For me...
-I’d REALLY like to see Fultz just tear apart MIL’s guards in a game or two. Mostly for the sake of his confidence that he can be a star next season. Story goes...he comes out and hits 3 uncontested 3’s in the first quarter. This puts him on the attack and in a, until now, rare state of “Mamba Mentality” - he knows and they know that he’s too fast, too long, too good for any of them. He eurosteps, switches hands, tomahawks, and hits turnarounds at will. He’s, once again, the best player on the floor, like nearly his whole life. He’s fired up, talking junk, chasing down blocks, and pissed off at his NBA career to this point. They lose the series 4-3 but notice is given that Markelle will be a premier player in this league starting now.
-AG is healthy and, completely reactive to the above scene, he falls right in line, playing off of Fultz’s new gravity. He follows him for lobs and drop off dunks, he hits open 3’s from the corners, and he enjoys the defensive frustration the two of them can inflict on less dominant athletes. The pressure on the perimeter leads to a slam dunk highlight reel on the other end. The FO imagines what this could look like when Isaac returns and which young coach might best deploy these weapons most effectively.
-Ennis emerges as the Marcus Smart of this team. Embracing a versatile supporting role as a fiery leader and clutch playmaker. He’s staying in Orl.
-Vuc has a great series and nobody can continue to deny his dominant post play, his improved defense, and his mental toughness in big games. GSW determine that they can’t win without him And begin to prepare an offer to outbid all of the others
-TRoss shows that he can be much more than a wild streaky gunner. He plays with poise and, like AG, plays off of Markelle’s penetration game by cutting, finishing strong and getting to the line, and hitting 3’s all day. Evan is getting nervous and should be.
-Bamba, Okeke, and Aminu are healing well, developing their bodies and minds for a big season next year.
-Giannis has to go completely berserk to preserve this series victory. Budenholzer has to adjust constantly to mitigate the varied barrage of threats. The better team prevails but both give ORL credit as a fierce team on the rise. “They may just be one piece away from contending“. Potential “one pieces” around the league take notice and consider how they could fit. ORL is once again considered a FA destination with a young talented team, great climate, great organization and facilities, no taxes.
*That got a little out of hand but you get the idea.
Most optimistic deductions i can make right now:
