jmmagicfan

I have to partially disagree, I don’t think Jones is completely washed, I think he was slow to adapt and is having trouble with our “system”. Bane was also slow to adapt, but I think his game is better suited to our lack of offensive schemes. I think Jones is still a decent backup as far as not turning the ball over and getting guys into a more controlled offense, it’s just the lack of system that hurts him there. Obviously his defense has never been good, and our defensive schemes don’t really cover his weaknesses.

Moe Wagner to be available to play tomorrow!!

Foul trouble :-(

I wish I could!

We don’t need to burn it all down, but I agree that Mosely has got to go.

The Magic came into this game with an attitude of overconfidence based exclusively on the Wizards record. They are playing careless, lackadaisical defense and careless handles.

You and I agree 100% on Goga and his value for this team. I don’t understand the people who want to move him.

I love Bane’s energy and his game, but he has been blocked at the rim more times than anyone else in the league. (I was surprised at that, actually). He finishes more often than not, but he does get blocked a lot. You make a good point about teams studying on Bane’s tendencies. I think Richardson plays with similar energy, but lacks the size and experience. The fact he can ever finish is surprising. I certainly don’t think he compares to Bane as a player, nor do I think he will ever get to that level. As I said, I think McConnell is a good goal for Jace’s development.

You don’t think McConnell is better right now than Richardson or Jones? I think with time and development Jase might have a career similar to McConnell, but he’s not there yet and there’s no guarantee he will ever be. I don’t think Indiana would consider trading him for either or both.

Having said that, I would trade either or both for McConnell in a flash.

I’m not necessarily sold on either of them as backup points, but I believe in giving credit where it’s due. Jones has been good at controlling the ball without turning it over, and keeping the offense moving (defense is just weak). I agree Richardson sometimes dribbles too much, but he doesn’t get blocked in the paint as often as Bane does?!? I’m not saying he’s great, I’m just saying he is more effective in the paint than I expected given his size, and occasionally digs out offensive rebounds, or taps it out to a teammate. I think he has potential if he can learn the control from Jones, while maintaining his energy. He is already better on D than Jones. Not sold yet, but seen enough to have some hope of him being a TJ McConnell type of backup PG.

I think you might want to reconsider - Augustin played well here for several seasons and beat out several younger prospects, Joseph played well as a guy who was supposed to be our third-string, emergency backup; and while Jones had a rough start, he has in fact played fairly well of late filling in for the injured Suggs/AB moving up to start. I think Richardson will eventually take Tyus’ minutes, but in the meantime, he can learn a lot from Jones on taking care of the ball and keeping it moving.

Merry Christmas one and all!!

I think we need to have a bit more patience with Paolo; he doesn’t seem to be really himself since he’s been back. I think he played more within himself last night instead of pushing; and did a good job of taking attention and drawing Portland’s focus, without doing that one on two/three that leads to turnovers. He did a better job of keeping the ball moving and passing out of the double. I’ve been critical of him, but I think he’s still not 100%.

Thanks TMF!! Good to see you on the boards again; missed you over the summer!

So I'm trying to respond to several posts here, so please forgive me if I seem to jump around a bit. I don't think Paolo has learned yet how to play 1) with a guard the caliber of Bane and 2) in an offense that is significantly less centered around him. I think that is partly due to his injuries, and partly due to Bane deferring to him. I think Franz is significantly better than Paolo at two things - decision speed, and team concept. I find it interesting that the other guys (Black, Bane, Suggs) all seem more inclined to defer to Paolo when he is on the floor. The ball moves better with him off the floor, and the defense is definitely sharper with him on the bench. How much of that is due to his injury/conditioning, how much is "his" game, and how much is his "buy-in" to the newer up-tempo, increased ball movement offense remains to be seen. I just feel like he doesn't place as much trust in his teammates as Franz does. I think that is partly where Franz' time with Team Germany has benefited him and partly where Franz hasn't ever really been viewed as the central superstar. I'm not sure Paolo sees himself as just part of the team, I think he has been the center of every team he has been on, and that might be working against him right now. The missing guys from injuries just exacerbates that situation, because of course he won't have as much trust in guys 10-17, as he does with the top 8-9; part of why last nights game isn't really a good indicator. I think Paolo will get there; maybe someone needs to call his Mom (make her an assistant coach?) Only sort of joking. If he is having a clash with Mosely, maybe his Mom can straighten it out. Truth is, I'm still not all that impressed with Mosely, so maybe a different voice in his ear? Or maybe a bit more time/familiarity with Bane and the new offense will just work it out.

Yeah, I thought hands on a ref was automatic ejection?!?

Almost anyone else in the league undercuts the dunker at least gets a review for a potential flagrant; Brunson makes the dirty play and Bane gets a tech for *****ing about it. Refudging diculous!

It’s called recency bias. Very much a “what have you done for me lately” impact on this list.

I’d find it funnier if it wasn’t true.

Appreciate your assistance Jay!

If I could upvote this, I would!!

So sorry to hear about your aunt. Condolences to you and your/her family.

I agree that Franz didn’t have a great night (TDS was just way off all night); but our standard for him has gotten really high. His stats last night - 25 points on 11-18 shooting, 3-3 free throws, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. But it was an “off” night because he only had 2 assists versus 5 turnovers and was 0-2 from the 3-pt line. Again, I agree that it wasn’t his best; so what is the standard?!?!

I just looked at the free agents and the best center is probably DeAndre Jordan, the next best big might be Markieff Morris or JT Thor. I’m not sure if Jordan would sign a vet minimum for the rest of the season. I’m also not sure exactly how much longer we have to wait for a pro-rated minimum to fit in our cap space.