[high floorParticipant]

Caution: My most lengthy post yet

So far the Orlando Magic’s offseason has been viewed by critics in NBA circles as either average or below average with respect to their draft picks and free agency decisions. Common criticisms are ‘they should have picked Exum!” “What were they thinking giving Ben Gordon 4.5M over 2 years?” “Who is going to score the basketball and/or provide spacing?” “Why did they give up a future 1st round pick to move up only 2 spots to acquire Elfrid Payton?”

Before I put in my 2 cents on the situation, let me first say that all of the above points are valid. Exum could become a great player, Ben Gordon could be a total bust, a starting lineup consisting of Payton/Oladipo/Gordon will be seriously devoid of both jump shooting and free throw shooting, and Philly may have fleeced Orlando when they traded up from 12 to 10. But I believe in the vision of the Magic front office, and that there is either an appropriate counterpoint or solution to all the above questions. Here we go.

First, why the Magic passed on Exum. I actually think this is quite simple.. Orlando had 2 lottery picks, 4 & 12, and the front office clearly felt that the collection of talent between Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton was better than the collection of talent they could have had between Exum & Saric (or whichever big man they selected at 12). Gordon and Payton were teammates on the U19 gold medal team for the US, and Florida Gators coach Bill Donovan absolutely raved about both of them. During their introductory press conference, Aaron Gordon said that both Payton and himself played countless 2 on 2 games as teammates during the pre-draft process, and that they couldn’t be stopped, by anybody. By this time I’m sure Orlando had visions of an early 90’s Gary Payton & Shawn Kemp duo dancing in their heads.

Second, the Magic need outside shooting and Ben Gordon is a career 40% shooter from behind the arc. Did he have a horrible year in Charlotte last year? Yes. Will he ever be a 14-15+ ppg scorer again in the league? No. But he’s only 31 years old and the second year of his contract is fully unguaranteed! The magic were well under the salary cap floor & could afford to take a risk. I still don’t fully like the signing, but I get it.

Third, I absolutely loved the Channing Frye signing. He is going to provide crucial floor spacing for this young team. Last year, phoenix shocked everybody winning 49 games. Frye was arguably the biggest reason why, and I’ll share with you the number 1 statistic that backs that up: When Frye was on the floor, Phoenix scored a whopping 8.3 points more per 100 possessions! Nerdy analytic GM’s like Hennigan absolutely gush over these kinds of numbers, and he’ll make opposing defenses pay by pulling them out to the perimeter and leaving open spaces for Payton/Oladipo/Harris/Gordon to drive to the hoop. If defenses leave Frye open, he’ll bury the 3. Excellent, excellent signing for them.

Fourth, I must first give kudos to Philadelphia GM Sam Hinkie for taking advantage of the situation outlined in this next point. He knew Orlando needed a point guard, and Payton was viewed as the best PG available at the tail end of the lottery. Savvy move Mr. Hinkie. However, the first round pick that Orlando gave up was HEAVILLY protected, and not until 2017. There is a good chance that it will come back to Orlando or fall well outside of the lottery. Plus, the magic loved Payton and may have been willing to give up even MORE if they had to. Lol, probably not.. but they view Payton as a future star and personally so do I.

Here’s the last point that I’ll make. Analysts seem to agree that Orlando has good young players, but are not convinced that any of them will turn into a future star. That may be the case, and this core could just be a collection of great role players. But.. one of the largest points not covered by analysts is the mountain of cap space & financial flexibility they’ll have after this season. Why wouldn’t a star player consider playing with a young group of dogged defenders & great team first role players? Orlando has proven throughout history that they can attract young up and coming star players (Tracy McGrady or a prime Grant Hill anyone?) I would say Rashard Lewis, but he was overpaid.. no defending that contract. I feel the smart $$ should be on 1 (or possibly 2) of Orlando’s young core members will develop into All Stars, and thus a very exciting and up-tempo team becomes the product on the floor for Orlando for years to come.

[prophetmeirParticipant]

I think taken aaron that high is going to be hard ( similar to the Micheal Kidd with the hornets) great  kid plays hard but might no translate to the NBA as  quickly. Great post, I like Elfrid Peyton alot as well hes a big guard that defends well with elite speed. Channon Frye will help out Nic game as he will have more space to operate downlow.  I want to see if Tobias and Maurice can expand their games if so then this team is way better than on paper. Also Evan will see alot of min at two guard he played decent in france

[prophetmeirParticipant]

I think taken aaron that high is going to be hard ( similar to the Micheal Kidd with the hornets) great  kid plays hard but might no translate to the NBA as  quickly. Great post, I like Elfrid Peyton alot as well hes a big guard that defends well with elite speed. Channon Frye will help out Nic game as he will have more space to operate downlow.  I want to see if Tobias and Maurice can expand their games if so then this team is way better than on paper. Also Evan will see alot of min at two guard he played decent in france

[ahuang16Participant]

 Glad to hear this perspective and can’t wait to see how all this pans out.  Given time, Hennigan will be able to put out a very competitive roster.  Veteran signings like Frye help create the blueprint for what’s to follow.

[ahuang16Participant]

 Glad to hear this perspective and can’t wait to see how all this pans out.  Given time, Hennigan will be able to put out a very competitive roster.  Veteran signings like Frye help create the blueprint for what’s to follow.

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 There’s a lot to like about the Magic’s young core. 

The problem most people see is a lack of shooting. The added additions of Channing Frye, Ben Gordon, and Evan Fournier will help that. Luke Ridnour has had good seasons from deep, and Victor Oladipo should continue to improve as a shooter.

The team has a ton of defensive potential. Elfrid Payton and ‘Dipo should cause a lot of problems for opposing teams’ backcourts.I loved the Payton pick. He can’t shoot the ball, but he is good as setting players up, and he has the attitude that he can guard anybody on the court.

At first, I wasn’t a fan of the Aaron Gordon pick, but I do think it will work out well for them. Nic Vucevic is a very talented center, however, he doesn’t offer the most athleticism or the defensive presence that you would expect from the center position. Gordon will block a lot of shots. He’s also able to step away from the basket a bit, and not crowd up the paint. I think he compliments Vucevic perfectly and they could become a solid backcourt.

I disagree about the Magic not having any future all-stars. I’m positive that ‘Dipo will make an ASG at some point in his career. He was used very similar to the way the Heat used Dwyane Wade his rookie year. They ran the point some, even thought they aren’t point guards. I think it made ‘Dipo a better player, but we will see a jump in production his sophomore year with him being a full-time SG, playing next to Payton/Ridnour, and not having to share time with Afflalo.

If the all-star game still had centers on the ballot, Vucevic could very well make one at some point.

It’s hard to say how rookies will evolve as players before they’ve even played a game, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility if Payton and/or Gordon become all-stars down the road.

Another player who is slept on is Tobias Harris. He averaged 17ppg/8rpg the first time he was given a chance. He had a down year of only 14/7 last year, but that was after a high ankle sprain that he claims he never really felt 100% once he returned.

There’s a lot to like in Orlando. They’re actually pretty deep with solid veterans coming off the bench. There’s no telling how their season will go or how their young players will develop, but they have a lot to look forward to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 There’s a lot to like about the Magic’s young core. 

The problem most people see is a lack of shooting. The added additions of Channing Frye, Ben Gordon, and Evan Fournier will help that. Luke Ridnour has had good seasons from deep, and Victor Oladipo should continue to improve as a shooter.

The team has a ton of defensive potential. Elfrid Payton and ‘Dipo should cause a lot of problems for opposing teams’ backcourts.I loved the Payton pick. He can’t shoot the ball, but he is good as setting players up, and he has the attitude that he can guard anybody on the court.

At first, I wasn’t a fan of the Aaron Gordon pick, but I do think it will work out well for them. Nic Vucevic is a very talented center, however, he doesn’t offer the most athleticism or the defensive presence that you would expect from the center position. Gordon will block a lot of shots. He’s also able to step away from the basket a bit, and not crowd up the paint. I think he compliments Vucevic perfectly and they could become a solid backcourt.

I disagree about the Magic not having any future all-stars. I’m positive that ‘Dipo will make an ASG at some point in his career. He was used very similar to the way the Heat used Dwyane Wade his rookie year. They ran the point some, even thought they aren’t point guards. I think it made ‘Dipo a better player, but we will see a jump in production his sophomore year with him being a full-time SG, playing next to Payton/Ridnour, and not having to share time with Afflalo.

If the all-star game still had centers on the ballot, Vucevic could very well make one at some point.

It’s hard to say how rookies will evolve as players before they’ve even played a game, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility if Payton and/or Gordon become all-stars down the road.

Another player who is slept on is Tobias Harris. He averaged 17ppg/8rpg the first time he was given a chance. He had a down year of only 14/7 last year, but that was after a high ankle sprain that he claims he never really felt 100% once he returned.

There’s a lot to like in Orlando. They’re actually pretty deep with solid veterans coming off the bench. There’s no telling how their season will go or how their young players will develop, but they have a lot to look forward to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

"Caution: My most lengthy post yet" 

No worries! I’m more inclined to gravitate to good reading material versus the 1-liners that leave you in a loop to dig-dig-dig, for nothing at all.

I think highly of Orlando, which I made light to before the offseason really went underway. I actually said, that they would become my focal team in 2k15 at the time. I’m really excited to see that the franchise is heading into the right direction by making the better choices early on…"Post Dwight Era".

Aaron Gordon will eventually make everyone forget Dwight was a Magic in a sence similar to Shaq’s short stint. As for Payton, I must see more, this time against the premier guys to see if Stephen Curry deserves an official patent/copyright.

 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

"Caution: My most lengthy post yet" 

No worries! I’m more inclined to gravitate to good reading material versus the 1-liners that leave you in a loop to dig-dig-dig, for nothing at all.

I think highly of Orlando, which I made light to before the offseason really went underway. I actually said, that they would become my focal team in 2k15 at the time. I’m really excited to see that the franchise is heading into the right direction by making the better choices early on…"Post Dwight Era".

Aaron Gordon will eventually make everyone forget Dwight was a Magic in a sence similar to Shaq’s short stint. As for Payton, I must see more, this time against the premier guys to see if Stephen Curry deserves an official patent/copyright.

 

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

I only cheer for 2 NBA teams: The Pelicans and The Magic, and I agree. I think they have a bright future. I think their starting lineup in 3 years will be one of the best in the East. Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Mo Harkless, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Vucevic. I think Tobias will be gone or be a 6th man. 

Everyone is doubting Aaron Gordon for what he doesn’t have, but no one is mentioning what he could become. He could become a swiss-army knife like we have never seen. 

Early in his career, of course he’ll make his living on slashing and fast breaks, but he has ELITE athleticism, he’s already an amazing defender and he just turned 19 last week. We all know he needs to work on his jumpshot, but I feel if he gets corner 3 and a 15 footer, hell be just fine. Of course the elephant in the room is free throws and I do think it’s in his head. He seems like he should be a better free throw shooter. We also have to look at his body. He can still grow more, he’s 6’9 220 pounds at 19. He won’t have that Blake physique, Blake is well buit from top to bottom. His body will be more like someone like Dwight Howard, who has smaller legs, but is really built up top. He’ll be able to guard 1 on 1, play passing lanes, block shots, and rebound from day 1 on defense and that’s while he’s still learning. They call Lebron 1-5 on defense, well this kid can really be it. 

I think this team will be so dominant on defense, that it will have to run-run-run. They could have 4 plus/elite defenders from 1-4, and then Vucevic who is one of the best rebounders in the league and a good big man passer. 

 

Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon, may be able to become something close to Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, and then you have the future All-Star Oladipo. 

Orlando definitely won the Dwightmare/Dwight Howard trade. 

[Pistol Pete. The PelicanParticipant]

I only cheer for 2 NBA teams: The Pelicans and The Magic, and I agree. I think they have a bright future. I think their starting lineup in 3 years will be one of the best in the East. Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Mo Harkless, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Vucevic. I think Tobias will be gone or be a 6th man. 

Everyone is doubting Aaron Gordon for what he doesn’t have, but no one is mentioning what he could become. He could become a swiss-army knife like we have never seen. 

Early in his career, of course he’ll make his living on slashing and fast breaks, but he has ELITE athleticism, he’s already an amazing defender and he just turned 19 last week. We all know he needs to work on his jumpshot, but I feel if he gets corner 3 and a 15 footer, hell be just fine. Of course the elephant in the room is free throws and I do think it’s in his head. He seems like he should be a better free throw shooter. We also have to look at his body. He can still grow more, he’s 6’9 220 pounds at 19. He won’t have that Blake physique, Blake is well buit from top to bottom. His body will be more like someone like Dwight Howard, who has smaller legs, but is really built up top. He’ll be able to guard 1 on 1, play passing lanes, block shots, and rebound from day 1 on defense and that’s while he’s still learning. They call Lebron 1-5 on defense, well this kid can really be it. 

I think this team will be so dominant on defense, that it will have to run-run-run. They could have 4 plus/elite defenders from 1-4, and then Vucevic who is one of the best rebounders in the league and a good big man passer. 

 

Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon, may be able to become something close to Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp, and then you have the future All-Star Oladipo. 

Orlando definitely won the Dwightmare/Dwight Howard trade. 

[Rip255]

Nice post, but I’m still an Aaron Gordon cynic, especially at #4. I really like him so it would be great to see him justify that position, I’m just not that optimistic he’s a natural basketball player.  

Wow, Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon being something close to Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp? Those guys won a lot of games together! 

I’m going put it on the line here and say Elfrid Payton to Aaron Gordon are going to be more like Andre Miller to Tyrus Thomas than that famous Supersonics duo. 

If I’m wrong, then I look forward to sitting back and watching them make a strong push towards playoffs in the next season or two!

 

[Rip255]

Nice post, but I’m still an Aaron Gordon cynic, especially at #4. I really like him so it would be great to see him justify that position, I’m just not that optimistic he’s a natural basketball player.  

Wow, Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon being something close to Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp? Those guys won a lot of games together! 

I’m going put it on the line here and say Elfrid Payton to Aaron Gordon are going to be more like Andre Miller to Tyrus Thomas than that famous Supersonics duo. 

If I’m wrong, then I look forward to sitting back and watching them make a strong push towards playoffs in the next season or two!

 

[juves4783Participant]

i think the future is bright but i’m still critical about some of their moves.  trading afflalo and only getting fournier and marble is a problem for me.  being a nuggets fan, fournier still needs a lot of work.  he’s one of those guys that will disappear from games and is very inconsistent.  i thought they could of got way more for afflalo.

the frye signing is great but in 2-3 years, he’s going to be a bad contract in the mold of al harringon’s contract that the magic are still paying off as part of the howard trade.  i think stretch pf’s can come cheaper than $8M a year, even for one of the best.

the gordon signing is a mute point with oladipo and fournier.  i don’t see them really playing him much, especially with his inability to defend.  i think they will commit to the younger guys to see what they have.  on a value level, i think they gave him too much especially when you got guys like rodney stuckey signing league min deals.

as far as the draft, i understand the pick of gordon.  yes, it’s a reach but he does add a few things that will really help this club.  i think his ball handling skills are underrated and will help out if they use oladipo at pg.  his energy and defense is on the kenneth faried effort and he should spark a lot of fast breaks by starting or finishing.  love the payton pick up.  think he’s going to be a long time piece for the magic.  

i say the future is bright because i think payton, oladipo and gordon is a solid 3 to build around.  defensively, they are going to be tough.  offensively, need a lot of work.  will be interesting to see how their future offseasons unfold.  harris, vucevic, nicholson, harkless and fournier will all be free agents in the next few years.  i’m guessing resigning vucevic is a must but the rest will need to improve their value or be replaced by some of the ender statesmen (proven veterans).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

i think the future is bright but i’m still critical about some of their moves.  trading afflalo and only getting fournier and marble is a problem for me.  being a nuggets fan, fournier still needs a lot of work.  he’s one of those guys that will disappear from games and is very inconsistent.  i thought they could of got way more for afflalo.

the frye signing is great but in 2-3 years, he’s going to be a bad contract in the mold of al harringon’s contract that the magic are still paying off as part of the howard trade.  i think stretch pf’s can come cheaper than $8M a year, even for one of the best.

the gordon signing is a mute point with oladipo and fournier.  i don’t see them really playing him much, especially with his inability to defend.  i think they will commit to the younger guys to see what they have.  on a value level, i think they gave him too much especially when you got guys like rodney stuckey signing league min deals.

as far as the draft, i understand the pick of gordon.  yes, it’s a reach but he does add a few things that will really help this club.  i think his ball handling skills are underrated and will help out if they use oladipo at pg.  his energy and defense is on the kenneth faried effort and he should spark a lot of fast breaks by starting or finishing.  love the payton pick up.  think he’s going to be a long time piece for the magic.  

i say the future is bright because i think payton, oladipo and gordon is a solid 3 to build around.  defensively, they are going to be tough.  offensively, need a lot of work.  will be interesting to see how their future offseasons unfold.  harris, vucevic, nicholson, harkless and fournier will all be free agents in the next few years.  i’m guessing resigning vucevic is a must but the rest will need to improve their value or be replaced by some of the ender statesmen (proven veterans).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Why does Tobias Harris keep getting slept on… SMH, he gonna wake people up

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 Why does Tobias Harris keep getting slept on… SMH, he gonna wake people up

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Magic look like they have a great young athletic nucleus that can get after on defense, and I really like the direction they are going in. Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton both look like they will be good players in the league. With that being said I still think Dante Exum will make them regret on passing him. I’m pretty high on Exum and he would have been in a great situation on the Magic. He would’ve been givin the keys to the offense while sharing duties with Oladipo every now and then.

[rileymcshea3Participant]

 Magic look like they have a great young athletic nucleus that can get after on defense, and I really like the direction they are going in. Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton both look like they will be good players in the league. With that being said I still think Dante Exum will make them regret on passing him. I’m pretty high on Exum and he would have been in a great situation on the Magic. He would’ve been givin the keys to the offense while sharing duties with Oladipo every now and then.

[HitsterParticipant]

 The Magic have got some very good young role players in situ but I felt they really needed a young star, they couldn’t get a shot at Wiggins or Parker so maybe taking Exum would have been their best choice and they could have let him run the point.

For whatever reason Rod Hennigan didn’t like the look of Exum so took Aaron Gordon, a lot of us felt it was a reach but several Expert mocks had Gordon in the top 5 so it wasn’t a total shock. Orlando do have picks still due from the D12,Bynum, Iggy trade so giving up a fairly protected first rounder to Philly for Payton wasn’t a big loss.

I certainly like the signing of Frye for them, at Phoenix last year he give them a legit big man 3 point presence and it’s a surprise no real contender also looked at him. He’ll give the team veteran leadership and will really help to space the floor and spread the play if he is on form. 

Ben Gordon is a low risk signing and they haven’t broken the bank for him, at worse he’s an expiring contract trade chip next season.

 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 The Magic have got some very good young role players in situ but I felt they really needed a young star, they couldn’t get a shot at Wiggins or Parker so maybe taking Exum would have been their best choice and they could have let him run the point.

For whatever reason Rod Hennigan didn’t like the look of Exum so took Aaron Gordon, a lot of us felt it was a reach but several Expert mocks had Gordon in the top 5 so it wasn’t a total shock. Orlando do have picks still due from the D12,Bynum, Iggy trade so giving up a fairly protected first rounder to Philly for Payton wasn’t a big loss.

I certainly like the signing of Frye for them, at Phoenix last year he give them a legit big man 3 point presence and it’s a surprise no real contender also looked at him. He’ll give the team veteran leadership and will really help to space the floor and spread the play if he is on form. 

Ben Gordon is a low risk signing and they haven’t broken the bank for him, at worse he’s an expiring contract trade chip next season.

 

 

 

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