Stay the course or rebuild now

[thelead]

Shouldn't be trying to win until we have a player to build around. Ideally 2, or a 1a-1b like Memphis. But you need at least 1 core guy.

I don't think we have that 1 core guy yet, so I din't think we should be trying to win. I was hoping it was Fultz, but I have doubts that I hope I'm wrong about.

I think most on here voting for a rebuild would be fine with just a couple trades so long as it was people in our starting lineup/higher usage guys.

I agree about not focusing on winning until you have a star or 2. Regarding Fultz, I don’t doubt his talent or feel for the game at this point. Even his 3 is looking better so I think he’ll likely get back to where he can pull up from deep in a year or two. What I have my doubts about is his mindset and approach to the game. He seems complacent on the court but it’s hard to tell if that’s him or if it’s Him conforming to what Clifford wants. Clifford is such a stickler for structure that I’m not sure what’s going on. With all the injuries I would love for him to be hyper aggressive. Clifford should be empowering him but I doubt he will.

[MagicFan101]

I want to know who the 3 people are who voted incorrectly.

... I haven’t read through the thread yet but I think we can assume at least one.

[thelead]

I want to know who the 3 people are who voted incorrectly.

... I haven’t read through the thread yet but I think we can assume at least one.

Martins, Weltman, and Hammond

[MagicFan101]

Shouldn't be trying to win until we have a player to build around. Ideally 2, or a 1a-1b like Memphis. But you need at least 1 core guy.

I don't think we have that 1 core guy yet, so I din't think we should be trying to win. I was hoping it was Fultz, but I have doubts that I hope I'm wrong about.

I think most on here voting for a rebuild would be fine with just a couple trades so long as it was people in our starting lineup/higher usage guys.

I agree about not focusing on winning until you have a star or 2. Regarding Fultz, I don’t doubt his talent or feel for the game at this point. Even his 3 is looking better so I think he’ll likely get back to where he can pull up from deep in a year or two. What I have my doubts about is his mindset and approach to the game. He seems complacent on the court but it’s hard to tell if that’s him or if it’s Him conforming to what Clifford wants. Clifford is such a stickler for structure that I’m not sure what’s going on. With all the injuries I would love for him to be hyper aggressive. Clifford should be empowering him but I doubt he will.

Cliff’s focus on structure is something I spoke to when he was hired.

I spoke at length on this as the reason he was a great hire for TODAY but not for TOMORROW.

I think my evaluation is proving true. He helped our young team reach new heights. We have now reached the playoffs two straight years and have had our first All-Star performer since Dwight. He instills a system that gets these guys to play together. There is clearly enough talent on this roster to make the playoffs in the East and he got that out of them.

However, as we saw in Charlotte his system only takes you so far. He can’t brake away from that system when you cap out. There is no second gear. It seems we have reached that limit.

Thank you Cliff. I very much appreciate the great work you have done here in Orlando. There are probably 5+ teams in the league that could use similar services. But I think your particular skills are no longer needed in Orlando.

[zaymon]

Shouldn't be trying to win until we have a player to build around. Ideally 2, or a 1a-1b like Memphis. But you need at least 1 core guy.

I don't think we have that 1 core guy yet, so I din't think we should be trying to win. I was hoping it was Fultz, but I have doubts that I hope I'm wrong about.

I think most on here voting for a rebuild would be fine with just a couple trades so long as it was people in our starting lineup/higher usage guys.

I agree about not focusing on winning until you have a star or 2. Regarding Fultz, I don’t doubt his talent or feel for the game at this point. Even his 3 is looking better so I think he’ll likely get back to where he can pull up from deep in a year or two. What I have my doubts about is his mindset and approach to the game. He seems complacent on the court but it’s hard to tell if that’s him or if it’s Him conforming to what Clifford wants. Clifford is such a stickler for structure that I’m not sure what’s going on. With all the injuries I would love for him to be hyper aggressive. Clifford should be empowering him but I doubt he will.

Cliff’s focus on structure is something I spoke to when he was hired.

I spoke at length on this as the reason he was a great hire for TODAY but not for TOMORROW.

I think my evaluation is proving true. He helped our young team reach new heights. We have now reached the playoffs two straight years and have had our first All-Star performer since Dwight. He instills a system that gets these guys to play together. There is clearly enough talent on this roster to make the playoffs in the East and he got that out of them.

However, as we saw in Charlotte his system only takes you so far. He can’t brake away from that system when you cap out. There is no second gear. It seems we have reached that limit.

Thank you Cliff. I very much appreciate the great work you have done here in Orlando. There are probably 5+ teams in the league that could use similar services. But I think your particular skills are no longer needed in Orlando.

I think we can all agree Clifford is a good defensive coach. He used drop before it became popular. Offensively you go as far as your best players. Vogel is best example. I was against Vogel after year one, but i love whats Clifford done so far.

[thelead]

I agree about not focusing on winning until you have a star or 2. Regarding Fultz, I don’t doubt his talent or feel for the game at this point. Even his 3 is looking better so I think he’ll likely get back to where he can pull up from deep in a year or two. What I have my doubts about is his mindset and approach to the game. He seems complacent on the court but it’s hard to tell if that’s him or if it’s Him conforming to what Clifford wants. Clifford is such a stickler for structure that I’m not sure what’s going on. With all the injuries I would love for him to be hyper aggressive. Clifford should be empowering him but I doubt he will.

Cliff’s focus on structure is something I spoke to when he was hired.

I spoke at length on this as the reason he was a great hire for TODAY but not for TOMORROW.

I think my evaluation is proving true. He helped our young team reach new heights. We have now reached the playoffs two straight years and have had our first All-Star performer since Dwight. He instills a system that gets these guys to play together. There is clearly enough talent on this roster to make the playoffs in the East and he got that out of them.

However, as we saw in Charlotte his system only takes you so far. He can’t brake away from that system when you cap out. There is no second gear. It seems we have reached that limit.

Thank you Cliff. I very much appreciate the great work you have done here in Orlando. There are probably 5+ teams in the league that could use similar services. But I think your particular skills are no longer needed in Orlando.

I think we can all agree Clifford is a good defensive coach. He used drop before it became popular. Offensively you go as far as your best players. Vogel is best example. I was against Vogel after year one, but i love whats Clifford done so far.

I appreciate what he’s done. Again, I would only change coaches if we can get Atkinson.

[drsd]

I want to know who the 3 people are who voted incorrectly.

... I haven’t read through the thread yet but I think we can assume at least one.

If/when Fournier and Ennis opt-in, all that is really left for Magic management is to trade Gordon. I would place that in the minor-tweeks category.

This team will not be structurally different until Orlando moves on from both Fournier and Gordon.

But with Isaac out, frankly, I am not expecting any changes at all to next years core-roster. Is that what I want? No. But is is a practical reality.


..

[Ducklett]

I want to know who the 3 people are who voted incorrectly.

... I haven’t read through the thread yet but I think we can assume at least one.

Martins, Weltman, and Hammond

Wait a second, none of those names are Pepe...

[MartinsIzAfraud]

The sad thing is there should be a option for doing the bare minimum.. because that's what the FO has done.

[King Ken]

Run it back but without Issac, it changes things

[orlando_joe]

tanking is not what it was even then almost never works...do not quit you keep pushing foward..come on.

[Skin]

The only thing that can keep me positive about this team is thinking about what kind of future we could have if we blew things up.

To some, that means tanking, but I don't think that has to be the case.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADES - Here's some trade examples that I vetted through other teams fans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------


Trade 1: Vucevic to Charlotte for Terry Rozier

If Orlando wants out of Vuc's contract, I'd maybe do a straight Rozier/Vuc swap if we're looking at taking a wing in the draft. Then Vuc could be a 1-2 year stop gap until we draft a better center?

Hmmm, a straight swap of Rozier for Vucevic is interesting, but salaries don't match up.

we have cap room

It was tough finding a trade partner for Vuc. I was bashed for liking Rozier in the past and critics bashed his FG efficiency. Well, he raised all his numbers after getting unleashed away from Boston and has looked good. 18 ppg, .407 3PT%, .430 FG%, and his last game before "the pause" he put up 40 points which included shooting 8 of 13 from 3. Rozier is 26 years old and has 2 more years under contract after this season. Young enough to grow with our youth, but also be a leader. His addition DOES NOT mean giving up on Fultz. It puts less pressure on Fultz, but that can be a good thing. He needs time to work on his 3PT shot. Rozier can be put in at the end of games as he likes taking big shots. He has also played a lot of SG this season as he made way for the huge emergence of Devonte Graham even after he signed a big new contract. I think a 3 man rotation between the 1 and 2 would easily work.

I first started liking Rozier while watching Boston in the playoffs. The floor was not too big for him and he played like a dawg. Didn't step down to anyone. I've always liked the strategy of getting young guys who have been a part of winning teams and know what it takes to be there. Especially if they had a significant role. We NEED more toughness and Scary Terry helps add that. Lowry doesn't get away for hurting AG if Terry is on the team.


Trade 2: Fournier to Phoenix for Kelly Oubre and a future 1st round swap where PHX gains the advantage.

...if Fournier picks up his PO, I'd trade Oubre for him and your pick (or 2021 lightly protected / pick swap, so we can chase a PG). I'd include Okobo for salary matching.

I think Evan could play on the wing alongside either Book or Bridges in a three man rotation.

I like Fournier and consider that, especially if we draft a PG, big or sell our pick.

I initially approached the Suns fans about Gordon, but they ended up liking Fournier more. Fiiiiine by me! Oubre has Energy and Swag to change the identity of this team. 24 years old. Length, Athleticism, Scoring, Spacing, Defense and another guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ever since T-Mac showed us it was possible, I've always had a fascination on players on other teams who could be our next T-Mac like breakout player. Oubre has similar athletic size and skills as T-Mac and has never been truly appreciated. Could have a T-Mac like breakout happen again? Haha...ooooookkkkk... ok.... even if that's a bit overzealous, I'd be happy if he had an Oladipo or TJ Warren like breakout tbh.

Watch on YouTube

Trade 3: Gordon/Ross to Chicago for Lavine/Thad Young

I really like the idea of Gordon for Lavine as the core of a deal...what about Gordon/Ross for Lavine/Thad?

I think that's the perfect deal. And1. Dial it into the commish's office.

Yup, I could live with that deal as well. Well done

I really like the idea of Gordon for Lavine as the core of a deal...what about Gordon/Ross for Lavine/Thad?

I think that's the perfect deal. And1. Dial it into the commish's office.

I will probably take this as well

...AND NOW WE'RE COOKIN'! Rozier/Lavine/Oubre on the wings is DYNAMITE. You might think there are not enough shots to go around, but when you subtract the amount of shots that Fournier, Ross, Gordon and Vuc took, there are PLENTY enough shots to go around for our new trio and both Rozier and Lavine average over 4 apg, so they are not ball stoppers. Thad Young and his 7'1 wingspan is another prototype fit for WeHam's desire for a roster full of long wingspans and at 32 years old he knows his role as a starter will be temporary until Jonathan Isaac returns from injury.

---------------------------------------------
FREE AGENCY
---------------------------------------------

SAY BYE, BYE!
DJ Augustin
Michael Carter Williams
Melvin Frazier
Gary Clark

WELCOME BACK!
Wes Iwundu


---------------------------------------------
DRAFT
---------------------------------------------

1ST ROUND, PICK 15 - GUARD, JAHMI'US RAMSEY - 6'4 (6'10 Wingspan), 195

Tired of projects with length, but no size, that need to learn basketball skills? Then Ramsey is your cure. Ramsey is a baller's baller. This guy has an NBA ready body and scores on all 3 levels. 43% 3PT%, smooth handles, footwork, can carve a defense and score in bunches. Uses his long wingspan and athleticism to produce explosive plays on offense and defense. He fills depth at both Guard spots and certainly has the potential to be a star as he continues to develop his game. Shades of Donovan Mitchell.

Watch on YouTube

2ND ROUND, PICK 45 - FORWARD, PAUL REED, DEPAUL - 6'9 (7'2 Wingspan), 220

With Aaron Gordon gone (in this scenario) and Jonathan Isaac hurt, PF is an area that can be strengthened through the draft as both Thad Young and Al-Farouq Aminu are both aged veterans. Some folks compare Reed to a poor man's Pascal Siakam "type" of prospect. Certain qualities stand out right away... his length, controlled body contortion and mobility with the ball, smooth aggressiveness, shoots with confidence, and maybe most impressively and defensive demon who averaged 2.6 bpg and 1.9 spg. "His defensive presence has arguably been his most important trait as a college basketball player. He currently leads the conference in blocks, defensive win shares, defensive rating and defensive box plus-minus. Meanwhile, his block percentage (12.2 percent) ranks Top 20 in the nation." If you haven't heard of Paul Reed, I encourage you to check him out.

Good read: https://hoopshype.com/2019/12/09/depaul-paul-reed-scouting-report-nba-draft-analysis/

Read on Twitter

Watch on YouTube

---------------------------------------------
2020-21 ROSTER - Name Wingspan (Age)
---------------------------------------------

PG Markelle Fultz 6’9 (22) / 6TH Terry Rozier 6’8 (26)
SG Zach Lavine 6’8 (25) / Jahmi’us Ramsey 6’10 (19) / Wes Iwundu 7’1 (25)
SF Kelly Oubre 7’3 (24) / Chuma Okeke 7’0 (21) / James Ennis 7’0 (30)
PF Thad Young 7’1 (32) / Paul Reed 7'2 (21) / IR Jonathan Isaac 7’1 (22)
C Mo Bamba 7’10 (22) / Khem Birch 7’ (27) / Al-Faruq Aminu 7’3 (29)

-- Future --
PG Markelle Fultz / Terry Rozier
SG Zach Lavine / Jahmi'us Ramsey
SF Kelly Oubre / Chuma Okeke
PF Jonathan Isaac / Paul Reed
C Mo Bamba / FA or Draft




Versatility ALL OVER. Big boost in wing scoring, spacing, athleticism, and tenacity. Similar age range for core players can lead to longevity and consistency. Vets on the roster are ones who understand their roles and are not "looking for theirs" or using us as "stepping stones" to bigger/better deals. Are they contenders? Maybe, maybe not, but this would be a super fun team to watch with plenty of hope for a brighter future each year they stay together. As Isaac returns from injury this team could really start to be a part of the new NBA contenders. Whaddayasay??? Do you like it? Yes or No? or

[Bensational]

Love the detailed write up Skin! Fun read.

My biggest question is: what separates that team from what Chicago already is? What elevates them? And is there room for a young wing like Ramsey/Okeke to emerge as a star if they end up being a superior talent?

Also, what's your plan for convincing the DeVos family to sell up?

[jonbob17]

That team would be a lot of fun to watch. Probably would be a bottom 10 team in defense. Can’t imagine it is any better than the current team, but not significantly worse either. Another good example of the Magic being stuck.

It would help the team get younger and be more flexible moving forward. Reed would be an absolute steal at that pick. I am still hoping there is a high upside player falls to 15, Anthony, Maxey, Hampton. I like Ramsey, but there are a lot of questions.

[basketballRob]

I want to know who the 3 people are who voted incorrectly.

... I haven’t read through the thread yet but I think we can assume at least one.

If/when Fournier and Ennis opt-in, all that is really left for Magic management is to trade Gordon. I would place that in the minor-tweeks category.

This team will not be structurally different until Orlando moves on from both Fournier and Gordon.

But with Isaac out, frankly, I am not expecting any changes at all to next years core-roster. Is that what I want? No. But is is a practical reality.


..

That's true because Fournier and Vuc have zero value. All teams know they don't contribute to winning.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

[zaymon]

Very nice, detailed write up. I think the moves are mostly lateral. Lineups you wrote lack shooting basketball iq and passing. It would be ugly me first basketball, much worse than we have now. Our ceiling also stays the same, if not lower. We still dont have a star and additionaly we dont have a center.

[UCFJayBird]

Keep Clifford but make major changes to roster. Only players safe to me: Isaac, Fultz, Okeke, and maybe Ross & Bamba. Just because I still think it's a little early in Bamba's career but if the right deal came along i'd consider throwing him in on a trade. Ross is such a spark plug and a great 6th man that i'd rather hang on to him.

Everyone else is fair game, and I think Evan and Nik need to be traded. I've had in my mind for years that I think that the locker room leadership needs to change, but Evan and Nik have been here for so long now that they're the de facto leaders and it won't really shift until they're gone. The team just leans to them too much and (IMO) stunts other players opportunities. I've never been a huge fan of Evan, but I really do like Nik, and I'll be sad to see him play elsewhere but I think it's time to move on. I also think Aaron is now entering that territory where he'll be the de facto leader if/when they leave, and I don't think that'd be a good move.

I just see our ceiling rising until the on the court dynamic/leadership changes. Also, we need more shooters for crying out loud.

[tiderulz]

The only thing that can keep me positive about this team is thinking about what kind of future we could have if we blew things up.

To some, that means tanking, but I don't think that has to be the case.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADES - Here's some trade examples that I vetted through other teams fans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------


Trade 1: Vucevic to Charlotte for Terry Rozier

Hmmm, a straight swap of Rozier for Vucevic is interesting, but salaries don't match up.

we have cap room

It was tough finding a trade partner for Vuc. I was bashed for liking Rozier in the past and critics bashed his FG efficiency. Well, he raised all his numbers after getting unleashed away from Boston and has looked good. 18 ppg, .407 3PT%, .430 FG%, and his last game before "the pause" he put up 40 points which included shooting 8 of 13 from 3. Rozier is 26 years old and has 2 more years under contract after this season. Young enough to grow with our youth, but also be a leader. His addition DOES NOT mean giving up on Fultz. It puts less pressure on Fultz, but that can be a good thing. He needs time to work on his 3PT shot. Rozier can be put in at the end of games as he likes taking big shots. He has also played a lot of SG this season as he made way for the huge emergence of Devonte Graham even after he signed a big new contract. I think a 3 man rotation between the 1 and 2 would easily work.

I first started liking Rozier while watching Boston in the playoffs. The floor was not too big for him and he played like a dawg. Didn't step down to anyone. I've always liked the strategy of getting young guys who have been a part of winning teams and know what it takes to be there. Especially if they had a significant role. We NEED more toughness and Scary Terry helps add that. Lowry doesn't get away for hurting AG if Terry is on the team.


Trade 2: Fournier to Phoenix for Kelly Oubre and a future 1st round swap where PHX gains the advantage.

...if Fournier picks up his PO, I'd trade Oubre for him and your pick (or 2021 lightly protected / pick swap, so we can chase a PG). I'd include Okobo for salary matching.

I think Evan could play on the wing alongside either Book or Bridges in a three man rotation.

I like Fournier and consider that, especially if we draft a PG, big or sell our pick.

I initially approached the Suns fans about Gordon, but they ended up liking Fournier more. Fiiiiine by me! Oubre has Energy and Swag to change the identity of this team. 24 years old. Length, Athleticism, Scoring, Spacing, Defense and another guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Ever since T-Mac showed us it was possible, I've always had a fascination on players on other teams who could be our next T-Mac like breakout player. Oubre has similar athletic size and skills as T-Mac and has never been truly appreciated. Could have a T-Mac like breakout happen again? Haha...ooooookkkkk... ok.... even if that's a bit overzealous, I'd be happy if he had an Oladipo or TJ Warren like breakout tbh.

Watch on YouTube

Trade 3: Gordon/Ross to Chicago for Lavine/Thad Young

I think that's the perfect deal. And1. Dial it into the commish's office.

Yup, I could live with that deal as well. Well done

I think that's the perfect deal. And1. Dial it into the commish's office.

I will probably take this as well

...AND NOW WE'RE COOKIN'! Rozier/Lavine/Oubre on the wings is DYNAMITE. You might think there are not enough shots to go around, but when you subtract the amount of shots that Fournier, Ross, Gordon and Vuc took, there are PLENTY enough shots to go around for our new trio and both Rozier and Lavine average over 4 apg, so they are not ball stoppers. Thad Young and his 7'1 wingspan is another prototype fit for WeHam's desire for a roster full of long wingspans and at 32 years old he knows his role as a starter will be temporary until Jonathan Isaac returns from injury.

---------------------------------------------
FREE AGENCY
---------------------------------------------

SAY BYE, BYE!
DJ Augustin
Michael Carter Williams
Melvin Frazier
Gary Clark

WELCOME BACK!
Wes Iwundu


---------------------------------------------
DRAFT
---------------------------------------------

1ST ROUND, PICK 15 - GUARD, JAHMI'US RAMSEY - 6'4 (6'10 Wingspan), 195

Tired of projects with length, but no size, that need to learn basketball skills? Then Ramsey is your cure. Ramsey is a baller's baller. This guy has an NBA ready body and scores on all 3 levels. 43% 3PT%, smooth handles, footwork, can carve a defense and score in bunches. Uses his long wingspan and athleticism to produce explosive plays on offense and defense. He fills depth at both Guard spots and certainly has the potential to be a star as he continues to develop his game. Shades of Donovan Mitchell.

Watch on YouTube

2ND ROUND, PICK 45 - FORWARD, PAUL REED, DEPAUL - 6'9 (7'2 Wingspan), 220

With Aaron Gordon gone (in this scenario) and Jonathan Isaac hurt, PF is an area that can be strengthened through the draft as both Thad Young and Al-Farouq Aminu are both aged veterans. Some folks compare Reed to a poor man's Pascal Siakam "type" of prospect. Certain qualities stand out right away... his length, controlled body contortion and mobility with the ball, smooth aggressiveness, shoots with confidence, and maybe most impressively and defensive demon who averaged 2.6 bpg and 1.9 spg. "His defensive presence has arguably been his most important trait as a college basketball player. He currently leads the conference in blocks, defensive win shares, defensive rating and defensive box plus-minus. Meanwhile, his block percentage (12.2 percent) ranks Top 20 in the nation." If you haven't heard of Paul Reed, I encourage you to check him out.

Good read: https://hoopshype.com/2019/12/09/depaul-paul-reed-scouting-report-nba-draft-analysis/

Read on Twitter

Watch on YouTube

---------------------------------------------
2020-21 ROSTER - Name Wingspan (Age)
---------------------------------------------

PG Markelle Fultz 6’9 (22) / 6TH Terry Rozier 6’8 (26)
SG Zach Lavine 6’8 (25) / Jahmi’us Ramsey 6’10 (19) / Wes Iwundu 7’1 (25)
SF Kelly Oubre 7’3 (24) / Chuma Okeke 7’0 (21) / James Ennis 7’0 (30)
PF Thad Young 7’1 (32) / Paul Reed 7'2 (21) / IR Jonathan Isaac 7’1 (22)
C Mo Bamba 7’10 (22) / Khem Birch 7’ (27) / Al-Faruq Aminu 7’3 (29)

-- Future --
PG Markelle Fultz / Terry Rozier
SG Zach Lavine / Jahmi'us Ramsey
SF Kelly Oubre / Chuma Okeke
PF Jonathan Isaac / Paul Reed
C Mo Bamba / FA or Draft




Versatility ALL OVER. Big boost in wing scoring, spacing, athleticism, and tenacity. Similar age range for core players can lead to longevity and consistency. Vets on the roster are ones who understand their roles and are not "looking for theirs" or using us as "stepping stones" to bigger/better deals. Are they contenders? Maybe, maybe not, but this would be a super fun team to watch with plenty of hope for a brighter future each year they stay together. As Isaac returns from injury this team could really start to be a part of the new NBA contenders. Whaddayasay??? Do you like it? Yes or No? or

first of all, great research, breakdown and right up. that said, i have a few comments (or nitpicks based on opinion)
1 - While i still not necessarily like the efficiency of Rozier, the league is winning with inefficient players. He is still a turnstile on defense (115 DRTG) but i agree that he isnt afraid of the bright lights (time spent with Boston helped this). I believe the team needs a big change of direction, so i wouldnt be against this move. Good thoughts and research

2 - ok, have a little problem here. Oubre to me does not have "similar skills of McGrady". Oubre may "fit" better as a SF, but he is not a good shooter and coming off knee injury i believe (likely not a long term issue). He wanted major money last time and with an increase in ppg, will likely demand that again. trading for Fournier, we lose shooting but its not the end of the world, because

3 - Lavine would likely be the #1 option, with Rozier as the #2. your wings list of Rozier/Lavine/Oubre, there will be scoring but the defense is going to be bad to very bad. that being said, teams are winning with offense so maybe its time for a change. Not like we have won a title with defense.

but with those moves, Fultz goes to the bench. No idea how that will affect his psyche.

no issue with your draft picks.

great all around thoughts and research.

[tiderulz]

Keep Clifford but make major changes to roster. Only players safe to me: Isaac, Fultz, Okeke, and maybe Ross & Bamba. Just because I still think it's a little early in Bamba's career but if the right deal came along i'd consider throwing him in on a trade. Ross is such a spark plug and a great 6th man that i'd rather hang on to him.

Everyone else is fair game, and I think Evan and Nik need to be traded. I've had in my mind for years that I think that the locker room leadership needs to change, but Evan and Nik have been here for so long now that they're the de facto leaders and it won't really shift until they're gone. The team just leans to them too much and (IMO) stunts other players opportunities. I've never been a huge fan of Evan, but I really do like Nik, and I'll be sad to see him play elsewhere but I think it's time to move on. I also think Aaron is now entering that territory where he'll be the de facto leader if/when they leave, and I don't think that'd be a good move.

I just see our ceiling rising until the on the court dynamic/leadership changes. Also, we need more shooters for crying out loud.

Gordon been here just as long as Fournier and likely seen as just as much a leader the past few years, especially with more name recognition. not saying you are wrong for wanted a change in leadership, just think AG belongs in that group

[OrlChamps2030]

Great post Skin. Not going to copy and paste due to how long is it is, but I liked every trade. Congrats on making the best post since the break in the season.

I do think it’s possible (and likely) that team doesn’t eclipse this year’s win total. But I do feel as though it has more upside and offensive versatility.

LaVine has more offensive upside than any player going out in the deal. I like Oubre’s fit as a true wing more than AG on the roster. Rozier would bring serious firepower off the bench too, which we are severely lacking in.

C position is a little thin, but luckily it’s the easiest position to fill and depth can be found via MLE/2nd round/UDFA/overseas. I’d much rather invest the ~30mill that goes to Vuc every year in other positions. And we would get to see Bamba sink or swim.

I do think with a personnel change so significant, there would be no reason to keep Clifford around and I’d rather try our luck at a first time NBA head coach. No more retreads.