Mike1989

Out of interest, do any of the jerseys for sale this year have the 25th anniversary patch on? Or are they only for the player's jerseys and not going to be put on the ones for sale?

I am not sure I would use the phrase 'good enough', instead I would say that the eastern conference is that weak this season that rebuilding teams have a serious chance of play off basketball because there is no real quality outside the top few teams at this point. It certainly is nice to see the team being competitive. They are playing some good basketball, the vets are contributing, and the young players are showing signs of improvement. I firmly believe that this team has a bright future ahead. Though ultimately I am not sure that making the play offs this season would be the best thing, that is unless the team is going to go out in 2014 and sign a big name free agent or two (eg. Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki etc). For me, I think the best route would be to see what value we can get for Nelson, Afflalo, and Davis. If that is draft picks, great. But equally if there are young undervalued players like Tobias Harris to be gained from dealing our vets, then that is equally great because it will see the team continue to build a really good young core. I think what this team does with these three players will dictate what this team's aims are this season. If they keep hold of them, then this team might have made the decision to be competitive and make a serious run for a play off berth. However, if the team moves one or more of those three players, then that would show that this team has made the decision to emphasize the development of the young players rather than compete for a play off spot. But to get back to the OP, I think this team does have a chance to qualify for the play offs this season due to how weak the east is, though I am not convinced how positive a play off campaign would be for this team because is still rebuilding.

I do agree that a play off spot is unlikely, but it isn't out of question because the 7th and 8th seeds in the east are going to be fiercely contested. This season there are a number of teams struggling to separate themselves in the East. I'd say that the only certs for the play offs are the Heat, Pacers, Bulls, Nets, and Knicks. Outside of those five teams we could all argue a case for the following teams: Atlanta, Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Toronto and Washington. I don't think you will find many arguing a case for Charlotte, Philadelphia and us, but both ourselves and the Bobcats have talent and certain experienced players that could help this team be more competitive than they are currently expected to be. As it stands we've got a decent amount of young talent in Harris, Harkless, Nicholson, Oladipo, O'Quinn and Vuc. If these young players can take a big step forwards and become better and more competitive players at both ends of the court, and in turn, the veteran players like Afflalo, Davis and Nelson come in and perform to a decent level, then that could help this team win enough games to land an unlikely 8th seed. Remember that the Bucks got into the play offs last season with a 38-44 receord, and the Celtics only went 41-40. With as many teams as there are in the East right now struggling to separate themselves from one another, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that there could be an upset. That being said, I don't think a play off berth is realistic at all. I personally think we will be in the 25 to 30 win range this season. So the aim is to improve the young players and hope they can take a big step forwards and become more competitive at both ends of the court. I am certainly excited at the prospect of seeing how the likes of Vuc, Harris, Harkless and Oladipo mould into the starting unit and improve; and perhaps even throwing Nicholson in there at PF if Harkless drops to SG and Harris to SF. As for Nelson, I think the team will keep him around. As it stands Oladipo is probably not ready to play and start the entire season at PG. Oladipo needs to improve his ball handling, his passing, and basically his all round game if he is to become this team's PG of the future. So Nelson still has a pivotal role to play this season, and if Olaidpo does end up taking the starting PG position, then keeping Nelson around as a veteran off the bench and presence in the locker room would be very beneficial for this young team. For me, I think they will keep Nelson around for at least one more season if not more. I hope he retires here. But I guess he might pursue one last lucrative deal if he gets the opportunity to, or Henny might be tempted to trade him for draft picks or young players.

If you still need a 10th player, I am happy to enter and play fantasy football :)/>

It would be nice to have our own team that we can send our players to, and help them adapt and develop to playing the system that the Magic do. That said, I'm not sure if the D-League will ever rise to 30 teams with one per NBA team, but hopefully in the future we'll get a team of our own.

Agreed. This season should be about developing our young core of Oladipo, Harkless, Harris, Nicholson, O'Quinn, Vuc etc. Hopefully they will get the majority of the minutes and we'll start to see them develop into players this team can build around. And like you say, if they show enough potential to be a very good team with more experience and depth, then that should help Henny recruit free agents in 2014 if he desires to add them alongside our 2014 draft picks and existing team.

Agreed, I think Maxiell could be a useful addition to the roster. He probably won't play many minutes, but as an experienced head he could have a role to play. As for Davis I think he will probably end up being traded at some point, because when he is healthy he will start at PF, and if our starting line up is - Nelson, Afflalo, Harris/Harkless, Davis and - then that might make us too good next season, especially if the aim is to land a top pick. That line up could get us to the 30 win range, and while it would be nice to win more and see our players develop, I personally don't think keeping or at least starting Davis is in the game plan that Henny is currently following. Same goes for Afflalo, I wouldn't be surprised to see him head out the exit door if Oladipo is going to start at SG.

I see your point that certain players have gone to a team, stuck with them, and won titles. But at the same time greats like Jordan, Duncan, Wade, Kobe and co all had significantly better supporting casts than LeBron ever did. Jordan had Pippen through all six titles, Rodman in their second peat, and through all six titles had an excellent starting line up and bench. And that is without even mentioning their head coach, Phil Jackson. Then look at Tim Duncan, he's had the likes of Avery Johnson, David Robinson, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker. The Spurs have always seemed to have a decent supporting cast, and with Pop they have a great head coach. Even Wade when he won with the Heat had a still elite Shaq on his team, along with a decent supporting cast, and a great head coach in Pat Riley. LeBron never had their supporting cast or head coach at Cleveland. I'm no LeBron fan but he never had a great supporting cast at Cleveland, yet they were always amongst the most competitive teams in the league. Sure he left Cleveland to join the Heat to form a big three to give him the best chance to win, and for that a lot of Cav fans hate him. If he could have won his titles with the Cavs then that would have given him that special status of turning the Cavs into champions. But the Heat have 'earned' their titles by becoming one of the most dominant teams, and I would still put LeBron up there with the likes of Jordan in terms of the legacy he is building in Miami. If they win again next season, and he re-signs with them and continues to help keep the Heat amongst the best teams in the league, and even adds more titles, then he will go down in the same bracket even if it isn't with his original team. Personally LeBron has earned his rings so far, but that's just how I see it.

Like you, I want the Magic to win titles. Obviously having a superstar on your roster makes it easier to win a title, but you also need a well rounded roster. As it stands our front court - Harkless, Harris, Vuc - has a ton of potential. Heck, one of them could become our star player. Vuc had a career year last season, and if he improves his game this season he could quite easily become one of the league's elite centers. Harkless and Harris might not become all star players, but they can certainly improve to become borderline all stars. That leaves the PG and SG positions, of which one or both could be addressed this off season. If we end up with a Bledsoe and McLemore/Oladipo combination, then we have a young and very talented line up. If that is fleshed out with good role players, then a good season is not beyond us. I would much rather us get 30 wins or more and see significant progression from the likes of Harkless, Harris, Vuc, and whoever else we draft and sign; than I would seeing us have another league worst record. For me, if we can take that big step forwards then that will help us back on our way to becoming a contender again. Plus, having a good season where we get 30 wins or more, could make us an attraction proposition to prospective all star (or borderline) all stars in free agency next year. If our young talent has taken a big step forwards, then adding in further draft picks, and a big name free agent could propel us back into the play offs; and with further progression, into title contention. I'd love for us to get Wiggins. But I honestly don't think we'll be in contention for it unless the likes of Harkless, Harris, Vuc, and whoever else we start don't produce. If they produce and take a step forward, we should be fine ourselves in a similar position to the T-Wolves or better.

Would they be able to with their cap situation? With their guaranteed contracts, player options (Allen, Jones, Lewis), and team options (Varnado, Chalmers), they will be well over the cap at $86.4 million. They will probably want to re-sign Anderson, who they could get at the mid-level rate of $3.2 million. But I don't think they can afford a player like Redick who will be in the $8 million range. Even if they amnesty Mike Miller, he's 'only' earning about $6 million. I guess Redick might sign for that amount if he wants the best chance to win rings, but with more money to be made elsewhere I think the Heat are a stretch. I hope he doesn't land their either. Personally I think he could go to a team like the Bulls where he would be an excellent role player for them, but a team like the T-Wolves could use him and he'd start.

I would not discourage the team from winning games, because what this team needs to do is develop a winning culture. They need to learn how to close out games (eg. the Spurs in game 5 against the Heat), and equally how to comeback from a deficit (eg. the Wizards overturning a 21 point deficit against the Lakers to win; or at least hit back like the Heat did in game 5 and keep the contest competitive). The best way to develop a winning culture is to win games. Last season we had the odd game here and there when everything went well, but there were games when we lost the lead, and other games when we fell behind and struggled to keep in touch. Now part of that comes down to not possessing enough quality, but it also comes down to our young players not having enough experience. The only way the players develop this experience is to get them out on the court and competing for wins, and ideally winning as many as possible. Now taking that stride forwards might mean we miss out on a top five pick because we win 30 or more games. Obviously I would like to see us draft Wiggins, Parker, or Randle, because any of them could make a significant contribution to this team. But at the same time I want to see our young core of Harkless, Harris and Vučević, take a big stride forward and establish themselves as the core of this team. If those three can improve on their performances last season, and any further additions contribute to the team, then I would be more than happy to see this team play itself out of contention for a top pick. I am not one of those that says tank for the sake of it, because tanking does not mean we will get a player that will change the face of this franchise. It gives you a good chance, but for every Kevin Durant and LeBron James, there are the likes of Greg Oden and Hasheem Thabeet. Personally I am of the belief that you do not necessarily need to have a top pick in the draft to build a competitive team. The Pacers are the prime example of a team that has developed a legitimate contenders without having had a top pick since selecting Rik Smits second overall in 1988. In their current team they drafted Paul George at #10, Danny Granger at #17, Lance Stephenson at #40; and although he was traded for George Hill, the Pacers drafted Kawhi Leonard at #15. All four of those players have become good to very good starting players in the NBA, three of whom play a part in the Pacers recent success. They also traded for Roy Hibbert who had been taken at #17 by the Raptors, traded for George Hill, and got David West in free agency. So the Pacers have proven that it is possible to build a contender without ever having a top pick in the draft. They have generally scouted well, made positive moves to acquire talent, and had some luck as well. To bring this back to us. Yes, a top pick next year could help us, and we may end up with one. But there is no reason why we cannot build a legitimate contender even if we play ourselves out of contention for a top pick in next year's draft. We can get our future SG this year in McLemore, and all we would need to do is acquire our PG, which this team could do by seeing if a team would be willing to select Schroeder and trade him for AA or Davis. If we do that then our young core would be Schroeder, McLemore, Harkless, Harris and Vučević. That could be very positive going forwards, and that is without fleshing out the team with experienced free agents, acquisitions in the trade market, and further draft picks. A top pick would be nice, but if given an either or choice between a top pick or serious progression from our young players, I would probably take serious progression more often than not because it would show that those players are starting to prove that they can lead this team back to contention.

Personally I hope we stay clear of Bledsoe and Jordan. The problem I have with Bledsoe is that he is in a contract year, and at the end of it he could walk away for nothing, or want his big pay day and at this time I don't think it is sensible to take a player on board like him when we have Nelson and could take a point guard in the draft to develop. Plus, I am not convinced Bledsoe [right now] is an improvement on Nelson, or for that matter, will become a better player than all of the PGs in this year's draft. As for Jordan, well, he comes with a hefty contract for someone that isn't a great rebounder, and isn't much of a scorer. Sure he has court presence at times, but I don't see him as a dominant center. I would not rank him as a top ten center. He would make my top twenty, but I wouldn't want to see us take on his type of contract for a guy that will probably not be a leading center. I guess him and Vuc could form a decent duo, but again, we could equally trade back with a team like Minnesota and draft a big man in the draft and we could get as much from a rookie on less money, if not more. The idea has potential if both guys develop their game. But I just don't see us taking on either guy, let alone both.

Problem is you're not guaranteed the top pick. Take this year as a prime example. We had the worst record overall and we got the second pick, whereas the Cavs finished third overall and got the top pick. The previous year the Bobcats had the worst record and ended up with the second pick, while New Orleans had the fourth worst record and ended up with the first pick. So while I do not dispute that tanking can get you a top pick, and in turn, a top player,there is no guarantee that tanking lands you the top pick. Though next year's draft when you have Wiggins, Parker, Randle, and co, the depth is up there with the likes of the 2003 class. So I guess next year as long as we get a pick in the top five or preferably three, we'll land a damn good player.

Personally I would rank Shaq ahead of Dwight, but both were great players for this team. For me, Shaq was superior on offense, and in his third season led the league in scoring. Also I think Shaq was a better passer and contributed more assists. In terms of rebounding I would give the edge to Dwight since he did average more, and put up over a 1,000 rebounds in six seasons. I'd give Dwight the edge on defense since he has led the league in blocks twice, and won three defensive player of the year awards, but both guys were very good on defense. Overall both guys did an excellent job, Shaq got us to the finals in his third season, whereas Dwight got us there in his fifth, though we did win a game in the finals under Dwight. But overall I think Shaq contributed more to the team in terms of leadership and his presence, and that would be my reason for putting him ahead of Dwight, but frankly we've had two hall of fame centers start their careers here.

Like you I can see us taking a similar stride to what the Wizards did this season going from 20 wins to 29 wins. With a top draft pick even in this year's 'weak' class, and our young talent developing, plus any additions, I think we could if everyone develops put ourselves outside the worst few records.

That was a heck of a winning shot from Parker. At half time the Heat were playing well, but in the second half the Spurs really did do a good job at stopping the Heat, especially in the fourth quarter. Very good win for the Spurs, hopefully now they continue to push on and get another victory. Heat look to be doing their best not to win.

If all goes well then I think we'll have two more losing seasons. Next season I see us finishing with a similar record, and if that lands us a top two pick that would allow us to draft one of the top guys next year. The following season I think we'll be around the 30 win or so mark. And that would give us another lottery pick in 2015, and with the cap space we'll have we can pursue a star player, and if our existing talent take strides forwards we could be ready at that point to have a .500 season. So I voted two more losing seasons, and then I think we'll be around the .500, and then push on. Obviously this hinges on everyone developing, Henny drafting well and using FA effectively, and good coaching.

Excellent head coach in regular season, only missed the play offs twice in twenty five years as an NBA head coach. He's also got 21 winning seasons, 1 .500 record and only 3 losing. In regular season he certainly does get his teams to the post season, the issue though is his tactics tend to be somewhat lacking in the post season and has gone out in the first round quite a lot. I think he'll be a decent hire for the Clippers or Nets. But I wonder if he'll follow the Nuggets GM to the Raptors?

Main factor in both of those games was Bosh played very well, and he hasn't got near that level over the past few games or so. If he can return to that level of play, then the Heat may very well end up beating the Spurs in five or six. But with how they are currently playing as a team, I just don't see them running away with it. The interesting thing about those regular season games is that in game one Duncan, Parker and Ginobili didn't play, but LeBron, Wade and Bosh did and the Heat won 105-100; and in the second game LeBron, Wade and Chalmers didn't play, and Bosh led them to a close 88-86 victory despite Duncan and Parker both playing. Funny how in both games their respective big threes didn't face off against each other.

While I dislike Howard for leaving, and especially in the way he did, I would from a fans perspective accept him back. If he did come back this off season, and personally I don't see it happening, our lineup could be quite competitive; - Nelson, McLemore, Harris/Harkless, Vučević, Howard - Bledsoe, McLemore, Harris/Harkless, Vučević, Howard I think both line ups would have potential, but like a few posters have mentioned we are rebuilding around a good core of young talent, and trying not to be centered on one guy (though one guy you would center around is LeBron in 2014 if he opts out, or 2015 if he doesn't re-sign; or Durant).

If we end up with that team post draft then I'd be very happy. Only thing is why would we take Schroeder and trade for Bledsoe? The only scenario when getting both is if we move Nelson, and I don't think will happen. So if we trade for Bledsoe I see him and Nelson splitting the minutes at PG, and same if we draft one. I guess having depth is nice, but trading into the draft to select again I'm not sure I'd grab a point guard if we've traded for one. Personally I like the idea of getting Schroeder. If we could also get McLemore. Then having them getting minutes alongside Nelson and AA could make for a decent backcourt. Good point. But I'm not sure McLemore would put us out of the lottery. For me, the 'worst' case scenario is that our talent gets us to a Wizards type record, and if we are lucky we jump up in the lottery. But even around the 7 or 8 mark we could still land a very good player (I've seen a stud like Vonleah go around then). I'd much rather we get a top three or four pick, and I think we'll likely have that unless our talent takes a big step forward, though if they do I wouldn't complain especially if they got to 30 wins or so, because a couple of additions in the draft and free agency could be enough to get us into play off contention.

I think the Spurs will beat the Heat if they continue to play as they are. Arguably the Pacers should have won game one, and if they had they would have been playing in the finals after game six. The Pacers struggled in two games to keep pace (no pun intended) with the Heat (game 5 and 7, I think). I don't see the Spurs struggling to keep pace and getting out scored by the Heat. Also, with the Spurs' experience they have proven clutch ability to close out games, something which the Pacers are still learning to develop. So for me, if the Heat don't step up I think he Spurs will win in six. Though if the Heat do step up, and Wade and Bosh play to a decent level the Heat could take it in game seven. My bet is on the Spurs in six.

Yes, I've seen him about a dozen times this season. Like I said he's a very talented player, and if we got him I'd like that, but he has a few flaws that need ironing out if he's to become an lite point guard like CP3 or Tony Parker. Now that's what I have seen when I watched him, you might view him differently.

Jennings is a very talented player. He's got scoring ability amongst the top ten PGs, he's got really good play making ability, though his assists are middle of the starting PGs and behind Jameer. I'm still not convinced about his defense from what I've watched, and like you say, he's a gunner. When you consider the deal he will want I'd rather let him go elsewhere and keep Nelson and draft Nelson's replacement. For me Jennings isn't worth the money he'd want.

At the right price he would be a good pick up. He's got decent size and has the ability to be a decent player. Not sure where he fits unless Harris drops to SF and rotates with Harkless, and Robinson rotates with Nicholson at PF. Unless we trade Nicholson then Robinson could rotate with Harris at PF. But if Nicholson stays, having him, Harris and Robinson at PF would give us very good depth but it would be a shame to see Nicholson's development potentially hindered by potentially getting even less minutes.