jmmagicfan

But it’s supposed to be about what they actually accomplished with the team. I would argue that the Lakers should and the Heat probably should retire his number, but I don’t think we should. I would argue that Dwight did more while he was with the Magic; partly because he was here longer. D12 had a better defensive game, Shaq had a much better offensive game and career.

Thank goodness, Paolo got re-taped and is back.

Franz out for the night, G Harris out for the night, Paolo just rolled an ankle and we’re waiting to hear if he’s done for the night. I feel like part of our injury issues is that everyone plays us very aggressively because they know the refs are not going to call anything but the really egregious fouls. The ONLY guy on our team who gets any respect from the officials is Paolo; but half of them don’t because he is only a second year player.

As I mentioned earlier, his shot looks good, it’s just that his release is really slow.

I’m not really sure why we don’t find AB more in the offense. He seems to make the right cut or the shot. His shot looks okay. He’s over 50% from the field. Yes, he’s 32% from 3, but it looks good most of the time, just slow getting it off. And he moves the ball well. I think other teams ignore him because we do on that end.

The guy who throws the lob?

Do you have the list? I don’t have ESPN +

2022-23 season record 5-17 without Fultz 29-31 with Fultz The team was better with him, regardless of anyone else’s stats; last I knew winning games was more important than individual stats.

And our 2-way dropped 37 in the same game!?!

That’s really bah-ah-ah-ad! Don’t mind me, I’m just trying to get your goat!

I’m not going to lie, I’m concerned that Fultz is injured again, but I haven’t heard anything about it being a long term injury. We know Wendell is going to be out for about three weeks and we know G Harris has a groin injury, so probably a couple of weeks for him. Did I miss details on Fultz’ status?

Talk about weird schedules, we are the only team in the league that has not yet played a game within our division or conference. THE ONLY ONE!

Right there with you, they did show JI hitting the floor hard at least four times. Each time I winced, concerned that the next injury might be now, but he just kept jumping up. I think that was one of my biggest takeaways, no one was playing carefully to protect themselves, they were just playing.

Andre Iguadala just retired. Please offer this man an assistant coaching job - player development and how to be a professional in this league. Do it now before someone else does!!

We will miss your game threads! Please know we are always sending you positive energy for your health and happiness!

While I like most of your post, just a couple comments on the sections I quoted. We already have 15 guys under contract for the regular roster, and two of our three 2-way players signed. That leaves us one, 2-way to fill unless we waive someone. Chuma and Caleb may be on that “bubble” to be waived. I don’t see us waiving either, never mind both. Admiral and Kevon are both on 2-way and cheaper to cut/replace. I like Mac and Queen, and I think one of them will be our final 2-way contract. My bet is Mac, because he plays PG. If Kelle or Cole is out a few games, Mac can help fill that role, so AB doesn’t have to before he is ready. MCW will not be around to mentor unless he retires and becomes a player development coach. There is just not a space for him on this roster. If we waive Chuma, and JI goes down again, can Queen step up? If we look at Mo primarily as a 4, and can fill that role with Ingles/Mo/Admiral/Queen, then Chuma could be expendable. If we waive Caleb, can we fill that role? Again with guys already on the roster, Ingles/Jett/Kevon/Admiral we have decent potential 3/2 backup. Could Queen step into a 3/4 backup role? I don’t see us waiving Chuma or Caleb, but I think we do have options, and that is a good place to be.

I think the start of this season is make or break time for JI.

I’m a little surprised that, with all the lower body injuries he has had over the last few years, the team hasn’t put the brakes on him wearing the “off-brand” shoes. As you noted, wearing the right shoes can play a big part in staying healthy. My guess is that one more injury, especially if it is shoe-related, will be the last straw and will get him waived if it is before the rest of his contract is guaranteed.

My thoughts exactly. Time spent working in a different system, concentrating on position and rebounding and defense while playing limited minutes and less risk of injury is a huge win for us.

Actually, the Magic are based in Central Florida, which is the most liberal section of the state, so it probably is closer to 50/50. The conservative enclaves are in the south, where they are Miami Heat fans, and the Villages, where they root for whatever team is in the state they moved here from.

I would have to agree. Too many guys playing me ball. I think because they know we only have 2-way contracts available, so they’re trying to hard to show offense.

The Sky hook was Kareem Abdul Jabbar, not Dr J

Maybe because his contract isn’t signed yet?

I don’t think Paolo is like a God, I think he’s a very good rookie, with a lot of upside potential still remaining. He still has flaws and areas to improve, hopefully he will continue to improve. I agree that Kelle is the engine that needs to continue directing the team. His decision making is very good and if his shot can come back to his college level, he will be a top-5 point in this league. Right now I would put him in the 10-12 range. His shot is really the only thing holding him back.

Last year we played 34 regular season games before Christmas, so if they are looking at a mid-December tournament, you’re probably looking at about 25-30 games to determine seeds, or between 25-33% of the season.