TreyMachine

I truly enjoy the fact that we all go nuts when Fultz shoots 3 jumpers with no hitch. Until I see a full contact game out of him, I'm tempering expectations. This is the same as D12 saying he fixed his FT% woes while making 80/100 FT's consistently one summer, but still eventually regressing to his sub-60% ways. Games are much different than practice. It's encouraging, but let's keep it in perspective people.

What's the % chance a 2nd round pick plays in the league more than 5-7 years, and how many have the Magic drafted? I can only think of Wes and O'Quinn as guys who've had any chance at cracking that number. The point is: 2nd round picks are cheap commodities to rotate filling out a roster's 11-15 spots - all of whom rarely see playing time or lasting careers outside of the D-League. However, without 2nd round picks, a team is forced to sign players to vet minimums or $4-$6 million per year contracts at minimum. 2nd round picks are for maximizing cap space more as a strategy more than anything. If you get a consistent rotation player, you're the exception, not the norm.

So any updates on Okeke or insight? This continues to be bizarre, and NO ONE is talking about it.

Is Okeke that last 1st round pick not signed? Most certainly interesting.

At least we can have solace to know this won't be a Fran Vasquez type of move... Right?

Have we signed Okeke yet, and if we haven't, what would be the reason for that?

I could see this having the most legs for two reasons: 1) ORL - Markelle Fultz isn't showing progress, and Bamba - and the rest of the young guys - are. 2) GSW - Russell's play isn't jiving with Warriors play, and Klay Thompson is nearing his return. Outside of those reasons, it's hard to imagine ORL dropping Vuc (because at this point, management really value guys who want to be here). Vuc could very well work within the GSW system as he is a good post-scorer and passer whom plays above average team defense. He would complement Draymond / Curry / Klay well.

For me, I'm willing to help Miami get Westbrook because: A) If it really helps us, great. B) It hampers Miami from a cap standpoint for the next 4 years with a declining asset. With that being said, I can't imagine Miami getting him unless they're willing to give up all young assets and 3 1st's. Don't see them having the pieces to pull it off.

Here's a question: Do y'all wish we had drafted WCS over Hezonja at this point? lol

Took the words out of my mouth. You pay a 3rd string center $3M per year. That’s what we did. It’s insurance in case of an injury to a guy whom has upside. Nothing more should be read into it.

I think we too often associate "star" with elite scorer. In my mind, Aaron Gordon is the type of guy you HAVE to have to get deep in the playoffs - high IQ, high motor, high work ethic, athletic defender, unselfish, with a good jumper. He's the "Shawn Marion" of this team, only with a better natural jump-shot. With that being said, the only thing holding Gordon back from "star status" and trying to get 25 PPG is how unselfish he chooses to be. He picks good shots and doesn't force it, and seems to be happy getting his teammates involved. If he never gets star status but stays this way, I'll be happy. Too many shot-happy guys who don't play the other side of the ball.

I said this before. Organizations get reputations amongst players for how they treat players, both on the court and in contract talks. When you reward players well whom have remained loyal to you, that loyalty reward is seen throughout the league and attracts others whom want to play for an organization like that. The Magic can become (and are slowly becoming) one of those places.

On that note, does anyone know if / how he's jelling with other team members? I don't see much of other Orlando Players on his IG account.

I’m telling you: because they landed no one in Free Agency, the Knicks would be willing to trade for Westbrook at a high price. Calling it now.

Fultz is 20. Westbrook is 30. Making a trade for Westbrook only happens if our management is certain the Fultz won’t work out.