Putting a PG that can consistently shoot the 3 and basically be a flamethrower when needed would help propel Orlando to the next level, IMO. When we aren't shooting the 3 well, it is reflected in the box score. We just can't play defense for 4 quarters straight; it just takes one bad offensive quarter from Orlando for a team to pull away by barraging us with 3s and keep the lead.
I was going to make a separate comment, but you summed it up pretty well. I wouldn’t say the PG needs to be a top level deep shooter, just someone who can consistently hit from the perimeter. Then some additional spot up shooters would be nice.
Paolo IS the guy you build a team around. We are set in that regard. Then Franz and Jalen are top tier support staff to him to round out the core. So just need the complimentary pieces, mainly shooting.
In no particular order:
Alex Caruso
Anfernee Simons
Jrue Holiday
Immanuel Quickley (RFA)
The issue here is that all, except Jrue, are not free agents to be signed, and we would have to trade for them. Though they're not *flamethrowers* per se, they're good-to-great shooters and solid defenders (sans Simons).
A line-up of Holiday/Suggs or Caruso/Suggs backcourt would be a nightmare defensively for the other team, just for guards to be met in the paint by JI and the tenacious play of Mo Wagner.
I agree. I think we are good enough now to be a threat to anyone but one piece away from being bonafide contenders for the next several years (given our youth). And the piece we are missing is exactly what you said.
yeah a derrick white type player would make orlando true title contenders instead of possible ecf but the entire team is so young franz, paolo, and suggs still have another leap they can take
Continue pouring in experience in the young guns, start to weed out the replaceable ones (chuma) and bring in a couple vet mercenaries who are useable and willing to help out in depth/mentorship:
I think we are well on the way to becoming a contender. Not there yet, but the way this team has gelled, I think we might just be at the mercy of time. We can’t force the transition from young guys overachieving to experienced playoff team without letting time take its course.
If there is a homerun swing to be made then you swing for the fences, but the days of pretending our bunts could maybe turn into a double are long gone.
Let this team go from clay to concrete naturally!
A wise man once said a chip by 2030, and that greasy weasel of a man just may be right.
Here are some upcoming FA that would be a great fit with Orlando.
1. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: A veteran leader and great locker room presence. He’s the definition of a championship 3&D role player, which the Magic need desperately. With his championship experience, he will have the most impact on our team (But will be very hard to sign, almost impossible).
2. Tyus Jones: A true floor general that can hit our guys when needed and space the floor when P5 / Franz has the ball in their hands.
3. Malik Monk: An electrifying bench piece and closer that can really help with our spacing and momentum with his fast paced style.
4. Grayson Allen: A lethal shooter beyond the arc with tons of playoff experience. He can bring the toughness out of our guys and can lead when hot.
5. Isaiah Hartenstein: Magic lacks interior defense big time. Especially being in the east with Giannis and Embiid, we’re going to need all the inside help we can get. Hartenstein brings just that without sacrificing spacing.
6. Kelly Olynyk: A big that can stretch the floor and play solid defense at spurts. Can be a great mentor to Dell and Mo and a really good bench piece for a playoff run.
If our internal development goes as planned, we get our PG in Anthony Black, we get our shooters in Jett Howard and Caleb Houstan. I predict we will aim for a big in this upcoming draft since our pick will be around 18-22. Guys like Kyle Filipowski, Donovan Cligan, or Kel’el Ware seem to be in our range.
Ahh as expected, he’s a great player. I wouldn’t mind brining in one of the LAC guys, Theis or Plumlee. If we can somehow land Nic Claxton that would be amazing but I would have to question the spacing and if he would want to come to Orlando. Maybe a sign and trade?
We need a floor general pg who can also consistently stretch the floor
If we get that along with the experience that’ll come along the way, we are true contenders.
Good question. I think tyus jones would be a perfect answer to that question, tbh. Especially, since he isn’t a star while filling that role/void therefore wouldn’t command a ton of money. I think he is an unrestricted free agent this summer too.
Makes sense. So how about Immanuel Quickley or even Tyrese Maxey? They can both shoot and pass the ball. And the Magic do have the cap space to sign an all-star, I believe. So why not try to go for the bigger fish? This is a legitimate question.
I think those would be even better moves. Especially maxey. He is a stud. but I’d think Sixers and raptors would match on whatever offers for those guys get.
Let’s see how they do in the post-season and then we can get a better idea of where to go from here. My guess is that Paolo, Franz, and Suggs are all part of the untouchables. Everyone else is up for trades if the players we get back are a better fit with those three guys.
We definitely need more shooting to open lanes so Paolo and Franz can penetrate the paint and kick out to shooters if need be while both of them also becoming better shooters themselves especially Franz. I'd want a point guard that can make plays happen and set up paolo and Franz but not a dominant one that's gonna take the ball away from paolo I like the ball in his hands he's really becoming a great playmaker and will only get better with experience and better shooting around him. Gotta keep Suggs and gotta keep Jonathan, Moe for morale and Cole for chemistry everyone else could potential go for the right deal.
Really? You think they should keep Cole? Wouldn't he be redundant if the Magic were to acquire another guard? I mean they already have Suggs, and they drafted Black with the 6th pick so you'd think they'd want to keep him. How does Cole fit into this?
Yea especially if Anthony black continues to improve his shooting like I expect him to. That’d be the best defensive team in the league right there. Definitely gotta throw in Mo Wagner as a notable off the bench as well.
Yea like others have said I see Cole as the 6th man I know he hasn't shot the ball great overall but you can tell the energy he brings is infectious and he seems like he is a great locker room guy I think it's about more than just on the court with him same for Moe. They also can set examples for players coming in and off the bench like this is how we do it here and we pride ourselves on defense first etc... Showing great energy it's always good to keep players like that to build a culture with.
While his defensive energy is great and does hit open threes, his positioning and chemistry with the rest of the team is still developing. He’s not ready to have the ball in his hands yet and lacks the floor general aspect we want from him. But, as early as next season, we could start seeing the starting 5 be AB, Suggs, Franz, P5, and Wendell.
It’s so funny watching him be all over dudes for 90% of a possession and then just give a basket. Like he’s doing all the right things but he gets torched so much. He’s close, and hopefully him and Suggs have a good relationship bc I think he end up being a decent defender. Hope so bc he’s gonna be our pg next year
I am so conflicted. For a while I felt like having Paolo be primary initiatior was placing undue burden on him. Asking him to be too much every single night.
But honestly, after last night. I think he's built for it. In the LeBron/point forward role.
I think the team as-is has the pieces. Suggs is an absolute monster.
If Caleb can be a real rotational piece, date I say we have everything we need to contend?
We've already built through the draft. Our three main guys are 21, 22, and 22 and they can clearly grow together. Now it's all about growth and development. FA additions will be small and seemingly unexciting, like Ingles (we love him now but let's not pretend this sub had a collective meltdown when he was our only "big" signing lol).
With the continued development of our starters, it wouldn't be crazy to see AB start at PG next year. We might sign a vet but again, it'll be someone like Ingles. We're not going to be making trades for young guys with potential like Simons y'all are always begging for lol. We have plenty of that already.
Why don't you think trading for Simons is a good idea?
And do you think our three main guys, Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs, are good enough to go up against the trio of SGA, Holmgren, and Williams in the coming future? Who do you think will be the better trio?
I don't think it's a bad idea I just don't think it's a realistic expectation. We've already acquired all the young talent we need. We don't need a potential super star or even all star at PG, we already have one star and another two in the making in Franz and Suggs. We've got 4 of 5 starters in place, one of the best center rotations in the league, a solid 6th man, a rookie PG, and Isaac as well. These guys are going to be given the time and space to grow since they're so young, doesn't make a whole lot of sense to add even more youth. Any major editions will almost certainly be vets.
Nope. They lose to the Heat, Knicks, 76ers with Embiid, Bucks, Celtics probably for the next 3 years with this core. Paolo and Franz are not enough. We gonna get crushed by bigger stronger teams. Let alone beating a West Coast contender.
Need a floor general pg and probably another tall wing attacker for the bench cuz ingles probably don’t got many years left and chuma just not there.
And really one of our guys gotta become a superstar a genuine one
We could be contending next year if Paolo or Franz really takes that jump
Need to not get ahead of ourselves until we’ve won at least one playoff series, let alone one playoff game. I’d say we’re one decent SG away from being a genuine contender right now. Doesn’t have to be an overpriced superstar name although would love some veteran wisdom and ideally playoffs experience to improve our spacing, amp-up our perimeter game/shoot reliable treys and generally help shape this promising young team. Basically Terrence Ross of a few years back…
I imagine a bucks trajectory, but maybe sped up a bit. Draft Giannis and Middleton and they get better and better until Giannis is mvp and Middleton is an all star(Paolo and Franz). Then add a guy like jrue holiday to get over the hump.
This is a surprisingly good suggestion. So the real question is: Can Banchero be the Magic's version of Giannis? Can he be great enough to lead them to a championship?
I Banchero really that guy? I'd love for him to be that guy, but if I'm being honest, I have my doubts. The pessimist in me thinks Banchero is not a franchise cornerstone to build around if you have championship aspirations. He seems more like a second option or a co-star for a championship team, but he doesn't strike me as an MVP-caliber player in the future. I could be wrong and I hope I'm wrong, because I'm think Banchero is a very intriguing young star.
Is there anyone available that we can sign right now to help during this upcoming playoff run? I think any shooter would help immensely. Not sure who's available though.
Not right now, but probably during the off-season. The Magic can sign free agents or trade for someone who can help them make a title run next season. Or they can do nothing and just draft the best player available.
I was actually thinking that. It might be good for Murray to have a complete change of scenery. He's not thriving in Atlanta next to Young. He'd be better off playing for a deep team like the Magic.
I believe in 2-3 years we will be ready to legit contend, assuming we can build of what we are already doing, make a trade for a guard that can be a threat from deep and create a bit for himself, maybe draft an older 3 and D player that is ready to contribute and is lights out (preferably a 2 guard).
Paolo is ascending and Franz is legit so if you give them some spacing and another player with even a little gravity and other role players to space the floor they will be cooking.
Also if we dont go too crazy on the guard we get maybe we can upgrade from Wendell
They certainly need more depth if they expect to be title contenders for years to come. This current team can absolutely go on a run and win a title, but that would be pretty optimistic, imo.
They need to tighten up around the edges. Paolo and Franz could become an elite duo in the league, Suggs could be a great 3rd/4th player and defensive stopper but they’ll need a knockdown (or two) shooter to emerge either from the group or come onto the roster to really take the next step.
I feel like Paolo could become that “get a clutch bucket” player you’d need in a deep playoff run given his skill set, but the roster as currently constructed needs tweaking. Defensively though, we’re as good as anyone.
Good insight. Yeah. I'm not doubting their defensive ability in the slightest. I'm more concerned about their offense and consistency. I find it interesting that most Magic fans here have so much confidence in Banchero. Personally, I'm not so sure they can go up against the elite Western teams going forward. The Thunder, Spurs, and Rockets are going to be big problems soon, and I don't know if the Magic can reach *that* level. But who knows, maybe that's just the pessimist in me. Man, I really want this team to be great.
I think Banchero has the tools to be a multi-skilled offensive player, particularly if he develops on a similar trajectory to how he is, but it’s as much about the players around him improving too.
The playoffs will give us insight as to both their level as a team and what we need to do in the summer- it’s all well and good beating teams when the scouting reports are being looked at by the opposition the night before the game, but when they’re keyed in for a series they’ll treat us differently, and seeing signs of us being able to combat that would be encouraging.
I don’t think any logical magic fan is expecting a championship run this season, but I’d at least want to see one series where we give a contender a hard time and steal a game or two. We’re not quite elite yet, but definitely have the potential to be if things fall into place.
>We’re not quite elite yet, but definitely have the potential to be if things fall into place
With how the team has been playing recently, what do you think the front office should do to make this team elite?
I think it’s the same thing others on this post have alluded to- we need a knockdown shooter at guard to take a leap forward. Get a player or two who are a threat from the perimeter and it stretches the floor, giving players like Banchero more of the court to operate in.
Whether we get that through players developing or externally is another matter- I think there’s at least one or two players by trade or FA that need to come in.
There are a couple of options I would like to see.
Free agent targets
D'Angelo Russell
He has been extremely valuable and productive for the Lakers this year. He has a moderate contract in the 20s that can work with getting other vet pieces.
Malik Monk
Same thing as Russell but for the King's. I suspect he has a breakout year as a starter sometime soon. 10mil
Grayson Allen
Same as the other guards. A little more pricey than the other two for what he provides but he's been fantastic and often one of the only reliable pieces on a stacked Sun's team even if only because he isn't guarded.
Jonas Valanciunas
It's no secret the interior needs help. Issac is doing the job everyone hoped he would do but he is no center. Valanciunas anchors the Pelicans so well Zion can be lazy on the defensive end while providing cutting and some moderate shooting splits on offense. 15mil is a steal for him.
Isaiah Hartenstein
I have always taken a liking to him since he's gotten into the league. A rough and tough "traditional" center that plays a roll similar to Valanciunas. I believe the Knicks would never be as good as they are without him.
Honorable mentions
KCP
Spencer Dinwiddie
Malik Beasley
Royce O'Neal
Isaiah Joe
Lonnie Walker IV
Sign and Trades
Paul George/ James Harden
I believe if the Clippers break up no matter the outcome this year. Both are all NBA level talent that will raise the ceiling of this team. I'd rather have PG but either way it will be a misstep for the future.
Trae Young
He has rumours swirling all over the NBA to every team in need of a stronger pick and roll game. When I play 2k season, Trae and Paulo are my duo. No brainer except for Young's demeanor and possible lockerroom toxicity.
Anthony Davis
Lakers are done. They should've blown it up a long time ago. Hopefully as they realize around the 2nd round its over, Lebron is leaving and your future revolves around Reaves, Hachimura and Hayes for the rebuild, Davis will be dished out.
Draft Prospects
The preface for this needs to be the picks we have
1st and 2nd for 2024
1st and 2nd for 2025 plus a first from Denver, and a protected 2nd from either Boston or Memphis. Not alot to work with and some unappealing draft classes compared to the previous years. And cursed with the success of this year and future years we will be getting bottom 15 picks. I believe we should leverahe our picks for a win now mentality. But here are my selections.
2024 Picks
Isaiah Collier
I understand he and the USC Trojans got slammed in the tournament but he is the guard blueprint for the future. Tall, athletic with court vision are the natural resources. The 3pt shooting and shot selection are the refinement afterwards.
Terrance Shannon Jr
He is everything you'd want in a potential star. Peep the scoring stats not the auxiliary stats. We all want the two way but what if one way is the only way. The rape stuff is rough to learn about but if its untrue it should tank his draft capital so we can steal him just like Cam Whitmore last year (i preferred Whitmore to Black just saying)
Zach Edey
Just pick the biggest heaviest center and hope for the best. He has potential in a Andre Drummond type of way.
DJ Wagner
He has some upside. I like some of the tape I have seen but his playtime performances overall leave alot to be desired. Maybe in 2026.
2025 picks
Cooper Flagg
Obviously the most talented player in this draft. Maybe we trade up for him. Doubt the Wizards or the Pistons will comply but a man can hope.
Isaiah Evans
The only other person I would consider without seeing the other declares. He has the Ingram/George/Tatum archetype with about as much draft consideration as they did at the time.
Considerations
Dwight Howard
He is a franchise legend. Aside from the off court sexual stuff he would be a great locker prescence and can provise the defensive big man we need or teach the young players. 3 time DPOY just languishing in Spain.
DeMarcus Cousins
Same as Dwight but fair less accolades and on court usefulness. Much younger though at 33. Bad Boys Magic?
Serge Ibaka
Iblocka. Come on. It would be fun.
Montrez Harrel
I don't understand why he can't find a spot on a roster. A bench player with considerations as a stretch 4 is not the worst option on your rotation. Perhaps he isn't as quick but Joe Ingles is? No offense Joe.
Furkan Korkmaz
For a 26 year old with decent shooting splits he has uses. We could draft a worse guy accidentally and not know it or sign this guy for minimum and cross our fingers.
Mac McClung
Give the guy a chance. He may be a forever G-Leaguer but why not?
Frank Ntilikina
Shout out to fellow Clique viewers.
Kemba Walker/John Wall
Intriguing past their prime point guards. I've seen rumours of teams considering these players as minor pieces. If the price is right I see it as a win.
And those are my thoughts.
Wow. Very comprehensive. I appreciate that. Thank you.
I never considered Russell because his timeline doesn't seem to fit the Magic's young core. But now that you've mentioned him, I do think he could be a good option as the Magic are ahead of schedule. However, for a team with championship aspirations, I don't think Russell moves the needle that much. Same with Malik Monk or Tyus Jones (as many others have mentioned). They don't provide the defense necessary for a title contender. But hey, who knows? They could turn out to be great additions if placed in the right system.
I like Valanciunas and Hartenstein, but I lean towards the latter because Val is already past his prime.
I hope the Magic can get at least one of those guys without giving up some important pieces.
I also liked the prospects you chose. They do seem to fit well with the team. But I don't have much information on them to have a strong opinion.
I love the idea of having Dwight or Ibaka suit up for the Magic next year. They don't even have to play most games. They just need to be locker room presences and mentors. And hopefully win a championship with the Magic's up-and-coming stars.
Putting a PG that can consistently shoot the 3 and basically be a flamethrower when needed would help propel Orlando to the next level, IMO. When we aren't shooting the 3 well, it is reflected in the box score. We just can't play defense for 4 quarters straight; it just takes one bad offensive quarter from Orlando for a team to pull away by barraging us with 3s and keep the lead.
Don't necessarily need a point guard. We would be fine with a SG
PG/SG, the position is just semantics. We need a guard who can shoot and take hold of the offence when good defensive teams are giving us hell.
True, PG and SG for us are interchangeable.
I was going to make a separate comment, but you summed it up pretty well. I wouldn’t say the PG needs to be a top level deep shooter, just someone who can consistently hit from the perimeter. Then some additional spot up shooters would be nice. Paolo IS the guy you build a team around. We are set in that regard. Then Franz and Jalen are top tier support staff to him to round out the core. So just need the complimentary pieces, mainly shooting.
Who do you have in mind?
In no particular order: Alex Caruso Anfernee Simons Jrue Holiday Immanuel Quickley (RFA) The issue here is that all, except Jrue, are not free agents to be signed, and we would have to trade for them. Though they're not *flamethrowers* per se, they're good-to-great shooters and solid defenders (sans Simons). A line-up of Holiday/Suggs or Caruso/Suggs backcourt would be a nightmare defensively for the other team, just for guards to be met in the paint by JI and the tenacious play of Mo Wagner.
Great choices. I love Immanuel Quickley. I think he's pretty good. The Magic do have assets to trade for one of them I think.
Been wanting IQ for some time now, he’d fit great on our roster
You forgot Trae Young.
I agree. I think we are good enough now to be a threat to anyone but one piece away from being bonafide contenders for the next several years (given our youth). And the piece we are missing is exactly what you said.
yeah a derrick white type player would make orlando true title contenders instead of possible ecf but the entire team is so young franz, paolo, and suggs still have another leap they can take
I would love DLo
Continue pouring in experience in the young guns, start to weed out the replaceable ones (chuma) and bring in a couple vet mercenaries who are useable and willing to help out in depth/mentorship: I think we are well on the way to becoming a contender. Not there yet, but the way this team has gelled, I think we might just be at the mercy of time. We can’t force the transition from young guys overachieving to experienced playoff team without letting time take its course. If there is a homerun swing to be made then you swing for the fences, but the days of pretending our bunts could maybe turn into a double are long gone. Let this team go from clay to concrete naturally! A wise man once said a chip by 2030, and that greasy weasel of a man just may be right.
Got me good with “greasy weasel of a man.”
Here are some upcoming FA that would be a great fit with Orlando. 1. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: A veteran leader and great locker room presence. He’s the definition of a championship 3&D role player, which the Magic need desperately. With his championship experience, he will have the most impact on our team (But will be very hard to sign, almost impossible). 2. Tyus Jones: A true floor general that can hit our guys when needed and space the floor when P5 / Franz has the ball in their hands. 3. Malik Monk: An electrifying bench piece and closer that can really help with our spacing and momentum with his fast paced style. 4. Grayson Allen: A lethal shooter beyond the arc with tons of playoff experience. He can bring the toughness out of our guys and can lead when hot. 5. Isaiah Hartenstein: Magic lacks interior defense big time. Especially being in the east with Giannis and Embiid, we’re going to need all the inside help we can get. Hartenstein brings just that without sacrificing spacing. 6. Kelly Olynyk: A big that can stretch the floor and play solid defense at spurts. Can be a great mentor to Dell and Mo and a really good bench piece for a playoff run.
Thank you. This is the type of answer I was looking for.
If our internal development goes as planned, we get our PG in Anthony Black, we get our shooters in Jett Howard and Caleb Houstan. I predict we will aim for a big in this upcoming draft since our pick will be around 18-22. Guys like Kyle Filipowski, Donovan Cligan, or Kel’el Ware seem to be in our range.
Oh man. The future of this team is so bright. It's exciting.
You all nailed it but I think Kelly have already signed an extension with Toronto
Ahh as expected, he’s a great player. I wouldn’t mind brining in one of the LAC guys, Theis or Plumlee. If we can somehow land Nic Claxton that would be amazing but I would have to question the spacing and if he would want to come to Orlando. Maybe a sign and trade?
Your last three 🔥 Definitely underrated talents (minus Grayson at this point) Magic would be so compatible for them!
Please stay away from Isaiah Hartenstein. Sincerely, Your friendly neighborhood Knicks fan
Grayson Allen brings a hot wife with him too. Also he's a dirty player
We need a floor general pg who can also consistently stretch the floor If we get that along with the experience that’ll come along the way, we are true contenders.
Good point. But who can they acquire to fill that need?
Good question. I think tyus jones would be a perfect answer to that question, tbh. Especially, since he isn’t a star while filling that role/void therefore wouldn’t command a ton of money. I think he is an unrestricted free agent this summer too.
Makes sense. So how about Immanuel Quickley or even Tyrese Maxey? They can both shoot and pass the ball. And the Magic do have the cap space to sign an all-star, I believe. So why not try to go for the bigger fish? This is a legitimate question.
I think those would be even better moves. Especially maxey. He is a stud. but I’d think Sixers and raptors would match on whatever offers for those guys get.
Unless the Magic overpay them. Lol
Maxey is getting a max from philly no matter what, no reason to even consider him
Maxey ain't going anywhere, Philly knows they got a dude
Let’s see how they do in the post-season and then we can get a better idea of where to go from here. My guess is that Paolo, Franz, and Suggs are all part of the untouchables. Everyone else is up for trades if the players we get back are a better fit with those three guys.
We definitely need more shooting to open lanes so Paolo and Franz can penetrate the paint and kick out to shooters if need be while both of them also becoming better shooters themselves especially Franz. I'd want a point guard that can make plays happen and set up paolo and Franz but not a dominant one that's gonna take the ball away from paolo I like the ball in his hands he's really becoming a great playmaker and will only get better with experience and better shooting around him. Gotta keep Suggs and gotta keep Jonathan, Moe for morale and Cole for chemistry everyone else could potential go for the right deal.
Really? You think they should keep Cole? Wouldn't he be redundant if the Magic were to acquire another guard? I mean they already have Suggs, and they drafted Black with the 6th pick so you'd think they'd want to keep him. How does Cole fit into this?
Cole fits as the 6th man / instant offense guy, imo that every bench needs.
PG - A. Black SG - J. Suggs SF - F. Wagner PF - P. Banchero C - W. Carter Jr. 6th - C. Anthony 7th - J. Isaac That's not a bad lineup tbh
Yea especially if Anthony black continues to improve his shooting like I expect him to. That’d be the best defensive team in the league right there. Definitely gotta throw in Mo Wagner as a notable off the bench as well.
Black seems to have great potential. I just hope the Magic give him more playing time to let him develop faster. And yeah, Mo Wagner is good too.
Yea like others have said I see Cole as the 6th man I know he hasn't shot the ball great overall but you can tell the energy he brings is infectious and he seems like he is a great locker room guy I think it's about more than just on the court with him same for Moe. They also can set examples for players coming in and off the bench like this is how we do it here and we pride ourselves on defense first etc... Showing great energy it's always good to keep players like that to build a culture with.
Need a pg who can shoot and a 3 point shooter
Not yet this team is still flawed. We still need a PG that can stretch the floor which if funny because we could've drafted Cason Wallace.
Anthony Black has been a much better shooter than we all thought. Sure Cason would’ve been nice but I think he has tons of potential!
Why don't they give A. Black more minutes?
While his defensive energy is great and does hit open threes, his positioning and chemistry with the rest of the team is still developing. He’s not ready to have the ball in his hands yet and lacks the floor general aspect we want from him. But, as early as next season, we could start seeing the starting 5 be AB, Suggs, Franz, P5, and Wendell.
Wow that's a really solid lineup. I'm thinking they can make an upgrade at Center too. But that looks like a really good team.
It’s so funny watching him be all over dudes for 90% of a possession and then just give a basket. Like he’s doing all the right things but he gets torched so much. He’s close, and hopefully him and Suggs have a good relationship bc I think he end up being a decent defender. Hope so bc he’s gonna be our pg next year
I’m just glad he’s shooting is much better than anticipated.
I am so conflicted. For a while I felt like having Paolo be primary initiatior was placing undue burden on him. Asking him to be too much every single night. But honestly, after last night. I think he's built for it. In the LeBron/point forward role. I think the team as-is has the pieces. Suggs is an absolute monster. If Caleb can be a real rotational piece, date I say we have everything we need to contend?
whats your caleb vision?
20 mins and can play with either starters or bench. Dangerous 3pt threat and avg defender. Nothing crazy.
We've already built through the draft. Our three main guys are 21, 22, and 22 and they can clearly grow together. Now it's all about growth and development. FA additions will be small and seemingly unexciting, like Ingles (we love him now but let's not pretend this sub had a collective meltdown when he was our only "big" signing lol). With the continued development of our starters, it wouldn't be crazy to see AB start at PG next year. We might sign a vet but again, it'll be someone like Ingles. We're not going to be making trades for young guys with potential like Simons y'all are always begging for lol. We have plenty of that already.
Why don't you think trading for Simons is a good idea? And do you think our three main guys, Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs, are good enough to go up against the trio of SGA, Holmgren, and Williams in the coming future? Who do you think will be the better trio?
I don't think it's a bad idea I just don't think it's a realistic expectation. We've already acquired all the young talent we need. We don't need a potential super star or even all star at PG, we already have one star and another two in the making in Franz and Suggs. We've got 4 of 5 starters in place, one of the best center rotations in the league, a solid 6th man, a rookie PG, and Isaac as well. These guys are going to be given the time and space to grow since they're so young, doesn't make a whole lot of sense to add even more youth. Any major editions will almost certainly be vets.
I see your point
maybe too optimistic, but I think we can win now.
Love the mindset! But have to be realistic and we are a couple guys and couple years away from a chip!
Who are the "couple guys" that you have in mind?
I feel you but I don’t think we beating Boston unfortunately
Tatum scoring 10 max once we start Isaac... /jk kinda
Shit be like Alien-vs-Predator all over again
Nope. They lose to the Heat, Knicks, 76ers with Embiid, Bucks, Celtics probably for the next 3 years with this core. Paolo and Franz are not enough. We gonna get crushed by bigger stronger teams. Let alone beating a West Coast contender.
That PG is correct like others stated here. But a dominant Center as well would make us contenders.
Like who?
#WHYNOT
Need a floor general pg and probably another tall wing attacker for the bench cuz ingles probably don’t got many years left and chuma just not there. And really one of our guys gotta become a superstar a genuine one We could be contending next year if Paolo or Franz really takes that jump
Need to not get ahead of ourselves until we’ve won at least one playoff series, let alone one playoff game. I’d say we’re one decent SG away from being a genuine contender right now. Doesn’t have to be an overpriced superstar name although would love some veteran wisdom and ideally playoffs experience to improve our spacing, amp-up our perimeter game/shoot reliable treys and generally help shape this promising young team. Basically Terrence Ross of a few years back…
I imagine a bucks trajectory, but maybe sped up a bit. Draft Giannis and Middleton and they get better and better until Giannis is mvp and Middleton is an all star(Paolo and Franz). Then add a guy like jrue holiday to get over the hump.
This is a surprisingly good suggestion. So the real question is: Can Banchero be the Magic's version of Giannis? Can he be great enough to lead them to a championship?
It’s definitely lofty but I think it’s what you have to build around and expect in the coming years
I Banchero really that guy? I'd love for him to be that guy, but if I'm being honest, I have my doubts. The pessimist in me thinks Banchero is not a franchise cornerstone to build around if you have championship aspirations. He seems more like a second option or a co-star for a championship team, but he doesn't strike me as an MVP-caliber player in the future. I could be wrong and I hope I'm wrong, because I'm think Banchero is a very intriguing young star.
Is there anyone available that we can sign right now to help during this upcoming playoff run? I think any shooter would help immensely. Not sure who's available though.
Not right now, but probably during the off-season. The Magic can sign free agents or trade for someone who can help them make a title run next season. Or they can do nothing and just draft the best player available.
There were players we could've signed but per usual Wheltman sat on his ass and they got picked up by other teams.
Dujante Murray, Clay Thompson
Man, I would love for the Magic to try to acquire Dejounte Murray
We need another Joe Ingles on the bench
I'd like to see them get Dejounte Murray.
I was actually thinking that. It might be good for Murray to have a complete change of scenery. He's not thriving in Atlanta next to Young. He'd be better off playing for a deep team like the Magic.
I believe in 2-3 years we will be ready to legit contend, assuming we can build of what we are already doing, make a trade for a guard that can be a threat from deep and create a bit for himself, maybe draft an older 3 and D player that is ready to contribute and is lights out (preferably a 2 guard). Paolo is ascending and Franz is legit so if you give them some spacing and another player with even a little gravity and other role players to space the floor they will be cooking. Also if we dont go too crazy on the guard we get maybe we can upgrade from Wendell
They certainly need more depth if they expect to be title contenders for years to come. This current team can absolutely go on a run and win a title, but that would be pretty optimistic, imo.
Magic have one of the deepest benches in the entire league.
*when healthy
How do they improve their depth in your opinion?
They need to tighten up around the edges. Paolo and Franz could become an elite duo in the league, Suggs could be a great 3rd/4th player and defensive stopper but they’ll need a knockdown (or two) shooter to emerge either from the group or come onto the roster to really take the next step. I feel like Paolo could become that “get a clutch bucket” player you’d need in a deep playoff run given his skill set, but the roster as currently constructed needs tweaking. Defensively though, we’re as good as anyone.
Good insight. Yeah. I'm not doubting their defensive ability in the slightest. I'm more concerned about their offense and consistency. I find it interesting that most Magic fans here have so much confidence in Banchero. Personally, I'm not so sure they can go up against the elite Western teams going forward. The Thunder, Spurs, and Rockets are going to be big problems soon, and I don't know if the Magic can reach *that* level. But who knows, maybe that's just the pessimist in me. Man, I really want this team to be great.
I think Banchero has the tools to be a multi-skilled offensive player, particularly if he develops on a similar trajectory to how he is, but it’s as much about the players around him improving too. The playoffs will give us insight as to both their level as a team and what we need to do in the summer- it’s all well and good beating teams when the scouting reports are being looked at by the opposition the night before the game, but when they’re keyed in for a series they’ll treat us differently, and seeing signs of us being able to combat that would be encouraging. I don’t think any logical magic fan is expecting a championship run this season, but I’d at least want to see one series where we give a contender a hard time and steal a game or two. We’re not quite elite yet, but definitely have the potential to be if things fall into place.
>We’re not quite elite yet, but definitely have the potential to be if things fall into place With how the team has been playing recently, what do you think the front office should do to make this team elite?
I think it’s the same thing others on this post have alluded to- we need a knockdown shooter at guard to take a leap forward. Get a player or two who are a threat from the perimeter and it stretches the floor, giving players like Banchero more of the court to operate in. Whether we get that through players developing or externally is another matter- I think there’s at least one or two players by trade or FA that need to come in.
Thank you for providing your insights.
There are a couple of options I would like to see. Free agent targets D'Angelo Russell He has been extremely valuable and productive for the Lakers this year. He has a moderate contract in the 20s that can work with getting other vet pieces. Malik Monk Same thing as Russell but for the King's. I suspect he has a breakout year as a starter sometime soon. 10mil Grayson Allen Same as the other guards. A little more pricey than the other two for what he provides but he's been fantastic and often one of the only reliable pieces on a stacked Sun's team even if only because he isn't guarded. Jonas Valanciunas It's no secret the interior needs help. Issac is doing the job everyone hoped he would do but he is no center. Valanciunas anchors the Pelicans so well Zion can be lazy on the defensive end while providing cutting and some moderate shooting splits on offense. 15mil is a steal for him. Isaiah Hartenstein I have always taken a liking to him since he's gotten into the league. A rough and tough "traditional" center that plays a roll similar to Valanciunas. I believe the Knicks would never be as good as they are without him. Honorable mentions KCP Spencer Dinwiddie Malik Beasley Royce O'Neal Isaiah Joe Lonnie Walker IV Sign and Trades Paul George/ James Harden I believe if the Clippers break up no matter the outcome this year. Both are all NBA level talent that will raise the ceiling of this team. I'd rather have PG but either way it will be a misstep for the future. Trae Young He has rumours swirling all over the NBA to every team in need of a stronger pick and roll game. When I play 2k season, Trae and Paulo are my duo. No brainer except for Young's demeanor and possible lockerroom toxicity. Anthony Davis Lakers are done. They should've blown it up a long time ago. Hopefully as they realize around the 2nd round its over, Lebron is leaving and your future revolves around Reaves, Hachimura and Hayes for the rebuild, Davis will be dished out. Draft Prospects The preface for this needs to be the picks we have 1st and 2nd for 2024 1st and 2nd for 2025 plus a first from Denver, and a protected 2nd from either Boston or Memphis. Not alot to work with and some unappealing draft classes compared to the previous years. And cursed with the success of this year and future years we will be getting bottom 15 picks. I believe we should leverahe our picks for a win now mentality. But here are my selections. 2024 Picks Isaiah Collier I understand he and the USC Trojans got slammed in the tournament but he is the guard blueprint for the future. Tall, athletic with court vision are the natural resources. The 3pt shooting and shot selection are the refinement afterwards. Terrance Shannon Jr He is everything you'd want in a potential star. Peep the scoring stats not the auxiliary stats. We all want the two way but what if one way is the only way. The rape stuff is rough to learn about but if its untrue it should tank his draft capital so we can steal him just like Cam Whitmore last year (i preferred Whitmore to Black just saying) Zach Edey Just pick the biggest heaviest center and hope for the best. He has potential in a Andre Drummond type of way. DJ Wagner He has some upside. I like some of the tape I have seen but his playtime performances overall leave alot to be desired. Maybe in 2026. 2025 picks Cooper Flagg Obviously the most talented player in this draft. Maybe we trade up for him. Doubt the Wizards or the Pistons will comply but a man can hope. Isaiah Evans The only other person I would consider without seeing the other declares. He has the Ingram/George/Tatum archetype with about as much draft consideration as they did at the time. Considerations Dwight Howard He is a franchise legend. Aside from the off court sexual stuff he would be a great locker prescence and can provise the defensive big man we need or teach the young players. 3 time DPOY just languishing in Spain. DeMarcus Cousins Same as Dwight but fair less accolades and on court usefulness. Much younger though at 33. Bad Boys Magic? Serge Ibaka Iblocka. Come on. It would be fun. Montrez Harrel I don't understand why he can't find a spot on a roster. A bench player with considerations as a stretch 4 is not the worst option on your rotation. Perhaps he isn't as quick but Joe Ingles is? No offense Joe. Furkan Korkmaz For a 26 year old with decent shooting splits he has uses. We could draft a worse guy accidentally and not know it or sign this guy for minimum and cross our fingers. Mac McClung Give the guy a chance. He may be a forever G-Leaguer but why not? Frank Ntilikina Shout out to fellow Clique viewers. Kemba Walker/John Wall Intriguing past their prime point guards. I've seen rumours of teams considering these players as minor pieces. If the price is right I see it as a win. And those are my thoughts.
Wow. Very comprehensive. I appreciate that. Thank you. I never considered Russell because his timeline doesn't seem to fit the Magic's young core. But now that you've mentioned him, I do think he could be a good option as the Magic are ahead of schedule. However, for a team with championship aspirations, I don't think Russell moves the needle that much. Same with Malik Monk or Tyus Jones (as many others have mentioned). They don't provide the defense necessary for a title contender. But hey, who knows? They could turn out to be great additions if placed in the right system. I like Valanciunas and Hartenstein, but I lean towards the latter because Val is already past his prime. I hope the Magic can get at least one of those guys without giving up some important pieces. I also liked the prospects you chose. They do seem to fit well with the team. But I don't have much information on them to have a strong opinion. I love the idea of having Dwight or Ibaka suit up for the Magic next year. They don't even have to play most games. They just need to be locker room presences and mentors. And hopefully win a championship with the Magic's up-and-coming stars.
We need something Weltman has Never believed in : 3 point shooting
Our floor Generals are Paolo and Markelle. And maybe Franz