TrueBlueDrew

I'm ok with that. I think he is going to retire in 3 years anyway. I'll still hold out hope for Mark Jackson or Tony Bennett

Interesting...this **article** give Mike Malone, former Kings head coach, a nod on the small list of candidates because he was interviewed before the Magic hired JV. I'd be interested in that name purely because of how well the Kings looked in the beginning of the season, but how much of that was the roster and not the coach?

I'm personally pulling for Mark Jackson and I'll even put one foot on the Tony Bennett bandwagon. I'm not a huge fan of Karl or Skiles, but I do agree we need some direction moving forward. Whoever is here next should be a long term solution!

Ok...so my original question remains...who is the short list? As you mentioned I think, Skiles has been fired...Karl...just no....Mark Jackson...Tony Bennett isn't a proven NBA coach to help give direction to this young team (as some other poster said abut Bennett) So who? Is there someone already coaching that would switch to the Magic?

Do we have a single post with a short list of names? I still haven't seen one. I see names like Skiles, Mark Jackson, George Karl, etc. But not many others. I'm kinda surprised at the general lack of interest from the forum in Mark Jackson. I think he's better than people want to give him credit for. All of the GSW head coaches from 1995-2011 had an overall sub-50% winning record, even Don Nelson, and Mark Jackson in his 3 years there had 53% winning percentage. 2011 -- 23-43; 12th PPG, 28th Opp PPG 2012 -- 44-38; 7th PPG, 19th Opp PPG 2013 -- 54-28; 10th PPG, 10th Opp PPG Link The only reason I can think of, for the reason why people don't like him is maybe because of their style of play? They're very go-with-the-flow and don't seem to have many set plays. I think a lot of that has to do with the roster that they have and not necessarily Mark Jackson's talent as a coach. I think this would be a fantastic hire for the Magic, especially since he was able to develop Curry and Klay, I think he could do the same with Payton and Oli

Their entire roster isn't worthy of a roster. They legitimately only have like 7 NBA players themselves. I think the discussion really isn't how good the college team is, it's more how bad the NBA team is. I don't know about the teams in the 90s, but the 04 UConn and 06 Florida teams had good starting 5s but couldn't go further than 6 maybe 7 into the bench. I'll take 10 who have the mindset of playing all out for 5 minutes, then in come 5 more fresh bodies who are just as good as the first 5. I think the reason I've bought into it (and I know nobody knows me on this forum, so this doesn't make that much of a difference) and I'm not the guy who makes this wild accusations. I always try to be reserved because I want to be realistic, not a wild fan who thinks illogically purely out of bias...the reason I've bought into it is because I think this Kentucky team is worthy of that conversation, this 76er team is historically awful, and the style that Kentucky is playing this season is unlike anything basketball has ever seen. All of those variables end up making me a believer. But we can agree to disagree. There are some players on this Kentucky team that can help the Magic and they're not going to be busts like Daniel Orton or Doron Lamb (didn't the Magic have Deandre Liggins for a while too?) All of those players by the way, I said the moment they declared for the draft that it was a mistake and they needed more years in college.

I forget that a bunch of you all live in Florida...which means you care more about football than basketball. The majority of Kentucky fans live and breath the sport...which means all we do is watch college basketball and understand how the game works. Chalking this up to a crazy Kentucky fan is just lazy...so congrats The point is this. The style of basketball that Kentucky is playing with is unlike anyone else in the world. No one else is running 10 deep all season in 5 minute waves. Say what you want about whether or not they would win, but the fact that this KY team has legitimately had national debates about whether or not they could beat an NBA team should at least tell you the talent on this team is no joke. They have 3 pt shooters, they have drivers, they have big men, they have length, they have athleticism, and they have lock down defenders. I'm not trying to be the idiot that is claiming they can beat the Spurs or Cavs...but I'm just saying that this team has the best chance to beat the worst team in the NBA better than any other college team in the last 30 years.

Don't worry guys, your local Kentucky basketball expert is here... Towns is more solid than people want to give him credit for. He has a little issue with fouls, but that will tighten up. Right now, he can dominate every game if he wants to. However, just as Catman said, the way Cal is playing this team, you can't go simply off numbers. You'd have to watch a few games to really see what he is like. I think behind Okafor, Kentucky has 2 of the best big men in the college game right now in Towns and Willie Cauley Stein. If Towns was on any other team, he would be averaging 20 + 8...I guarantee it. He has experience playing good competition and there is no one in the country having better practices than Kentucky. He'll get better and he is definitely worthy of consideration for a top 10 pick. I know we have enough guards, but since I'm talking about Kentucky, Devin Booker is legit too. That boy looks like Steph Curry sometimes with his 3pt shooting and he can create his own shot too. Probably worth of a lottery pick as well.

I only get to catch a game every now and then, but it does seem like the team has regressed after a fairly competitive first 10-15 games. Magic needed a new face to match the new team, but one that at least can get things done. Who is on the short list?

So when does JV get fired and who is the best case scenario replacement? I saw the post with names like George Karl, Scott Skiles, Kevin Ollie, Shaka Smart, and others. I'm really surprised that Mark Jackson's name isn't mentioned more. Is there something about him as a coach that I don't know?

Congrats on taking stats after 3 games when offense isnt the motive for this team its defense and it's clear you've never watched a game. WCS was much more than what you gave him credit for as was Poythress.

My question would be who would be the JV replacement? Mark Jackson is about the only name that I can think of, of someone worth going after. Until there is a suitable replacement that is far better than JV, I say we stick with the coach who has been there at the beginning of the rebuilding until it is proven that he is the issue for the teams trouble.

You realize that the average age of the 76ers is like 23 right? They only have 3 players over the age of 24. These are not fully grown men. This is a rag tag bunch of players that make up a team with about 5-6 players worthy of an NBA jersey. MCW (23) Embiid (20) Mbah a Moute (28) KJ Daniels (21) Noel (20) Richardson (33) Shved (25) Wroten (21) Thompson (23) everyone else has either bounced from team to team their entire life or are just lucky to be called up from the DLeague. Compare that to Karl Anthony Towns (nice collection of offensive skills for a big man -- Top 3 pick) Willie Cauley Stein (not even a McD All American but a very versatile big man -- 1st round pick) Dakari Johnson (Soft Hands and nice post moves -- Nazr Mohammed but with more offense -- 1st round pick) Trey Lyles (Big and Athletic with the Dirk-Like shooters touch -- 1st round pick) Aaron Harrison (clutch buckets -- 1st round pick) Andrew Harrison (big PG who can slash -- 1st round pick) Poythress (athleticism for days probably a 2nd round pick) Devin Booker (3pt shooter, decent defense -- late 1st early 2nd round) Tyler Ulis (Fantastic floor general, fantastic on defense -- 1st round pick) Look, I'm not saying that it is a guarantee that they win, but I think talent is a lot closer than people want to give them credit for. On top of that, the sixers are really that bad and the platoon system will wear people down and when a team doesn't care about their PPG but instead collectively shutting down the other team...they become very dangerous. 11 Blocks vs 11 Field Goals? That's stupid. I just think to say "it could never happen cause they're NBA players" is a really bad argument. They're really bad/young NBA players. It's not like it's the Spurs or Cavs or anyone else. This is a team with young guns, mediocre or too old guys, and then a bunch of random nobodies. Give the college team that has 10 players that will likely end up on NBA rosters some credit. General Highlights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTshnhPQ_Xg&list=UU5aIkGi2U7cXJNVoWcWznVQ 11 Blocks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7brqGWiUSM&index=9&list=UU5aIkGi2U7cXJNVoWcWznVQ

What's your reasoning other than "it's an NBA team..." It is not ludicrous to think that one of the worst teams in the NBA can't be beaten by the best team in college, especially when that college team already has NBA players on it anyway.

Which is why a player like KLeonard is going to be in the league for a very long time. His first year was 3 years ago and he wasn't an amazing offensive talent but you could see the potential. He was good on defense and that is what earned him his playing time in my opinion, that option guy that could guard 3 positions. If you look at his stats (Link) you'll see an amazing jump from in rebounding, assists, free throws, and points scored. His percentages stayed about the same which just says he is smart with the shots he chooses. I think an offensive game is something that can be learned and adjusted over the first couple of years. After that second contract is up, you pretty much know what you're getting with the exception of a few minor tweaks. Defense, lateral quickness, help side, effort, passion...those things are hard to learn if you don't bring them with you day 1. Our young core seems to have all of those things and which is why we'll begin to see major strides very soon. It took some time trudging through the mess but we're through that mess and now it is time to get back on the path toward a championship. The pieces and cap space are in place!! Let's go!

What reports are those? I briefly browsed twitter and didn't even see a tweet about it, but it is the Magic and Anthony Randolph haha

All of the free agent talk has had me asking myself this question for several weeks now and I am curious what the forum thinks. Realistically, why would a Durant choose to come to Orlando instead of a Boston, New York, Dallas, or any other major city? I know you have to add elements of team, contract offers, etc. however you just don't see major players choosing to go to Milwaukee, Orlando, Detroit, or even Washington. Most of those teams got their talent via draft/trade. So I pose the question to you... Why should a big name free agent in 2016 choose Orlando over other cities with bigger markets? Is a good contract and young nucleus enough?

Interesting. Don't know much about him but my gut says that he's had locker room issues in the past? Anyone know if I'm wrong?

I agree. Fantastic article and I've been picking up on most of what was said as well. I really like the approach the management seems to be taking. A bright future is coming!

I don't know, Oladipo seems to be much more explosive this season from the little I saw in SL (I also realize that most of those are college guys who haven't gone against legit NBA talent yet) and I think Oladipo could turn into a 20pt 8ast guy this season. Vuc had a really solid offensive season last year I thought and with Dwight at the 5, he could focus more on offense than defense and rebounding. I think Harris is a fantastic 6th man and could easily give 15pts a game. I saw splashes of Paytons ability throughout SL games...could easily become a MCW guy who is a threat to bust out a triple double every night. Gordon just needs to lock himself in the gym and work on his shot. I saw a couple of 15-17 ft shots, so the ability is there. He just needs to work at it more instead of just relying on his freak athleticism.

I know what Dwight did to Orlando was BS but I think any of you would be fools to not want him back because we're the scorned lover. If you look at Cleveland, after 4 years, they got over it. It's only been 2 for Orlando and I think after another couple of years, we would be willing to welcome him back. I'm imagining a scenario like 5-Howard 4-Vuc 3-Gordon 2-Dipo 1-Payton I think any of you if you take out the Dwight bias, would take that and you know it. Now Durant to Orlando is another discussion all together.

You could be right. It was a little confusing but here is my link for what I put. It looks like it all depends on how the Lakers do next season? I could be wrong though.

Look at what we have done since the beginning of last season 2013-2014 Beginning Season Roster Link PG Jameer Nelson (6'0) -- 32 yrs Ronnie Price (6'2) -- 31 yrs SG Victor Oladipo (6'4) -- 22 yrs E'Twaun Moore (6'4) -- 25 yrs Doron Lamb (6'4) -- 22 yrs F Arron Afflalo (6'5) -- 28 yrs PF Glen Davis (6'9) -- 28 yrs Maurice Harkless (6'9) -- 21 yrs Tobias Harris (6'9) -- 21 yrs Andrew Nicholson (6'9) -- 24 yrs C Nikola Vucevic (7'0) -- 23 yrs Kyle O'Quinn (6'10) -- 24 yrs Dewayne Dedmon (7'0) -- 24 yrs Jason Maxiell (6'7) -- 31 yrs Solomon Jones (6'10) -- 29 yrs Adonis Thomas (6'7) -- 21 yrs Still on the roster: Hedo Turkoglu (6'10) -- 35 yrs Current Roster Link PG Victor Oladipo (6'4) -- 22 yrs Elfrid Payton (6'4) -- 20 yrs SG Evan Fornier (6'6) -- 21 yrs Ben Gordon (6'3) -- 31 yrs Willie Green (6'3) -- 32 yrs Devyn Marble (6'6) -- 21 yrs -- **I feel like the kid earned a spot with his play in SL, but that's just me. SF Tobias Harris (6'9) -- 21 yrs Maurice Harkless (6'9) -- 21 yrs PF Channing Frye (6'11) -- 31 yrs Aaron Gordon (6'9) -- 18 yrs Andrew Nicholson (6'9) -- 24 yrs C Dewayne Dedmon (7'0) -- 24 yrs Kyle O'Quinn (6'10) -- 24 yrs Nikola Vucevic (7'0) -- 23 yrs Even though it was painful letting Jameer go, it was I believe a classy move by the organization to allow him to choose a place where he can compete for a championship because I believe he deserves it. Looking at this lineup, I think it is pretty obvious that the last two years have been doing several things very well. 1. Cleaning up after Otis. We finally have cap space and a good balance of contracts 2. Getting younger, a lot of veteran pieces have left and filled with potential talent. Some could have been traded for more, but its clear the organization has a plan instead of the throw darts at the board approach like Otis seemed to do most times. 3. Good influence on a young locker room. That appears to be a major draw for a lot of our decisions, having guys who will come in and be professional around the newbloods. Even the targets we've been looking at, Patrick Patterson, Chandler Parsons, Greg Monroe...have all been known to be good guys in the locker room. All in all, I am very happy with how Henny and the crew are approaching this rebuilding process. Instead of just throwing all our money at three players and then filling in with minimum contracts, we're building from within and with this young nucleus I think we will continue to see the Magic get better and better every season. I like a nucleus of Oladipo, Payton, Gordon, Vucevic, and even throw Harris in there. I think you add defensive minded with hustle-on-every-play type of players and that becomes the beginning ingredients to a championship team. Even though we're not there yet, I can see these guys continue to get better and maybe adding 1-2 more pieces via free agency/draft and we could be in some serious business. 2015 -- 2 picks 2016 -- 2 picks 2017 -- 3 picks (3rd pick will either be a 1st or 2nd from LAL) 2015 Free Agents W. Green (UFA) N. Vucevic (RFA) T. Harris (RFA) A. Nicholson (TO) K. O'Quinn (RFA) V. Oladipo (TO) M. Harkless (TO) E. Fornier (TO) 2016 Free Agents B. Gordon (UFA) A. Gordon (TO) D. Dedmon (RFA) E. Payton (TO) A. Nicholson (RFA) M. Harkless (RFA) E. Fornier (RFA) V. Oladipo (TO) To quote the immortal Otis...I like our team boys. I like our team.

I might have missed one, so let me know The year of the overpaid players continues...Henny's deal seem even more sensible to me now that I've seen what everyone else is doing.

Ed Davis, Marble, and Aaron Craft