Orlando has something special brewing with the duo of Paolo Banchero, who is flourishing as a star and a leader, and Franz Wagner, whose nuanced aggression serves as a complementary counterbalance. Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Cole Anthony, a healthy Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. are helping forge the fulcrum of a defensive-minded identity, too. And Gary Harris and Joe Ingles are the only players older than 26.
So much of what ails them—turnovers, clogged-up creators, a bottom-10 offense—could be remedied with shooting, yet I’m glad they didn’t make any deadline deals to bolster their spacing. With the weakest schedule remaining in the NBA, the Magic are almost certain to at least be a play-in team this spring, which will allow the front office to find out who is built to rise under the bright lights and who flounders under pressure.
Getting into the Buddy Hield sweepstakes probably would have inflated their win total in the short term, but in the long term, I think this is a team that could use more young, top-end talent to grow beyond a second-round peak. And without a Thunder-esque stockpile of other teams’ draft assets, the best way for Orlando to shore up its young talent is through its draft picks, which requires not getting too good too fast.
Orlando has something special brewing with the duo of Paolo Banchero, who is flourishing as a star and a leader, and Franz Wagner, whose nuanced aggression serves as a complementary counterbalance. Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Cole Anthony, a healthy Jonathan Isaac, and Wendell Carter Jr. are helping forge the fulcrum of a defensive-minded identity, too. And Gary Harris and Joe Ingles are the only players older than 26.
So much of what ails them—turnovers, clogged-up creators, a bottom-10 offense—could be remedied with shooting, yet I’m glad they didn’t make any deadline deals to bolster their spacing. With the weakest schedule remaining in the NBA, the Magic are almost certain to at least be a play-in team this spring, which will allow the front office to find out who is built to rise under the bright lights and who flounders under pressure.
Getting into the Buddy Hield sweepstakes probably would have inflated their win total in the short term, but in the long term, I think this is a team that could use more young, top-end talent to grow beyond a second-round peak. And without a Thunder-esque stockpile of other teams’ draft assets, the best way for Orlando to shore up its young talent is through its draft picks, which requires not getting too good too fast.
Havlicekstealsit wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:14 pm
Theyre definitely up and coming,but they could use better shooters. The lack of 3pt shooting is going to get exploited come the playoffs.
They have plenty. They just aren't the entire starting 5. Every player can shoot and make 3 pointers..every one of them. Some at a very high %
Their focus isn't shooting 3s like every other team. It's pounding the paint and scoring or getting to the line unlike every other team...it's an advantage not a weakness
Sudanese Sensation wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:35 pm
"The soft bigotry of low expectations."
They have improved by 12+ wins the past 2 season. This season should be no different. They have 33 wins. They won a total of 34 last year..the bar is not low at all. It's a successful rebuild. 50+ next season..no ceiling
Sudanese Sensation wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:35 pm
"The soft bigotry of low expectations."
They have improved by 12+ wins the past 2 season. This season should be no different. They have 33 wins. They won a total of 34 last year..the bar is not low at all. It's a successful rebuild. 50+ next season..no ceiling
You'll make injury excuses regardless of the outcome.
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe you might block every shot."
Bill Russell
"I'm just 'bout that action, boss"
L.O.B. = Love our Brothers.
Sudanese Sensation wrote: ↑Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:35 pm
"The soft bigotry of low expectations."
They have improved by 12+ wins the past 2 season. This season should be no different. They have 33 wins. They won a total of 34 last year..the bar is not low at all. It's a successful rebuild. 50+ next season..no ceiling
You'll make injury excuses regardless of the outcome.
Very valid excuse. 6 to 8 rotation players out almost 2 months is as valid as it gets.
They have improved by 12+ wins the past 2 season. This season should be no different. They have 33 wins. They won a total of 34 last year..the bar is not low at all. It's a successful rebuild. 50+ next season..no ceiling
You'll make injury excuses regardless of the outcome.
Very valid excuse. 6 to 8 rotation players out almost 2 months is as valid as it gets.
Imagine claiming it has zero effect on a team
Jfc
Sounds like a soft AF team if that's true. Yikes
"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe you might block every shot."
Bill Russell
"I'm just 'bout that action, boss"
L.O.B. = Love our Brothers.
