2021-2022 Regular Season Game 19: Charlotte Hornets (11-8) at Orlando Magic (4-14) - 11/24/21 at 7pm ET

[penny_nz]

Better performance (would have been difficult not to), kept it close, we need people back. Right now I'm probably most excited to see a lineup of Fultz / Suggs / Franz / JI / WCJ. Need to see the best way to get Suggs as many plus minutes as possible, I just don't think primary ball handler will be it so far this season

[SOUL]

Are we set in any position? Maybe Franz at SF.

Maybe not set but justifying taking similar talent in a guard seems overkill and the other positions we need to see what we have. If we're #1 or #2 pick it doesn't matter but down the line I don't think we'd pick more guards or guys to play over Franz or a healthy Isaac.

[MaKiaVeLi7]

These Hornets guards are embarrassing Mohammed on both ends of the floor. They just don't have any fear or respect of Bamba.
Lamelo just schooled him again with floater buzzer beater.

That was over WCJ.

You always just post anti-Bamba stuff.

All starters were + btw.

Not true, right in the face of Bamba. Check the tape if you want.

And yeah, sure. I hate his game and I don't hide it. We can all see his not improving the team's performance and empty stats in 3 or 4 games a month should not and cannot fool anyone, unless you like soft 7ft 3-point shooters with no skills.

Funny how I was called a Cole Anthony Homer when he was still struggling and figuring it out last year, now we do not talk about it. NOW all that see Bamba for what he is are Bamba-haters. Interesting to revisit that in a few years when are going to be asking if he's still in the league or in Australia, China or elsewhere.

[RichCollab]

I've never seen a player like Bamba where the eye test and the stats are so at odds.

One thing is for sure, he's exploitable when it matters.

I’m glad Bamba has at least some improvements this season and getting time as a starter. He needs to get effort back as it’s getting dangerously close to his old self.

[SOUL]

These Hornets guards are embarrassing Mohammed on both ends of the floor. They just don't have any fear or respect of Bamba.
Lamelo just schooled him again with floater buzzer beater.

That was over WCJ.

You always just post anti-Bamba stuff.

All starters were + btw.

Not true, right in the face of Bamba. Check the tape if you want.

They both stepped up to help.. why would you target one guy over the other? Oh right, I forgot

[richi_v25]

Well happy Thanksgiving guys and hope all is well!

[SOUL]

I don't love giving Clifford credit for much of anything, but man it sure seems like he was on the money about Bamba from the jump.

Meh, he just seems like an average young player to me. Shows glimpses but most likely will never put it all together. I think his mistakes get heightened compared to other guys though because he has been here a few years already and it wouldn't be fair to pile it all on younger guys. He's also not all that coordinated and outside of Gobert, I've yet to see someone with that kind height/wing span be a sturdy big man that's trustworthy night after night unfortunately.

I also feel like the whole "bad guard defense" excuse from people have gone out the window with Vucevic gone, which was never the reason why Vuc couldn't defend the paint, he just couldn't unless it was man defense, but a bit of the blame has to be put on guards if LaMelo is doing the same hesitation dribble and getting in the paint easily. Paint defense will always look bad with WCJ/Bamba if one has to step up.

My biggest gripe is getting in the correct position on rebounds. Too many times he has good position and then puts himself under the hoop too far to be able to get a shot that should be an easy rebound..

And again, starters were a plus in all their minutes tonight. Bench escaping criticism.

[RichCollab]

Are we set in any position? Maybe Franz at SF.

Maybe not set but justifying taking similar talent in a guard seems overkill and the other positions we need to see what we have. If we're #1 or #2 pick it doesn't matter but down the line I don't think we'd pick more guards or guys to play over Franz or a healthy Isaac.

Healthy Isaac? I’m ready to cut our loses if he doesn’t play at least 50 games this year. At least it’s not as gut wrenching as holding out hope for a healthy Grant Hill was.

[SOUL]

Anyway, happy thanksgiving. Starters played okay, bad turnovers and shots at time. Bench pooped itself.

Still don't like seeing blame on one player all the time. Cole, Bamba, I'm sure Suggs will be next year.

I don't even expect Bamba to be here next year with the WCJ extension and draft coming but I think he's improved quite a bit in some areas. Probably best served as the #1 bench big on a team because impact wise he's too hot and cold. Still young, but still a perimeter dependent player on offense without a go-to move.

[SOUL]

Are we set in any position? Maybe Franz at SF.

Maybe not set but justifying taking similar talent in a guard seems overkill and the other positions we need to see what we have. If we're #1 or #2 pick it doesn't matter but down the line I don't think we'd pick more guards or guys to play over Franz or a healthy Isaac.

Healthy Isaac? I’m ready to cut our loses if he doesn’t play at least 50 games this year. At least it’s not as gut wrenching as holding out hope for a healthy Grant Hill was.

It's a lot to depend on but we already gave him a contract extension with an injury stipulation so we just have to wait and see. Talent wise we don't have the luxury to just cast him aside. If he becomes a headache because of outside of NBA stuff + injuries then I'll say bye to him too, which is unfortunate because when healthy he's my favorite player to watch.

[SOUL]

Also sorry for being grumpy. Told myself this season I wouldn't argue silly things but it's ingrained in me

[MaKiaVeLi7]

That was over WCJ.

You always just post anti-Bamba stuff.

All starters were + btw.

Not true, right in the face of Bamba. Check the tape if you want.

They both stepped up to help.. why would you target one guy over the other? Oh right, I forgot

Isn't Bamba supposedly the defensive anchor, the advertised defensive game-changer with record-breaking wingspan and 'outstanding' defensive instincts and potential.

That's why!!! Don't you think those are good enough reasons????

[RichCollab]

Maybe not set but justifying taking similar talent in a guard seems overkill and the other positions we need to see what we have. If we're #1 or #2 pick it doesn't matter but down the line I don't think we'd pick more guards or guys to play over Franz or a healthy Isaac.

Healthy Isaac? I’m ready to cut our loses if he doesn’t play at least 50 games this year. At least it’s not as gut wrenching as holding out hope for a healthy Grant Hill was.

It's a lot to depend on but we already gave him a contract extension with an injury stipulation so we just have to wait and see. Talent wise we don't have the luxury to just cast him aside. If he becomes a headache because of outside of NBA stuff + injuries then I'll say bye to him too, which is unfortunate because when healthy he's my favorite player to watch.

I know I enjoyed watching Issac and want that back. I’m remembering taking my daughter to a game and all I talked about was JI.

[SOUL]

Is he sucking on defense for the last 4 years???

That's why!!! Don't you think those are good enough reasons????

I just think a lot of your posts are harsh on him from what I see and the good games you are quiet.. so if I saw more fair criticism (and believe me, Bamba has a lot to be criticized on, I agree), it's something I wouldn't really call out because it's not like I disagree with all of it.

Just like ibraheim when he posted here about giving Suggs the keys and how Cole is ruining him, it's just not something I find to be true even though I like Suggs more as a player and agree he should be prioritized as the lead future guard, but I think people understate how hard it is being a rookie guard in the NBA and succeeding while having a crazy amount of usage.

But I realized people cheer for the team differently and have favorites/people they don't like while I'm just kinda taking a wait and see approach. I don't consider anybody untouchable but want to see Suggs/Wagner in a few years and a healthy Isaac as our only keepers so far. Cole depending on how he finishes this year.

[RookieStar]

Well... games like these...

At this early stage :
For a quick fix I think we are better served with Duren

For a long term risky but great superstar reward we go for Chet

For best fit with our current roster, we go Paolo

[Knightro]

I've never seen a player like Bamba where the eye test and the stats are so at odds.

This is really accurate.

You look at Bamba's raw numbers and the guy is putting up a 11-9-2-2-1. He gets a good amount of stocks. He can (at times, it's inconsistent) really alter shots in the paint. He can shoot a little bit. If you just look at his box scores it's really easy to be like "oh we may have something here".

But then you watch him actually play and you realize that he just isn't good. He's soft. He's slow. He's weak. He's lacking desire and basketball intelligence.

I really do not enjoy watching him at all. I wouldn't even considering giving him a second contract at this point.

[richi_v25]

Not to sound like a hater but after Okeke made his first shot it looked so good I thought heck yes we got him back... then nope he totally disappeared lol

[JTG_92940618]

The Wagner brothers were good today. Franz probably didn't make as many plays on defence as I'm used to but he played his role well. I constantly judge him like a veteran because he's so steady. Mo Wagner brings it every time he's on the court and he made shots this game. I'm not sure about his rebounding but overall I'm pleased.

Wendell was dependable as always. For me he needs to work out the timing of when to step up against a drive but that's easier said than done. I would love to get him more shots somehow. Maybe we should hit him in the post on those plays where we're just scrambling to find an opening. He'd have to move quickly if the clock is running out though.

You could also argue that Harris made enough shots to be at least neutral tonight. 3 threes is a season-high.

Overall everyone is being asked to do too much. For example, RJ should be a catch and shoot 3&D type who can attack a closeout if it's right. Suggs should get PG minutes against bench guys. Okeke should get his shots in the flow of the offence, not be asked to create shots. This all comes down to not having enough healthy players. Fultz would make a huge difference from a structure point of view.

[MaKiaVeLi7]

I've never seen a player like Bamba where the eye test and the stats are so at odds.

This is really accurate.

You look at Bamba's raw numbers and the guy is putting up a 11-9-2-2-1. He gets a good amount of stocks. He can (at times, it's inconsistent) really alter shots in the paint. He can shoot a little bit. If you just look at his box scores it's really easy to be like "oh we may have something here".

But then you watch him actually play and you realize that he just isn't good. He's soft. He's slow. He's weak. He's lacking desire and basketball intelligence.

I really do not enjoy watching him at all. I wouldn't even considering giving him a second contract at this point.

Very well said, Knightro. Exactly my point.

I don't like his game, I don't believe he can develop into a semi-dependable NBA starting-caliber center. I don't like him getting a second contract from the Magic and want him off the roster.

His game is not fun to watch, I don't believe we can find 5 knowledgeable Magic fans who enjoy his playing style.

It's just always a constant struggle with him, like someone that's being forced to pretend to play the game for money without really wanting it or being capable of such performance. Everything seems to be forced with him, even a second consecutive coaching staff founds itself in the position to force him to be motivated and inspired about the game and "develop" his skills and mental approach 4 seasons into his pro career.

Really, what are we supposed to be waiting to see from him from this point on??

I am afraid it's GAME OVER for Bamba in my book.

[otownflava21]

21 FTA vs just 8 FTA for us. Is it the refs disrespect towards us or do we continue to fail to draw contact. This costed us the game