Evergreen

He's an NBA basketball player, standing or not standing is going to be public whether he wants it to be or not. What you're essentially demanding of him is to set his own views and beliefs aside and literally pretend like he supports a cause that he does not. He literally had two options and he went with the one that actually represented his views. Going against his views would've made him a sellout, you have things reversed. I can tell you that there are MANY black people that want nothing to do with BLM. JI is hardly alone here.

His teammates are doing something he doesn't believe in or support, he should be commended for this not criticized. Far too many people going with the crowd these days, especially public figures, I'm glad some people don't let it phase them and literally stand up for what they believe is right.

I think he has matured a bit, perhaps humbled might be more accurate. I watched an interview with him and Shannon Sharpe awhile ago where he said he wants to mentor young players. He has played every role in the NBA from franchise star to bench player, he has extensive playoff experience, he's been part of big trades, played in many different systems, played with other superstars, and has been loved by the fan base he played for and hated. He has basically experienced everything a pro athlete can, if his intentions are good you can argue young players can learn more from him than nearly any other player in the league. He also looks fit enough to be able to contribute on the court and would give us someone who can defend the paint which we don't really have. Sign him for a cheap non-guaranteed contract. If he doesn't work out you simply waive him and move on. I see it as all reward no risk.

Always a good day when Lebron gets booted, especially when it's a sweep. Gordon still having no clue how to hit free throws could've cost Denver but I'm glad it didn't. I think Denver easily beats whoever comes out of the East.

Here's one out of left field, what if we brought Dwight back as a vet presence, give him maybe 10 mins a night? Watching his Taoyuan highlights and he actually doesn't look that bad for a 37 year old playing 35 mpg. Would be even cooler if we signed Vuc and they played on the same team.

If we view Scoot as the answer, you do what's necessary to go after him. We have the resources to do so. We need clarity at the 1 and 2 because what we have now are question marks. I see no reason to trade WCJ to move up because we keep all of our question marks and now add Scoot. To move up I'm offering whichever PG will get the deal done, I don't care if it's Fultz, Anthony, or Suggs. It's hard to determine which of the three has the most trade value because none of them are sure things. If the Magic do not move up, I'm letting MCW walk, I attempt to trade Anthony, and via FA/draft/trades I'm targeting a SG. Let Suggs and Fultz split time at PG (this might help Fultz stay healthy). Hope Isaac can stay healthy to back up the 3/4, and then sign Vuc as our backup at C. I'm probably waiving Harris and signing a cheap vet to play backup SG. Fill out the rest of the roster with shooters and we're good.

I figured with the four year deal making the 4th year a team option. I'm not convinced WCJ is a starting quality center on a championship team, though I could be wrong. I'm more concerned with our backcourt because I'm not thrilled with anyone we have to be honest. Fultz is okay but he's given us nothing to show he can stay healthy for an entire NBA regular season much less four playoff series on top of it. If this team is going to truly turn the corner it has to have players it can rely on when the games matter most and I don't think Fultz is that guy. Getting rid of Isaac and Fultz would free up roughly 25m in cap room. Doubt it will happen but I wouldn't be upset about it.

I remember seeing something awhile ago where someone asked about returning and he said he'd love to. This was maybe 1-2 years ago, can't really remember. He has been making around 25m per season for awhile now. I wonder if he'd accept something like 4 yrs 50m. edit: Guess it was just a few months ago https://www.si.com/nba/magic/news/chicago-bulls-nikola-vucevic-would-love-to-return-to-orlando-magic Nikola Vucevic, who spent nine years with the Magic from 2012-21, said on "The Sixth Man Show" that he would be interested in a potential reunion with the team. "That's something I would love to do," Vucevic said on The Sixth Man Show. "We'll see when that is possible, if that's realistic and how it works out. If anything, at least get one last year in Orlando. I think it's only right it happens, so we'll see. I feel like I have a lot of basketball left, but yeah, for sure that's something on my mind. I can't say it's not."

I think the Magic should trade both picks for established players, or combine them with someone like Suggs/Anthony/Okeke or even Issac (though I do like him). I don't trust their draft judgment. Banchero and Franz are clear winners, but Suggs, Anthony, and Okeke are not. I don't want to risk two high picks becoming more like the latter three. It's still early for the guys I mentioned but I just don't see it with them. Anthony takes horrendous shots and in my view is a selfish player, Suggs can't shoot and appears to play too timid, and I don't think I'm being too harsh when I say I don't even know how Okeke was drafted in the first round. I struggle to see what he brings to the team. Young teams need leadership and I think it's just about time to bring in some vets. Even if this young team makes the playoffs there's such little experience in that locker room I can't imagine it would be a very successful series. Also, I wouldn't be opposed to bringing Vuc back if he signed for something reasonable. Probably not a popular opinion but I'm fine with that.