MagicNZ

I might be in the minority, and Rob touched on it in his presser, but the Ibaka trade was a failure, but I don't think this trade is. I'm excited to see what Ross can do, fills a need as a wing player, and we got a 1st for this year, which although is a late first gives us another piece to play with

Yeah 15 points, 15 boards for Vuc, nice little stat line to hopefully further some trade conversations! On the other hand, our starting PG, SG and SF, in a total of 94 minutes of play, combined for 30 points, 8 assists and 7 boards ...

Of all the rumours and potential trades, Jaylen Brown is certainly the best that seems feasible, it would definitely show a direction I would like to see, going back to youth. I would be happy with a front court of Brown / Gordon / Biz

Watching Gordon on iso plays towards the end of the half just screams to put him back at the 4 Also, how quiet are these game threads now? End of the first half and not out of the first page ... that's as good a barometer on the season as anything else

We were in the bonus as well, drive to the hole!

I think its a forgone conclusion Ibaka won't stay with us after this season and, if he did, it would cost FAR too much. I thought Ibaka really showed his class earlier on in the year but, for whatever reason, its dropped off, we need to get what we can for him, otherwise we gave up Dipo and Sabonis for nothing. If all these rumours are true, that they want to move Gordon back to the 4 I think that's fantastic, I know Rob alluded to that in some interviews last week that they still can't decide what his best position is

Just got in to watch the game, turned it on, saw the score, turned if off, came here lol Did ANYONE play well?

I laughed, then I cried ... so true I'm not a massive believer in Mario so far, but I just want to see the kid be given a run, what the hell do we have to lose?!? I mean we are without our first and second string SG, put him in! All these minutes to Jeff Green who definitely should not be on the squad next season, if he is ... urgh

He has been phenomenal this year, I agree he's moved WAY beyond prospect. He's a year ahead of Gordon in his development, I still think Gordon can be all star level, but I still don't know if he will be a ball handling point forward, like Giannis, or more an athletic PF like Blake. We can't keep chopping and changing with him though ... that will eventually ruin his development

Didn't see the game, Paytons stats looked good though (20 points, 12 assists), how did he play? I was concerned about him having a down game after his excellent performance against Utah.

Haha, much better answer than mine!

Based on what we've seen so far and the way the new CBA has gone, making it more financially incentive to remain at your current team, personally yes I'd keep Gordon and Payton, try and resign Ibaka and do something to get an upgrade at 2. Vuc yes I'd try an retain, but he'd be the most expendable if needed to upgrade the 2.

I'm dissapointing this has slipped away, but there are positives to take from this, Payton & Gordon really putting their hands up to say you continue to build around them. Imagine that team with a stud 2 and a better bench...

Second team collapse well underway, I really hate seeing the ball in CJ Watson's hands

No disagreement here Also, EP!!! That drive and dunk

I like this Magic, when EP drives he opens up so much space, also great move by Vuch on Gobert!

Can only hope...

I just hope if they are looking at a veteran PG they don't pull the plug on Payton, keep developing him off the bench for another season or two, take the opportunity of having a senior, starting PG to take some of the pressure off.

I've been thinking for a while if we could put a dynamic scorer at either the 2 or 3 and leave everything else the same, the balance on this team would be so much better (and would bring the best out of Payton). Can we get him whilst keeping a starting 5 of Payton / Butler / Gordon / Ibaka / Biz??

This basically sums up what I wanted to say! His bad games suck, and his good games are great, not just stats but the way he plays. He's had enough good games this season to make me want to stick with him and see if he can find that consistency. Gordon on the other hand... More bad or very average games than good, Ibaka has locked down the 4 though, really showing his class

I like this version of Evan

At this point, if you had the choice between taking Serge long term or committing to Gordon long term at the 4,what would you go with? It would be heart breaking, but at this point I think I'd take the guaranteed floor of Ibaka instead of the potential of Gordon...

Ibaka with a few nice plays

I still believe in EP, but get him the hell out of this game

Gordon has taken some horrible looks tonight