Markelle Fultz

[CarraT]

I wouldn't worry about it. If Markelle left, we'd still have $50m to sign some players.

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So who’s your go to FA? There are none good.

Siakim, Heild, and a few others. Players could come available, too.

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Maxing Siakam while having Franz and Banchero at F? Sounds like a smart move. Hield is just average, though I’d like him for the right price.
I’m not saying we need to resign Fultz at any price. It’s just that I don’t believe we’ll get any good FA, because there just are none available. 24 FA class sucks and the few good FA gonna be overpriced and won’t choose Orlando.

[MasterGMer]

I wouldn't worry about it. If Markelle left, we'd still have $50m to sign some players.

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Let me ask you this: who is a better Free Agent PG in the market that is better than Markelle Fultz?

[basketballRob]

I wouldn't worry about it. If Markelle left, we'd still have $50m to sign some players.

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Let me ask you this: who is a better Free Agent PG in the market that is better than Markelle Fultz?

Tyus Jones isn't as good but could start. Portland is near the tax threshold and might give up Simons just for salary relief and second round picks. He could fill in at PG.

I do think we would offer the max to Siakam, and he would be one of our biggest free agent signings. Banchero has shown he can play some center, and Franz can play some guard. All 3 could play big minutes on the same team.



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[yoyojw17]

Fultz July 1: "I want to thank the Orlando Magic organization for their patience and support. I wouldn't be the player and man I am without the love I've felt here from players, coaches, and fans...but I'm taking my talents to South Beach"

I honestly think this organization is holding Fultz back as a player! I mean he says he worked on his offensive game such as pull up 3s and iso ball, which made me believe might play a bit off the ball during media day interviews!

But somehow he's deferring to his teammates! (I'm sorry I keep harping on that lol) he also had zero turnovers yesterday against Cleveland in 20 minutes!

He just makes the game look so easy when he's on the court and that bothers me knowing he could impose his will on the game, if coaches give him the green light!

We saw it all last season though. The games where Paolo and franz weren't cutting it but they still wanted a win.... fultz picked it up. He is a team player and is working for the betterment of the team and the win. I said it a few times this summer. this team is so talented that we do not need to have any player being "THE MAN" every single night. You take advantage of what is given to you by the defense. and your most offensively dominant players will shine the most. Franz and Paolo's development are still the priority of the team and seeing the depths of their talent is integral in our growth. Paolo has already shown his versatility and franz is looking primed for break out season. but damn... it is great to have another individual that can buoy the team on any given night because he is that hard to stop. loved what i've seen from the team so far. This is still only preseason... so we will see what we really got very soon! Excited for it all.

[Skybox]

Fultz July 1: "I want to thank the Orlando Magic organization for their patience and support. I wouldn't be the player and man I am without the love I've felt here from players, coaches, and fans...but I'm taking my talents to South Beach"

I honestly think this organization is holding Fultz back as a player! I mean he says he worked on his offensive game such as pull up 3s and iso ball, which made me believe might play a bit off the ball during media day interviews!

But somehow he's deferring to his teammates! (I'm sorry I keep harping on that lol) he also had zero turnovers yesterday against Cleveland in 20 minutes!

He just makes the game look so easy when he's on the court and that bothers me knowing he could impose his will on the game, if coaches give him the green light!

We saw it all last season though. The games where Paolo and franz weren't cutting it but they still wanted a win.... fultz picked it up. He is a team player and is working for the betterment of the team and the win. I said it a few times this summer. this team is so talented that we do not need to have any player being "THE MAN" every single night. You take advantage of what is given to you by the defense. and your most offensively dominant players will shine the most. Franz and Paolo's development are still the priority of the team and seeing the depths of their talent is integral in our growth. Paolo has already shown his versatility and franz is looking primed for break out season. but damn... it is great to have another individual that can buoy the team on any given night because he is that hard to stop. loved what i've seen from the team so far. This is still only preseason... so we will see what we really got very soon! Excited for it all.

I’m sorry…I’d love this to be true but I don’t recall any big dominant offensive games for Markelle. If he’s deferring for the good of the team, it’s time for him to stop. We’re not so good that our starting PG should be letting off the offensive gas for anyone…if he’s got a good player inside- we need him if we’re going to escape the lottery. The idea that “deferring” is his strength isn’t very comforting to me. The reality, imo, is that he’s a good player, but his on-ball strengths are less but similar to our best players (not complementary/redundant) and his off-ball skills are …non-existent. He can participate offensively without being a AAU/playground tunnel vision guy like Cam Thomas. Scoring more from the perimeter would not be taking away from our “young stars”…we need him (or his replacement) to BE one of our young stars. Modern centers don’t generally dominate offensively (just two freaky exceptions?). Modern ball handlers don’t just dish 12 assists and score a handful of pts like the 80’s & 90’s…they score, a lot, to keep defenses on their heels.

He had 18pts or more 16 times last year and just 4 were wins

[JF5]

Fultz gets way too much hate for how good he is. He just makes winning plays, has a high basketball IQ and very crafty. People don't like that he doesn't shoot threes, but he doesn't have to because he can just get by defenders at will for an easy layup, dumpoff, or his elite mid range jumper. They better extend him soon as his value continues to rise.

Fultz should be more assertive on offense instead of looking for his teammates most of the times!

He's too talented to passive!

Where as Paolo forces things when he has the ball, especially on the perimeter which leads to turnovers!

His job is to get the ball to Paolo/Franz and to facilitate the offense. He knows the team won't be as good if he's not moving the ball.

[Audi]

He had 18pts or more 16 times last year and just 4 were wins

Don’t worry, he got blamed for those losses too.

[Skybox]

There was a lot of criticism of Vuc and “buddy ball” while he was being named an All-Star and putting us on his back and dragging us to the playoffs. He was 100% our best player and I resented him being blamed for the team’s low ceiling. But it was true then, that feeding Vuc all game and running the offense through him, led to wins, but had a pretty hard ceiling.

Ironically, imo, clinging to Fultz is also clamping a hard ceiling on this team…it’s not personal, it’s his game. At this point, I’d say we’ve passed the point of making a proactive decision, so I’m rooting and hoping he has something to his game that he hasn’t shown yet…which is kind of a ridiculous way to look at your starting PG.

[eyriq]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

[zaymon]

I honestly think this organization is holding Fultz back as a player! I mean he says he worked on his offensive game such as pull up 3s and iso ball, which made me believe might play a bit off the ball during media day interviews!

But somehow he's deferring to his teammates! (I'm sorry I keep harping on that lol) he also had zero turnovers yesterday against Cleveland in 20 minutes!

He just makes the game look so easy when he's on the court and that bothers me knowing he could impose his will on the game, if coaches give him the green light!

I doubt its about coaches. Fultz rarely does something outside his safe zone. He has low tolerance for mistakes. Similar to Ben Simmons.

I don’t think this is true. I don’t think Fultz psychs himself out or anything if he misses a shot, because he can get to the rim almost at will, especially in transition, and he often does that to get something going for himself or to start a run for the team.

I think it might be that he’s over confident in his driving/midrange game because of that ability, so he doesn’t feel as much pressure to generate something from outside. That’s where he needs to train himself to trust that outside shot more.

When i think about player overconfident in his driving ability i think about Giannis or Lebron not Fultz who averages 14 points per game and cant draw fouls. He is also average in transition (53rd percentile) in contrast to his reputation.
You can say Ben Simmons is not confident in his shot or you can say he is overconfident in his passing. Its just a manipulation for those who never watched him play.
I must admit you made my day, first time reading such argument.

[VFX]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

Too much to ask for.

You get a score first 3rd option with no intangibles and you’ll like it.

[Skybox]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

Well...you got it. Probably 7th option on offense, including bench players...maybe maybe maybe could sell it if we had an explosive 3-level scorer at SG (like Murray, Herro or Simons(who are all, at times, modern PGs)), but for now we've got a defensive prodigy who can occasionally hit shots in Suggs and score opportunistically as our best SG prospect. Suggs would be a perfect complement to a Shooting/Scoring PG like Lillard or Steph. It's a pile of individually "good" players - but a terribly mismatched backcourt group.

I get that it's those Paolo & Franz and then...everybody else. But (even in that very limiting scheme) the role players need to have complementary skills - not necessarily equal or even close, but skills that enhance the two lead guys...and that means getting them some space to work and making the other teams (at the very least) reconsider double-teaming.

Beating a dead horse, but I don't really want to hear about the primary ball handler focusing on "feeding" everyone when he gets a career high 5.7 assists. Our offense was 5th worst in the NBA last year...we're missing something significant in our starting lineup.

[eyriq]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

Well...you got it. Probably 7th option on offense, including bench players...maybe maybe maybe could sell it if we had an explosive 3-level scorer at SG (like Murray, Herro or Simons(who are all, at times, modern PGs)), but for now we've got a defensive prodigy who can occasionally hit shots in Suggs and score opportunistically as our best SG prospect. Suggs would be a perfect complement to a Shooting/Scoring PG like Lillard or Steph. It's a pile of individually "good" players - but a terribly mismatched backcourt group.

I get that it's those Paolo & Franz and then...everybody else. But (even in that very limiting scheme) the role players need to have complementary skills - not necessarily equal or even close, but skills that enhance the two lead guys...and that means getting them some space to work and making the other teams (at the very least) reconsider double-teaming.

Beating a dead horse, but I don't really want to hear about the primary ball handler focusing on "feeding" everyone when he gets a career high 5.7 assists. Our offense was 5th worst in the NBA last year...we're missing something significant in our starting lineup.

Fultz actually performs well as a slashing playmaker with an amazing mid-range game. I also appreciate his willingness to time his assertiveness, and his defensive contributions.

Based on the Black decision, we are looking for a two-way slashing playmaker type PG. You could maybe even argue that Suggs was drafted for that role as well, though I think Suggs is more a two-way three level scorer than playmaker.

The Fultz decision will be a difficult one.

[MasterGMer]

What is the timeline or deadline to extend Fultz before he enters Unrestricted Free Agency?

The situation is interesting, because we might have to extend Cole as well. Do we have that money before Franz and Paolo's First Rookie Extension? We could be loaded with no cap space or way extended past cap space

[The-Stallion70]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

Well...you got it. Probably 7th option on offense, including bench players...maybe maybe maybe could sell it if we had an explosive 3-level scorer at SG (like Murray, Herro or Simons(who are all, at times, modern PGs)), but for now we've got a defensive prodigy who can occasionally hit shots in Suggs and score opportunistically as our best SG prospect. Suggs would be a perfect complement to a Shooting/Scoring PG like Lillard or Steph. It's a pile of individually "good" players - but a terribly mismatched backcourt group.

I get that it's those Paolo & Franz and then...everybody else. But (even in that very limiting scheme) the role players need to have complementary skills - not necessarily equal or even close, but skills that enhance the two lead guys...and that means getting them some space to work and making the other teams (at the very least) reconsider double-teaming.

Beating a dead horse, but I don't really want to hear about the primary ball handler focusing on "feeding" everyone when he gets a career high 5.7 assists. Our offense was 5th worst in the NBA last year...we're missing something significant in our starting lineup.

I mean... we'd love to get Dame or Curry obviously but Markelle is essentially the best option we have left and his skillet pairs well with Suggs.

Markelle has the point guard feel for the game and solid scoring ability in spite of his lack of shooting range. We need someone who can truly play point next to Suggs in the backcourt because Suggs has zero feel whatsoever on the offensive despite being point guard size but also has the most animalistic straight up amazing ability to play defense that I have ever seen in a Magic guard and probably ever.

[Skybox]

As long as both Suggs and Fultz are weak 3pt shooters, they are NOT a good match in the backcourt. If Suggs improves significantly, then Suggs is a very good SG...that's it. Great defense and "deferring" are not complementary skills for a backcourt - unless you sprinkle in some floor spreading too.

If, somehow, Suggs and Fultz become at least passable 3pt shooters, then maybe. But why accept "passable" without some elite skill to compensate for a hugely important missing piece from our backcourt?

I understand that Steph and Dame are not available. Also, too old and too expensive and not at all realistic. They were just listed as "types". IF you pan up appx 1", I listed at least two examples of young guys that might play the same sort of Lead Guard role and were, most certainly, available this past ("passed"-for ORL fans ) summer. They will certainly not be Steph and Dame, but the fit and role could have been similar.

I don't enjoy being a b**ch all day here. I try to be optimistic - but the facts keep breaking me. I'm not that excited about the idea that we spent the #6 and #11 picks in an acknowledged "loaded draft" to shore up our 3rd string I just don't know how anyone could embrace that idea unless your existing starters already have you in contention and it's just raining draft picks (like recent GSW). IMO, we "owned" the draft for two straight years (Suggs, Wagner, Paolo), then came in to this summer with TWO lotto picks and a bunch of cap space and we don't seem to feel like we're making a jump other than from "internal improvement", "putting in work", getting more aggressive haircuts, good health, and guys like Cole, Markelle, and Wendell "gelling". This league is about 1) TALENT acquisition, and 2) TEAM building (I mean complimentary players, not Kumbaya video game night at Cole's crib). I really like Ingles, Black, and Jett individually...but we should have come out of this summer with something more significant and obvious.

[VFX]

Personally, I want a PG that's a 5th option on offense, facilitates buddy ball between Franz and Paolo, and defends.

Well...you got it. Probably 7th option on offense, including bench players...maybe maybe maybe could sell it if we had an explosive 3-level scorer at SG (like Murray, Herro or Simons(who are all, at times, modern PGs)), but for now we've got a defensive prodigy who can occasionally hit shots in Suggs and score opportunistically as our best SG prospect. Suggs would be a perfect complement to a Shooting/Scoring PG like Lillard or Steph. It's a pile of individually "good" players - but a terribly mismatched backcourt group.

I get that it's those Paolo & Franz and then...everybody else. But (even in that very limiting scheme) the role players need to have complementary skills - not necessarily equal or even close, but skills that enhance the two lead guys...and that means getting them some space to work and making the other teams (at the very least) reconsider double-teaming.

Beating a dead horse, but I don't really want to hear about the primary ball handler focusing on "feeding" everyone when he gets a career high 5.7 assists. Our offense was 5th worst in the NBA last year...we're missing something significant in our starting lineup.

I mean... we'd love to get Dame or Curry obviously but Markelle is essentially the best option we have left and his skillet pairs well with Suggs.

Markelle has the point guard feel for the game and solid scoring ability in spite of his lack of shooting range. We need someone who can truly play point next to Suggs in the backcourt because Suggs has zero feel whatsoever on the offensive despite being point guard size but also has the most animalistic straight up amazing ability to play defense that I have ever seen in a Magic guard and probably ever.

Why is every criticism of Markelle have a caveat with Suggs?

I get it. Neither are good shooters. They each have very specific skill sets. Suggs can guard shooting guards. He locked up Mitchell the other night pretty easily. Markelle cannot if you are going to continue to compare.

Furthermore, why does everyone overlook the other obvious flaws to Fultz’ game? He does not get to the line. He’s a one dimensional score first point guard that cannot orchestrate anything in a half court set. He also provides nothing off ball. I’ll give him the points that he’s a good defender in space / on-ball against most guys and he’s great in an open floor when zero defense is in front of him.

In regards to Suggs… he is what he is. He will either improve his shot or it will fluctuate. At least he’s taking them. You have to take the mediocre offense with potentially DPOY upside. That’s a concession you make. You don’t make it the other way around with Fultz who is marginal at his position in every category other than at the rim.

Is the argument “oh well he’s the best we have”? Then fine. That seems to be Orlando’s FO take on it as well. Cole is on the roster as well and he isn’t terrible. If anything, he’s improved greatly and has a complimentary skillset to Suggs.

[Audi]

Furthermore, why does everyone overlook the other obvious flaws to Fultz’ game? He does not get to the line. He’s a one dimensional score first point guard that cannot orchestrate anything in a half court set. He also provides nothing off ball. I’ll give him the points that he’s a good defender in space / on-ball against most guys and he’s great in an open floor when zero defense is in front of him.

Source please? You keep perpetuating this, but what are the numbers pointing to Fultz as the culprit for last years half court offensive struggles, rather than the predictable product of a young team not loaded with shooters?

[VFX]

Furthermore, why does everyone overlook the other obvious flaws to Fultz’ game? He does not get to the line. He’s a one dimensional score first point guard that cannot orchestrate anything in a half court set. He also provides nothing off ball. I’ll give him the points that he’s a good defender in space / on-ball against most guys and he’s great in an open floor when zero defense is in front of him.

Source please? You keep perpetuating this, but what are the numbers pointing to Fultz as the culprit for last years half court offensive struggles, rather than the predictable product of a young team not loaded with shooters?

I have yet to see Fultz in a pick and roll situation in the half court. The pace is always pushed which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not ideal without above average shooters. We saw Cole run it in both of the last two games.

Why would he need shooters other than himself for him to run a half court offense? Paolo is the perfect roll guy for that and Franz can get to the rim off the pass. Fultz averages low assist numbers, so he’s not actively looking to distribute the ball. His first option is always to score and he dumps it after drawing defenses as a bailout option. Or am I watching an entirely different game for the last two seasons?

[Bensational]

I doubt its about coaches. Fultz rarely does something outside his safe zone. He has low tolerance for mistakes. Similar to Ben Simmons.

I don’t think this is true. I don’t think Fultz psychs himself out or anything if he misses a shot, because he can get to the rim almost at will, especially in transition, and he often does that to get something going for himself or to start a run for the team.

I think it might be that he’s over confident in his driving/midrange game because of that ability, so he doesn’t feel as much pressure to generate something from outside. That’s where he needs to train himself to trust that outside shot more.

When i think about player overconfident in his driving ability i think about Giannis or Lebron not Fultz who averages 14 points per game and cant draw fouls. He is also average in transition (53rd percentile) in contrast to his reputation.
You can say Ben Simmons is not confident in his shot or you can say he is overconfident in his passing. Its just a manipulation for those who never watched him play.
I must admit you made my day, first time reading such argument.

Simmons is a very different player though because he’s outright reluctant/scared to shoot, even at close range. He’s a great example of someone with a low tolerance for mistakes. But Fultz doesn’t do that, he doesn’t disappear and shutdown. Definitely lacks confidence in his shot compared to his driving, but I think if he’s left with space these days he’s likely to put it up.