Markelle Fultz ceiling ?

[Skybox]

Sorry not trying to change subject in this thread so I’ll try to ask it in a way that goes with it. Would Gradey Dick and Jordan Hawkins be complementary to Markell’s game? The push back on Fultz is his age/development, 3 point FG % and willingness to pull up, and his PnR game. Drafting two capable 3 point shooters is a must if we indeed keep both picks. Im impressed by Jordan Hawkins tape, the screens he runs off of to get open looks and the offense UConn ran is pro ready. Having a point guard that can run pick and roll with a cutting/slashing to the rim Paolo, and Franz running to the elbow/wing , and a 3 point threat coming of back cuts and down screens that can make those type of shots (Jordan Hawkins?) IMO this would be the best way to run the offense for us. That being said it still leaves me thinking Josh Giddey is the guy to run this offense for us. At 6’8” he also can attack the rim off PnR action and is already a great passer.

there is "complementing" a key player and then there is "compensating" for a limited player...I think, in this case, in the modern game, the guy with the ball in his hands really should be a threat to stop on a dime, pull up from 3 if the D is on their heels, not set up, or ignoring him. I don't think just giving Markelle guys to pass to who can shoot is enough.

[three3d]

Sorry not trying to change subject in this thread so I’ll try to ask it in a way that goes with it. Would Gradey Dick and Jordan Hawkins be complementary to Markell’s game? The push back on Fultz is his age/development, 3 point FG % and willingness to pull up, and his PnR game. Drafting two capable 3 point shooters is a must if we indeed keep both picks. Im impressed by Jordan Hawkins tape, the screens he runs off of to get open looks and the offense UConn ran is pro ready. Having a point guard that can run pick and roll with a cutting/slashing to the rim Paolo, and Franz running to the elbow/wing , and a 3 point threat coming of back cuts and down screens that can make those type of shots (Jordan Hawkins?) IMO this would be the best way to run the offense for us. That being said it still leaves me thinking Josh Giddey is the guy to run this offense for us. At 6’8” he also can attack the rim off PnR action and is already a great passer.

No.

The problem is that Paolo and Franz aren’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future. The offense has to open up, especially for Paolo. That means that one guy on the perimeter isn’t going to solve all of the spacing issues even if that guy is Gradey Dick or Jordan Hawkins.

Paolo needs to be in an efficient PnR game. The guy is monster sized with 2/3 level scoring ability. Fultz simply doesn’t run that effectively without a shot. The floor shrinks with Fultz/doesn’t matter/Franz/Paolo. Both guards need to have an average shot.

The premise to your second question about Giddey doesn’t solve any of those issues with Fultz spacing. Yes Giddey is a better passer in a PnR. Regardless, I don’t believe a 1:1 trade is possible (highly unlikely) due to the money and value involved in such a trade.

The question is does Giddey have room to grow, I don’t believe he’s close to his ceiling. Giddey is only 20 years old and has grown/developed each season so far. I’m not saying Giddey is T-Mac at all, but T-Mac wasn’t who he was till he came to Orlando. We have a 5 year window till Paolo and Franz hit prime, would you think in 5 years when Giddey is 25 he’s be better then Fultz is right now? And if it’s not Giddey, what’s the consensus on Anfernee Simmons? I seen an article saying Portland might be wanting to make a move including him.

[three3d]

Trey Young or LeMello Ball anyone? I mentioned Anfernee Simmons above as I seen an article saying Portland might be considering a pick trade and Simmons, but if we are wanting a pg that has the ability to pull up from the 3 point line and be respected what about them? Would a Fultz swop + draft pick be too much to give up? Mello’s injury deals concern me plus the fact his dad is crazy and could be an issue make me hesitant on him, but how bad is Trey?

[three3d]

Magic, Suns, Trailblazers three team deal sending Fultz to phoenix , Ayton to Portland, and Simmons to Orlando? I don’t know the numbers or other assets to a deal like this but how would that work?

[eyriq]

It would just be really nice to have a three point threat at the 1 given Paolo and Franz are playmakers.

[three3d]

The more I’m thinking about it the more Anfernee Simons makes sense. I think a deal between the Sun’s, the Magic, and Trailblazers could be worked out. We would have to send out picks 6 and 11 but if that deal got us Simons plus the 3rd pick would you do it? Fultz + 11th pick to the Sun’s and the Sun’s and Ayton to Portland ( CP3 in this deal in someway ) Orlando basically sending the 6th pick to Portland in exchange for Simons and the 3rd pick. Portland only moves back 3 spots in the draft and gains a big man. We basically exchanged Fultz plus 6th and 11th pick for Simons and the 3rd pick. I know there would have to be additional assets in this deal but we have those in Suggs, Bol, and or future considerations. How crazy is this scenario?

[AaronB]

BTW, for those of you who thought I was joking about Fultz being an all-star next year, I wasn't.

My predictions rarely come true, but here is a prediction that you can count on.

The Magic FO is currently negotiating with Futlz's people about an extension.

They have presented team-friendly terms ($/season and injury considerations) and are evaluating the response.

In their presentation, they are making it very clear that the Fultz response will influence the Magic Free Agent activities and who the Magic plan to draft.

I doubt that the FUltz people are stupid and they know that if the Magic bring FVV or a PG with pick 6, then Fultz's minutes will go from 30/game to probably 20 per game.

If he is high ($) on his response to the Magic, then he will be fighting for minutes all season. Not a great position to put up good numbers going into free agency.

[jonbob17]

Fultz ceiling maybe a slower version of Deaaron Fox.

Fultz needs to be able to get the line more. The first thing I remember seeing Fultz do in a Magic uniform is having coaches hit him with pads in the lane. They knew it then, but it continues to be a weakness. Gotta draw more fouls.

If Fultz can get to a 20/5/7 on 58% TS that seems pretty useful. I think he can be a good defender, and that might be the lowest hanging fruit of all for Fultz.

If Fultz could get to the line 3 more times a game, and average 4 more minutes a game, that comes out to 4.3 points a game. So 18.3 points.

If somehow Fultz could take 3 threes a game and make them just at 33%, just 1 made 3 a game. That is an additional 1.5 points.

That gets Fultz to 19.8ppg....that path seems plenty reasonable.

[drsd]

Lol why , is it a controversial question?

Part of the reason is that Magic fans do not agree on if it is the SG or the PG slot that needs managment attention the most.
I am on record that Fultz is "good enough" with his limitations, if (and only if) the Magic had a high volume three-point shooter at teh SG slot.
Many/most here disagree that think that the high volume three-point shooting needs to come from the lead-guard.

So, this is a "controversial question" because we here have been talking about this for a couple years now.

..

[CZ Eddie]

Markelle's really weird shoulder injury likely put a brutal hit on his confidence.
I'm hoping Magic management told him to take his time and just have fun until he's ready to break out.
This will be *the year* for Markelle. We'll see if he's going to be a big star or not.

That's my hope!

[jezzerinho]

Lol why , is it a controversial question?

Part of the reason is that Magic fans do not agree on if it is the SG or the PG slot that needs managment attention the most.
I am on record that Fultz is "good enough" with his limitations, if (and only if) the Magic had a high volume three-point shooter at teh SG slot.
Many/most here disagree that think that the high volume three-point shooting needs to come from the lead-guard.

So, this is a "controversial question" because we here have been talking about this for a couple years now.

..

No, most think that the ball movement and pnr initiation should come from the lead guard. Some shooting would be a bonus.

[drsd]

Lol why , is it a controversial question?

Part of the reason is that Magic fans do not agree on if it is the SG or the PG slot that needs managment attention the most.
I am on record that Fultz is "good enough" with his limitations, if (and only if) the Magic had a high volume three-point shooter at teh SG slot.
Many/most here disagree that think that the high volume three-point shooting needs to come from the lead-guard.

So, this is a "controversial question" because we here have been talking about this for a couple years now.

..

No, most think that the ball movement and pnr initiation should come from the lead guard. Some shooting would be a bonus.

I reject the word "most". How about "many" as a substitute word?

[MasterGMer]

I think the Fultz discussion will be depended on which direction the organization is gonna go.

I like Fultz and have said it multiple times I think he could realize his potential as the former NO.1 pick

But if the organization has other directions, I wouldn't be surprised that he is not being committed by the franchise.

Everything is so fluid and we just need to wait and see

[VFX]

Everyone keeps saying “wait and see” with Fultz like there isn’t 6 years of data and last year him playing 60 games. He is either injured or he is in games showing why he is at the bottom of the list of starting point guards.

Good GM’s don’t go into drafts with “wait and see” they don’t have that luxury when free talent is on the board and they have contract extensions looming.

My prediction is that he starts next season and tries to show he can shoot whether its successful or not. He’s in a contract season so you know he’s going to be as available as he’s ever been with money on the line.

People will point this out, then his numbers will dip 2 seasons from now when “wait and see” is over. He told the media he needs to get more comfortable shooting 3’s. So do you think once he’s paid he’ll go back to doing what he’s more comfortable doing or not?

The solution is to just find a guy that works with Paolo and Franz. There are many options that don’t require $20-35m+ a season from now because “let’s wait and see”.

[JoshuaPotter]

We have already seen his ceiling.

On a championship caliber team he has less of a role then he does now. Think Aaron Gordon thriving as the 3rd option and primarily dunking on his opponents.

Fultz works well to a point if Franz and Paulo become unquestionable all-stars as their gravity might be enough to give shots even "Fultz" can't pass up.

Others have mentioned we are abysmal at SG and I can't agree more then I currently do with them.

Our back court in general, is nothing that isn't replaceable and I wish we all could see that.

It would likely suicide 1 season but I wouldn't be mad with Cason Wallace at 11 and Black at 6 and just throw them both to the wolves as the starters.

[Audi]

My prediction is that he starts next season and tries to show he can shoot whether its successful or not. He’s in a contract season so you know he’s going to be as available as he’s ever been with money on the line.

As opposed to what? Are you of the opinion that he's been injuring himself/not being available on purpose because they've not been contract years with money on the line?

[VFX]

My prediction is that he starts next season and tries to show he can shoot whether its successful or not. He’s in a contract season so you know he’s going to be as available as he’s ever been with money on the line.

As opposed to what? Are you of the opinion that he's been injuring himself/not being available on purpose because they've not been contract years with money on the line?

Stubbing your toe in your mansion a week before the season starts, and missing the first 20 games, isn’t something that’s going to happen next season with the money that’s on the line.

Whether that is calculated or not isn’t the question. His availability was always in question before that happened. It absolutely won’t be a factor next season if I’m his agent telling him what to do.

[Creativetran]

Anyone else notice him yamming it in transition toward the end of the season? That was very promising.

He has been doing that his whole career in Orlando. What was promising is he took a few threes on the move that looked like his old form. Now I can probably count on one hand these shoots but they look a hell of a lot better than that set three he has now.

[BadMofoPimp]

Fultz is in the last year of his contract so he will make for some excellent trade bait.

[eyriq]

I think his upside could be something like a Dejounte Murray.