just comparing the article to his play...but his play was outstanding for his first summer league game in which he was playing out of position.

I'm not expecting him to dominate. Just saying he was good, and that's about what I expected of him, and that the article was exaggerating.

[magicman112]

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/denton-ol ... ines-debut

He looked pretty good, but I don't think he was as dazzling as that article suggests.

Even past summer league MVP's didn't typically "dazzle"

People are expecting to see the top players just straight up dominate. That rarely, if ever, happens. There are stat stuffers...but guys are going to make some ugly plays to go along with the great ones. That is why there is a summer league. These players need a transition period.

I remember one guy that did "dazzle" to a degree a couple times during summer league. Britton Johnson. He had a great NBA career, didn't he?

Summer league games should be taken with a grain of salt and people need to realize that drawing conclusions from watching one...or even multiple summer league games is foolish. Flashes don't mean much. The biggest story teller in summer league games is turnovers. To a lesser degree, rebounds and steals. Those two things show effort and IQ. I don't pay attention to points, shooting percentages, assists, etc.

I understand that you are just comparing the article to his play...but his play was outstanding for his first summer league game in which he was playing out of position.

Dr Jack Ramsay the ex Blazer coach and analyst said if a player plays well in summer league it doesn't mean anything....but if a player DOESN'T play well it can mean many things. But all in all I think it was a good first game.

[Noonskadoodle]

KOQ ranked 6th out of 70 in all PFs qualified in Rebound Rate, only trailing Evans, Love, Z-Bo, Henson, & Duncan.

Ranks 6th out of 70 in Defensive Rebound Rate, only trailing Evans, Love, Duncan, Boozer, & Odom.

Ranks 14th out of 70 in Offensive Rebound Rate, trailing Evans, Moultrie, Henson, Z-Bo, Hansbrough, Thompson, Robinson, Speights, Sully, Humphries, Booker, Birdman, & Favors.

Ranks 8th out of 70 in Assist Ratio, trailing Hayes, McRoberts, Collison, Odom, Ayon, Gasol, & Griffin.

He is in some very good company in those categories & he is a unique "banger".

How anybody could call him WORTHLESS is beyond me hahaha

[magicman123]

Why does everyone keep saying that Lin's contract is $5M this year and $15M next year when the CAP HIT IS ONLY $8.3M THIS YEAR AND $8.3M NEXT YEAR!!! God man, this is infuriating that people continue to ignore this SIMPLE fact. It would have ONLY BEEN A CAP HIT OF $15M NEXT YEAR IF NEW YORK WOULD HAVE MATCHED!!!!!!!!

$5mil, $8mil, $15mil... still don't want him