Official Speculation Thread ‘19-'20 II: BIG as F

[trebone]

a 30 game injury to either Lebron or AD and the lakers miss the playoffs

you dont think a 30 game injury to Vuc and we miss the playoffs?

Its quite possible, but we dont have the same expectations as the Lakers, if we miss no one really bats an eye, if the Lakers miss the playoffs next season there will be a meltdown at ESPN

[pepe1991]

From this year every team in NBA must have mental health doctor

[drsd]

Can we have a Fultz thread?

Fultz goes 2 for 3 in an edited video and this breaks the internet. You called it !


..

[ezzzp]

One of your wings simply has to be able to play with ball

Out of the 4 guys that are “forwards” you need to have one of them that can be a playmaker and facilitator without hesitation.

An upgrade at the PG spot will fix a lot of issues.

Of course, the more passing/dribbling/shooting capacity each of our forward's have, the better, but they don't necessarily need to have primary or even secondary playmaker level skills if the PG position is upgraded.

I'm of the opinion that the SG position isn't in as bad a shape as many Magic fans think. Between Fournier and Ross, I feel the Magic have enough to prioritize using their assets to upgrade the PG spot (if Fultz doesn't pan out). Now if Fournier continues to struggle next year, then it will be time to start looking elsewhere. But I feel that last season was an anomaly, not his norm.

A return to form by Fournier would go a long way in helping the Magic's playmaking versatility and shot effectiveness.

As I have stated in the past, Aaron Gordon's on-ball volume and inefficiency is a key issue the Magic will have to resolve. Hopefully he takes another step and it resolves itself. I think it's well within his range to at minimum get to a less dominant but more effective game.

Pick and Roll Ball Handler:




Drives:

[VFX]

One of your wings simply has to be able to play with ball

Out of the 4 guys that are “forwards” you need to have one of them that can be a playmaker and facilitator without hesitation.

An upgrade at the PG spot will fix a lot of issues.

Of course, the more passing/dribbling/shooting capacity each of our forward's have, the better, but they don't necessarily need to have primary or even secondary playmaker level skills if the PG position is upgraded.

I'm of the opinion that the SG position isn't in as bad a shape as many Magic fans think. Between Fournier and Ross, I feel the Magic have enough to prioritize using their assets to upgrade the PG spot (if Fultz doesn't pan out). Now if Fournier continues to struggle next year, then it will be time to start looking elsewhere. But I feel that last season was an anomaly, not his norm.

A return to form by Fournier would go a long way in helping the Magic's playmaking versatility and shot effectiveness.

As I have stated in the past, Aaron Gordon's on-ball volume and inefficiency is a key issue the Magic will have to resolve. Hopefully he takes another step and it resolves itself. I think it's well within his range to at minimum get to a less dominant but more effective game.

Pick and Roll Ball Handler:




Drives:

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

[ezzzp]

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

The FO has set up a solid developmental context. They will have options, it’s not all dependent on Fultz and young forwards...trades will happen. In 2-3 years this will be a different roster.

[ezzzp]

Al-Fq Aminu (Nigeria) vs Khem Birch (Canada)

Watch on YouTube

[pepe1991]

Bleacher report made

" Every NBA team's biggest L of offseson"

and for Magic wrote

"Orlando Magic: Stockpiling power forwards

The Magic are apparently trying to start an NBA revolution, one in which they play five power forwards at the same time.

Already with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac, two power forwards who are often forced out of position already, the Magic signed Al-Farouq Aminu away from the Blazers and drafted Auburn power forward Chuma Okeke with their first-round pick. This makes for an extremely crowded frontcourt that also includes centers Nikola Vucevic back on a four-year, $100 million deal, Mo Bamba and Khem Birch.

Aminu is worth the three-year, $29 million contract, just not on this team. Orlando desperately needs more firepower in the backcourt and on the wing, even with bringing back Terrence Ross on a four-year, $54 million deal.

For the same money they paid Aminu, Orlando should have pursued players like Jeremy Lamb, Seth Curry or George Hill."

[drsd]

The Magic are apparently trying to start an NBA revolution, one in which they play five power forwards at the same time.

Here is the link: BR link
Note: Orlando is in the "What's the Plan?" section. I think we do all ask that question, so this is fair.

I can imagine spot moments whee the Magic plays Fournier, Ross, Gordon, Aminu, Isaac. That's five forwards on the court (not PFs, but still, this "revolution" is real.

Why?

Well if the goal is to be versatile on defense, that means playing players that can guard 2-4 slots. A forward is most likely to be capable of that role. So ....

In the same way that Orlando started the 30ball trend with Lewis and Türkoğlu; the Magic is at the leading edge of "position less" basketball.


..

[pepe1991]

The Magic are apparently trying to start an NBA revolution, one in which they play five power forwards at the same time.

Here is the link: BR link
Note: Orlando is in the "What's the Plan?" section. I think we do all ask that question, so this is fair.

I can imagine spot moments whee the Magic plays Fournier, Ross, Gordon, Aminu, Isaac. That's five forwards on the court (not PFs, but still, this "revolution" is real.

Why?

Well if the goal is to be versatile on defense, that means playing players that can guard 2-4 slots. A forward is most likely to be capable of that role. So ....

In the same way that Orlando started the 30ball trend with Lewis and Türkoğlu; the Magic is at the leading edge of "position less" basketball.


..

In general it was really nice written article from B/r , unlike most of other garbage they post.
I can't imagine running with that lineup a lot for simple reason- centers.
Magic highest payed player is center.
Magic highest drafted pick is- center.
Magic offseason keep was also - center.

[Bensational]

Out of the 4 guys that are “forwards” you need to have one of them that can be a playmaker and facilitator without hesitation.

An upgrade at the PG spot will fix a lot of issues.

Of course, the more passing/dribbling/shooting capacity each of our forward's have, the better, but they don't necessarily need to have primary or even secondary playmaker level skills if the PG position is upgraded.

I'm of the opinion that the SG position isn't in as bad a shape as many Magic fans think. Between Fournier and Ross, I feel the Magic have enough to prioritize using their assets to upgrade the PG spot (if Fultz doesn't pan out). Now if Fournier continues to struggle next year, then it will be time to start looking elsewhere. But I feel that last season was an anomaly, not his norm.

A return to form by Fournier would go a long way in helping the Magic's playmaking versatility and shot effectiveness.

As I have stated in the past, Aaron Gordon's on-ball volume and inefficiency is a key issue the Magic will have to resolve. Hopefully he takes another step and it resolves itself. I think it's well within his range to at minimum get to a less dominant but more effective game.

Pick and Roll Ball Handler:




Drives:

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

As long as our forwards (mostly AG, Isaac and Aminu) are delivering top tier defense, then any offense they add is just a bonus. Considering AG's offense matched Fournier's (on Fournier's down year, to be fair) shows we're getting everything Fournier gives us plus defense from the forward spots.

Meanwhile neither of our backcourt options are anything special or very high volume as on ball creators and scorers, and their defense is a significant step down from that of AG and Isaac. So hopefully Fournier returns to form, and Fultz replaces DJ as starting PG, or else our backcourt would seem to be in more pressing need of improvement than either of our forward spots.

[drsd]

I can't imagine running with that lineup a lot for simple reason- centers.

To quote me, I see this in "spot moments". That is 2-3 minute stretches every tenth game.


..

[fendilim]

An upgrade at the PG spot will fix a lot of issues.

Of course, the more passing/dribbling/shooting capacity each of our forward's have, the better, but they don't necessarily need to have primary or even secondary playmaker level skills if the PG position is upgraded.

I'm of the opinion that the SG position isn't in as bad a shape as many Magic fans think. Between Fournier and Ross, I feel the Magic have enough to prioritize using their assets to upgrade the PG spot (if Fultz doesn't pan out). Now if Fournier continues to struggle next year, then it will be time to start looking elsewhere. But I feel that last season was an anomaly, not his norm.

A return to form by Fournier would go a long way in helping the Magic's playmaking versatility and shot effectiveness.

As I have stated in the past, Aaron Gordon's on-ball volume and inefficiency is a key issue the Magic will have to resolve. Hopefully he takes another step and it resolves itself. I think it's well within his range to at minimum get to a less dominant but more effective game.

Pick and Roll Ball Handler:




Drives:

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

As long as our forwards (mostly AG, Isaac and Aminu) are delivering top tier defense, then any offense they add is just a bonus. Considering AG's offense matched Fournier's (on Fournier's down year, to be fair) shows we're getting everything Fournier gives us plus defense from the forward spots.

Meanwhile neither of our backcourt options are anything special or very high volume as on ball creators and scorers, and their defense is a significant step down from that of AG and Isaac. So hopefully Fournier returns to form, and Fultz replaces DJ as starting PG, or else our backcourt would seem to be in more pressing need of improvement than either of our forward spots.

True. The only problem here is what motivated the front office to stay as-is with the PG spot when it was a glaring weakness of ours. I'm not sure what they are thinking if they are expecting DJ and MCW will be able to replicate what they did during last season's playoff run. I'd rather be on the safe side and get someone who can actually provide decent upgrades than pinning our hopes on Fultz. Hopefully, Fultz will be able to shoulder the load.

[basketballRob]

I think the Magic should be releasing next year's schedule today.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app

[VFX]

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

The FO has set up a solid developmental context. They will have options, it’s not all dependent on Fultz and young forwards...trades will happen. In 2-3 years this will be a different roster.

You seem very confident in that assertion, considering if you asked this entire board whether or not DJ, Fournier, Ross, AG, and Vuc would still be in the same roles, from the previous regime, they would have said absolutely not.

[VFX]

An upgrade at the PG spot will fix a lot of issues.

Of course, the more passing/dribbling/shooting capacity each of our forward's have, the better, but they don't necessarily need to have primary or even secondary playmaker level skills if the PG position is upgraded.

I'm of the opinion that the SG position isn't in as bad a shape as many Magic fans think. Between Fournier and Ross, I feel the Magic have enough to prioritize using their assets to upgrade the PG spot (if Fultz doesn't pan out). Now if Fournier continues to struggle next year, then it will be time to start looking elsewhere. But I feel that last season was an anomaly, not his norm.

A return to form by Fournier would go a long way in helping the Magic's playmaking versatility and shot effectiveness.

As I have stated in the past, Aaron Gordon's on-ball volume and inefficiency is a key issue the Magic will have to resolve. Hopefully he takes another step and it resolves itself. I think it's well within his range to at minimum get to a less dominant but more effective game.

Pick and Roll Ball Handler:




Drives:

The SG spot has been serviceable and Vuc has been reliable providing what he does. Between AG, Isaac, Okeke, and Aminu they have to be providing more than streaky game-to-game playmaking and great defense if Orlando’s offense wants to be on par with the rest of the league.

Sure, Fultz solves one area of concern with playmaking, but that doesn’t relinquish the fact that the forwards have to be providing more with the leash we as fans give them being younger. This FO has now committed to the usual suspects providing a floor, so we are now dependent on Fultz and the development of the young forwards.

As long as our forwards (mostly AG, Isaac and Aminu) are delivering top tier defense, then any offense they add is just a bonus. Considering AG's offense matched Fournier's (on Fournier's down year, to be fair) shows we're getting everything Fournier gives us plus defense from the forward spots.

Meanwhile neither of our backcourt options are anything special or very high volume as on ball creators and scorers, and their defense is a significant step down from that of AG and Isaac. So hopefully Fournier returns to form, and Fultz replaces DJ as starting PG, or else our backcourt would seem to be in more pressing need of improvement than either of our forward spots.

Nobody believes that DJ Augustine and Fournier are long term answers. The moves made this offseason, or lack thereof, put more pressure on Fultz, Isaac, and AG to provide much more than what they have shown in previous seasons. That’s not saying much for Fultz, less for Isaac, and a lot for AG’s sixth season in the league. Yes, our backcourt is one of the worst in the league. No, it was no addressed this offseason. That means someone has to step up that hasn’t already reached their ceiling. If it’s Fultz great. If not, we are looking at the stockpile of length WeHam have accumulated.

[ezzzp]

The FO has set up a solid developmental context. They will have options, it’s not all dependent on Fultz and young forwards...trades will happen. In 2-3 years this will be a different roster.

You seem very confident in that assertion, considering if you asked this entire board whether or not DJ, Fournier, Ross, AG, and Vuc would still be in the same roles, from the previous regime, they would have said absolutely not.

My assertion isn't anything radical...all it takes is a quick glance at NBA player movement history and contract cycles to come to the same conclusion. Terms like "timeline" and "future core" are founded on a hypothetical ideal that very rarely happens. They're more or less fan/media driven notions of rebuilds that don't actually have much to do with the reality of what ends up happening.

Look at the Magic's 4 year cap outlook. See all the empty space, that's reality:



There are endless permutations of how that space gets filled, but it will be.

The entire PG rotation is up in the air in less than one year. DJ and MCW are UFA, Fultz is team option and if picked up becomes a RFA the following summer.

Fournier has a player option next season, that means the FO has to decide wether they trade him this year at mid season or risk losing him for nothing at year's end. Once this year's trade deadline passes his trade value will be dictated as a rental. Its very possible he opts out to have a say in where he plays...or the FO could also give him an extension.

Gordon, who is a more valued asset, also has to be decided on for the same reason. Next summer (to 20-21 trade deadline) his trade value hits its sweet spot. The longer they wait, the worse the return on value as his pending free agency will begin to lower what he's worth risking for teams that want to retain him.

etc etc etc....

[ezzzp]

The only problem here is what motivated the front office to stay as-is with the PG spot when it was a glaring weakness of ours. I'm not sure what they are thinking if they are expecting DJ and MCW will be able to replicate what they did during last season's playoff run. I'd rather be on the safe side and get someone who can actually provide decent upgrades than pinning our hopes on Fultz. Hopefully, Fultz will be able to shoulder the load.

There were a few reasons that I think motivated that decision.

(1) What caliber PG's were available in relation to their available means - the MLE.

The best PG available for the MLE was Tomas Satoransky; a peak prime back up guard who can play some PG. It can be argued that Satoransky was a better trade asset than Aminu. His size certainly fits the type of player the FO covets. We just don't know if they did or didn't try to pursue him. But we do know that Sato wouldn't be the long term answer at starting PG either. The Magic already had 3 options for that back up role. Why add a fourth while not upgrading enough over DJ to disrupt continuity?

(2) Fultz. They already had a high upside prospect PG on the roster. Adding an MLE tier PG would have only forced the Magic to let go of MCW. It wouldn't push Fultz out of the equation as his $ for this season is already guaranteed.

(3) They created a trade context that wouldn't disrupt a playoff run. With Aminu, they acquired a valuable trade asset at the trade deadline (or next one) + he creates depth at SF-C, the area most likely be impacted by outgoing assets in a trade.

[ezzzp]

Al-Fq Aminu (Nigeria) vs Khem Birch (Canada)

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Khem Birch lob dunk: https://streamable.com/ktuda

[basketballRob]

Al-Fq Aminu (Nigeria) vs Khem Birch (Canada)

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Khem Birch lob dunk: https://streamable.com/ktuda

It looked like Aminu with the miss on the other end.

Sent from my SM-G965U using RealGM mobile app