Just a regular Magic fan

No doubt Fultz just needs some time. I like that he plays within himself and doesn’t try and get too cute. If he can just drop it off to Ross for a three, he does.

I know we are talking defense right now, but regarding how I think Fultz can help us on offense Clifford said the other day on the Orlando Pinstriped Post Podcast that by the numbers the best thing you can do (regarding NBA offense) is: 1) Get to the free-throw line 2) Shoot a layup 3) A corner three Fultz should be able to help us with 1 & 2, but might not be able to hit the corner three right now because he seems more comfortable getting his points in the paint; however, that doesn't mean he can't drive and pass it to someone who can, right? If he can stay healthy I think he might get most of his minutes late in the game when it's on the line.

Naturally, I hope Fultz develops a consistent outside shot, however, what is more important to me is if he can get into the paint, draw a foul, and hit his free throws. If he can do that and help create open looks for our other guys I will be happy.

I was really surprised when Weltman said that Fultz has only played in 33 games these last 2 years and is only 21 years old. He's just a pup. Not sure how he will turn out, but I can't say enough about how pleased I am with how the Magic have handled his situation. I am hoping coach Clifford is the perfect coach for him and can help him maximize his potential.

I was surprised at how big he got over the summer.

I think what I am excited about the most with Fultz is the pace we will hopefully play with. If all goes well it could lead to our offense being more efficient.

I was just thinking that, too! It’s good talking about meaningful Magic basketball.

Would it be within reason to say that at least early on we should temper our expectations that Fultz will be more of a facilitator than scorer?

Oops. Sorry about that, ya'll. I missed it. On on a different note, do you think Clifford will tweak his offensive scheme, and if so, how?

Anyone else see the rumors where the Magic are batting away any trade offers for JI? Nice to see us determined to hang on to the guy. I am really excited to see how much he has developed over the summer!

Nice!

It looks to me like he is pain-free when he shoots. My expectations for Fultz being part of our rotation this year have moved up from doubtful to hopeful. :-)

Getting excited about the season. Looking forward to and hope it's on TV. :-)

If you were going to advise Gordon, what would you have him work on to help him take the next step?

It's surprising to see that Gordan is only 24. It seems like he has been around forever. The article has an interesting take on Gordon's ceiling in that it isn't going to be as high as we all once hoped. That reality of that hit me in the face like a brick. I had always hoped that Gordon would be one of those that would have a breakout season. I still love the guy though. He's a gym rat, has a great attitude, is athletic as hell, and has one heck of a work ethic. I think Clifford is doing wonders with him and utilizing him in the right way. His 3 point shot has improved and his athleticism allows him to take advantage of unplanned opportunities. Even though he isn't our go-to guy, I see him as our glue guy, and IMO every team needs players like that. What about you? Are you happy Gordon is on our team, or is he someone you would trade away, if we could, for a more consistent/ productive scorer?

Did he apologize for screwing over the Magic and their fans?

I know it doesn't translate, but maybe Fournier will come into our season with more confidence and consistency in his shot.

Consistency?

I would have preferred it if our guys would have stayed home and worked on their game. I think that would benefit us more this season.

No doubt. Glad to see him putting on some muscle! JI looks like his body type is the kind where he will have a hard time keeping on weight. I am jealous. Wish that were me, LOL.

I would like to see AG work on his footwork. If he can be elite in that area, I think the rest of his game will follow.

Well said! There is nothing wrong with being realistic about things, especially since we really can't do anything about it this year. Even though we might have reached our ceiling, I am still looking forward to the season and watching our team grow.

Is he really 7’ now? When we drafted him, I was hoping he would keep growing.

Great point. Fultz looks like he is progressing, and I think you are taking the right approach. It's best to be cautious and as desperate as I am, I need to temper my expectations. This whole thing is weird to me. The guy is a gym rat and has probably shot the ball over a million times and then all of a sudden he has nerve issues? I still wonder if the medical diagnosis is correct. I am glad we gave up the pick to get him. It's worth the risk to see if we can rehabilitate him. However, as you are implying, this is no sure thing. I sure hope we get lucky. We could use it.

Who are you talking about? Are the near misses players we passed over or were they taken before we picked? Some things can’t be helped and some things can. I would be concerned about our talent evaluators if we passed over a guy.