What now happens to Nikola Vucevic?

[Blue_and_Whte]

yeah cuz your the coach? No. Cuz you can see the future? No. Is that you opinion? Yes. Well lets just let time see who is the backup.

I don't know why you're getting offended. Everything everyone says in here is an opinion. Including yours.

I called him a back up "cuz" he was Jonas Valanciunas's back up last season.


You think this Vucevic/Biyombo starting talk is some kind of competition? This has no bearing on me personally. My concern is fit with the other projected starters. I've only said that about....oh I don't know.....100 times. Is clarification needed?

Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning.

Yeah sure thats why you call him a backup? You sure it doesn't have more to do with that you think he will be a backup here.

I'm not....Is the first part a question or a statement? I think he will be a back up here because he's always been a backup and Nik is better than Biyombo in every aspect of the game outside of defending. Scoring, rebounding (arguably), and passing Nik is superbly better . You know, the other stuff players have to do.

I am not taking offense. I just don't like people that deal in absolutes and can't acknowledge that Vuc has a good chance of being the backup.

This doesn't matter.. But by saying the following words "Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning."
I think it should be pretty clear that I understand there's a chance Nik comes off the bench.

And you seem to care a lot about Vuc as I read the same fanaticism in your posts about him.

Here we go, the same old "you must care about ______ Sooooo much". Because I think he fits better with 2 other non scorers in the starting line up? Sound argument. Obviously thinking a career back up is going to be a back up here is so crazy You're just like everyone else. If someone doesn't agree with you, you'll accuse them of "fantasizing" over a player because you don't have the sack to have a discussion. Then you want to close it out with the typical "Look...I'm a Magic fan..." bull.. Nobody cares. So tired of people accusing others of having some personal attachment to a player/coach just because opinions differ. If one is too **** stupid to have a conversation about differing opinions then just don't respond.

[BadMofoPimp]

Payton30/dj18
Fournier30/mario18
Gordon23/mario7/Green18
Ibaka30/gordon7/green 5/biyombo6
Vucevic30/biyombo18

This is what I'm hoping for.

Too many for Green and you omitted Meeks. Other than that - that's what most of us should predict.

I personally doubt Meeks gets much burn this season.

And, Green will get at least 20-25mpg as a backup at both forward positions.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Payton30/dj18
Fournier30/mario18
Gordon23/mario7/Green18
Ibaka30/gordon7/green 5/biyombo6
Vucevic30/biyombo18

This is what I'm hoping for.

Too many for Green and you omitted Meeks. Other than that - that's what most of us should predict.

I personally doubt Meeks gets much burn this season.

And, Green will get at least 20-25mpg as a backup at both forward positions.

Meeks will likely get little playing time imo. I also feel like minutes at the center position will be the most fluid as I think matchups will play a big role, especially towards the end of close games where we'll definitely see one shot blocker in there, but possibly BOTH in an attempt to bog the game down and force jumpers.

[BadMofoPimp]

Too many for Green and you omitted Meeks. Other than that - that's what most of us should predict.

I personally doubt Meeks gets much burn this season.

And, Green will get at least 20-25mpg as a backup at both forward positions.

Meeks will likely get little playing time imo. I also feel like minutes at the center position will be the most fluid as I think matchups will play a big role, especially towards the end of close games where we'll definitely see one shot blocker in there, but possibly BOTH in an attempt to bog the game down and force jumpers.

I suspect Green will sit out many games even when healthy. Then, he will have a few games where he gets 20-25mpg, then sit out a few more. Even when healthy in Detroit, that is how it went. He is very inconsistent. Just need to ride him when he has the hot hand.

And, if the Magic are down 5-10 points at the end of close games, I bet Vooch will be in there for much needed scoring.

[Jiwol]

I personally doubt Meeks gets much burn this season.

And, Green will get at least 20-25mpg as a backup at both forward positions.

Meeks will likely get little playing time imo. I also feel like minutes at the center position will be the most fluid as I think matchups will play a big role, especially towards the end of close games where we'll definitely see one shot blocker in there, but possibly BOTH in an attempt to bog the game down and force jumpers.

I suspect Green will sit out many games even when healthy. Then, he will have a few games where he gets 20-25mpg, then sit out a few more. Even when healthy in Detroit, that is how it went. He is very inconsistent. Just need to ride him when he has the hot hand.

And, if the Magic are down 5-10 points at the end of close games, I bet Vooch will be in there for much needed scoring.

Green played in Detroit?

[BadMofoPimp]

Meeks will likely get little playing time imo. I also feel like minutes at the center position will be the most fluid as I think matchups will play a big role, especially towards the end of close games where we'll definitely see one shot blocker in there, but possibly BOTH in an attempt to bog the game down and force jumpers.

I suspect Green will sit out many games even when healthy. Then, he will have a few games where he gets 20-25mpg, then sit out a few more. Even when healthy in Detroit, that is how it went. He is very inconsistent. Just need to ride him when he has the hot hand.

And, if the Magic are down 5-10 points at the end of close games, I bet Vooch will be in there for much needed scoring.

Green played in Detroit?

I meant Meeks, lolol. Posting at work on a Monday . . .

[ralphie9898]

I don't know why you're getting offended. Everything everyone says in here is an opinion. Including yours.

I called him a back up "cuz" he was Jonas Valanciunas's back up last season.


You think this Vucevic/Biyombo starting talk is some kind of competition? This has no bearing on me personally. My concern is fit with the other projected starters. I've only said that about....oh I don't know.....100 times. Is clarification needed?

Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning.

Yeah sure thats why you call him a backup? You sure it doesn't have more to do with that you think he will be a backup here.

I'm not....Is the first part a question or a statement? I think he will be a back up here because he's always been a backup and Nik is better than Biyombo in every aspect of the game outside of defending. Scoring, rebounding (arguably), and passing. You know, the other stuff players have to do.

I am not taking offense. I just don't like people that deal in absolutes and can't acknowledge that Vuc has a good chance of being the backup.

This doesn't matter.. But by saying the following words "Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning."
I think it should be pretty clear that I understand there's a chance Nik comes off the bench.

And you seem to care a lot about Vuc as I read the same fanaticism in your posts about him.

Here we go, the same old "you must care about ______ Sooooo much". Because I think he fits better with 2 other non scorers in the starting line up? Sound argument. Obviously thinking a career back up is going to be a back up here is so crazy You're just like everyone else. If someone doesn't agree with you, you'll accuse them of "fantasizing" over a player because you don't have the sack to have a discussion. Then you want to close it out with the typical "Look...I'm a Magic fan..." bull.. Nobody cares. So tired of people accusing others of having some personal attachment to a player/coach just because opinions differ. If one is too **** stupid to have a conversation about differing opinions then just don't respond.

2 other non scorers? Ibaka has a very under-rated offensive game and Gordon is an emerging offensive threat. Still even if they aren't it isn't like Vuc is an elite scorer. yeah he is one of the better scoring centers(numbers that do get inflated a little by the fact that he is one of the few good scorers we have had) but he isn't one of the elite scorers in the NBA. And as I have said I think defense trumps offense from the 5 spot. A defensive center can do more for wins these days then an offensive center who is a liability on the other end. and I am only accusing you of over-rating Vuc because I think it is true. I don't think he is any better then guys like Monroe or Kanter and thus very well could be backing up a better defensive option. Sorry buddy but we disagree and yes I care about winning which is why I am going with Biyombo over Vuc. We will have to see who actually starts as well as how they fare and how it affects the win total. So go ahead and have the last word if you want but I am done with this little argument.

[yoyojw17]

The Orlando Magic are in no rush to pursue a trade of Nikola Vucevic.

The Magic traded for Serge Ibaka while also signing Bismack Biyombo in free agency to create a logjam at the big positions.

Rob Hennigan, the team's GM, called Vucevic shortly after the Biyombo signing to reassure him, but also declined to promise Vucevic he would remain the starter, the two men say.

Orlando has concerns that they may have a potential playmaking void that Vucevic could help alleviate. Vucevic is a quality post player and passer. Vucevic assisted on 16 percent of Orlando's baskets while on the floor last season.

With Vucevic, Ibaka and Biyombo combining for approximately 80 minutes per game, they would have 16 minutes for small ball with Aaron Gordon at power forward.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

[KingRobb02]

Yeah sure thats why you call him a backup? You sure it doesn't have more to do with that you think he will be a backup here.

I'm not....Is the first part a question or a statement? I think he will be a back up here because he's always been a backup and Nik is better than Biyombo in every aspect of the game outside of defending. Scoring, rebounding (arguably), and passing. You know, the other stuff players have to do.

I am not taking offense. I just don't like people that deal in absolutes and can't acknowledge that Vuc has a good chance of being the backup.

This doesn't matter.. But by saying the following words "Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning."
I think it should be pretty clear that I understand there's a chance Nik comes off the bench.

And you seem to care a lot about Vuc as I read the same fanaticism in your posts about him.

Here we go, the same old "you must care about ______ Sooooo much". Because I think he fits better with 2 other non scorers in the starting line up? Sound argument. Obviously thinking a career back up is going to be a back up here is so crazy You're just like everyone else. If someone doesn't agree with you, you'll accuse them of "fantasizing" over a player because you don't have the sack to have a discussion. Then you want to close it out with the typical "Look...I'm a Magic fan..." bull.. Nobody cares. So tired of people accusing others of having some personal attachment to a player/coach just because opinions differ. If one is too **** stupid to have a conversation about differing opinions then just don't respond.

2 other non scorers? Ibaka has a very under-rated offensive game and Gordon is an emerging offensive threat. Still even if they aren't it isn't like Vuc is an elite scorer. yeah he is one of the better scoring centers(numbers that do get inflated a little by the fact that he is one of the few good scorers we have had) but he isn't one of the elite scorers in the NBA. And as I have said I think defense trumps offense from the 5 spot. A defensive center can do more for wins these days then an offensive center who is a liability on the other end. and I am only accusing you of over-rating Vuc because I think it is true. I don't think he is any better then guys like Monroe or Kanter and thus very well could be backing up a better defensive option. Sorry buddy but we disagree and yes I care about winning which is why I am going with Biyombo over Vuc. We will have to see who actually starts as well as how they fare and how it affects the win total. So go ahead and have the last word if you want but I am done with this little argument.

He shot poorly last year, can't really beat guys off the dribble, and doesn't creat for others. What part of that is underrated?

[Orlwillbeback]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

The fact that this report came out all but guarantees that he will be traded now.

[woosah]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

The fact that this report came out all but guarantees that he will be traded now.

Why do you say that?

It's from that Lowe article and the way wiretap shows it is kind of out of context. I don't know why they pulled that out and featured it like that.

[TKainZero]

I think he stays in the starting lineup...
Magic always wanted a post player to play with him... now they have 2...

[ralphie9898]

I'm not....Is the first part a question or a statement? I think he will be a back up here because he's always been a backup and Nik is better than Biyombo in every aspect of the game outside of defending. Scoring, rebounding (arguably), and passing. You know, the other stuff players have to do.

This doesn't matter.. But by saying the following words "Its obvious to everyone that the coaching staff will ultimately decide, and regardless of who it is, the other will get a load of minutes. Obviously you need it, but I don't care who's name is called in the starting line up, I care about winning."
I think it should be pretty clear that I understand there's a chance Nik comes off the bench.

Here we go, the same old "you must care about ______ Sooooo much". Because I think he fits better with 2 other non scorers in the starting line up? Sound argument. Obviously thinking a career back up is going to be a back up here is so crazy You're just like everyone else. If someone doesn't agree with you, you'll accuse them of "fantasizing" over a player because you don't have the sack to have a discussion. Then you want to close it out with the typical "Look...I'm a Magic fan..." bull.. Nobody cares. So tired of people accusing others of having some personal attachment to a player/coach just because opinions differ. If one is too **** stupid to have a conversation about differing opinions then just don't respond.

2 other non scorers? Ibaka has a very under-rated offensive game and Gordon is an emerging offensive threat. Still even if they aren't it isn't like Vuc is an elite scorer. yeah he is one of the better scoring centers(numbers that do get inflated a little by the fact that he is one of the few good scorers we have had) but he isn't one of the elite scorers in the NBA. And as I have said I think defense trumps offense from the 5 spot. A defensive center can do more for wins these days then an offensive center who is a liability on the other end. and I am only accusing you of over-rating Vuc because I think it is true. I don't think he is any better then guys like Monroe or Kanter and thus very well could be backing up a better defensive option. Sorry buddy but we disagree and yes I care about winning which is why I am going with Biyombo over Vuc. We will have to see who actually starts as well as how they fare and how it affects the win total. So go ahead and have the last word if you want but I am done with this little argument.

He shot poorly last year, can't really beat guys off the dribble, and doesn't creat for others. What part of that is underrated?

He has shown he has range out to the three point line and I think getting away from OKC will help. He is athletic enough to beat guys off the dribble as long as his ball handling is sound which it always isn't. He can also score with post moves and get put backs. He can also pull up and hit jumpers. I think his offense will get a boost with him getting out of the shadow of Westbrook and Durant. As I said his offense gets under-rated for reasons just as you said. But I think he is capable of better and could very well be our leading scorer this season.

[KingRobb02]

2 other non scorers? Ibaka has a very under-rated offensive game and Gordon is an emerging offensive threat. Still even if they aren't it isn't like Vuc is an elite scorer. yeah he is one of the better scoring centers(numbers that do get inflated a little by the fact that he is one of the few good scorers we have had) but he isn't one of the elite scorers in the NBA. And as I have said I think defense trumps offense from the 5 spot. A defensive center can do more for wins these days then an offensive center who is a liability on the other end. and I am only accusing you of over-rating Vuc because I think it is true. I don't think he is any better then guys like Monroe or Kanter and thus very well could be backing up a better defensive option. Sorry buddy but we disagree and yes I care about winning which is why I am going with Biyombo over Vuc. We will have to see who actually starts as well as how they fare and how it affects the win total. So go ahead and have the last word if you want but I am done with this little argument.

He shot poorly last year, can't really beat guys off the dribble, and doesn't creat for others. What part of that is underrated?

He has shown he has range out to the three point line and I think getting away from OKC will help. He is athletic enough to beat guys off the dribble as long as his ball handling is sound which it always isn't. He can also score with post moves and get put backs. He can also pull up and hit jumpers. I think his offense will get a boost with him getting out of the shadow of Westbrook and Durant. As I said his offense gets under-rated for reasons just as you said. But I think he is capable of better and could very well be our leading scorer this season.

Where you see new opportunities, I see new challenges. Where you see it as him playing in those guy's shadows, I saw it as them opening things up for him.

[PennytoShaq]

The Lowe article is really good. Also explains why Hennigan jettisoned Harkless, Harris, Oladipo.

Reality is when you build through the lotto, at some point these guys will need to get paid. Oladipo looking for a max extension - I am quite sure that was discussed before we moved him.

I think Rob has accurately picked the best core of young guys. And while Payton is the most questionable, he still has potential to be a great PG, and is also not asking (or getting) a max extension.

Lowe's source are right - the lineup that could kill people (and I said this the day of the trade) could be Gordon at 4 and Ibaka/Biz at 5. This allows more balance with Mario/Green and Evan on the wings.

IMO, that is a fantastic smaller lineup. One that Biyombo can easily sub in at.

It is clear that Orlando is not 100% sure about all it's players, so instead of panicking and doing a massive trade, they decided to give them a chance to show what they have to offer. Is Gordon potentially a stud at SF? Let's find out. Can Ibaka log some time at the 5 and be effective? I think so, but let's find out. A modern big man rotation of Ibaka/Gordon and Bismack is rather appealing to me.

Is Elfrid going to be our PG moving forward? Not sure, so let's sign a guy who can start when needed and is a solid PG in DJ.

The Magic have the pieces and flexibility to make on the fly changes to the roster without nose diving the season. I firmly believe that is why this offseason seems a little unbalanced, but it is a good gamble to make.

[Optimus_Steel]

The Lowe article is really good. Also explains why Hennigan jettisoned Harkless, Harris, Oladipo.

Reality is when you build through the lotto, at some point these guys will need to get paid. Oladipo looking for a max extension - I am quite sure that was discussed before we moved him.

I think Rob has accurately picked the best core of young guys. And while Payton is the most questionable, he still has potential to be a great PG, and is also not asking (or getting) a max extension.

Lowe's source are right - the lineup that could kill people (and I said this the day of the trade) could be Gordon at 4 and Ibaka/Biz at 5. This allows more balance with Mario/Green and Evan on the wings.

IMO, that is a fantastic smaller lineup. One that Biyombo can easily sub in at.

It is clear that Orlando is not 100% sure about all it's players, so instead of panicking and doing a massive trade, they decided to give them a chance to show what they have to offer. Is Gordon potentially a stud at SF? Let's find out. Can Ibaka log some time at the 5 and be effective? I think so, but let's find out. A modern big man rotation of Ibaka/Gordon and Bismack is rather appealing to me.

Is Elfrid going to be our PG moving forward? Not sure, so let's sign a guy who can start when needed and is a solid PG in DJ.

The Magic have the pieces and flexibility to make on the fly changes to the roster without nose diving the season. I firmly believe that is why this offseason seems a little unbalanced, but it is a good gamble to make.

You gotta do something. This team was confusing. They had no identity, just out there playing with little direction. Now with the guys we brought in this summer we got an identity. Something to really start building out of, something they can rely on. Its hard to build something and be consistent when you don't have that identity. That identity is here now. Its going to be Smashmouth basketball, with the hope to make the sum of parts greater than the individual pieces.

[woosah]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

The fact that this report came out all but guarantees that he will be traded now.

Why do you say that?

It's from that Lowe article and the way wiretap shows it is kind of out of context. I don't know why they pulled that out and featured it like that.

so uhhh *crickets* from you?

[NavalAviator94]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

The fact that this report came out all but guarantees that he will be traded now.

Why do you say that?

It's from that Lowe article and the way wiretap shows it is kind of out of context. I don't know why they pulled that out and featured it like that.

so uhhh *crickets* from you?

I just don't see it either. Vuc is on a very friendly contract, a luxury to have quite frankly. There are very few players in the league that can stop Vuc from scoring. Add Ibaka next to him along with a better understanding/commitment to team defense and those 2 could be pretty devastating. I'd put Vuc, Ibaka, BB against any 4/5 in the league and when you add Gordon to the mix...

We may ultimately trade Vuc but not anytime soon in my view. Not at the price we have him at and his age.

[ralphie9898]

He shot poorly last year, can't really beat guys off the dribble, and doesn't creat for others. What part of that is underrated?

He has shown he has range out to the three point line and I think getting away from OKC will help. He is athletic enough to beat guys off the dribble as long as his ball handling is sound which it always isn't. He can also score with post moves and get put backs. He can also pull up and hit jumpers. I think his offense will get a boost with him getting out of the shadow of Westbrook and Durant. As I said his offense gets under-rated for reasons just as you said. But I think he is capable of better and could very well be our leading scorer this season.

Where you see new opportunities, I see new challenges. Where you see it as him playing in those guy's shadows, I saw it as them opening things up for him.

Well we shall see.

[Orlwillbeback]

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/242959/Magic-In-No-Rush-To-Pursue-Trade-Of-Nikola-Vucevic

The fact that this report came out all but guarantees that he will be traded now.

Why do you say that?

It's from that Lowe article and the way wiretap shows it is kind of out of context. I don't know why they pulled that out and featured it like that.

so uhhh *crickets* from you?

It just seems like every time something gets blasted all over wt saying that something is no big deal and things are all hunky dorey, usually means the opposite and something will eventually happen to change, like a trade.