2014-2015 Magic Press Conference

[false9]

Good evening, everyone. Let's start with a look back at last season.

Going into 2013-2014 season, we had tempered expectations. I thought we put together a competitive team while maintaining cap flexibility and staying out of the tax. We were right in the hunt for the eight spot going into the All-star break. Wes Matthews won the 3 point shootout and Goran made the All-star team. Unfortunately, another rough stretch in March knocked us out of the playoff picture.

As we approached the offseason, we wanted to pursue the big names out there. Trading Wes was a part of that- it freed up more money and we acquired a bright young talent in Jordan Clarkson and a future first round pick. We were happy to land a pair of bigs in Bogut and Biedrins, along with some veteran help. Drafting Dario adds another piece to our future. However, we readily acknowledge that this is a awkwardly constructed team. If the opportunity presents itself, we'll balance out the team. Goran is available, but he's under contract for this season and the next, so we can be patient.

This season, we'll be playing a balanced style. I hope we'll be competitive at both ends of the court. We'll start Bogut at center and Biedrins at the 4. Stephen Jackson will start at small forward. Jordan and Goran will fill out the backcourt. D-wade and Dario will be the first guys off the bench, and everyone else will get a chance to prove themselves.

We'll spend the early part of the season surveying the landscape closely. If we're playing winning basketball, we know we can make some moves. If not, we will look to start fresh.

I'll open up the floor for questions now.

[garbageman]

Do you expect to play Dario and Clarkson both significant minutes in order to get them valuable experience to jump start their futures?

[false9]

Do you expect to play Dario and Clarkson both significant minutes in order to get them valuable experience to jump start their futures?

Absolutely- Jordan showed he was ready for the league in training camp; I don't expect him to immediately replace Wes but I expect him to play well. Dario has some versatility I want to take advantage of off the bench.

[IamQuailman]

Do you feel that Bogut and Biedrins will be a good fit next to one another?

[false9]

Do you feel that Bogut and Biedrins will be a good fit next to one another?

Time will tell- I am intrigued by a twin tower lineup. However, if it doesn't look good early on, we'll make some changes.

[Xist2Inspire]

Is there any concern about the age gap between the players on your team? Goran, Bogut, and Biedrins are all in their primes, while Clarkson, Saric, and Sullinger are all 22 and under. How are you planning to balance winning now with building for the future?

[logpmess]

The ageless Stephen Jackson hasn't seen significant minutes since 2011 in Dallas. Is there any concern of putting too much strain on his aged body? How much are you looking for someone like rookie Dario Saric to take on some of those minutes to keep S-Jax available and off of IR?

[Inner_GI]

You may claim 5 points for your presser.

[false9]

From #78's accidental post in last year's thread-

"When you traded Wes Matthews, many people saw it as a potential sign for rebuilding. However, you later signed Bogut to a large contract. Do you feel like keeping Matthews may have been a better fit for your team with Dragic and bogut?"

We traded Wes with the idea of taking a shot at the big names in free agency. While we didn't hit a home run, we're still happy with Jordan and his fit with the rest of the team going forward.

[false9]

Is there any concern about the age gap between the players on your team? Goran, Bogut, and Biedrins are all in their primes, while Clarkson, Saric, and Sullinger are all 22 and under. How are you planning to balance winning now with building for the future?

I think of it more as flexibility. I'm looking to the vets to lead the way and show the way for the younger players. The younger players will get time to show what they can do, and I'm expecting them to deliver while they're playing.

[false9]

The ageless Stephen Jackson hasn't seen significant minutes since 2011 in Dallas. Is there any concern of putting too much strain on his aged body? How much are you looking for someone like rookie Dario Saric to take on some of those minutes to keep S-Jax available and off of IR?

Stephen's got a real fighting spirit. I think he can still land some haymakers. However, we'll monitor his situation closely; we don't want heavy minutes having a malicious impact on his palatial body.

Dario will see some minutes at both forward spots, and he's a big part of our future.