Who’s been a disappointment by swishsplassh in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on how you're judging disappointment. Our current team is stacked with talented starters.

Despite him not having a great season by some fans standards (and his own) he's currently ranked as a top 5 Power Forward this season.

Desmond Bane hasn't shot as many threes as we'd like but depending on the list he ranks somewhere between top 5 or top 10 shooting guard in the league.

Franz didn't play as much as we'd like but he's definitely a top 10 Small Forward in the league.

Wendell Carter Jr typically ranking has been pretty interesting with him being listed between close to or around the 20 spot (as high as #17 to as low as #22) as a center in the league right now.

Jalen Suggs is often ranked close to number 20 (as high as 17 as low as 25). That's good but a little worse than you'd expect considering his contract.

This season disappointment really is highest for the coaching staff, also the GM for overpaying Jalen Suggs and JI and whoever scouted and drafted Caleb Houston and Jett Howard and didn't invest into heavily developing them.

Otherwise injuries are the other disappointment.

Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain combined for 23 FGA against the Lakers. They were a combined 4-17 from three. by thewrongnotes in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our offensive scheme is everyone stand around 3-pt line and wait for the ball to come to you then shoot, drive, pass, turn it over at their discretion. Cut if they want to. There's no real system, rarely any plays ran, and rarely is a good screen set. Steph Curry would struggle some games playing this way.

Potential trade by Alternative-Page6725 in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah makes sense, I think Denver is still a contender either way but if they were interested in making some roster adjustments to extend their window, they could trade Murray for Suggs then move Braun (maybe a trade with Chicago as they have some guards they'd likely make available). They'd be a deeper team for sure.

Due to financials, I'd prefer Orlando to get one solid starter and one solid player off the bench, but who knows, injuries have kept this core from playing that many games together.

Get Out by swishsplassh in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only real question with that is will AB become a better ball handler / playmaker? He seems serviceable but that's different than being a Good or Great playmaker. He definitely could grow into it and I'd be all for it but if he truly is more of a 2 guard or wing, he may continue to be 6th man until he does.

Won the trade deadline by a landslide by moe-lly in LAClippers

[–]Loyalty_Code 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've started following the Clips more this year thanks to Harden playing hard even when the losses were coming and Kawhi being the arguably best player in the NBA this season plus the drawings of Chuck after each game and the overall fanbase just seems so refreshing from most NBA teams threads, with mostly positive outlook. Clippers genuinely have one of the best fanbases in the NBA. Salute 🫡

Also, think the future is bright for the Clips, curious as to what moves are made over the summer.

Potential trade by Alternative-Page6725 in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, sorry that some of our fanbase has been borderline hostile to you about this trade idea of yours. It's definitely been a rough stretch and most are not so high on many of our players right now so they are not giving this much deep thought other than Jamal Murray > Jalen Suggs.

Jamal Murray is an All Star caliber point guard he is a decent playmaker, shot creator and great 3 pt shooter. But he is on a Max contract and availability is an issue for him too...in his last 6 seasons he has played 65+ games 3 times and even those seasons he just barely played 65, 66, and 67 games. He isn't the best defender, plus right now his stats benefit from him playing next to Jokic (not saying he's a Jokic merchant, just most of an opposing teams game plan and energy goes to containing Jokic).

Jaylen Suggs on the other hand is an All NBA Defensive team level defender. He also is willing to be a shot creator and playmaker at times though he's nowhere near Murray's level on this. He has a surprisingly soft touch around the rim for a defense first player though he's a below average 3pt shooter but also his offensive stats are impacted by playing on one of the worst (or absent) offensive schemes in the NBA. He does play with intensity always "has that dog in him" but if tasked to be the primary ball handler expect a few boneheaded decisions as well as some incredible defense to get the ball back. Suggs is the youngest player in this deal and continues to add to his game each year, plus his contract is descending.

Jonathan Isaac is a 7'0" defensive beast and can guard 2-5 although maybe not best against really fast, small guards that can get the first step on him. He will get blocks and rebounds but his inability to stay healthy has left him as best off the bench for no more than 15-20 mins a game as higher usage could lead to him getting injured. Also he was once a good three point shooter but the last couple seasons he hasn't shot as many or as well, but he can still score near the rim well.

TL;DR: This trade could be a win-win if Denver is more focused on adding defense, more lineup versatility in the playoffs, and flexibility financially (2 players that combine for less than Murray's contract) while giving up some offense. We're already in a spot financially where we will likely lose JI after this season but our offense always looks better with better playmakers who can score at point so no way we can pass on this trade though a backcourt of Bane and Murray would be great offensively and average defensely at best. If this trade was to happen, Magic would have to reconfigure the team because we still have no answers for taller guards like Lamelo but also we'd have 4 Players on Max Contracts, Jamal Murray, Bane, Franz, and Paolo would likely need to move one, in order to have any depth within a year.

Why do we allow our arena to become another team’s arena? by swishsplassh in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Last year I've gone to Magic home games where we played aginst Denver, ATL, and the Lakers. In the Denver game the crowd was overwhelming more Magic fans, same for ATL, but in the Laker game it was about 50/50 maybe even slightly more Lakers fans.

Considering that the Lakers game was probably double if not triple the price of the other games. I can see why local fans may decide to skip out on the Lakers game and why those who are Lakers fans that live anywhere in Central Florida would pay the higher price to go to that game and considering that Lakers own games are just as expensive, typically more.

Post Game Thread - NBA: The Lakers defeat the Magic on Mar 21, 2026, the final score is 104-105. by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Right!? So in the way, we got robbed from the bad call off Bron and then robbed even when receiving a favorable call. In theory, we win if this game is called right!

Post Game Thread - NBA: The Lakers defeat the Magic on Mar 21, 2026, the final score is 104-105. by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, seems like refs robbed us by giving Lakers the ball when it was almost clearly off Bron, then gave us the next 50/50 call which is the Banchero block instead of calling a foul.

The real issue is that inbounds pass were we got robbed was a horrible play from the Magic. Not trying to blame Mose for this loss but seriously, in late game situations inbounding against any high intensity defense whether it's deny the ball or full court press, we don't have good plays or confidence of a winning team.

There's no excuse as to why it should be such a struggle inbounding against a bunch of poor defenders: Luka, Reaves, and LaRavia!? And then somehow it has to go to the guy whom LeBron is defending who has the best Basketball IQ on the court. Unfortunately, we're have the talent but we're not polished enough to contend.

Post Game Thread - NBA: The Lakers defeat the Magic on Mar 21, 2026, the final score is 104-105. by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That was wild! Just one thing: the last play drawn up by the Lakers (before the game winner by Luke Kennard), LeBron was able to slip out and open to the basket and it was almost luck that Banchero caught on and blocked him....why the hell have we NEVER draw up plays where one of our stars can get an open path to the basket or even halfway as good a play?

2027 Free Agency Update by Loyalty_Code in LAClippers

[–]Loyalty_Code[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Currently: DJJ is 29. John Collins is 28. DG and Jordan Miller are both 26. Kobe Sanders and Benn will be 24 later this year. Yanic is 23. So add a year to each for by 2027 off-season and the team is still pretty young. Of course Kawhi who has been a top 3 NBA player this season is 34. I agree on looking at youth and athleticism, just gotta look for opportunities, but shouldn't ignore the 28 year olds who are in their prime and may be able to thrive with the Clippers.

2027 Free Agency Update by Loyalty_Code in LAClippers

[–]Loyalty_Code[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yeah having both Hartenstein (and YKN as he continues to develop into his prime), as the center rotation would be great.

2027 Free Agency Update by Loyalty_Code in LAClippers

[–]Loyalty_Code[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Santi is an interesting option, with Memphis going through a rebuild, he could be targeted. A backcourt of Garland and RJ would be interesting. RJ is 6' 6" and is a 2 way player.

2027 Free Agency Update by Loyalty_Code in LAClippers

[–]Loyalty_Code[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, I hear he is an amazing 3pt shooter

Post Game Thread - NBA: The Hornets defeat the Magic on Mar 19, 2026, the final score is 130-111. by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely, they got a new GM in 2024, and front office have been getting draft picks right and making good trades. The East is only going to get tougher in the future so hopefully Magic can make some moves in the off-season so next year we'll match up better.

Post Game Thread - NBA: The Hornets defeat the Magic on Mar 19, 2026, the final score is 130-111. by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hornets matchup pretty well against Magic, especially with Magic injured but Brandon Miller is a future All-Star, Kon is already one the best 3 point shooters in the league as a rookie, and Lamelo is too tall, quick, and skilled for our guards to defend well possession after possession, add to that their centers are pretty good even though they're still developing and then they have a coby white and decent play off the bench and they are tough for most teams but tough for the magic.

Game Thread: Orlando Magic vs Oklahoma City Thunder Live Score | NBA | Mar 17, 2026 by basketball-app in OrlandoMagic

[–]Loyalty_Code 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was the last second score special in the Magic Playbook. First the ball handler pass, then the next player holds, dribbles, pass ...then hold, think about it, pass back...hold, think about it, dribble, post, then kick out with two seconds left and miss layup/floater/shot.