Official Speculation Thread ‘18-19’: XX: Year of the Vuc

[Skybox]

I'm amazed by your obliviousness.

People are saying we F'd up the rebuild by focusing on defense and ignoring the offense. We need to trade Vuc and Ross to reboot the rebuild. And guess what, we already stuck in nowhere with them.

Some of us are sentient human beings that can think a few steps ahead in the long term. Not all Magic fans are brainless goldfish or knuckle-dragging cavemen who's brain can't go beyond 'eat', 'sleep' and 'f@@k'.

I’m amazed at the strategery on this board from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM mobile app

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

[BadMofoPimp]

I’m amazed at the strategery on this board from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM mobile app

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

I am not high on Rozier at all. He reminds more of another Delladova than a legit NBA starter on a playoff team at the contract he will end up getting from some sucker team. Rozier looked good playing with 4 other great players. He would be pure trash on the Magic in my opinion. I would have rather gotten Van Fleet last summer.

[Skybox]

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

I am not high on Rozier at all. He reminds more of another Delladova than a legit NBA starter on a playoff team at the contract he will end up getting from some sucker team. Rozier looked good playing with 4 other great players. He would be pure trash on the Magic in my opinion. I would have rather gotten Van Fleet last summer.

I'm not sure about him either - I was just using him as an example of leverage...I don't see Ainge just losing him by surprise unless he wants the cap space more than the asset he could get in a trade and values his contribution this season that much. I imagine he'll sell high (to us or PHO?) at the deadline...I'd really prefer DSJ or DLO in that scenario.

[basketballRob]

I’m amazed at the strategery on this board from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM mobile app

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

True and you could get a player similar to Vuc for less than what he might want next year.

[BadMofoPimp]

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

I am not high on Rozier at all. He reminds more of another Delladova than a legit NBA starter on a playoff team at the contract he will end up getting from some sucker team. Rozier looked good playing with 4 other great players. He would be pure trash on the Magic in my opinion. I would have rather gotten Van Fleet last summer.

I'm not sure about him either - I was just using him as an example of leverage...I don't see Ainge just losing him by surprise unless he wants the cap space more than the asset he could get in a trade and values his contribution this season that much. I imagine he'll sell high (to us or PHO?) at the deadline...I'd really prefer DSJ or DLO in that scenario.

I can see Ainge just letting him walk if Rozier gets an offer that is above a certain threshold. I mean, they have Smart and can easily put some average backup PG off the Free Agency on the cheap to play along with the great players on that team. They don't need anyone exceptional with all the talent Boston already has.

Rozier is shooting 38.5% from the Floor and is not known as an exceptional creator or scorer for his team. I don't get the hooplah. He doesn't have to deal with double teams on that squad as everyone on his team is a threat on the court.

If Rozier joined the Magic shooting 39% from the floor, he would be eaten alive by this board and the Magic fans.

[OrlandoNed]

I'm amazed by your obliviousness.

People are saying we F'd up the rebuild by focusing on defense and ignoring the offense. We need to trade Vuc and Ross to reboot the rebuild. And guess what, we already stuck in nowhere with them.

Some of us are sentient human beings that can think a few steps ahead in the long term. Not all Magic fans are brainless goldfish or knuckle-dragging cavemen who's brain can't go beyond 'eat', 'sleep' and 'f@@k'.

I’m amazed at the strategery on this board from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM mobile app

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

What exactly did I say that sounded I like said I know better than a professional? That a bad team should trade its expiring vets for assets to get something of value for them prior to their free agency? That's not exactly some hot take, especially when we see multiple examples of it happening every single season. I didn't say anything about getting a specific asset, just to get ANY assets.

[pepe1991]

Celtics have 7 nba level starters
Tatum , Irving, Horford, Morris, Brown, Horford, Hayward so Rozier plays against backups with at least two nba level starters every time.
I don't get hype about him. He has been bad every year for half of decade, minus one playoff run. If he is on Memphis nobody would even notice he exists.

[yoyojw17]

Celtics have 7 nba level starters
Tatum , Irving, Horford, Morris, Brown, Horford, Hayward so Rozier plays against backups with at least two nba level starters every time.
I don't get hype about him. He has been bad every year for half of decade, minus one playoff run. If he is on Memphis nobody would even notice he exists.

Agreed. If his value was simmons and a second round pick.... i would consider it. Then you just roll the dice. But from what people have been willing to offer.... i'll pass.

[BadMofoPimp]

I’m amazed at the strategery on this board from time to time.


Sent from my iPad using RealGM mobile app

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

What exactly did I say that sounded I like said I know better than a professional? That a bad team should trade its expiring vets for assets to get something of value for them prior to their free agency? That's not exactly some hot take, especially when we see multiple examples of it happening every single season. I didn't say anything about getting a specific asset, just to get ANY assets.

It wasn't you, yourself. Just commenting on the "Strategy" people on the board have comment.

[Blue_and_Whte]

the one problem I have with comparing Bamba, Tobias and Dipo, is that the latter were showing SOMETHING. I agree that people gave up on them too soon but I don’t think it’s the same situation with Bamba.

I don’t think 20 year old players who’ve played basketball most of their lives are so raw that they can’t do ANYTHING in the NBA. Least of all guys picked 6th, with long arms who displayed translatable skills at the collegiate level. I’ve watched the NBA for over 30 years and the one constant is that most of the time you catch glimpses of what a young player will become within the first few games. I just don’t believe the hype And I don’t see anything special but I truly hope I’m wrong.

Yeah, you and Lead bring up some great points. Players do show some flashes of greatness in their first couple years. I think for me personally I see something in both where the physical tools for both are too sexy to ignore and giving up on them as a potential tandem so soon could be a mistake. They don't have to be stars but they can be very impactful on the defensive side of the ball. It is essentially a long game with these two anyway (No Pun intended) so we'll see what they semi become is 2-3 years together whether if they do/don't work out together.

Well, bsed on the interviews with Welman/ Hammond, they seem to be going to picking lengthy players, because they think it will be the next trend in the NBA. Especially with KD and the rise of Giannis, Davis and unicorns like Ben and Embiid.

I really don't think Isaac and Mamba are cornerstone pieces, but I do think they will at least have a solid career in the league. Isaac is getting there, while Bamba I think has shown flashes but a lot of his struggles are really because of his lack of strength.

I wholeheartedly disagree with you. Strength is an issue for most NBA rookies but a lot of them still find ways to contribute in some way. A lot of his struggles are self inflicted in that he tends to coast through games and not be aggressive. Its why I kept saying "he does nothing good or bad" and it seems as though Cliff saw the same thing when he had to tell him to be aggressive, not to mention scouting reports pointed to his low motor, showing disinterest, lacking aggressiveness.

WEAKNESSES -Thin in his lower body. Still only 216 pounds. Not a very physical guy. -Motor really runs hot and cold. Looks disinterested at times. Walks around, doesn't jog off the court when subbed out. -Needs to play with more toughness to maximize his defensive potential. Gets posted up without much resistance. Defensive fundamentals have room to improve. Bites on fakes. Doesn't take great angles on the perimeter. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mohamed-Bamba-91224/ ©DraftExpress

https://thefrontofficeeye.com/2018/04/10/mo-bamba-scouting-report/

One concern I have is his motor. He paces himself from time to time and transition can be an issue, although when he wants to run he can run well.

https://theloopsports.com/2018/05/26/bulls-mo-bamba-scouting-report/

While physically there is no question Bamba has it all (provided he adds some weight), there are questions about his motor and physicality.

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/mohamed-bamba

he should have been more aggressive at times while playing for the Longhorns ... A solid athlete, but much of his wow factor is due to length and not explosiveness or leaping ability .

http://www.nbascoutingreport.net/player-profiles-mo-bamba.html

Weaknesses
Motor/Effort level (could improve)
Strength (thin frame @ 225 lbs)
Shot selection
Aggressiveness
Turnovers
Efficiency
Limited offensively

I dont think strength has any correlation to improving motor. As stated before I really hope this isn't another Payton scenario where they had to ask him to be more aggressive because when he is aggressive he's effective on both sides. If you go to those sites I listed almost all of the talking points on "Strengths" refer to potential and "having the physical tools" to hopefully one day....

[JBSouthpaw]

Celtics have 7 nba level starters
Tatum , Irving, Horford, Morris, Brown, Horford, Hayward so Rozier plays against backups with at least two nba level starters every time.
I don't get hype about him. He has been bad every year for half of decade, minus one playoff run. If he is on Memphis nobody would even notice he exists.

you have Horford twice. Not that it dilutes your point.

[RickB-Orlando]

I am amazed that fans here think they know more than the professionals running these teams. No team can be run like they are playing NBA2K. Trades and draft positions just don't magically happen like in video games. I am sure there are discussions with other teams all the time, constantly. The issue is most likely that no team wants to give up more than they are willing to take back regardless how fans rationalize ideas.

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

True and you could get a player similar to Vuc for less than what he might want next year.

Really? A 20/10 guaranteed double-double that can pass as well as some guards - who are you adding?

[pepe1991]

Celtics have 7 nba level starters
Tatum , Irving, Horford, Morris, Brown, Horford, Hayward so Rozier plays against backups with at least two nba level starters every time.
I don't get hype about him. He has been bad every year for half of decade, minus one playoff run. If he is on Memphis nobody would even notice he exists.

you have Horford twice. Not that it dilutes your point.

good catch , i just arrived form job so my brain is on autopilot
I left out Smart , he is fringe starter /good bench player

[basketballRob]

Very true! Most of what we do here is mental masturbation...very rarely do "fair", equal value, win/win trades happen in the real NBA. Generally, it's more often two teams on different timetables trading win-now for future value, or a financially strapped team giving value for cap space, or, increasingly, a player demanding out-sometimes with acceptable landing spots. Different leverages between teams...most trade offers on here try to benefit both teams today-which is almost an obsolete concept.

Also, it may just be fandom, but FA's rarely move on to other teams, yet we all panic about the risk of losing them for nothing or trading for a rental. Other than the big-time gambles like PG and Kawhi, I have to assume there is a lot more backroom conversation before deals are made (re: likelihood of staying)-if there's real flight risk, agents and players tend to use the media for leverage. I can't imagine ORL goes into summer without trading Vuc if there's ANY chance of him bolting or without some idea of his $$$ expectations to stay. Also, Ainge has got to know what Rozier's intentions are and whether he'll be "keep-able" at a team-friendly deal. I can't see either of those cases not being resolved (to some degree) by trade deadline...unless either team really does just want cap space more than offers received.

True and you could get a player similar to Vuc for less than what he might want next year.

Really? A 20/10 guaranteed double-double that can pass as well as some guards - who are you adding?

Kanter and Len could both average a double double, that's off the top of my head.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[GameOver25]

Some Orlando Magic Mail I received this morning, here's a snip....

DON'T VOTE FOR VOOCH

Please do not vote to send Nikola Vucevic to the 2019 NBA All-Star game in Charlotte.

REASON #1: He'll embarrass himself taking too many photos of celebrities.
REASON #2: He'll spend way too much time at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
REASON #3: He's planning a beach vacation with the family.

[Maikson]

Celtics have 7 nba level starters
Tatum , Irving, Horford, Morris, Brown, Horford, Hayward so Rozier plays against backups with at least two nba level starters every time.
I don't get hype about him. He has been bad every year for half of decade, minus one playoff run. If he is on Memphis nobody would even notice he exists.

Agreed. A playoff run landed Biyombo here, I don't want to see that happen again if that's all he has to show so far.

[JBSouthpaw]

True and you could get a player similar to Vuc for less than what he might want next year.

Really? A 20/10 guaranteed double-double that can pass as well as some guards - who are you adding?

Kanter and Len could both average a double double, that's off the top of my head.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

Len hasn't sniffed those numbers, but Kanter has. And he's actually younger than Vuc.

Monroe and Boogie are same age as Vuc and will also be FAs.

[EAS Law]

Fournier has a PER at #31 at the SG slot. PER is hostile to this position (only 13 SGs have an "average" PER; Donovan Mitchell, is below average by PER).

But what does #31 mean? For me it means two things. One, this is where a bench player like Ross should be ranked. Two, this reflects Fournier transitioning from an inappropriate SF positioning back to his natural SG slot.

Fournier's transition has been slow, and it has been ugly. So: in conclusion, I agree Fournier has been bad (relative to expectation).


..

I was trying to think of another team that Fournier would start on and I couldn't think of one.

He’s an upgrade over Roberson in OKC and they need shooting. He’s also an upgrade over Mathews in Dallas or could find a spot in New York.

Yeah this is a little bit of hyperbole. He could easily start in Chicago, Bk, Miami, Atlanta, tons more. He has been very bad this year overal despite a couple game winners, but we all know he’s capable of better than he’s been showing. I don’t mean to be hard on him. The guy is a person just like any of us and he always takes responsibility for playing poorly—I commend him for that.

[fendilim]

Yeah, you and Lead bring up some great points. Players do show some flashes of greatness in their first couple years. I think for me personally I see something in both where the physical tools for both are too sexy to ignore and giving up on them as a potential tandem so soon could be a mistake. They don't have to be stars but they can be very impactful on the defensive side of the ball. It is essentially a long game with these two anyway (No Pun intended) so we'll see what they semi become is 2-3 years together whether if they do/don't work out together.

Well, bsed on the interviews with Welman/ Hammond, they seem to be going to picking lengthy players, because they think it will be the next trend in the NBA. Especially with KD and the rise of Giannis, Davis and unicorns like Ben and Embiid.

I really don't think Isaac and Mamba are cornerstone pieces, but I do think they will at least have a solid career in the league. Isaac is getting there, while Bamba I think has shown flashes but a lot of his struggles are really because of his lack of strength.

I wholeheartedly disagree with you. Strength is an issue for most NBA rookies but a lot of them still find ways to contribute in some way. A lot of his struggles are self inflicted in that he tends to coast through games and not be aggressive. Its why I kept saying "he does nothing good or bad" and it seems as though Cliff saw the same thing when he had to tell him to be aggressive, not to mention scouting reports pointed to his low motor, showing disinterest, lacking aggressiveness.

WEAKNESSES -Thin in his lower body. Still only 216 pounds. Not a very physical guy. -Motor really runs hot and cold. Looks disinterested at times. Walks around, doesn't jog off the court when subbed out. -Needs to play with more toughness to maximize his defensive potential. Gets posted up without much resistance. Defensive fundamentals have room to improve. Bites on fakes. Doesn't take great angles on the perimeter. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mohamed-Bamba-91224/ ©DraftExpress

https://thefrontofficeeye.com/2018/04/10/mo-bamba-scouting-report/

One concern I have is his motor. He paces himself from time to time and transition can be an issue, although when he wants to run he can run well.

https://theloopsports.com/2018/05/26/bulls-mo-bamba-scouting-report/

While physically there is no question Bamba has it all (provided he adds some weight), there are questions about his motor and physicality.

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/mohamed-bamba

he should have been more aggressive at times while playing for the Longhorns ... A solid athlete, but much of his wow factor is due to length and not explosiveness or leaping ability .

http://www.nbascoutingreport.net/player-profiles-mo-bamba.html

Weaknesses
Motor/Effort level (could improve)
Strength (thin frame @ 225 lbs)
Shot selection
Aggressiveness
Turnovers
Efficiency
Limited offensively

I dont think strength has any correlation to improving motor. As stated before I really hope this isn't another Payton scenario where they had to ask him to be more aggressive because when he is aggressive he's effective on both sides. If you go to those sites I listed almost all of the talking points on "Strengths" refer to potential and "having the physical tools" to hopefully one day....

Yes, his motor is an issue, and leaves a lot to be desired.

But there were also some instances where he was simply being pushed out of the paint, or being overpowered by opposing bigs, thats why he ends up with forced shots inside the paint. Its also difficult to get yourself in the position when you're not really strong enough. If you're a perimeter player, you can get away with it more often. But Bamba isn't just playing against 6'0", he's also playing against more muscular players with the same height as his.

As a rookie, I don't expect much from Bamba. Bamba can get away with his motor now merely because of his length, IMO. He doesn't have to chase every shot. Maybe causing deflections, or disrupting the opponent from getting a rebound, but this is clearly not the case right now. There were instances where opposing SFs would guard him, and he'd still get pushed around.

To me, Bamba's career, will be predicated on his ability to gain weight and get stronger. if he can do that, he'll be a good player. His length is pretty much useless if he gets pushed out of position.

Perhaps our expectation of Bamba as a rookie is different. I never expected him to contribute right away. He is more of a project. He already had difficulty with the physicality of the game during summer league, I did not expect him to adapt to a higher intensity after 6 months.

[OrlandO]

The problem with Isaac on the bench is that it is exclusively about win-now. It is not the best developmental path.

Disagree. Isaac is struggling as a starter right now... settling for bricking jumpers and not hustling for rebounds for whatever reason is awful for his development imo. If coming off the bench gets him to play better then that would be better for his development at this point.