Soul Bro

Just in case we aren’t able to make a specific game day thread, you can post your game day comments here! Go Magic!

We are somehow 17-9... without our star... and now without our second star. Weltman and Co. have won my trust. I think the following moves have been savvy and unexpected: Drafting Paulo Trading Vooch for WCJ and two 1sts... Then using the first of the two picks to grab Franz Drafting AB, who has crazy two-way upside Drafting TDS, who is a a perfect glue fit Grabbing and extending Mo and Goga Drafting and being patient with JI Drafting and being patient with Jalen Signing Mose to be our coach Do I love everything Weltman has done? Of course not. But he and his crew have demonstrated an ability to identify talent, build a winning culture, and be patient in their development plan. I still believe we are a year or two away from really competing, but I remain curious as to how this group will grow as individuals and as a team. Go Magic!

I want to see if AB or TDS can shine

I think Spazzy offensive Jalen chills when Paulo comes back.

If the owners are willing to spend the money, I’d personally trade Suggs and picks for Fox. If needs be, I’d even throw in Cole :).

"Sacramento Kings star point guard De'Aaron Fox had the opportunity to cash in on a contract extension this year, but he reportedly has his eyes set on an even bigger payday. Per Shams Charania of ESPN, Fox's representative, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said the floor general is bypassing a three-year, $165 million maximum extension this year, as he will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million maximum extension next summer. If he makes an All-NBA team this season, he would be eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax deal. Fox is under contract through the 2025-26 campaign. He's slated to make $34.8 million this season and $37.1 million next year." https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139393-nba-rumors-deaaron-fox-to-turn-down-165m-kings-contract-seeks-bigger-deal-in-2025#:~:text=Fox is under contract through,and %2437.1 million next year. I love Fox but i don't think we can afford Fox + Franz + Paulo on max deals

Reflecting on the game, I like TDS in our SL over WCJ. He’s much more switchable, which became noticeable near the end of the game when WCJ got targeted by Philly’s guards.

I can’t stand Philly. Great win.

I agree with your take but it’s got to be a legit two-way PG. Not sure who that’d be. The perfect type of player would be Jrue Holiday, but he’s married to Boston.

Here is the latest on Paulo: ”When the Magic practiced Saturday in New York City prior to defeating the Nets 100-92 Sunday, Banchero shared that, although he’s still weeks away from returning, he was able to do some ball-handling and some spot shooting.” https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/12/02/orlando-magic-brooklyn-nets-new-york-knicks-madison-square-garden-barclays-center-paolo-banchero-injury-update-jalen-suggs-franz-wagner-nba-cup-tnt-jamahl-mosley/

Anyone looped in on Sexton? How’s his defense?

Great, gritty victory! Go Magic!!!

KCP’s impact on the game today is the difference

Goga with five blocks. Incredible. Love this young man.

If Jalen and KCP can hit open threes when Paulo returns, and if AB can do the same, we are true contenders. A lot also depends on health, too. Love cheering on this team!

Solid win… ugly at times. I don’t care for playing two bigs together in today’s NBA. I prefer Goga in the starting lineup alongside TDS. Love seeing Jalen and KCP come alive. Go Magic!

Dude can't get well. I feel for him. So glad for Black growing into our future PG.

I like Johnson, too. However, I don't know whose minutes he'd take in our rotation. What do you think?

After reading all of these posts, I’m so glad I missed the game last night! Lol

“Penny, can you still hoop? We need you in Orlando.”

Couldn’t get the game. Looks like a gritty win. Especially love this comment on the ESPN Recap: ”Key stat: Orlando's bench outscored Charlotte's 53-15.”

I get it, but I also believe Cole is a net negative for this team... even as a rah-rah guy. His play on the court is so shockingly misaligned with Mose, from over-dribbling, to throwing up selfish shots, to being a poor defender. For me, I honestly think he should be the last guy on our bench at this point... even behind Joseph. That's part of what motivated the question.

Right now, Schroder is the no-brainer for me, too. His familiarity with the Wagners is really intriguing. The only downside is he’s on an expiring deal, so I don’t think he’s worth a 1st. Maybe two 2nds, or Cole plus a conditional 1st?

Good post. I'll say this about KCP. While his shot isn't falling, his defense is definitely making an impact.

I’m not a salary guy, but here’s what we have on the books: https://hoopshype.com/salaries/orlando_magic/ Some thoughts: If we wanted to move on from guys like Cole or Gary, it wouldn’t seem that hard. Cole is only guaranteed one more year at 13M, while Gary’s salary is non-guaranteed next year. Coupled with a 1st, these guys could maybe net someone of value. Mo is seriously undervalued and underpaid. Love his impact on the team. I thought TBN might be crazy, but now I agree with her that Goga might be better than WCJ for this team. Super grateful for the AB and TDS values and impacts. Closing thoughts: I’m not sure we’ll go all in for a trade this year, as the chemistry we have right now is so strong. However, guys like Simons, Schroder, and Cam Johnson will surely hit the market. What would you guys be looking to do or not do?