2025 Preseason Thread

[MagicMan1979]

2 hours ago, CTMagicUK said:

Kevin Pelton simmed the season and we won the championship: 

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46554922/simulating-2025-2026-nba-season-predictions-nba-cup-playoffs-finals-champion-draft-lottery

 

That was a fun read CT.  If Pelton wrote it it must come true! Lol

[Luke_FfS]

Jinx

[hootie249]

Hey everbody! We have the deepest team in the NBA(No Joke!) Let's see what we do with it!

See you on Thursday!

[orlandoholic]

On 10/13/2025 at 2:25 AM, Shine88 said:

I can see Isaac being moved once Moe comes back from injury. He just doesn't fit this squad anymore, and we need to cut our lost, a la, Cole, Kelle and Hampton.

I don’t see that happening. For one simple reason. I don’t think we can resign Mo Wagner. He took a paycut and a proof it deal, because he’s severely injured. 

If Mo Wagner plays like a 6moy when he comes back, there will be money thrown at him in FA and i don’t see how we can resign him. 

 

Any future roster moves have to include either players who are under contract during our window and we can trade 1 for 1 or we can add vet minimum players. 

 

Imo that’s also one off the reasons we went all in for Bane because he’s a rare combination of fit and his contract fits in our window. 

Mid we had traded for Simons, i don’t believe we could have extended him 

[Shine88]

12 hours ago, orlandoholic said:

I don’t see that happening. For one simple reason. I don’t think we can resign Mo Wagner. He took a paycut and a proof it deal, because he’s severely injured. 

If Mo Wagner plays like a 6moy when he comes back, there will be money thrown at him in FA and i don’t see how we can resign him. 

 

Any future roster moves have to include either players who are under contract during our window and we can trade 1 for 1 or we can add vet minimum players. 

 

Imo that’s also one off the reasons we went all in for Bane because he’s a rare combination of fit and his contract fits in our window. 

Mid we had traded for Simons, i don’t believe we could have extended him 

JI playing deep into the 4th quarter vs Philly was all I needed to see. He played 8 mins all in the 4th quarter in a dress rehearsal game.

[CTMagicUK]

In an ideal world Weltman finds a way to turn (at least) JI into an expiring contributor at the deadline. That would open up some space to resign one of Tyus Jones or Mo Wagner next summer provided they prove to be worth it.

I expect this is a big year for Goga also because it might be we move off of him to free up space to keep Mo or Tyus also. 

Lots of variables between now and then though, the viability of Jett as an NBA player being one. Think the new up-tempo offense will suit him. If he looks good and has value that might make a deadline trade easier (and free up more space next summer) or it might mean we want to keep him and his 7mil salary next year and thus more sacrifices need to be made.  

Of course if JI gets back to playing elite defense for 20 minutes a game things get difficult, we can't keep everybody.

Not a "now" problem and we have until the deadline to evaluate but it's going to be a problem at some point. 

[Shine88]

Bucks waived Chris Livingston. We should sign him to a two-way contract if he clears waivers.

[CTMagicUK]

Undefeated in pre-season. I dunno what that means but it was fun. Hope it's indicative of a fast start to the season. 

[Soul Bro]

Only able to watch the first quarter last night, but we looked much improved on offense and in transition.

[OnlyFranz]

I’m slightly concerned with Bane’s outside shooting. I know it’s just preseason but he seems to be forcing/rushing anytime he puts up a 3. Thankfully his game isn’t one dimensional like KCP and he can score in different ways but it’s definitely something to watch as the season gets underway. 

[hootie249]

I think it's only a worry if you think he could lose confidence. Like you said, he is not a one trick pony. I just don't see it like former Magic players. I think the guy is here for his BB IQ and leadership as well as his shooting. I simply don't think he is the kind of guy to either change his shot or lose his confidence this far into his prime.

[OnlyFranz]

58 minutes ago, hootie249 said:

I think it's only a worry if you think he could lose confidence. Like you said, he is not a one trick pony. I just don't see it like former Magic players. I think the guy is here for his BB IQ and leadership as well as his shooting. I simply don't think he is the kind of guy to either change his shot or lose his confidence this far into his prime.

I completely agree I love the other intangibles he brings to this team outside of just the shooting. However with all of the talk about his 3 point shot I was hoping to see more from him in that area. Again it’s a small sample size and just preseason and it’s most likely attributed to the fact he’s still trying to get comfortable with his new teammates/role. 
 

One guy I’m very excited about is Jase Richardson. The guy can flat out shoot, hustles on both sides of the ball, and has a knack of finding the open man for easy buckets. I think he’s going to be the steal of the draft if he is given more playing time and continues producing at a high level.